Money
Iran deal may ease fuel costs, but bills and rates face a slower turn
A US-Iran agreement points to a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but delayed talks on harder issues leave questions over how long the economic relief will last
Cost of living news
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- Dating costs First-date bill debate sharpens as dating costs climb With UK daters spending more than £111 a month on dates and apps, old assumptions about who pays are colliding with tighter budgets
- UK energy bills Lib Dems propose discounted basic energy allowance for all households The party says its Essential Energy Guarantee would cut average household bills by £100 a year, with larger savings for those in greatest need
- Cost of living VAT cut to lower some family days out this summer Rachel Reeves said VAT will fall from 20% to 5% on selected attractions, children’s meals and entertainment, but businesses will decide whether to pass on the savings
Inflation
Canada’s inflation rate rises to 2.8% as gas prices surge
Statistics Canada said energy costs drove the April increase, while rent, food and core inflation measures showed slower price growth
Consumer debt
Canadian insolvency filings hit highest first-quarter total since 2009
New federal bankruptcy data shows 37,121 Canadians filed for insolvency in early 2026, as higher living costs and debt pressures continue to squeeze households
Affordability pressure
Nearly 60% of Albertans struggling with monthly bills, CBC poll suggests
The share reporting difficulty meeting expenses is up eight points since last spring and is the highest CBC News has recorded in eight years of asking the question
UK cost pressures
UK prices could stay higher for eight months after Iran war, minister says
Darren Jones said ministers are planning for supply-chain disruption, though price pressure is seen as more likely than empty supermarket shelves
Household finances
Raising a child in the U.S. now tops $300,000 through age 18, LendingTree finds
A CBS News segment highlights the estimate and shares guidance on navigating the expenses, presented by Kelly O’Grady
Energy pricing overhaul
UK plans shakeup to electricity pricing to blunt gas-driven bill spikes
Government sets out consultation to weaken the link between power bills and gas prices within about a year; windfall tax on some generators to rise to 55% from July