Your Money

Homeownership feels out of reach for many Americans.

As interest rates rise, the 'American dream' of homeownership fades for some

5:00am July 30, 2022

Rising interest rates and fierce competition are pushing many potential homeowners out of the market, leading one person to conclude: "I feel like the American dream isn't attainable anymore."

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Housing activists in Swampscott, Mass., on Oct. 14, 2020. A congressional report finds that four corporate landlords acted aggressively to push out tenants during the first year of the pandemic, despite a federal eviction moratorium and billions in emerge

Corporate landlords used aggressive tactics to push out more tenants than was known

5:37pm July 28, 2022

by Jennifer Ludden

Congress finds four companies appeared to have a strategy to get tenants to leave during the pandemic. Many faced eviction after missing only one payment, and while waiting for emergency rental aid.

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Tesla has pulled back from its $1.5 billion investment in Bitcoin, which it announced in early 2021. Here, a Bitcoin ATM is seen last year inside a New York City store.

Tesla cashes out $936 million in Bitcoin, after a year of crypto turbulence

12:09pm July 21, 2022

by Bill Chappell

Tesla aggressively embraced Bitcoin in 2021, investing $1.5 billion in the currency. But it now says its profitability was affected by "Bitcoin impairment."

Contractors work on the roof of a house under construction in Louisville, Ky. A new study shows the U.S. is 3.8 million homes short of meeting housing needs.

There's a massive housing shortage across the U.S. Here's how bad it is where you live

2:48pm July 14, 2022

Hundreds of cities and towns are seriously short of housing, both homes to buy and rentals, according to a new study. It's the main reason that home prices and rents are so high.

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A worker at a Subway sandwich shop makes a tuna sandwich last year in San Anselmo, California. A lawsuit in federal court accuses the restaurant giant of not using 100% tuna in its offerings — and a judge has denied Subway's request to dismiss the suit.

A U.S. judge rules that Subway can be sued over its '100% tuna' claim

11:42am July 13, 2022

by Bill Chappell

The case centers on what consumers expect when they order a tuna sandwich: the word "tuna" appears 244 times in the plaintiff's 28-page amended complaint.

Brandon Schwedes of Port Orange, Fla., with his 11-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son. Schwedes had to move this year when the landlord dramatically raised the rent, then was outbid before finding another place he could afford.

The housing market squeeze pushes renters into bidding wars

5:11pm July 09, 2022

by Jennifer Ludden

Rising mortgage rates and a wave of millennials put more pressure on the rental market. Rents have soared by double digits, but landlords say they're also struggling with higher costs.

Jeni Rae Peters and daughter embrace at their home in Rapid City, S.D. In 2020, Peters was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. After treatment, Peters estimates that her medical bills exceeded $30,000.

She was already battling cancer. Then she had to fight the bill collectors

5:00am July 09, 2022

by Noam Levey

For one South Dakota mom, cancer treatment saved her life, but left her $30,000 in debt. The cost of care in the U.S. can make patients drain savings, declare bankruptcy, or lose their homes.

The Federal Reserve is raising interest rates to combat inflation. It's having a trickle-down effect, resulting in higher mortgage rates, an increase in credit card interest and more. There are steps you can take to improve your financial situation as pri

In a turbulent economy, here's how to weather the inflation storm

7:30am July 06, 2022

by Dustin Jones

In a turbulent economy, here's how to weather the inflation storm. Experts offer ways to make better financial decisions as the government struggles to control inflation and head off a recession.

Economy

How much more will your July 4 barbecue cost this year?

8:12am July 03, 2022

by Shannon Bond

NPR's Shannon Bond talks with David Branch, co-author of a new report about why that July 4 barbecue is going to cost a lot more this year.

Johnny Navarro sits on the hood of his recently purchased 2014 Lexus.

Economy

Monthly car payments have crossed a record $700. What that means

9:18am July 02, 2022

by Brittany Cronin

The average cost of a new car is also at the highest on record, topping $47,000 a pop. At this rate, an essential household purchase is starting to feel like a luxury in America.

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