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☆ Costco price increase: Is the $130 Executive Membership still worth the money?
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-11 | by ( Nicolas Vega | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Costco is increasing the price of admission to its warehouse stores for the first time since 2017. Beginning Sept. 1 the members-only chain will raise the price of its $60 Gold Star membership to $65. Its premium $120 Executive Membership will now cost $10 more. And if you're already a Gold Star member, should you upgrade to the $130 tier? On paper, the pricier Executive Membership sounds like a great deal.

Persons: Coke Organizations: Costco, Star

☆ Here's the inflation breakdown for June 2024 — in one chart
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-11 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

They also generally like to examine "core" inflation readings. The monthly core CPI reading was 0.1% in June, the smallest increase in about three years, since August 2021. Shelter inflation has moderated much slower than expected, one of the big reasons inflation hasn't yet fallen back to target, economists said. There were encouraging signals in the latest CPI report: Monthly shelter inflation dropped to 0.2% after being stuck at 0.4% for four consecutive months. Services inflation is the trouble spotInflation for physical goods spiked as the U.S. economy reopened in 2021.

Persons: David Paul Morris, Mark Zandi, Zandi, Sarah House, Aubrey George, George, Joe Seydl, Olivia Cross Organizations: Bloomberg, Getty, U.S . Labor Department, Moody's, Wells, Wells Fargo Economics, U.S . Federal Reserve, CPI, Housing, of Labor Statistics, Morgan Private Bank, Capital Economics, BLS Locations: U.S, Wells Fargo, North America

☆ Samsung’s AI-powered foldable phones get slimmer, thinner, pricier
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-10 | by ( Samantha Murphy Kelly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Samsung’s latest generation of foldable phones aim to draw in traditional phone users with the help of artificial intelligence. The new Galaxy Z Fold starts at $1,899.99, up $100 from last year, and is available in silver, pink and navy. Meanwhile, the Z Flip starts at $1,099.99 (also $100 more than last year) and comes in silver, yellow, blue and mint. Samsung’s foldable line occupies between 80% and 85% of the market share. But those same people might prefer to sleep with a smart ring on their finger rather than a smartwatch on their wrist.

Persons: CNN —, Price, David McQueen, ”, Roh —, —, “, ” Roh, Gemini, Samsung’s, Siri, McQueen, Roh, Oura, Francisco Jeronimo, ” Jeronimo Organizations: CNN, ABI Research, Galaxy, Google, Huawei, Motorola, Apple, Samsung, IDC Research, IDC Locations: Paris, wearables

☆ The presidential election shouldn't influence how you invest, financial experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-10 | by ( Genna Contino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Financial experts, however, don't encourage making investment decisions for political reasons as markets tend to react to economic factors that politicians have no control over . Presidential election outcomes don't significantly affect market performance, but many investors still feel nervous about what this year's presidential matchup between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump could mean for their money. "We've got a very stable market," Curtis said. That could make your next trip pricierStill, clients visiting Curtis have expressed concerns about the idea of Trump winning the election. Dating back to 1928, the S&P 500 has returned an average 7.5% in presidential election years, compared to an average 8% in nonelection years, according to an analysis in March from J.P. Morgan Private Bank.

Persons: Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Cathy Curtis, Curtis, We've, Biden, Zers, pricier, Trump, Dan Egan, Egan Organizations: Republican, Democrat, Curtis Financial, Financial, CNBC, Nasdaq, Dow Jones, Finance, Trump, Morgan Private Bank, Federal Reserve Locations: Atlanta , Georgia, Oakland , California, J.P

☆ I sailed on Carnival's new cruise ship. See all of its amenities — and why some are better than its pricier competitors
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-09 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

I went on Firenze's four-night cruise about two weeks after its maiden voyage. Carnival Firenze had a mini-golf course scattered around the open-air deck. Norwegian's newer ships, for example, have $10 mini-golf courses and VR arcades that cost $29 for an hour of play. Similarly, Royal Caribbean's new ultra-giant, ultra-popular Icon of the Seas has a $49-per-person ropes course that can be completed in less than a minute. Carnival Firenze also has a mini-golf and ropes course — but they're both free, albeit not as exciting or modern as the cruise line's competitors.

Persons: Brittany Chang Organizations: Firenze, Royal

☆ The US battle against Chinese trade could hurt the Americans it's supposed to protect, Harvard professor says
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-09 | by ( Filip De Mott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewPoliticians who champion trade restrictions on China are in for a rude awakening, Kenneth Rogoff warns. According to the Harvard professor, barriers on free trade with the Asian powerhouse are a recipe for economic fallout. "Moreover, low-income US consumers have been among the biggest beneficiaries of low-cost Chinese imports." Just months ago, President Biden announced that tariffs would rise on $18 billion worth of Chinese advanced tech products, including solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles.

Persons: —, Kenneth Rogoff, Rogoff, Biden, Donald Trump, he's, Paul Krugman, Jamie Dimon Organizations: Service, Harvard, Project Syndicate, Business, Republican, Allies, China, Foundation Locations: China, Washington, Beijing

☆ Here’s how much more you’ll spend on your Fourth of July BBQ this year
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-03 | by ( Matt Egan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Americans feeding a group of 10 this holiday weekend will spend an average of $71.22, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. The American Farm Bureau found the price of two pounds of ground beef will cost an average of $12.77 this year, up 11% from a year ago. As inflation skyrocketed across the economy in 2022, the American Farm Bureau estimated a 17% year-over-year spike in the cost of a Fourth of July cookout. The American Farm Bureau notes that, on an inflation-adjusted basis, this summer’s BBQ bill is 5% lower than the record set in 2022. The cheapest Fourth of July barbecue bill is in the Northeast at $63.54, according to the American Farm Bureau.

Persons: New York CNN —, It’s, grillers Organizations: New, New York CNN, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Farm Bureau, Consumers Locations: New York

☆ Is inflation Biden's or Trump's fault? The answer isn't so simple, economists say
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-03 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

"He caused the inflation," Trump said of Biden during the June 27 debate. "He decimated the economy, absolutely decimated the economy," Biden said. 'Neither Trump nor Biden is to blame'Global events beyond Trump's or Biden's control wreaked havoc on supply-and-demand dynamics in the U.S. economy, fueling higher prices, economists said. "In my view, neither Trump nor Biden is to blame for the high inflation," said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics. For example, Trump imposed tariffs on imported steel, aluminum and several goods from China, which Biden largely kept intact.

Persons: Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Andrew Harnik, Trump, Biden, David Wessel, Mark Zandi, Mario Tama, Wessel, Zandi, Stephen Brown, —, Michael Strain, Strain Organizations: Getty, Federal Reserve, Biden, Trump, Hutchins, Brookings Institution, Finance, Social Security, Medicare, Moody's, Port, International Monetary Fund, North, Capital Economics, American, American Enterprise Institute, Federal, U.S Locations: Atlanta, U.S, Ukraine, China, Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro , California, North America, It's

☆ A millennial couple moved to Bali 2 years ago. Making friends was one of the hardest parts.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-02 | by ( Amanda Goh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Nadia Rose and her partner, Steve Willis, moved from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital, to Bali in July 2022. Friendships can be hard to forgeIt might be harder to form lasting friendships in Bali than you think. The island can feel like a very transient place, with all the people who come and go from Bali, especially within the expat community, Rose said. Related storiesFor almost a year after they arrived in Bali, Rose said they were so caught up in trying to settle down into their new lives that they weren't able to make any new friends. Things in Bali can be as cheap or as expensive as you'd likeThere's a common refrain that things in Bali are cheap — and that's not necessarily true, Rose said.

Persons: —, Nadia Rose, Steve Willis, Rose, I've, that's, haven't, Denpasar, Bali —, nasi goreng — Organizations: Service, Business, Facebook Locations: Bali, Indonesian, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's, Malaysia

☆ I compared a $41 coach bus to a $195 luxury bus. The pricier option was better than flying first-class.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-30 | by ( Elizabeth Blasi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I rode on a $195 luxury bus and a $41 standard coach bus between New York City and the Hamptons. The Hamptons Streamliner had incredibly comfortable seats, fun snacks, and great WiFi. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . I recently explored two contrasting bus journeys: the luxurious Hamptons Streamliner (a new partnership between Blade Helicopters and The Jet luxury bus service) and the budget-friendly Jitney coach bus. The Streamliner cost $195 one-way, and the Jitney cost $41.

Persons: —, Jonothan Yarton Organizations: Hamptons, Service, Blade Helicopters, Jet, Business Locations: New York City, Manhattan

☆ Shoplifters love Lego. The colorful plastic toy bricks are a gold mine for criminals
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-29 | by ( Parija Bhatnagar | Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

I went straight to the cameras and saw we were being robbed,” Zuniga told CNN. Hayes told CNN his team works with a majority of retailers that carry Lego products as well as Legoland theme parks. “Demand is always there.”As a result, there’s not only a market for stolen Lego products but also a burgeoning counterfeit market, especially online. When reached for comment, Lego directed CNN to online resources on its website to educate consumers how to spot fake online Lego stores and fake Lego products. He bought Lego sets that were on sale at the local Target to fill up empty shelves.

Persons: New York CNN —, Miguel Zuniga, “, ” Zuniga, Miguel Zuniga’s, Noble, Olay, ”, Read Hayes, Hayes, there’s, Michael Blackshire, Casey Slaughter, ” Slaughter, Indiana Jones, Lego, Calvin Mah, Zuniga Organizations: New, New York CNN, CNN, Southern, KABC, LAPD, Barnes, Noble, Target, University of Florida, Prevention Research Council, Walmart, Los Angeles Times, “, Wichita Police, Star Wars, Los Locations: New York, Lumita, Los Angeles County, Lomita , California, California, Southern California, Philadelphia, Richmond , British Columbia, Pasadena , CA, Wichita , Kansas, “

To help you browse the best ones going on now, I've rounded up the best 4th of July sales below. The best 4th of July electronics and appliances sales Appliances and electronics are notorious for their hefty price tags, which makes sales like these priceless. In time for the warming weather, I'm seeing some great price drops on air conditioner picks from our guides to the best portable air conditioners and the best air conditioner units. Burrow The best 4th of July home and kitchen dealsIt's a good time to buy furniture, whether you're shopping for indoor or outdoor pieces. SaatvaThe best 4th of July mattress dealsMattresses are on sale most of the year, it's true.

Persons: it's, We'll, BioLite, Abt Friedrich, Friedrich, AJ, AJ Madison Traeger, TCL, Rumpl, Kit, Burrow, Lauren Savoie, Hannah Freedman, Cha, they're, you'll Organizations: Business, Ikea's, Steam, LG, GE, Amazon Prime, Abt, eBay, Energy, AJ Madison, Independence, Samsung, Apple AirPods, Apple, Amazon, GE Gaming, Day, tote Locations: Burrow, Kyusu, Cha Kyusu, Brooklyn, Lo

☆ Marketplace health insurance may get more expensive — unless Congress extends this tax break
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-28 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

If you buy health insurance via the federal marketplace, your premiums could increase significantly after 2025 — unless Congress takes action. The premium tax credit makes health insurance purchased via the marketplace more affordable. Participants can use the credit to lower insurance premiums upfront or claim the tax break when filing their return. In his fiscal 2025 budget request, President Joe Biden proposed making the premium tax credit expansion permanent. Former President Donald Trump's campaign did not respond to CNBC's request for comment on the program.

Persons: Gideon Lukens, Joe Biden, Donald Trump's Organizations: American, Center, Budget, Finance, Congressional, Office, Taxation Locations: U.S

☆ New discoveries show what life was like for the ultra-wealthy in Ancient Rome after Pompeii excavation
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-27 | by ( Jenny Mcgrath | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

A vivid blue shrine showcased the owner's deep pockets. Archaeologists believe this room, painted an unusual light blue color, may have been used as a shrine by the house's owners. The owners had it painted blue, which would have been very rare and expensive at the time. "Having a whole room painted in blue would have made a major statement about the wealth of the house owner," Barrett said. A pile of oyster shells was found near other building materials, Barrett said.

Persons: Barrett Organizations: Parco, Reuters, Paints Locations: ABACAPRESS.COM

☆ Here's how inflation has ratcheted up the cost of basics like housing and food for families across the US
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-27 | by ( Juliana Kaplan | Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

ALICE Americans make above the federal poverty level but not enough to comfortably afford all their daily expenses, often making too much to qualify for government assistance. The ALICE Essentials Index, which includes housing, childcare, food, transportation, healthcare, and technology costs, has risen by a projected 7.3% annually from 2021 to 2023; comparatively, CPI has risen by 6.1%. The ALICE Essentials Index for rural areas was slightly higher than that for urban areas, at 7.5% and 7.2%, respectively. "Long before everybody else was upset about inflation, ALICE was dealing with inflation," Hoopes said. Still, ALICE Americans tend to be overrepresented in these roles, as many pay below the ALICE threshold of about $55,000 a year.

Persons: —, ALICE —, ALICE Americans, ALICE, Stephanie Hoopes, United For ALICE, Hoopes, There's Organizations: Service, Business, CPI, United For, United Locations: West, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Midwest, Northeast

☆ Here's why your July 4th barbecue may be pricier this year
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-27 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Miodrag Ignjatovic | E+ | Getty ImagesAmericans firing up their grills for Fourth of July celebrations will likely pay more for some traditional barbecue staples this year. The average cookout for 10 people will cost $71.22 this year, up 5% from 2023 and about 30% five years ago, according to an American Farm Bureau Federation estimate. That said, consumers have seen prices fall for some specific barbecue items like chicken breast and potatoes, the Farm Bureau said. Meat (including ground beef, pork chops and chicken breast) accounts for 50% of the total cost of an Independence Day barbecue, according to the Farm Bureau. Two pounds of potatoes cost $1.53, down 17%, the Farm Bureau said.

Persons: Miodrag Ignjatovic, That's, Courtney Schmidt, Luke Sharrett, Adene Sanchez, Schmidt Organizations: Getty, American Farm Bureau, Food Institute, CNBC, Farm Bureau, Bloomberg, Farm Locations: U.S, Wells, Wells Fargo's, Louisville , Kentucky, Wells Fargo

☆ This Southeast Asian city is the world's most expensive for the super rich — Hong Kong comes second
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-26 | by ( Charmaine Jacob | In Charmainemariajacob | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

All this is reflected in its continued status as the world's most expensive city," the report said. Singapore was followed by Hong Kong, which upstaged Shanghai to emerge as the second most expensive city for the wealthy. Prices for hotel suites (+22.9%), ladies' shoes (+12.7%), and ladies' handbag (+8.6%) saw the biggest increases in the city. London Hotel suites and jewelry were the second-most expensive items across the 25 cities, with prices soaring 38.3% and 17.%, respectively. Here's Julius Baer's list of the world's 10 most expensive cities for high net worth individuals:

Persons: Julius Baer, normalizations, Here's Julius Baer's Organizations: Wealth, Private Locations: Singapore, Swiss, U.S, Hong Kong, Shanghai, London

☆ These are the 5 US cities you should buy a home in before you get priced out of the housing market, says 'Million Dollar Listing' real estate investor
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-26 | by ( Aditi Bharade | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Most of its residents are millennials, with its residents' median age being 33.6 years. As with Atlanta, most of its residents are millennials, with its residents' median age being 33.1 years. The median age of San Diego residents is 35.8 years. But it's also true that housing in San Diego trends toward the pricier end. San Diego, along with four other Californian cities, was marked as "impossibly unaffordable," according to the 2024 Demographia International Housing Affordability report.

Persons: —, Josh Altman, Altman, Sean Pavone, Eric Johnson, Pengyu Cheng, Michael Warren, Wager, it's, Altman didn't Organizations: Service, Business, Getty, Dallas, Texas, Popular, Disney, San Locations: Atlanta, Dallas, Orlando, Phoenix, San Diego, Texas, California, San Francisco, Eola, Miami, Arizona's, San Diego , California, Los Angeles, US

☆ NYC shuttered 80% of its Airbnbs in an attempt to make housing more affordable. All that's done so far is make hotels more expensive.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-26 | by ( Eliza Relman | Dan Latu | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Read previewLast September, New York City began enforcing its strict new regulations on short-term rentals. Since then, the number of legal short-term rentals listed on Airbnb and other platforms has plummeted. Impacts of the near-banLL18 was motivated by the city's housing affordability crisis, caused in large part by a severe housing shortage. Short-term rentals, including Airbnbs, can take homes that would otherwise be lived in full-time off the market, potentially exacerbating the housing shortage. But there's some evidence, including from Irvine, California, that restricting short-term rentals can reduce rents.

Persons: —, it's, Jamie Lane, Lane, hasn't, Klossner, LL18, Eric Adams, TIMOTHY A, CLARY, Scott Stringer, Airbnb, It's, Nathan Rotman Organizations: Service, Business, Mayor's, Criminal, Special, York City, Hotel, Former, Big Apple, New Locations: New York City, New, York, Irvine , California, New York

☆ I saved thousands on my wedding by focusing on the details that mattered the most
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-25 | by ( Tessa Campbell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

With around 120 guests, we saved thousands. I traded an expensive wedding cake for chocolate fondueThe tiered wedding cakes we looked at cost up to $1,000. I saved thousands by buying fake flowers over real bouquetsAccording to The Knot, real flower bouquets cost an average of $2,800 in 2023. Upholding a wedding budget was hard enough without planning a trip on top of it. Sticking to a budget is wedding planning 101, but strategic spending was how we made our dream wedding into reality.

Persons: —, would've Organizations: Service

To help you browse the best ones going on now, I've rounded up the best 4th of July sales below. Appliances including air conditioners and outdoor fire pits are down to excellent prices for the 4th of July. In time for the warming weather, I'm seeing some great price drops on air conditioner picks from our guides to the best portable air conditioners and the best air conditioner units. EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable Air Conditioner $1,199.00 $2,237.00 Save 46% The EcoFlow Wave 2 is the best battery-powered portable air conditioner we've tested. RumplThe best 4th of July outdoor and camping dealsSeveral stores are welcoming the warm weather and end of the school year by dropping prices on outdoor essentials, from accessories to full-size tents.

Persons: it's, We'll, BioLite, TCL, Rumpl, Kit Organizations: Business, Ikea's, Steam, LG, GE, Amazon Prime, Energy, Independence, Amazon, REI Locations: REI Outlet

How to watch Brazil vs. Costa Rica in the USBrazil vs. Costa Rica will air on Fox Sports 1 (FS1) on Monday at 9 p.m. Check price at FuboHow to watch Brazil vs. Costa Rica in CanadaBrazil vs. Costa Rica will be available to watch through TSN in Canada. How to watch Brazil vs. Costa Rica in the UKIn the UK, Brazil vs. Costa Rica will stream on Premier Sports, where subscriptions start at £10.99 a month. How to watch Brazil vs. Costa Rica in AustraliaBrazil vs. Costa Rice will live stream on Optus Sport in Australia. How to watch Brazil vs. Costa Rica in BrazilThe Brazil vs. Costa Rica game will live stream on Globoplay in Brazil.

Persons: We've, Costa Rice, VPNs, ExpressVPN Organizations: Business, America, Copa America, Peru, Concacaf, Fox Sports, Fox, TSN, Premier Sports, Optus Sport Locations: Brazil, Costa Rica, Argentina, Uruguay, America, Canada Brazil, Canada, Australia Brazil, Australia

☆ How the cheapest interior and balcony cabins on Carnival's new cruise ship compare — and why the pricier one is worth it
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-22 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

Never again will I think of my parents as 'snobby' for wanting the more expensive accommodation (sorry, Mom and Dad). Carnival Firenze is Carnival Cruise Line's 27th ship. After my stint in the ship's interior accommodation, I now understand why balconies are the most popular cabin category. For Firenze's cheapest itinerary in 2024 — a four-night roundtrip voyage from Long Beach, California, to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico — a dual-occupancy interior cabin starts at $359 per person. That's a $160 difference — and well worth the extra cash.

Persons: Brittany Chang Locations: Long Beach , California, Catalina, Ensenada, Mexico

☆ 26 growing cities where homes are getting more affordable
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-21 | by ( James Faris | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Affording a home has been a Herculean challenge in recent years due to rising property prices and stubbornly high mortgage rates. That means only 20% of the markets surveyed have homes selling for under half a million dollars and are also getting more affordable. 26 growing cities where home prices are downSince cities with falling home prices are relatively rare, homebuyers might assume that those markets are getting cheaper because they're becoming less popular. However, there are over two dozen markets where property prices have fallen in recent years despite enjoying an influx of residents, according to Zoocasa's new report. AdvertisementThat leaves 26 markets where home prices are down despite sizable population growth.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, homebuyers, Business, National Association of Realtors, Bureau Locations: West, Texas, Arizona

☆ The Opaque Industry Secretly Inflating Prices for Prescription Drugs
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-21 | by ( Rebecca Robbins | Reed Abelson | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

And they are driving up drug costs for millions of people, employers and the government. The three largest pharmacy benefit managers, or P.B.M.s, act as middlemen overseeing prescriptions for more than 200 million Americans. They are owned by huge health care conglomerates — CVS Health, Cigna and UnitedHealth Group — and are hired by employers and governments. The job of the P.B.M.s is to reduce drug costs. Most Americans get their health insurance through a government program like Medicare or through an employer, which pay for two different types of insurance for each person.

Organizations: CVS, New York Times

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