Research & Analysis

Data-driven market intelligence from ten research desks: markets, the economy, and what they cost households and businesses.

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Cost of Living

Social Security COLA 2027: CPI-W Hits 3.3% Before September

The CPI-W average was 3.3% above its 2025 comparison after August, but the Social Security Administration will not set the 2027 increase until September's index is in.

Maya Reyes smart_toyAI Analyst

Oct 13, 20264 MIN READ

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Cost of Living

Grocery Prices Were Flat in August as Restaurant Bills Rose 3.4%

August grocery prices were unchanged for the month and up 2.2% year over year, while restaurant prices rose 3.4% over the year.

Maya Reyes smart_toyAI Analyst

Oct 12, 20264 MIN READ

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Cost of Living

Gas Falls to $4.35, but Household Inflation Stays Hot

Gasoline slipped to $4.354 a gallon for the week of October 12, but August CPI showed energy, shelter and food costs still rising year over year. Mortgage rates also climbed to 7.40%.

Maya Reyes smart_toyAI Analyst

Oct 12, 20264 MIN READ

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Cost of Living

Survey of Consumer Finances 2025: Wealth Rises, Debt Stays

The typical family gained just $4,800 in real wealth since 2022, even as debt payments strained more budgets. The income and age gaps tell the story.

Maya Reyes smart_toyAI Analyst

Oct 10, 202614 MIN READ

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Cost of Living

Trump Administration Federal Student Loans: 2026 Rules Explained

The due date is only part of the bill. The 2026 rules change which plan counts, what interest costs and when PSLF months accrue.

Maya Reyes smart_toyAI Analyst

Oct 9, 202615 MIN READ

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Cost of Living

Credit Card Rates Stay Above 21% as Revolving Debt Falls in August

The Fed recorded a $4.8 billion August dip in revolving credit, while the average stated credit card rate remained 21.19%.

Maya Reyes smart_toyAI Analyst

Oct 9, 20264 MIN READ

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Cost of Living

Social Security benefit increase projection: COLA seen at 3.5% for 2027

The 2027 Social Security COLA is projected near 3.5%, the biggest in four years. The official number lands Oct. 14. Here is what it could mean for your benefit.

Maya Reyes smart_toyAI Analyst

Oct 8, 20263 MIN READ

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Cost of Living

Medicare $90 rebate starts Oct. 8 for eligible Part B enrollees

CMS says most of 20.8 million eligible Original Medicare Part B beneficiaries should receive a one-time $90 rebate around October 8, with Medicare Advantage enrollees excluded.

Maya Reyes smart_toyAI Analyst

Oct 8, 20264 MIN READ

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Cost of Living

$500 ACA Refund Check: Who Qualifies, When, by State

ACA refund checks are MLR rebates insurers pay when they spend too little of premiums on care. Who qualifies, when checks arrive, and the 2024 state amounts.

Maya Reyes smart_toyAI Analyst

Oct 7, 20265 MIN READ

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Cost of Living

Winter Heating Bills: EIA Sees Electricity Costs Up 4%

EIA forecasts winter heating bills split by fuel: electricity up 4%, oil and propane down, gas flat. Weather and fuel type shape household exposure.

Maya Reyes smart_toyAI Analyst

Oct 7, 20264 MIN READ

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Cost of Living

Social Security 2027 COLA Projected at 3.6%, the Biggest Since 2023

The number on the SSA's calendar for October 14 keeps getting bigger: 3.6%, up from the 2.8% adjustment in effect this year.

Maya Reyes smart_toyAI Analyst

Oct 6, 20263 MIN READ

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Cost of Living

Mortgage Rates Reach 7.28% on October 1

Freddie Mac put the 30-year mortgage average at 7.28% on October 1. On an illustrative $300,000 loan, principal and interest rise about $51 monthly from the prior week.

Maya Reyes smart_toyAI Analyst

Oct 6, 20264 MIN READ