Struggling to keep your business running or keep up with everyday household expenses? You’re not alone. Financial challenges can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options is a great place to s...

When pressed about claims that utility bills could rise another $4,000, Governor Hochul called the figure inaccurate, pointed to federal policy and international events as drivers of energy costs and noted a $1 billion state investment in energy rebates.

Mike Wirth says commercial stockpiles, emergency reserves, and once-sanctioned barrels have all been tapped, leaving the global energy system more exposed just weeks before the midterms.

The article discusses the increasing financial pressure on Filipino households as rising prices and a weaker peso strain household budgets. Recent data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) shows credit-card receivables reached P1.294 trillion in June, up from P1.229 trillion in March, with non-performing card receivables rising from P61.07 billion to P68.28 billion over the same period. This represents an 11.8% jump in bad debts compared to a 5.3% growth in the overall portfolio. The article emphasizes that while aggregate banking figures don't identify individual borrowers' specific purchases, they indicate growing repayment stress within an expanding credit portfolio. September inflation reached 7.2%, up from 6.1% in August, putting additional pressure on families with little discretionary spending left after essentials. The article notes that borrowing shifts costs with interest into the next month, with a P20,000 balance at 3% interest costing P600 in interest alone for one month. Labor market data shows unemployment at 5.3% and underemployment at 11.9%, up from previous years, highlighting underlying economic fragility. DBS Bank forecasts inflation to average 6.5% in 2026 and 5.5% in 2027, with the peso depreciating to P64 per dollar by end of 2027. The article concludes that true economic recovery means families can reliably meet ordinary expenses, systematically repay debts, and retain something for emergencies, not just relying on credit to bridge the gap between stagnant incomes and rising costs.

UK inflation increased to 3.1% in August as petrol and diesel prices rose, adding further pressure to household budgets and living costs.

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 (Bernama) — The return of the basic monthly Budi MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) quota to 300 litres, from the previous 200 litres, will provide households with greater flexibility in managing transportation costs, particularly those that rely heavily on private vehicles. Economics lecturer at the Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sabah branch, Herniza Roxanne Marcus, said the benefit was expected to be more significant for lower- and middle-income groups (B40 and M40) with high travel needs, as fuel expenditure accounts for a larger share of their disposable income. “For example, in Sabah, travel distances […]

Explore the impact of Trump's tariffs on grocery prices and find out how it affects your favorite food items.

Canada's inflation rate falls to 2.3% as gas prices drop 16.7%, easing financial pressure on households.

Cornwall Insight forecasts an 18% rise in the UK energy price cap in July 2026, affecting ~22m households and pressuring inflation and utilities' cashflows.

The Reserve Bank's decision to raise interest rates today will inflict more unnecessary pain on households struggling with a long-running cost-of-living crisis and soaring fuel prices.  The post All pain, no gain. Rate rise won’t bring down petrol prices, but it will hurt households appeared first on The Australia Institute.

Around a third of Americans think the US economy will get worse in 2026

The Reserve Bank's decision to raise interest rates today will inflict more unnecessary pain on households struggling with a long-running cost-of-living crisis and soaring fuel prices.  The post All pain, no gain. Rate rise won’t bring down petrol prices, but it will hurt households appeared first on The Australia Institute.

"It's $12 for a burger meal. For like $2 more, I can get a steak and baked potato."

CBA raised mortgage rates today. Your $600k loan costs $100 more per month. Here's what to do about it.

Energy bills could jump 24%, groceries up 6%, weekly costs up $175. Here's how to protect your household budget with practical, actionable advice for Australian families.

Car insurance premiums have surged 42% since 2019. Victoria drivers now pay $2,940 annually. Here is what is driving the crisis and what you can do.