Ali Budner

Latest Stories (35)

India's ban on certain rice exports sends some U.S. consumers scrambling to find it on store shelves

Jul 28, 2023
The Indian government recently decided to ban exports of non-basmati varieties.
The Indian Government said it banned some rice exports to tackle inflation that had been driving rice prices way up for Indian consumers.
Narinder Nanu/AFP via Getty Images

As some states lower the age to serve alcohol in restaurants, will teens be put at risk?

Jul 27, 2023
Critics worry that teens could be vulnerable to harassment or underage drinking, but supporters say it creates job opportunities.
Since 2021, seven states have passed laws to lower the minimum age for serving alcohol in restaurants.
Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images

Why homebuilders remain confident in spite of high interest rates

Jul 19, 2023
High interest rates are hitting the construction industry, but homebuilder confidence keeps growing, given the steady demand for new construction.
With existing inventory still low and mortgage rates still high, more buyers are turning to new construction.
JIM WATSON / Getty Images

Economists forecast inflation cooling with the latest consumer price index this week

Jul 11, 2023
That would be a good sign for the Federal Reserve as it tries to get inflation under control.
Right now, incoming inflation reports like the CPI are extra-important because the Federal Reserve uses the data to determine whether its going to raise rates again.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Your financial advisor might also be your meditation coach

Jul 7, 2023
Many young adults, in particular, are looking for a more holistic approach to money. And the ones that do hire financial advisors want to talk about their mental and emotional wellbeing as well as the stock market.
"We don't want financial planners practicing therapy," said Sonya Lutter, who teaches financial health and wellness. "But we want them to engage in conversation. We want them to recognize when there's anxiety issues."
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Insurance premiums for fireworks displays are going up

Jul 5, 2023
The high cost and risk are causing some cities and counties to rethink their 4th of July shows.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

What do people do with stimulus checks? Yes, buy stuff — but also pay down debt

Jul 3, 2023
A recent study from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that people often use government stimulus money to pay off debt — especially if they have a lot of it.
"Paying down your debt actually increases your future consumption, and that gives you a higher lifetime satisfaction," said the New York Fed's  Gizem Koşar.
Marvin Recinos/AFP via Getty Images

Why there's a disconnect between consumer spending and consumer confidence

Jun 28, 2023
Tracking how shoppers feel is important — consumer spending makes up a whopping 70% of GDP.
Individual consumer spending had stayed up recently, even when overall consumer confidence has been down.
David Becker/Getty Images for Nordstrom Rack

In a tight housing market, both buyers and sellers are getting creative

Jun 22, 2023
Realtors are encouraging their clients to get creative if they really want to make a move while interest rates remain high and inventory remains low.
Some homeowners with a low interest mortgage rate locked in are offering to sell that loan along with their house.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images