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Category: Moneywise

  • ‘It’s a little crazy’: Car loan defaults in the US hit an all-time high as consumers grapple with higher costs — here’s how to manage your auto loan responsibly

    ‘It’s a little crazy’: Car loan defaults in the US hit an all-time high as consumers grapple with higher costs — here’s how to manage your auto loan responsibly

    As of January, over 6% of auto loans were delinquent by 60 days or more, according to Fitch Ratings. With the recent trend of vehicle prices rising and car payments surging, the outbreak of delinquencies might have only been a matter of time. But this uptick offers an insight into the fact that many households are struggling in the current economic climate.

    In December 2022, Kelley Blue Book data shows new car buyers paid an average of $49,958 for a new vehicle. Although the market has softened slightly since then, average car buyers are still spending an average of $49,740 to purchase a new vehicle.

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    Even if a driver opts for a used car, this could still put pressure on their budget. With KBB placing the average used car price at $25,565, finding an affordable used car can easily present a challenge.

    Beyond the vehicle itself, the current high interest rate environment can make financing that car expensive. Once borrowers lock in a high monthly payment, keeping up with that on top of other household expenses strains the budget. In some households, vehicle costs could push budgets to the breaking point and ultimately default on their car loan.

    Understanding the surge in car loan deficits

    Car loan defaults are on the rise, reaching an all-time high. Under the hood of this rising issue, many factors tie into the situation.

    First off, car prices are higher than they used to be. And not only are they more expensive, average monthly payments have gone up too. In the third quarter of 2024, the average monthly payment for a new car was $737 and drivers had an average loan term of 68 months. For a used car, the average monthly payment was $520 with an average term of 67 months. In either situation, that’s a significant amount of funds to dedicate to vehicle financing each month.

    Of course, some borrowers pay less than the average. But many drivers pay much more than the average. For example, Alejandra Gaxiola told WTAJ she bought her EV for $60,000 two years ago and faces a payment of almost $1,000 per month.

    “Almost a thousand dollars for our car is just, you know, it’s a little crazy,” Gaxiola said to WTAJ.

    In addition to the purchase costs, other vehicle-related costs are putting pressure on household budgets. Notably, car insurance costs have climbed in recent years.

    Beyond car-related costs, rising housing prices and grocery bills put pressure on household budgets from multiple angles. When forced to choose between housing, groceries, and a vehicle payment, drivers may opt to let their vehicle loan slide into default in order to stay afloat in other areas.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    How to manage auto loans responsibly

    Typically, the best time to start responsibly managing your auto loan is before you sign on the dotted line. Instead of dealing with the budgetary fallout after you buy a vehicle, making the effort to set a realistic budget and keep your vehicle costs as low as possible upfront can save you significant trouble down the road.

    One way to stay on budget is to opt for a vehicle without all of the bells and whistles. According to Kelley Blue Book, sales of vehicles priced above $80,000 have recently soared to 5.6% of car purchases. When financing a vehicle, consider making it a point to spend no more than what you need on a vehicle to suit your needs. For example, your family might only need a sedan to get around instead of a full-sized, luxury SUV. Making trade-offs upfront can protect you from financial stress later.

    Although auto loan defaults are on the rise, that doesn’t necessarily mean you are in danger of default. But if you’re struggling to make ends meet while juggling a car payment, consider refinancing.

    A refinance offering a combination of lower interest rates and a longer loan term could slash your monthly payment, which allows you to keep the car with less financial stress each month. However, keep in mind that means you’ll likely end up paying more for longer. Ideally, you can find some room in your budget elsewhere to afford your payments.

    And if possible, consider making extra payments when you can afford it. Paying off your loan ahead of schedule can free up space in your monthly budget and potentially save you thousands in interest charges. If possible, put extra money toward your remaining balance to eliminate your car loan as soon as possible. (Just make sure you’re not incurring a prepayment penalty. You’ll want to check the terms of your loan.)

    Throughout your loan, commit to making on-time payments. If you might forget about a monthly bill, consider setting up automatic payments to simplify your life. In some cases, lenders offer a rate discount when you set up autopay.

    Finally, communicate with your lender when you need to. If you run into a rough patch financially, communicate that issue to your lender as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, the lender might offer you a reprieve while you get back on your feet.

    What to read next

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • A Charlotte woman is pleading with officials after finding serious issues in brand new home — has spent $40K out of pocket, faces $300K for structural repairs. Here’s the city’s response

    A Charlotte woman is pleading with officials after finding serious issues in brand new home — has spent $40K out of pocket, faces $300K for structural repairs. Here’s the city’s response

    We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

    Katherine Graff moved into a newly built home in Morganton, North Carolina in May 2023. In less than two years, her brand-new home has already cost her $40,000 for structural repairs.

    And based on recent engineering inspections, she believes it could cost her up to $300,000 more — despite a home inspection before she moved in.

    “I’m never gonna get my money back from this house. All my retirement, everything. I mean, this is your biggest investment of one’s lifetime and it’s gone,” Graff shared with WCNC Charlotte reporters.

    Within a month of moving in, Graff says she noticed carpenter ants coming through significant gaps in her home’s siding. When she went into the home’s crawl space, she noticed even more issues with the foundation and structure of the home, including large gaps and misaligned pillars.

    Complaints to the builder and government agencies went nowhere

    Graff has experience in building. She’s worked in brand new buildings, including schools and hospitals, “pulling wire,” a term often used to refer to the work electricians do to pull wire through walls when running electricity.

    Graff reached out to builder Timothy Truitt of CMTT Properties and Belmont Builders, but he responded with resistance. “He pretty much said, ‘Nope,’ and sent me a letter from his lawyer telling me not to contact him anymore,” she said. Graff then filed a complaint with the North Carolina Licensing Board, which is currently investigating.

    Graff also contacted Burke County officials for help but felt ignored, as they took no meaningful action or updated their procedures.

    The situation worsened when Graff discovered Truitt might not have had a valid license when construction began. While county inspection sheets showed work started in September 2022, state records revealed the builder’s license wasn’t valid then, and the county didn’t conduct a license search until a month later. This raised serious concerns about the legitimacy of the builder’s actions.

    Buying property can sometimes be a risk, but there are ways to get into the real estate market without too many headaches. With First National Realty Partners (FNRP), for instance, you can diversify your portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties, without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

    With a minimum investment of $50,000, accredited investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

    How to protect yourself from similar struggles

    WCNC Charlotte contacted Burke County Manager Brian Epley, who explained that construction projects are contracts between homeowners and builders, with the county ensuring code compliance with North Carolina and Burke County standards. He confirmed the county investigated the property and forwarded their findings to the NC License General Contracting Board, but they have not yet received any results.

    To protect yourself when purchasing or building a home, consider these tips:

    • Verify the builder’s credentials
    • Hire a reputable inspector
    • Report builder issues to local authorities and licensing board

    If all else fails, be prepared to take legal action. Filing a civil case may force the builder or the builder’s insurance company to pay for updates and repairs for structural issues. Currently, Graff is urging county officials to improve their processes and prioritize citizens over builders.

    Hassle-free property ownership

    If you aren’t ready to jump into home ownership, there are platforms like Arrived that let you buy stakes in rental properties, earn dividends and skip the responsibilities of property management.

    Backed by world class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived’s easy-to-use platform offers SEC-qualified investments such as rental homes and vacation rentals for as little as $100.

    Their flexible investment options allow both accredited and non-accredited investors to benefit from this inflation-hedging asset class with ease.

    You start by browsing vetted properties, then you simply select a property and choose the number of shares to buy.

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • Gen Z adults spend twice as much as they make and don’t have enough saved to cover a month’s expenses. But they could be leveraging their big advantage over older counterparts

    Gen Z has had a tough go economically. Many graduated college when the U.S. was in the throes of the pandemic and unemployment was sky-high. They struggled to find work.

    Then Gen Zers were faced with a period of rampant inflation as the economy improved. While inflation has eased, the cost of living is still high.

    A March 2025 Bank of America report reveals that 52% of Gen Z employees aren’t making enough to live the life they want, and that inflation is one of their biggest financial challenges.

    The report found that on average, Gen Z workers spend nearly twice as much as they earn. They don’t have enough money saved to cover even one month’s expenses.

    This puts an entire generation at increased risk of debt and vulnerability if they’re laid off.

    Gen Z habits may be unsustainable

    The Bank of America report found that Gen Z’s per-household spending on both necessary and discretionary items has grown faster than the overall population.

    For example, in the past year, their spending on entertainment and travel rose 25.5%. Experien reports that the average Gen Zer carries $3,456 in credit-card debt.

    While they’re spending a lot on the here and now, they aren’t saving long term. Only 20% of Gen Zers are saving for retirement, according to a 2024 Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) report.

    They don’t even have much saved in their bank accounts. Federal Reserve data shows that Americans under 35 have less cash in their transaction accounts than older cohorts, with a median balance of $5,400 — compared to $7,500 for 35 to 44-year-olds; $8,700 for 45 to 54-year-olds; and $13,400 for those aged 65 to 74).

    Gen Zers are clearly trailing. While part of that can be attributed to lower wages, it may also be a byproduct of the way they prioritize discretionary purchases.

    How Gen Zers can improve their financial outlook

    If you’re a Gen Zer without much in the way of savings, take heart. You’re young, meaning you have the advantage of time to build wealth and fund a comfortable retirement.

    You just need to prioritize your finances. Here are some ways to do that.

    Track spending with budgeting apps. Gen Z is technically savvy, so budgeting apps that integrate your bank and credit card accounts are an easy way to track and categorize your spending. This will help make you more mindful of your spending habits, and help identify discretionary expenses that you can cut back on.

    Make monthly savings part of your budget. Automate a monthly contribution to your savings account when your paycheck hits. Build up an emergency fund to cover three or more months of expenses.

    Start investing in your retirement now. Over time, small contributions can go a long way. For example, if you invest $200 a month in an IRA or a 401(k) over 40 years, you’re looking at retiring with about $479,000 at a 7% return. That’s roughly 2.5 times as much as the typical older American has in their retirement nest egg.

    Take advantage of employer matching dollars in your 401(k). If you get a raise, apply it to your retirement savings. It won’t feel like you’re missing the extra money – you just won’t get used to seeing it in your paycheck from the start.

    Boost your income with a side hustle. In late 2024, 66% of Gen Z and millennial workers had started or were planning to start a side hustle, with 65% intending to continue in 2025, according to Intuit. This can help you build an emergency fund and nest egg while freeing up money for more discretionary spending.

    Invest your earnings. It doesn’t have to be complicated; S&P 500 index funds are a good bet, as they allow you to build an instantly diversified portfolio without having to do a ton of research. If you need help, consider talking to a financial planner.

    Gen Zers have lots of time to get to a more financially secure place. It’s just a matter of starting on the right path — right now — to leverage the time that’s on their side.

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • BlackRock CEO Larry Fink warns that Social Security in the US ‘doesn’t grow with the economy’ — proposes 1 big idea that gives Americans a ‘winning’ feeling. Will Trump really agree to it?

    There’s been no shortage of debate over how to shore up Social Security as it barrels toward a funding shortfall in 2035. Now, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink is weighing in with a somewhat controversial idea: partial privatization.

    Speaking with Semafor’s Liz Hoffman, Fink suggested the problem with the nation’s safety net is that it’s restricted to ultra-safe but low-growth assets.

    “We have a plan called Social Security that doesn’t grow with the economy,” Fink shared with Hoffman at BlackRock’s retirement summit. “You’re detached from the economy, and you don’t feel like you’re winning.”

    To remedy this, Fink proposes reforming the system so that Americans can deploy part of their Social Security funds into the private capital market.

    Fink touts better performance

    Social Security is America’s largest public pension system. This year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) expects to pay out $1.6 trillion in benefits to roughly 69 million elderly and disabled citizens.

    The system’s trust funds, overseen by the U.S. Treasury, are required to invest the SSA’s reserves in interest-earning securities that are backed by the federal government — mainly special Treasury bonds.

    However, the S&P U.S. Treasury Bond Index has delivered an annualized return of just 1.07% over the past ten years, while the S&P 500 has produced an annualized return of 10.58% over the same period.

    Fink’s proposed reform would bring the system in line with other global pension funds. Australia’s Superannuation system, for example, offers tax-payers a range of options for how their funds are invested — from a balanced, low-risk approach to a more aggressive, high-growth approach. Most options have a diversified mix of cash, real estate, stocks, bonds, infrastructure, private credit and private equity.

    Similarly, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) invests in a broad mix of assets such as public and private equities, credit, bonds, infrastructure, real estate and other asset classes across the world. Over the past 10 years, the CPP has realized a net annual return of 9.2%.

    Fink believes that replicating these pension funds could benefit the Social Security system.

    “The beauty of that plan, unlike Social Security — and I know we can’t talk about Social Security in this country — is that you’re investing in real assets,” said Fink. “You’re growing with your country.”

    However, Fink’s proposal doesn’t appear to be anywhere on the Trump administration’s radar.

    Cutting costs rather than boosting performance

    President Trump’s nominee to oversee the SSA, Frank Bisignano, recently dismissed rumors about potentially privatizing the system.

    “I’ve never thought about privatizing,” Bisignano said during his confirmation hearing. “It’s not a word that anybody’s ever talked to me about.”

    Instead, the Trump administration has focused largely on slashing operational costs at the SSA. Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) appears to be focused on large workforce cuts, office closures and service reductions, as well as Musk’s claims of alleged fraud among SSA recipients.

    The SSA’s current goal is to lay off 7,000 employees in the near future, and aggressive cuts to staff and services have potential to create disruptions to payments for many American seniors. Meanwhile, fraud accounts for just 0.00625% of the SSA’s annual budget, according to the nonpartisan Brookings Institute.

    It should also be noted that the SSA’s total operational budget for fiscal 2024 was just under $14.23 billion, which is just 0.88% of the agency’s $1.6 trillion payout. In other words, even if the Trump administration were to lay off all employees and shut down all support offices, the cuts would still have a negligible impact on the SSA’s funding shortfall.

    Since privatization doesn’t appear to be in the Trump administration’s plans, and layoffs seem to be ineffective, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) believes the White House and Congress have only a few unattractive options for salvaging the SSA’s trust fund in the next seven years: raising taxes, cutting benefits or allocating other government revenue for the program.

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • Prof G warns that rich Americans ‘hoard’ too much money and calls it a ‘virus that infects’ the US — says anything above $10M/year makes no difference to that person. Here’s his tax answer

    Hoarding possessions is considered to be a mental-health disorder, but is hoarding wealth considered to be a similar psychological issue?

    Scott Galloway, professor of marketing at New York University, certainly thinks so.

    “A virus that infects America is that people hoard [money],” says the 60-year-old on an episode of The Prof G podcast. “There is no reason to be a billionaire.”

    While some might agree with Galloway’s proclamation, roughly 800 Americans have found a reason to accumulate over $1 billion, according to the Institute for Policy Studies. Among this cohort are 12 American billionaires who have earned more than $100 billion and are still actively working to accumulate more, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

    Meanwhile, the median net worth of American households is roughly $192,900, according to the most recent data published by the Federal Reserve.

    Galloway isn’t the first to highlight this wealth disparity and the apparent hoarding of assets by those who already have enough money to last for generations. However, Galloway does offer a unique perspective and a potential solution to the problem.

    The link between happiness and income

    Galloway argues that a person can experience significant happiness when their income jumps from $30,000 a year to $50,000, but beyond a certain threshold, additional income offers diminishing returns on happiness.

    “The difference between anything above $10 million a year is nominal if non-existent,” he claims.

    This echoes the findings of a 2010 study published by Nobel Prize laureates Daniel Kahneman and Angus Deaton which revealed that a rise in income can improve someone’s well-being, but only up to a ceiling of $75,000 a year.

    Similarly, a study by Wharton University’s Matthew Killingsworth found that “policies aimed at raising the incomes of lower earners could do far more to improve overall happiness than simply giving bonuses to the wealthy or cutting taxes for the highest earners.”

    With this in mind, Galloway suggests a more progressive tax structure could help resolve America’s wealth gap and economic dissatisfaction.

    Progressive tax policy

    According to the Tax Foundation, a “progressive” tax system is one where high-income individuals or households pay more in taxes than low-income earners. Given that there are seven tax brackets, ranging from 10% to 37% for the 2024 tax year, America’s tax policy can be considered progressive.

    However, Galloway calls for higher tax rates at higher income thresholds.

    “Why wouldn’t we have, or restore, a much more progressive tax structure above $10 million a year?” he asks, explaining that such taxes would have minimal impacts on the well-being of ultra-wealthy individuals. “These people aren’t going to lose anything. They’re not going to be any less happier.”

    The revenue generated from a more progressive tax policy could then be used for vocational training programs, or a child tax credit to enhance the well-being of lower- to middle-income Americans. “That will create a ton of happiness across our nation,” says Galloway.

    From 1944 to 1963, America’s tax system was far more progressive, with the top income tax rate exceeding 90% — peaking at 94% in 1944 for the highest earners, according to accounting firm Wolters Kluwer.

    Polling data from this period suggests consumers were relatively satisfied with their lives. In March, 1957, 96% of U.S. adults said they were either “very happy” or “fairly happy” while only 3% said they were unhappy, according to Gallup.

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • ‘Something driving the whales a little bit loco’: Trump blames wind power — paused new developments. Will it drive up energy prices? Here are 3 ways to keep your utility bill from soaring

    ‘Something driving the whales a little bit loco’: Trump blames wind power — paused new developments. Will it drive up energy prices? Here are 3 ways to keep your utility bill from soaring

    President Donald Trump is not a fan of wind energy, in part because he believes it’s having an adverse effect on the whales.

    “You know, in one area, they lost two whales, like, in 20 years washed ashore,” the president told reporters at the White House recently, “This year they had 17 wash ashore. So, there’s something [that] happened out there. There’s something driving the whales a little bit loco.”

    While many scientists dispute this claim, the fact is that the president is taking action to slow or even stop the development of this energy source.

    Specifically, he has temporarily halted the new leasing of federal waters for offshore wind projects. He has also directed federal agencies to pause permits and approvals of on- and off-shore wind development, including the already approved Lava Ridge Wind Project in Idaho.

    Unfortunately, this will impact American jobs, as the offshore wind sector was expected to employ 56,000 more people by 2030, according to a report by American Clean Power. It could also affect both the reliability and cost of electricity.

    Research has shown that producing wind power can be a very cost-effective way of providing power. Texans, for example, are saving as much as $20 million per day thanks to wind and solar energy, according to the Rocky Mountain Institute.

    With the development of wind power paused, the result could be higher energy bills. Consumers should start preparing for this possibility by taking a few key steps to help keep their utility costs down. Here are three options.

    Invest in energy-efficient home upgrades

    There are many upgrades you can make to your home that can help reduce the amount of electricity you use and, in turn, help keep your costs down.

    One of the best options is upgrading to energy-efficient appliances. According to Energy Star, if you choose certified appliances, you can save around $8,750 on utility bills over the life of the product, reducing the cost of running the appliance by around 30%.

    While the U.S. Department of Energy suggests that you can save around 10% on your utility bill by adjusting your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours each day. Programmable thermostats can make this process automatic, which makes saving money even easier.

    Other upgrades could include energy-efficient windows, adding more insulation to your home and using power strips to shut off the electricity to electronics and appliances, avoiding phantom power loss when you aren’t using them. All of these steps can help you spend less on powering your home — even if you have no choice but to rely on fossil fuel energy.

    Consider renewable energy at home

    Installing solar panels at home can be a great investment. Energy.gov reports that the payback time for most homeowners is less than 10 years.

    There are both state and federal incentives for installing solar power in many parts of the country, and you may be able to finance your system through a personal loan. You could also enter into a power purchase agreement, which means you wouldn’t own the panels but would benefit from the clean power produced and still enjoy lower utility bills.

    The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency can help you find programs in your area, and the Residential Clean Energy Credit, in effect through 2032, provides a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of installation, which can be a big savings.

    Shop around for your energy supplier

    In many parts of the country, you can also shop around for an electricity provider. Around 45 million consumers benefit from retail energy choice, and you can find out if you are one of them by visiting the website of your state’s utility commission.

    If you live in a deregulated market and have the choice of who provides your electricity, you should compare options to see which company will charge you the least for the power you use. Many companies lock in your rate only for a limited period, so you may have to do this a few times a year — but you can realize potentially significant savings.

    Taking these steps could help you avoid increased electricity costs that you may be faced with if a shift towards alternative energy is held up at the federal level. Regardless, it can be worth finding ways to cut your utility bills, especially if you can invest a little bit up front and enjoy reduced costs for years to come.

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • What is MEI? It’s the ‘new corporate rage’ as DEI dies, says a Harvard economist — but surveys show the majority of Americans still support DEI

    What is MEI? It’s the ‘new corporate rage’ as DEI dies, says a Harvard economist — but surveys show the majority of Americans still support DEI

    If you’ve been following the plans of the Trump administration, you’ve likely heard a lot about DEI – diversity, equity, and inclusion.

    DEI programs focus on ensuring fair treatment and equal participation for everyone, particularly targeting biases against marginalized groups in workplaces, college campuses, and organizations. But the Trump administration wants DEI gone, labeling DEI government programs “radical” and “wasteful.”

    Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has regularly used the term in its updates about "wasteful" contracts and grants it has cancelled.

    Now, there’s a new acronym grabbing attention – MEI, short for merit, excellence, and intelligence. Harvard economist Roland Fryer dubbed MEI "the new corporate rage" in a recent op-ed for The Wall Street Journal.

    So is MEI writing DEI’s obituary?

    What exactly is MEI?

    MEI advocates for hiring candidates strictly based on merit, excluding factors like race, gender, age, or ethnicity from the equation. Fryer describes this shift as "refreshing," and supporters argue the approach naturally fosters diversity because the best talent inherently includes diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

    Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang, who coined the term, explained on his blog that “a hiring process based on merit will naturally yield a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas.”

    Elon Musk, another prominent MEI supporter, has been notably blunt about his opposition to DEI, tweeting provocatively that “DEI means people DIE.” In response to Wang’s announcement about the MEI hiring policy at Scale, Musk simply tweeted, “great!”

    MEI supporters argue that focusing purely on merit is a return to traditional American values like work ethic and individual achievement.

    However, critics such as Adia Wingfield, a professor at Washington University in St. Louis, counter that the meritocratic past referenced by MEI proponents never truly existed. Historically, women and people of color faced significant barriers preventing equal workplace opportunities.

    According to Wingfield and other experts, DEI initiatives are exactly what’s needed to create a genuine meritocracy. As Wingfield explained to Fortune magazine, “The idea is to move away from a very non-meritocratic past into a future where everyone really does have opportunities.”

    Is DEI really on its way out?

    Despite aggressive moves by the Trump administration and some business leaders to dismantle DEI departments and even remove the word “diversity” from company websites, national sentiment toward DEI remains surprisingly resilient.

    A CivicScience study published in February shows that 63% of Americans still support or feel neutral about DEI efforts. Furthermore, 75% remain concerned about income inequality, suggesting continued public support for initiatives bridging socioeconomic gaps. In its report, Morning Consult said broad support for DEI is still high, with the majority of U.S. adults against decreasing the funding and influence of such programs, but the "often negative messaging originating from the president’s office around diversity and inclusion is working — there are early signs that support for pullbacks is growing."

    Surveys from CultureCon and CNBC have shown most employers and entrepreneurs also still support DEI.

    While corporations like Target and Google might indicate DEI’s demise, many major companies aren’t ready to abandon their programs. Costco and Apple, for instance, are standing firm on diversity initiatives, even rejecting proposals from conservative think tanks demanding risk assessments of DEI programs.

    Brands like Ben & Jerry’s have been particularly outspoken. The ice cream maker boldly declared, “Companies that timidly bow to the current political climate by attempting to turn back the clock will become increasingly uncompetitive in the marketplace.”

    DEI behind the scenes

    Even businesses scaling back public DEI messaging aren’t necessarily stopping their internal diversity efforts altogether – they may just be keeping a lower profile. According to Amira Barger, a DEI executive and communications professor at California State University, East Bay, companies might avoid public attention yet continue quietly promoting inclusion.

    “I do think we will continue to see companies be less vocal, but I think people should take a pause and really ask more questions, because I do think many of these companies are still quietly doing the work behind the scenes,” Barger told CNBC.

    Businesses may recognize tangible benefits of DEI initiatives beyond just optics or compliance. Moreover, advocates say DEI is essential for employee morale and productivity. Economic consulting firm Berkshire highlights that robust DEI programs lead to improved employee retention and collaboration and make workplaces more innovative and responsive to customer needs.

    While the political landscape might challenge DEI’s visibility, its persistence in the workplace in the face of stiff political opposition suggests many organizations aren’t willing to let it go.

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • Why are egg prices suddenly cracking? A mix of market shifts, supply changes and seasonal demand could mean big news for grocery shoppers

    Why are egg prices suddenly cracking? A mix of market shifts, supply changes and seasonal demand could mean big news for grocery shoppers

    Grocery shoppers have been forced to scramble since egg prices have been consistently high.

    With the cost of Grade A eggs hitting a record high of $5.90 per dozen in February, many consumers have had eggs on their faces. This was the highest price consumers had ever paid for eggs, nearly double what they had paid the previous year.

    Some relief may finally be on the way, as the wholesale egg prices have started to fall.

    However, Easter and a lag between the changes in wholesale and consumer prices may mean that relief doesn’t come immediately for frustrated grocery shoppers, many of whom have struggled with high food inflation since the pandemic.

    Here’s why egg prices are finally falling

    Egg prices peaked due to a deadly outbreak of bird flu that spread across the United States, resulting in the death of millions of egg-laying chickens. Major producers may also have engaged in alleged anti-competitive behavior to drive prices up, prompting an antitrust investigation by the Department of Justice in March.

    The good news is that outbreaks of bird flu appear to be becoming less frequent. Additionally, high prices have weakened consumer demand, with many people choosing to forgo purchasing eggs due to record costs. Some buyers, fearing further price increases from continued bird flu outbreaks, also stockpiled eggs, reducing future demand further. With higher supply and lower demand, prices have begun to drop.

    “Slowing outbreaks are leading to improved supply availability and wholesale market prices have responded with sharp declines over the past week,” the USDA wrote.

    The drop in wholesale egg prices has been significant, with the cost per dozen dropping 44% from its mid-February peak. Wholesale prices are now $4.83 per dozen instead of $8.58 per dozen, according to Expana, which tracks agricultural commodity prices.

    Karyn Rispoli, an egg market analyst and managing editor at Expana, told CNBC via email that prices had plunged due to market dynamics placing "extreme pressure" on the cost per dozen.

    The Trump Administration also initiated a plan to help lower prices, including investing $500 million in biosecurity improvements, providing more indemnity payments to farmers, reducing regulations and importing more eggs to increase supply.

    Consumers may not see lower prices just yet

    While the reduced wholesale cost is good news, it doesn’t mean consumers will enjoy cheaper eggs just yet.

    Rispoli explained that there’s typically a two to three-week lag between a change in wholesale prices and a decline in retail prices. Retailers also don’t always adjust their prices immediately to match wholesale fluctuations, meaning consumers may still feel the effects of peak prices when they shop for eggs.

    Consumers have seen some relief. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins stated, "The average cost of a dozen eggs has now gone down $1.85 since we announced our plan."

    However, this trend of reducing prices is not likely to last in the short term. Prices are expected to rise again with Easter, which traditionally increases demand for eggs. Easter season typically leads to increased egg demand for traditional activities like Easter egg dyeing, as well as hard-boiled eggs, which are a staple for many Easter meals.

    Hopefully, once Easter comes to pass, the Trump Administration’s efforts and the declining number of bird flu outbreaks will lead to more lasting price reductions, allowing consumers to put eggs in their grocery baskets without fear of cracking their budgets.

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • DoorDash has a new ‘buy now, pay later’ option — but some experts are skeptical. Would you try it despite the growing ‘debt binge’ in the US?

    DoorDash has a new ‘buy now, pay later’ option — but some experts are skeptical. Would you try it despite the growing ‘debt binge’ in the US?

    DoorDash is best known as an app that allows people to order food for delivery. That’s why it may come as a surprise that it’s partnered with a service called Klarna that allows customers to finance purchases.

    It may seem odd to finance — or pay over time — for takeout food, but the company’s head of money products recently explained why DoorDash made this choice.

    "As we expand DoorDash’s offerings — from groceries and beauty to electronics and gifts — flexible payment options are essential to meeting our customers’ needs,” Anand Subbarayan, the company’s head of money products, explained in an announcement about the new partnership.

    Regardless of the reasoning, however, there are many experts who are concerned that this "eat now, pay later" arrangement will only add to America’s debt binge and lead people into financial trouble that makes it harder for them to make ends meet.

    Understanding the new payment options on DoorDash

    Under the new partnership with Klarna, DoorDash users will have three choices when they pay for their purchases. They can:

    • Pay in full at the time of the order.
    • Pay in four, breaking up the payment into four equal installments that are interest-free.
    • Pay later, which allows customers to defer payments until a specific time, such as the day that they get paid.

    "This partnership empowers customers with maximum choice and control over how they pay – from groceries and the season’s big-ticket electronics to home improvement supplies, beauty and even their DashPass Annual Plan membership," the DoorDash announcement said.

    Both the pay in four and pay later options are considered buy now, pay later (BNPL) products. On May 22, 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued new rules confirming that BNPL lenders should be treated like credit cards and consumers must be extended the same protections card issuers provide, including the right to dispute charges and to demand a refund after returning products purchased using BNPL.

    Unfortunately, even with these protections in place, BNPL increases the risks of financial problems for consumers. Research published in Harvard’s Journal of Marketing shows that consumers who used BNPL were likely to spend more, with the likelihood of completing a transaction increasing from 17% to 26%. Basket sizes for BNPL orders were also 10% larger on average, and the increase in spending that resulted persisted for six months.

    Financially constrained shoppers who often rely on credit were the most vulnerable to these spending increases, increasing their basket size by 14%.

    Experts are concerned about BNPL for DoorDash

    The addition of Klarna as a payment method did not go unnoticed, with experts having a lot to say about the idea of borrowing money for takeout food.

    “Eat now, pay later is an awful trap,” Douglas Boneparth, president of Bone Fide Wealth, said on X. “If you need to borrow to have a burrito delivered to you, you are the product. Nothing more. These companies aren’t helping people. In fact, they are taking advantage of them.”

    There’s also concern that offering this easy access to credit could worsen the debt binge already going on in the United States. Debt binge is an over-reliance on credit of all types. As data from the Federal Reserve in February showed:

    • Credit card balances were up $45 billion and hit $1.21 trillion by the end of December 2024.
    • Auto loan balances increased $11 billion to $1.66 trillion.
    • Mortgage balances increased by $11 billion to $12.61 trillion.
    • HELOC balances increased by $9 billion to $396 billion.
    • Retail credit cards and other consumer loans grew by $8 billion.
    • Student loans grew by $9 billion and hit $1.62 trillion.

    Continued borrowing at these levels may be unsustainable, and now consumers could add DoorDash debt to this list.

    Unfortunately, researchers from the CFPB found that once people begin to rely on BNPL services, they do so again and again. In fact, the CFPB showed 63% of borrowers originated multiple simultaneous BNPL loans at the same time at some point during 2022.

    So, while it may be tempting to pay for a food purchase in installments or defer payments until payday — especially if you feel like you need a treat and don’t have much cash to your name — you likely want to avoid this option.

    Instead, you should stick to a budget that includes a set amount of spending for things like DoorDash so you can splurge guilt-free without borrowing while also saving for the future. If you can’t afford an unnecessary purchase like DoorDash, just consider saying no to it and cooking at home.

    Deleting apps that make overspending easy may be the next move. Getting back to classic home cooking can make a big difference in your total expenditures — even if you aren’t financing your deliveries.

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • Ontario landlord faces costly battle to evict tenant amid property damage and legal delays

    Ontario landlord faces costly battle to evict tenant amid property damage and legal delays

    In Ontario, a landlord’s journey to reclaim their property can be fraught with unexpected challenges, as illustrated by a recent case in Hamilton. According to a CBC News report, a landlord faced significant hurdles when attempting to evict a tenant who had caused extensive damage to the property.

    The situation underscores the complexities and potential pitfalls landlords may encounter within the province’s legal framework.

    The landlord, after discovering substantial damage to their rental unit, sought assistance from the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). The LTB, established to mediate disputes between landlords and tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, serves as the primary avenue for resolving such conflicts in Ontario. However, the process can be protracted, leaving landlords vulnerable to ongoing losses.

    Legal hurdles and legislative changes: The ongoing struggle for landlords

    In this particular case, the landlord reported that the tenant had caused significant damage, including broken windows, holes in walls and other structural issues. Despite filing for eviction, the landlord faced delays and procedural hurdles that extended the tenant’s occupancy, exacerbating the property’s deterioration. This scenario is not uncommon; reports indicate that landlords often experience months-long waits for hearings, during which they may continue to incur financial losses.

    The Protecting Tenants and Strengthening Community Housing Act, 2020 (Bill 184), introduced amendments aimed at balancing the rights of landlords and tenants. While the legislation increased fines for bad-faith evictions, it also granted landlords the ability to offer repayment plans directly to tenants, potentially bypassing the LTB. Critics argue that these changes may inadvertently favour landlords, while supporters believe they streamline dispute resolution.

    A spokesperson for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing wrote for the Toronto Sun back in 2020 that, "The bill increases protections for tenants and encourages landlords and tenants to come to resolutions faster."

    This perspective highlights the government’s intent to create a more efficient system, though the real-world application remains a topic of debate.

    Understanding the eviction process in Ontario

    For landlords navigating the eviction process, it’s crucial to understand the steps involved:

    1. Notice to end tenancy: Serve the tenant with an appropriate notice outlining the reason for termination and the required move-out date.
    2. Filing with the LTB: If the tenant does not vacate, file an application with the LTB for a hearing.
    3. Mediation and hearing: Parties may attempt mediation. If unsuccessful, a formal hearing is conducted where evidence is presented.
    4. Order issuance: The LTB issues a decision, which may include an eviction order enforceable by the sheriff’s office

    Preventative measures for landlords

    To mitigate risks and potential disputes, landlords can adopt several proactive strategies:

    • Thorough tenant screening: Conduct comprehensive background checks, including credit history, employment verification and references from previous landlords.
    • Detailed lease agreements: Ensure leases are clear, outlining responsibilities, maintenance expectations and terms of occupancy.
    • Regular property inspections: Schedule periodic inspections to identify and address issues early, maintaining open communication with tenants.
    • Documentation: Keep detailed records of all communications, agreements and incidents related to the tenancy.

    By understanding the legal landscape and implementing preventative measures, landlords can better navigate the complexities of property management in Ontario, aiming to foster positive relationships with tenants and protect their investments.

    Sources

    1. CBC News: Feces, urine, mould: After 1-year eviction fight, Hamilton landlord gets back home needing $100K in fixes (March 31, 2025)

    2. Tribunal Watch Ontario: Executive Summary for Statement of Concern – Under the Ford Government: Justice Delayed and Denied at Tribunals Ontario (February 15, 2025)

    3. Toronto Sun: CLARK: Bill 184 would strengthen protections for tenants (June 6, 2020)

    This article Ontario landlord faces costly battle to evict tenant amid property damage and legal delays originally appeared on Money.ca

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.