MoneyWatch

Borrowers hoping for some imminent relief were disappointed this week after the latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed inflation higher than expected in January. While that 3.1% rate was lower than December’s 3.4%, it’s still holding steady and significantly higher than the Federal Reserve’s target 2% goal. Higher inflation means elevated interest rates and, with inflation inconsistent, …

Homeownership comes with its joys, but it also entails responsibilities, such as the inevitable need for repairs and maintenance. After all, certain parts of your home — like your roof, appliances or even your HVAC or sewer lines — aren’t designed to last forever. And if you avoid the basic maintenance for these types of things, the issues can compound, …

When it comes to investments, it’s not unusual for traditional assets, like stocks or bonds, to experience major fluctuations — especially during times of economic uncertainty. That’s not always a bad thing, though. For example, when fluctuations occur within the stock market, it can present an excellent opportunity to grow the value of your portfolio, provided that you make the …

A top question on the minds of investors and consumers alike is when might the Federal Reserve make its first interest rate cut after two years of rapid hikes, which have sent mortgage and credit card rates soaring. But after Tuesday’s hotter-than-forecast inflation report, economists have a partial answer: Expect to wait longer. Even before Tuesday’s inflation data, the Federal …

The fur is flying in a legal dispute between two rival toymakers. Kelly Toys, the Berkshire Hathaway-owned company behind the popular Squishmallows stuffed toy, is suing Build-A-Bear, alleging the company rips off its mega-popular design. Kelly Toys claims Build-A-Bear’s recently launched Skoosherz line copies its own products, including using “same distinctive trade dress,” according to a lawsuit filed Monday in …

After winning Super Bowl LVIII,not to mention attracting feverish interest inhis romantic relationship with Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce is setting his sights on Hollywood. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end is making his foray into the movie business as executive producer on “My Dead Friend Zoe,” an independent film set to premiere at the South by Southwest film festival in …

What a difference a zero can make. Lyft shares enjoyed a short-lived pop after Tuesday’s closing bell, surging as much as 67% after the company issued an outlook mistakenly projecting that its margins would expand an astounding 500 basis points. Less than an hour later, the ride-sharing provider offered that the estimate had missed the mark — by a lot, …

It’s Valentine’s Day, and some couples might be going out together for the first time. The special occasion brings up an age-old question as the unwritten rules of dating change: Who should pay on the first date? As it turns out, a majority of Americans still hold traditional views on that topic. Over 70% of Americans believe that in heterosexual …

A few months ago, Derek Carrier started seeing someone and became infatuated. He experienced a “ton” of romantic feelings but he also knew it was an illusion. That’s because his girlfriend was generated by artificial intelligence. Carrier wasn’t looking to develop a relationship with something that wasn’t real, nor did he want to become the brunt of online jokes. But …

Columbus, Ohio — A federal judge extended a block on enforcement Monday of an Ohio law that would require children under 16 to get parental consent to use social media apps, as a legal challenge proceeds. U.S. District Court Judge Algenon Marbley’s decision to grant a preliminary injunction prevents the law from taking effect while a lawsuit filed earlier this …