Tag:

Inflation

McDonald's Adding New Value Menu Options In Major Overhaul, Report Says: What To Know McDonald's Adding New Value Menu Options In Major Overhaul, Report Says: What To Know
McDonald's Adding New Value Menu Options In Major Overhaul, Report Says: What To Know McDonald's is preparing to add cheaper menu options as the fast-food giant tries to win back value-focused customers, according to a report. The chain plans to introduce new deals in April, including a menu of items priced at $3 or less and a $4 breakfast meal bundle, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, March 11. The breakfast offer is expected to include items like a McMuffin, hash brown, and McCafe coffee. The new value menu will feature lower-priced options like a sausage biscuit or a four-piece order of Chicken McNuggets. "We have achieved incredible progress toget…
PepsiCo Cuts Prices Up To 15% On Snacks Like Lay's, Doritos: Here's Why PepsiCo Cuts Prices Up To 15% On Snacks Like Lay's, Doritos: Here's Why
PepsiCo Cuts Prices Up To 15% On Snacks Like Lay's, Doritos: Here's Why The prices of several popular snacks are dropping as more families tighten their budgets amid rising grocery bills and other high costs. PepsiCo is lowering the suggested retail price on many of its well-known brands by up to 15%, the company announced on Tuesday, Feb. 3. The move will reduce the cost of favorite food items like Cheetos, Doritos, Lay's potato chips, and Tostitos. While PepsiCo revealed in December 2025 that it would slash prices as part of broader changes, the cuts are being rolled out before Super Bowl LX, a very popular time for buying snacks. "We've spent the past …
Workers Fear Weaker Job Market In 2026, New Survey Finds: Here's Why Workers Fear Weaker Job Market In 2026, New Survey Finds: Here's Why
Workers Fear Weaker Job Market In 2026, New Survey Finds: Here's Why Rising concerns about the weakening US job market are reshaping how workers approach 2026, with many choosing to stay put, protect their income, and brace for potential layoffs. Monster's newly released 2026 WorkWatch Report examines growing concerns about the labor market among jobseekers heading into the new year. The mid-December 2025 survey of 1,504 employed US adults shows a sharp pullback in job searching as anxiety grows over Americans' ability to find new positions. Only 43% of workers plan to look for a new job in 2026, down from 93% who said the same in 2025.&n…
Could $2K Be Coming Your Way? Trump Promises Americans 'Tariff Dividend' Could $2K Be Coming Your Way? Trump Promises Americans 'Tariff Dividend'
Could $2K Be Coming Your Way? Trump Promises Americans 'Tariff Dividend' President Donald Trump is promising a “tariff dividend” of at least $2,000 per person to most Americans, excluding high-income earners, funded by revenue from his administration’s sweeping tariffs.  Trump made the announcement Sunday, Nov. 9, in a social media post, touting the economic success of his trade policies. “A dividend of at least $2000 a person (not including high income people!) will be paid to everyone,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He also defended his tariff strategy, calling critics “fools” and claiming the US is now the “richest, most respected country in the world, w…
Higher Costs Grounding Winter Travel Plans For Most Americans, Survey Finds Higher Costs Grounding Winter Travel Plans For Most Americans, Survey Finds
Higher Costs Grounding Winter Travel Plans For Most Americans, Survey Finds Winter vacations are feeling out of reach for many Americans, as rising prices and President Donald Trump’s tariffs squeeze household budgets, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 Winter Travel Survey on Wednesday, Oct. 15. The personal finance website found that 54% of Americans say inflation will affect their winter travel plans. More than half (51%) also believe that a weaker dollar will impact what they can afford. According to Morgan Stanley, the US dollar's value fell about 11% in the first half of 2025, the biggest drop since 1973. One in four Americans sa…
Forget Flowers, Young Singles Want Financial Frankness Forget Flowers, Young Singles Want Financial Frankness
Forget Flowers, Young Singles Want Financial Frankness Put aside the old rules of romance. For many young singles, the quickest way to the heart may be through the wallet.  A new survey finds that half of Gen Z and millennials are attracted to dates who openly discuss their income, a stark contrast to older generations who view money talk as a dating taboo. This shift comes as financial pressures reshape the dating landscape for singles across the US. The survey, conducted by Talker Research, polled 2,000 single or casually dating Americans online.  It found that 74 percent say rising costs and inflation have impacted their dating li…
Hamburger Helper Sales Surge As Economy Strains Budgets: Report Hamburger Helper Sales Surge As Economy Strains Budgets: Report
Hamburger Helper Sales Surge As Economy Strains Budgets: Report With grocery costs rising and beef at record prices, more families are turning to Hamburger Helper to stretch a pound of meat into a full meal, according to a report. Hamburger Helper sales have climbed 14.5% in 2025 through August, The New York Times reported. Eagle Foods purchased the pasta mix brand from General Mills in 2022. The boxed food's resurgence comes amid stubborn inflation, higher costs from President Donald Trump's tariffs, and a weakening labor market. "Cost-of-living expenses are up," said Sally Lyons Wyatt, a packaged food adviser for research firm Cir…
Fed Approves First Rate Cut Of 2025 As Job Market Slumps: What To Know Fed Approves First Rate Cut Of 2025 As Job Market Slumps: What To Know
Fed Approves First Rate Cut Of 2025 As Job Market Slumps: What To Know The Federal Reserve has cut its key interest rate for the first time in 2025 amid a slowing job market and economic pressure from President Donald Trump's tariffs. The Fed approved the quarter-point reduction to interest rates on Wednesday, Sept. 17. The overnight funds rate will drop to between 4% and 4.25%, in the first rate cut since December 2024. The cut comes as the Fed warns about rising prices and a slumping labor market. "Recent indicators suggest that growth of economic activity moderated in the first half of the year," the Fed said in a news release. "Job gains have slowed,…
MA Among 10 Best States For Teachers, New Study Finds: Here's Why MA Among 10 Best States For Teachers, New Study Finds: Here's Why
MA Among 10 Best States For Teachers, New Study Finds: Here's Why Many states in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic are among the best in the country for teachers, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Best & Worst States for Teachers on Monday, Sept. 15. The rankings compared all 50 states and Washington, DC, across 24 key measures, including salaries, tenure policies, school spending, and turnover rates. The best states for teachers have strong pay, quality school systems, and job protections. "Despite having one of the most crucial jobs in America – educating the next generation – teachers are often underpaid and…
McDonald’s CEO Flags Consumer Strain, Brings Back Value Deals McDonald’s CEO Flags Consumer Strain, Brings Back Value Deals
McDonald’s CEO Flags Consumer Strain, Brings Back Value Deals America’s diners are splitting into haves and have-nots, and McDonald’s is feeling it, CEO Chris Kempczinski says. In an interview with CNBC’s Squawk Box earlier this month, Kempczinski described a “two-tier economy” in which higher-income consumers remain confident while lower- and middle-income Americans are under mounting pressure when they eat out.  He said recent sales analysis shows the divide growing, with value-focused guests pulling back or trading down. To meet the moment, McDonald’s is leaning harder into deals. The chain is rolling out an Extra Value lineup that inclu…
Most Americans Won't Upgrade To New iPhone 17, Survey Finds: Here's Why Most Americans Won't Upgrade To New iPhone 17, Survey Finds: Here's Why
Most Americans Won't Upgrade To New iPhone 17, Survey Finds: Here's Why As Apple rolls out its new iPhone 17 lineup, nearly six in 10 Americans say they won't be upgrading because of President Donald Trump's tariffs and rising costs. WalletHub said that 59% of people in the US will skip buying a new phone in 2025 due to Trump's tariffs and inflation, according to a survey released on Tuesday, Sept. 9. The findings came on the same day Apple unveiled its new generation of devices, including the thinnest iPhone ever. Preordering for all iPhone 17 models began on Friday, Sept. 12, and the smartphones will be officially released on Friday, Sept. 19. "When day…
Shake Shack Launching Foods Based On Hearty Soup: See What's On The Menu Shake Shack Launching Foods Based On Hearty Soup: See What's On The Menu
Shake Shack Launching Foods Based On Hearty Soup: See What's On The Menu The newest burger at Shake Shack is inspired by a hearty soup just in time for fall. Shake Shack is launching a new line of foods based on French onion soup on Friday, Sept. 12. Shack App users gained early access to the menu on Tuesday, Sept. 9. The quarter-pound French Onion Soup Burger will feature Gruyère cheese, caramelized onions, crispy sweet onions, and roasted garlic parmesan aioli on a toasted potato bun. Fans can order it as a single, double, or triple patty. Other new offerings include the French Onion 'Shroom Burger, a crisp-fried portobello stuffed with melted Muens…
Jobless Claims Hit Four-Year High, Inflation Jumps As Labor Market Weakens Jobless Claims Hit Four-Year High, Inflation Jumps As Labor Market Weakens
Jobless Claims Hit Four-Year High, Inflation Jumps As Labor Market Weakens Inflation rose faster in August while jobless claims spiked to their highest level since 2021, signaling a weakening job market as President Donald Trump's tariffs shake the economy. Consumer prices rose 0.4% in August and reached a yearly rate of 2.9%, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released on Thursday, Sept. 11. That's the biggest monthly jump since January, when yearly inflation was 3.0%. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, climbed 0.3% in August and 3.1% over 12 months. Shelter, which makes up about one-third of the Consumer Pric…
Job Growth Stalls In August As Trump Tariffs Strain Labor Market Job Growth Stalls In August As Trump Tariffs Strain Labor Market
Job Growth Stalls In August As Trump Tariffs Strain Labor Market The US labor market slowed sharply in August, as President Donald Trump's tariffs, inflation, and lower consumer confidence grip the nation's economy. There were 22,000 jobs added nationwide in August, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said in a news release on Friday, Sept. 5. The weak numbers mark one of the softest hiring months in recent years, falling well below the Dow Jones estimate of 75,000 new jobs, CNBC reported. Unemployment also ticked up to 4.3%, its highest level since July 2024. A broader metric, which includes discouraged workers and those with part-time jobs fo…
Most Americans Strained Financially From Trump Tariffs, Inflation On Labor Day: Survey Most Americans Strained Financially From Trump Tariffs, Inflation On Labor Day: Survey
Most Americans Strained Financially From Trump Tariffs, Inflation On Labor Day: Survey Rising costs due to inflation and President Donald Trump's tariffs are putting a strain on many Labor Day celebrations in the US. WalletHub just released its Labor Day Survey for 2025. The personal finance website also released a list of Labor Day facts based on travel, finances, and ways Americans will celebrate the holiday weekend. According to the survey, 55% of Americans believe Trump's sweeping tariffs and inflation are erasing their hard work. That's up from WalletHub's Fourth of July survey, when about half of respondents said the duties and inflation would affect their Ind…
Americans With Strongest Credit Scores Struggling As Trump Tariffs, Inflation Raise Costs Americans With Strongest Credit Scores Struggling As Trump Tariffs, Inflation Raise Costs
Americans With Strongest Credit Scores Struggling As Trump Tariffs, Inflation Raise Costs Americans with the strongest credit scores are falling behind on payments as inflation and President Donald Trump's tariffs drive up household costs throughout 2025, according to new data. Late-stage delinquencies, which are accounts more than 90 days past due, surged 109% year-over-year among superprime borrowers in July, VantageScore said in a report released on Monday, Aug. 25. Those delinquencies rose 47% among prime borrowers. Superprime and prime borrowers are typically considered the most financially secure. "Consumers in the highest VantageScore credit tiers are showing i…
Electricity, Gas Bills Surge Nationwide: Here's Why Electricity, Gas Bills Surge Nationwide: Here's Why
Electricity, Gas Bills Surge Nationwide: Here's Why If your latest utility bill made you do a double take, you are far from alone.  Across the country, Americans are seeing their electricity and natural gas costs soar, squeezing household budgets just as summer temperatures peak. Several key factors are fueling these price hikes.  Experts say the combination of increased energy demand, supply chain disruptions, and decades of underinvestment that have left the US grid with aging infrastructure are all contributing to the higher bills.  In addition, the growing need for power from AI-driven data centers, expanded oil and gas …
MA Among Top 20 States Where Haircuts Cost Most, New Study Finds MA Among Top 20 States Where Haircuts Cost Most, New Study Finds
MA Among Top 20 States Where Haircuts Cost Most, New Study Finds The rising cost of a haircut is hitting wallets harder in some Northeast states than others, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of States Where People Spend the Most & Least on Hair Care on Wednesday, Aug. 20. The personal finance website compared the average price of men's barbershop visits and women's salon services in all 50 states to median household incomes. The study found Pennsylvanians spend about 1.42% of their income on hair care, ranking 11th nationwide. New York followed close behind at 17th (1.34%), while Massachusetts placed 20th (1.31%). …
'Never Ending Pasta Bowl' Returns To Olive Garden Despite Soaring Food Prices: Here's When 'Never Ending Pasta Bowl' Returns To Olive Garden Despite Soaring Food Prices: Here's When
'Never Ending Pasta Bowl' Returns To Olive Garden Despite Soaring Food Prices: Here's When Despite inflation and President Donald Trump's tariffs, Olive Garden isn't budging on the price of its most popular deal. Olive Garden's fan-favorite "Never Ending Pasta Bowl" will return on Monday, Aug. 25. The deal includes unlimited pasta, soup or salad, and signature breadsticks for the same $13.99 price since 2022. The promotion stands out as menu prices nationwide climb to record highs. "In a time when prices seem to rise with every season, Olive Garden is keeping the price of its most beloved offer exactly the same," the Italian restaurant chain said in a news release. Early a…
99-Cent No More? AriZona Iced Tea Could Finally Cave To Trump Tariffs 99-Cent No More? AriZona Iced Tea Could Finally Cave To Trump Tariffs
99-Cent No More? AriZona Iced Tea Could Finally Cave To Trump Tariffs For the first time in more than 30 years, AriZona iced tea’s sacred 99-cent price tag may be on the chopping block. The company’s Brooklyn-born founder Don Vultaggio told The New York Times that President Donald Trump’s 50% steel and aluminum tariffs, enacted in June, are hitting the brand where it hurts: the can.  AriZona’s headquarters sit on Long Island in Woodbury, with a massive production plant, AriZonaLand, in Keasbey, NJ, churning out the iconic tallboys that have stayed the same price since 1997. AriZona burns through more than 100 million pounds of aluminum every year, 20% o…
School Lunches Are Costing Families More Than Ever: Here's Why School Lunches Are Costing Families More Than Ever: Here's Why
School Lunches Are Costing Families More Than Ever: Here's Why As the new school year gets closer, parents are preparing to pay more to pack a lunch, with many changing what will be in their kids' lunchboxes to save money. Nearly half of parents and caregivers (48%) expect to pay more for school-day lunches this year than last, according to Deloitte's 2025 Back-to-School Survey. The study also found that grocery prices are 23% higher than they were in 2020. The increase comes as many everyday staples are getting more expensive under President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs on imports, which economists say are raising costs on a variety of foods f…
Costs Rise While Stubborn Inflation Persists, Trump Tariffs Loom Over Economy Costs Rise While Stubborn Inflation Persists, Trump Tariffs Loom Over Economy
Costs Rise While Stubborn Inflation Persists, Trump Tariffs Loom Over Economy Prices for a wide range of products increased in July, even as inflation held steady, with economists expecting President Donald Trump's tariffs to further raise costs for many Americans. The Consumer Price Index rose by 0.2% in July and reached a yearly rate of 2.7%, according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Tuesday, Aug. 12. That was barely lower than the 2.8% annual inflation expected in the Dow Jones forecast, CNBC reported. Core inflation, which doesn't include the volatile food and energy categories, jumped by 0.3%, bringing the annual rate to 3.1%. That's the hi…
Rising Costs Rattling Restaurants As Customers Pull Back Rising Costs Rattling Restaurants As Customers Pull Back
Rising Costs Rattling Restaurants As Customers Pull Back From fryer oil to filet mignon, the tab for running a restaurant keeps climbing, and fewer diners are picking up the check. Operators say higher prices for ingredients, wages, and essentials like packaging are colliding with softer customer traffic, making profitability harder to maintain.  Supply chain hiccups continue to cause delays and last‑minute substitutions, pushing up costs.  Fuel is another pressure point. According to NerdWallet, the average price of a gallon of diesel has risen about 22 percent since 2020.  Related story - Beef Prices Keep Climbing T…
Beef Prices Keep Climbing To New Record Highs: Here's What's Fueling Soaring Costs Beef Prices Keep Climbing To New Record Highs: Here's What's Fueling Soaring Costs
Beef Prices Keep Climbing To New Record Highs: Here's What's Fueling Soaring Costs You may want to savor that next steak. It’s not getting cheaper anytime soon. Beef prices have hit an all-time high in the US, driven by a mix of short supply, steady demand, and mounting costs across the cattle industry. According to the American Farm Bureau and industry economists, the national cattle inventory is now the smallest it’s been since 1951. Many ranchers reduced herd sizes — or left the business entirely — after years of drought, inflation, and rising interest rates made farming unsustainable. Add in strong consumer demand and the result is tight supply pushing prices ever h…
Golden Corral Serving Up All You Can Eat Wings Special Golden Corral Serving Up All You Can Eat Wings Special
Golden Corral Serving Up All You Can Eat Wings Special Golden Corral is expanding its dinner buffet to include unlimited bone-in and boneless chicken wings. The promotion is available now at participating restaurants after 4 p.m. on weekdays and during regular weekend dinner hours, although prices and schedules may vary by location. Golden Corral says the promotion is to "close out summer," but did not give a specific end date. The Raleigh, North Carolina-based chain said the seasonal feature brings back its traditional Buffalo-sauced bone-in wings and introduces hand-breaded boneless pieces served plain so diners can add Sweet Chili, Garlic P…
Repeat Jobless Claims Hit Four-Year High Amid Weak July Jobs Report Repeat Jobless Claims Hit Four-Year High Amid Weak July Jobs Report
Repeat Jobless Claims Hit Four-Year High Amid Weak July Jobs Report The number of Americans continuing to file for unemployment benefits has surged to its highest level in nearly four years, according to new federal data. Continued unemployment claims topped 1.97 million during the week ending on Saturday, July 26, the Department of Labor said on Thursday, Aug. 7. That's the most since early November 2021, when the insured unemployment level reached 2.04 million. Repeat claims rose by 38,000 from the previous week. The DOL data signals that more jobseekers are struggling to find work and remain on unemployment. In the Northeast, se…
Nearly Half Of Americans Surveyed Say Trump Is Corrupt As Approval Slides In New UMass Poll Nearly Half Of Americans Surveyed Say Trump Is Corrupt As Approval Slides In New UMass Poll
Nearly Half Of Americans Surveyed Say Trump Is Corrupt As Approval Slides In New UMass Poll A new national poll suggests trouble is mounting for President Donald Trump, and not just with independents. Trump’s job approval rating has taken a major hit since spring, sliding six points and now sitting 20 points underwater, according to a national survey conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The poll, involving 1,000 adults nationwide and conducted between Friday, July 25 and Wednesday, July 30, found that only 38 percent of Americans approve of Trump’s performance, compared to 58 percent who disapprove. In April, Trump’s approval stood at 44 approving, 51 percent dis…
Grocery Bills Causing Major Stress For Most Americans As Food Costs Rise: Poll Grocery Bills Causing Major Stress For Most Americans As Food Costs Rise: Poll
Grocery Bills Causing Major Stress For Most Americans As Food Costs Rise: Poll Most Americans say grocery prices are now a top source of stress, as inflation and President Donald Trump's tariffs drive up the cost of many everyday essentials, a new poll shows. About 86% said the cost of groceries is a "major" or "minor" source of stress in their lives, according to a national survey from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. More than half (53%) said supermarket prices were a major stressor, while just 14% said that groceries aren't a source of stress. Pollsters also found that two-thirds of households earning under $30,…
Back-To-School 2025 Deals: More Families Shopping Early To Dodge Rising Prices Back-To-School 2025 Deals: More Families Shopping Early To Dodge Rising Prices
Back-To-School 2025 Deals: More Families Shopping Early To Dodge Rising Prices Most families are already hunting for back-to-school deals in the summer heat. Roughly two-thirds (67%) of families with children in kindergarten through 12th grade had started shopping by early July, according to the National Retail Federation. That's up from 55% in 2024 and the highest level since NRF began tracking early shopping in 2018. More than half (51%) of families said they're shopping ahead of time because they expect prices to rise due to President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs. "Consumers are being mindful of the potential impacts of tariffs and inflation on b…
Hershey Raising Candy Prices By Double Digits: Here's Why Hershey Raising Candy Prices By Double Digits: Here's Why
Hershey Raising Candy Prices By Double Digits: Here's Why Hershey is significantly raising prices on candy products as global shortages fuel a large spike in cocoa costs. A spokesperson for The Hershey Company confirmed the double-digit price increases to the Daily Voice on Wednesday, July 23. The decision is tied to rising ingredient costs, not President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs that have increased prices of other consumer goods. While the eastern Pennsylvania company said it will hike prices, Halloween candy won't be affected. "We're committed to delivering the treats consumers love while continuing to invest in making our products …
Beef Prices Soar To All-Time Highs During Summer Cookout Season: Here's Why Beef Prices Soar To All-Time Highs During Summer Cookout Season: Here's Why
Beef Prices Soar To All-Time Highs During Summer Cookout Season: Here's Why Hot weather isn't the only thing hitting summer cookouts – beef prices are also on the rise. The average price of a pound of ground beef hit a record high of $6.10 in June, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's 13.7% higher than the average in June 2024. Uncooked steak climbed 8% to $11.49 per pound, according to the Associated Press. The surging beef costs come as the US cattle herd has fallen to its smallest size since 1951, with the US Department of Agriculture reporting just 86.7 million cattle and calves nationwide as of Wednesday, Jan. 1. David Anderson, a liv…