#affordability

#affordability

For high-income consumers ("the haves"): Strong spending power: Wealthy consumers are buoyed by high asset prices in stocks and real estate. The market melt-up, fueled by investments in areas like artificial intelligence, has increased their net worth. Insulation from interest rates: These individuals are less affected by higher interest rates, allowing them to continue spending on both luxury items and daily goods. Confidence in the economy: Their financial confidence remains strong, leading to continued investment and consumption.

Seventy percent of the country's college graduates see their investment pay off within 10 years, but that outcome correlates strongly to the state where a student obtains their degree, according to the Strada Foundation's latest State Opportunity Index.

there's high levels of testosterone in this room.

The freewheeling New York City mayor's race has focused on a few key issues: making the city more affordable, improving public safety, navigating President Trump's second term and the war in Gaza. Zohran Mamdani, 33, the Democratic nominee, is running on a populist agenda and has a strong lead in the polls. Mr. Mamdani, a state assemblyman and democratic socialist, wants to make city buses free and enact universal child care, but has limited experience in government.

Doctors predicted Wayne Frederick, the president of Howard University, wouldn't live past 8. Now he's 54. Frederick came to the U.S. from Trinidad and Tobago with a dream of finding a cure for his disease, sickle cell anemia, but detoured into higher ed administration. At an event hosted by the American Council on Education at Howard University this week, Frederick said CRISPR gene editing, a technology developed in academia, made his dream a reality.

Not so long ago, orthodontics used to mean enduring metal braces and years of adjustments just to get that perfect smile. But that is no longer the case. Fixing your dental alignment is not just about giving you a confident smile. It is also about everything else that comes with it, including ensuring proper teeth functionality, comfort and oral health. And thanks to modern orthodontic treatments (that utilise advanced tech and precision tools), dental alignment has become quicker, simpler and more accessible than ever.

He has highlighted four signature policy proposals: universal child care, free buses, city-owned grocery stores and a rent freeze on rent-stabilized apartments. These ideas have excited New Yorkers who are worried about the soaring cost of living. But if Mr. Mamdani wins, the plans could be difficult to implement. He would have to secure support from critical stakeholders, find funding to pay for the plans and hire the right staff members to make sure they are successful.

Olive Garden, which has traditionally seen success from its annual unlimited pasta promotion, recently noticed the opposite trend: Some customers actually wanted less food. Last quarter, the restaurant chain tested a new menu section at a little less than half of its locations: smaller portions, along with reduced prices, for seven of its dinner entrees. The trial was designed to appeal to cash-conscious customers, who've been cutting eating out from their budgets, hurting restaurants' profits.

Maine has 451,090 insured homeowner households in total-250,316 with a mortgage and 200,774 without. Among mortgaged owners, 22,458 pay less than $100 annually and 7,049 pay $4,000 or more. Among those without a mortgage, 37,135 pay less than $100 and 3,840 pay $4,000 or more. When compared with nearby New England states, Maine is clearly on the affordable side. Massachusetts homeowners with a mortgage typically pay $1,500-$1,999, while Rhode Island averages the same. Connecticut is also higher, at $1,500-$1,999 for mortgaged households.

For years, Europe's big cities-Paris, Berlin, Barcelona-were the dream destinations for young people seeking opportunity, culture, and nightlife. But recently, a surprising shift has begun. More and more Gen Z Europeans are turning away from these bustling hubs and relocating to smaller, quieter towns often dismissed as "boring." This trend isn't about rejecting excitement altogether. Instead, it reflects a generational desire for balance: affordable living, community connection, and sustainability.

Sweet potatoes are packed with manganese, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin C. They're also rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, an essential nutrient for healthy vision. Serving as a rich source of potassium, sweet potatoes help maintain heart health and regulate blood pressure. Despite their natural sweetness, they have a low glycemic index, making them great for steady energy and blood sugar control. But, that's not even the best part.

The word "can't" is doing a lot of work in that sentence. The ability to afford something is often a choice. I can afford a $50 hamburger, in the sense that I could spend $50 on lunch without triggering financial catastrophe. But I refuse to pay $50 for a hamburger because it's much more than I think a burger is worth.

San Antonio is holding steady in the housing market, attracting attention from both buyers and sellers. In July 2025, the median sale price was $275,000, up 2.6% year over year, and homes sold in about 58 days with around two offers each. The market is somewhat competitive, with a Redfin Compete Score™ of 41 out of 100. About 14.4% of homes sold above list price while 36.1% saw price drops, and the sale-to-list price ratio came in at 96.6%.

After spending four years with their heads in the books, recent college graduates may want a change of scenery once they toss their caps. But in some cases, it might be best to stay put. Research firm RentCafe analyzed 122 metros with populations over 300,000 and ranked the best metros for Gen Z graduates. Each metro was ranked based on six weighted metrics related to Gen Z population, job growth, and other factors related to livability.

I have long been quite troubled by how the supposed stewards of the game have opted for profit time and time again at the expense of the people that love this game, said Mamdani. And I think what is stunning to me is these demands that we are putting forward, they are just demands that go back to what [Fifa] has done in previous World Cups.

Veterans frequently turn to cannabis for a variety of health-related reasons, including help with sleep, management of chronic pain, and coping with PTSD. While prescriptions and traditional medicine often come with side effects or limited effectiveness, cannabis can provide an alternative that is more natural, accessible, and effective for some individuals. For this reason, access to affordable cannabis is critical for many who have served.

Fort Worth is drawing attention with its mix of charm and affordability. The market is somewhat competitive, with homes typically selling in about 49 days and averaging 2 offers each. In July 2025, the median sale price was $340,000, down 2.8% from last year but still 23% lower than the national average. About 18% of homes sold above list price, while more than 40% saw price drops, showing plenty of movement in the market.

Ashland, Ohio, has earned a place on the Realtor.com® 2025 Hottest ZIP Codes list, standing out as one of the Midwest's most competitive housing markets. Each year, the rankings identify ZIP codes where homes are attracting above-average buyer interest and selling well ahead of the U.S. pace. Article continues below this ad In 2025, Ashland's 44805 ZIP code joined the list, reflecting how this small Ohio city is drawing buyers with affordability, location, and strong community appeal.

In 2025, Racine ( ZIP 53402) stood out for combining affordability, quick sales, and Lake Michigan proximity that appeals to today's buyers. Racine ranked No. 30 nationwide, with homes selling in a median of just 29 days between January and June 2025. That's nearly a month faster than the U.S. average of 53 days. Its median listing price of $329,000 makes Racine one of the more affordable ZIPs on the list-well below the national June median of $441,000.

Bloomington, IL has landed on the Realtor.com® 2025 Hottest ZIP Codes list, signaling strong buyer interest in the former stomping grounds of President Lincoln. The rankings highlight ZIP codes where listings are drawing outsized attention and moving quickly, even as much of the nation sees a cooler housing market. Bloomington's mix of affordability, steady job opportunities, and small-city amenities has placed it among the most competitive spots in the country for home shoppers. Bloomington buyers are acting fast Bloomington ( ZIP 61704) ranked No. 26 nationally, with homes spending a median of just 31 days on the market between January and June 2025. That's significantly faster than the U.S. median of 53 days during the same period.

Bristol, CT ( ZIP 06010), has secured a prime spot on Realtor.com®'s 2025 Hottest ZIP Codes list, showcasing how this Hartford County city is winning attention from buyers nationwide. Known for its suburban setting, community amenities, and proximity to the Hartford, CT housing market, Bristol blends affordability with convenience-two qualities driving demand in today's high-rate market. Article continues below this ad From January to June 2025, Bristol listings attracted 3.3 times more views per property than the U.S. average and sold in a median of just 30 days.