Category: U.S. Economy

New York Girl Scout Cookie Prices Rise

Posted on by scott.hodges

Inflation’s impact has extended to a beloved staple of American consumerism: Girl Scout cookies. This year, the price for a box of favorites such as Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs has risen to $7 in New York, marking a $2 increase from the previous year. Meridith Maskara, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, notes that this is the first price hike in six years, driven by unavoidable economic pressures affecting the organization’s 25,000 members across New York City’s boroughs.

This price increase is part of a national trend, with varying hikes across the 111 Girl Scout councils in the U.S., each operating independently and negotiating their own contracts with cookie manufacturers. While some areas like New Jersey have seen prices go up to $6 a box, others have maintained or slightly adjusted their pricing.

The Girl Scout organization emphasizes that their focus is on empowering young girls, not cookie sales. The cookie program is a means to funding broader educational goals. Despite concerns that higher prices may affect sales and, consequently, the funding for troop activities and programs, the Girl Scouts remain optimistic. They emphasize the importance of their sales in supporting educational and recreational opportunities for members. For example, the North Carolina troop uses its cookie proceeds for coding and robotics programs. Leaders and troops adapt to these changes, hoping that the community’s loyalty and support for the Girl Scouts’ mission will continue to drive cookie sales, even at higher prices.

US Treasury Department to Expand Tax Credit Eligibility for Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers

Posted on by scott.hodges

The Biden administration recently released guidelines to expand eligibility for tax credits aimed at reducing the costs of installing electric vehicle (EV) chargers. This move is part of a broader effort to make EV chargers more accessible and affordable for Americans, supporting the administration’s goal of electric vehicles comprising 50% of new car sales by 2030.

Due to uncertainty over which locations would qualify for tax credit, as the chargers were required to be in non-urban or low-income areas, the new guidelines broadened eligibility. The Treasury Department will now cover areas where about two-thirds of the U.S. population resides, primarily outside major cities.

Businesses and consumers who install chargers for either public or private use, will receive a tax credit covering up to 30% of the installation cost. Clean energy supporters project that this will boost the installation of chargers, particularly in communities needing them the most. While EV sales have risen faster than other major car category, they have still not met the expected demand. Some car manufacturers have therefore reduced production. In an effort to broaden the adoption of EVs, these tax credits will increase the number of chargers available across the country.  

The federal government is not only offering up to $7,500 in tax credits for each electric vehicle but is also investing billions in developing a national network of high-speed chargers. The rollout of this network has been slower than expected.

Experts like Luke Tonachel of the Natural Resources Defense Council believe the new guidance will accelerate the deployment of charging infrastructure. Albert Gore III of the Zero Emission Transportation Association also views this as a positive step towards attracting investments in rural and lower-income communities, significantly enhancing public charging availability.

Stanley’s “Quencher” Tumbler Becomes Status Symbol

Posted on by scott.hodges

In the ever-evolving world of trendy water bottles, the Stanley brand has taken center stage with its “Quencher” model, with growing popularity amongst a younger and predominantly female audience. The Stanley Quencher features double-wall stainless steel, which is able to keep liquids hot or cold for extended periods of time. With a 64-ounce capacity, the Quencher is heavy. Its tapered bottom is designed to fit into a car’s cup holder, and it is renowned for its durability after a Quencher not only survived a car fire but still contained ice.

The Quencher has become a social media sensation with the #stanleybrand hashtag boasting 65.3 million views on TikTok and #stanleytumbler with 1 billion views. Recently, the “Stanley + Starbucks” collaboration caused people to camp outside Target stores overnight to be first in line to purchase the limited edition. Listed at an average of $45 a tumbler, resellers are seizing the opportunity to list these exclusive items on eBay for hundreds of dollars.

Not limited to functionality, the Quencher is available in various color options and design accessibility. According to Cassandra Gagnon of WGSN, the Quencher is perceived as more than a water bottle; it embodies a lifestyle, wellness, and health item.

While Stanley was originally crafted for outdoorsmen and even used by pilots in WWII, their more recent marketing strategies, and the production of the Quencher with its different color options, enabled them to branch into a new target market, beginning with working mothers. Once Generation Z discovered the tumbler, the brand’s popularity skyrocketed, with projected annual sales exceeding $750 million in 2023.

As the Quencher continues to dominate social media feeds and fly off shelves, the long-term trajectory of Stanley’s success remains to be seen, with questions arising about its sustainability in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

A New Phone Plan for the New Year

Posted on by scott.hodges

With the new year approaching, consider a more cost-effective cell phone plan. According to the New York Times, a growing trend among wireless plans promises customers significantly lower monthly rates. Budget carriers leasing wireless services from the larger companies offer phone bills at around $25 per month, undercutting the well-known providers whose monthly plans range from $60 to $200 a month.

While a budget carrier may not be able to offer the same network speed performance, download speeds with 5G and 4G technology remain quite fast and users will most likely not notice a difference between the larger versus budget providers. Additionally, with the shift to a hybrid work-week cutting down on commute times, most employees rely more on Wi-Fi connections at home or at the office and less on their cellular network.

Many have reported that the transition to a budget carrier was not always smooth. Customers complained of eSIM activation fees, wireless services that did not activate right away, unhelpful customer service, and failure to send monthly receipts. However, those who have switched over, report savings of 50%, some around $1000 a year, a worthwhile tradeoff for the hiccups they encountered. The discount plans even allow users to buy a physical or eSIM, which can be purchased from their website or app, to test out the service without dropping their current provider. This way, consumers can choose the best option available without any hassle.

If you’re looking to cut your expenses in 2024, switching to a discount phone plan is easy and will not disrupt your lifestyle.

The Future of US – China Relations

Posted on by scott.hodges

According to CNBC, the recent meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping has established a clear boundary in their relationship, offering businesses a sense of certainty. Held in San Francisco during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference, this meeting signifies a commitment to cooperate under the principles of reciprocity and mutual respect, aiming to define areas where the U.S. and China can work together.

Both nations are seeking a new economic normal based on mutual benefit and adherence to established rules. Although Biden maintained export controls due to national security concerns, discussions emphasized the need to address the risks posed by advanced AI systems. Additionally, both sides agreed to revive military talks after a year-long hiatus.

The meeting signals a desire to avoid a downward spiral in their relationship and demonstrates that complete separation between the two economies is unlikely. However, the Biden administration continues its efforts to limit U.S. investment in Chinese companies involved in military-related technologies.

Despite the positive tone, long-standing challenges in U.S. business operations in China persist. While the meeting didn’t result in immediate significant agreements, it did set a cooperative tone, providing stability in the relationship. Nevertheless, companies are likely to remain cautious, focusing on reducing risks and diversifying supply chains based on the actual ground realities in China. The U.S. presidential election in 2024 and Taiwan’s upcoming elections also loom as potential factors influencing the long-term dynamic between the nations.

Wang Dong, executive director of the Institute for Global Cooperation and Understanding at Peking University, said, “I think there’s a lot of consensus coming out of this summit… What you get from this summit is a very clear signal the two countries, they are committed to what we can call recouple, in a way, on the basis of reciprocity and mutual respect… I think this is very important for both countries and indeed for the global economy as well.”

Apples for Less Makes Farmers Stressed

Posted on by scott.hodges

If you like apples, you may be in business right now. As reported by CNN, the price of apples has, weirdly, gone way down from September to October. This is particularly unusual since it’s prime apple season at the moment. Apple prices decreased by as much as 7.9%, in contrast to items like butter, flower and sugar which all increased.

Why the decrease? This year the apple-growing weather has been particularly good with mild temperatures and nice soil. Freight costs have been lower and the changes in the export market have led to decreased prices as well. This is all great news for those of you who love apples – but it has farmers worried.

Read the full article to learn more about the apple issues in the American market and what farmers are suggesting should be done to right the situation.

Senators Warren and Graham Release Digital Consumer Protection Commission Act

Posted on by scott.hodges

Democrats and Republicans are setting aside their differences to impose restrictions on Big Tech platforms. US senators, Elizabeth Warren and Lindsey Graham, released the Digital Consumer Protection Commission Act. The bill calls on Congress to launch a governing body with the ability stop the operation of, or sue, platforms that cause potential harm to consumers. This bill would apply not only to social media platforms, but would extend to respond to new concerns that arise as AI continues to develop.  

Warren said in a statement: “For too long, giant tech companies have exploited consumers’ data, invaded Americans’ privacy, threatened our national security, and stomped out competition in our economy. This bi-partisan bill would create a new tech regulator and it makes clear that reigning in Big Tech platforms is a top priority on both sides of the aisle.”

The Act would establish a regulator to license and police the large tech companies in the US, such as Meta, Google, and Amazon, and set clear rules for tech companies. The bill will also enforce repercussions for companies that violate the law. It would implement safeguards for every customer: families will be able to protect their children from cyberbullying and sexual exploitation by requiring these companies to clamp down on these harmful practices. Families will have the ability to seek compensation should the company fail to do so. The bill will also enable consumers to opt out of targeted advertising in order to protect their privacy.  

According to Graham and Warren’s New York Times op-ed: “No company, no industry and no C.E.O. should be above the law. These reforms will ensure that the next generation of great American tech companies will operate responsibly while remaining on the cutting edge of innovation. It’s time for Congress to act.”

Writers Guild Strike Reaches Tentative Deal

Posted on by scott.hodges

On June 4, the Writers Guild of America announced that they reached a tentative deal on a three-year contract with the Hollywood studios. 11,500 screenwriters joined the writers’ strike, which began on May 2, 2023, claiming a rise in television production that has led to deterioration of working conditions and stagnation in wages.

The growing popularity of streaming has also affected writers, as streaming shows have 8-12 episodes per season, whereas traditional television seasons feature over 20 episodes. Writers are also fighting for better residual pay, which has been affected by streaming, as well. Writers also voiced concerns over the future use of AI, and how that may threaten their jobs.

As the strike began, Seth Meyers said that the strike would not only affect the writers, but would extend to production support, including drivers, caterers, costume cleaners, and set carpenters. During the 2007 writers’ strike, which lasted 100 days, the LA economy lost an estimated $2.1 billion.

In Light of Recent Bank Collapse, Financial Advisors Offer Recommendations for Small Business Owners

Posted on by scott.hodges

Following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in March, financial advisors recommend that small business owners reexamine their bank accounts in order to protect their finances. Small business owners must perform their own risk assessment, should their current bank fail.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insures deposits up to $250,000, and most small business owners have less than that in their accounts. According to a JPMorgan Chase Institute survey of 600,000 of its small business account holders, the median cash balance was $12,100. However, businesses that have employees have higher payroll costs and, thus, higher risk.

A paper published in March 2023 assesses the likelihood of further banks crumbling. Experts advise diversifying one’s holdings in order to have more coverage in the event of a bank collapse. They also point out that holding an account in a separate bank enables the small business owner to wire funds, if one bank seems to suddenly be on the brink of collapse.

Another option is for banks to use the IntraFi Network, which splits a customer’s deposit into smaller amounts of less than $250,000. These smaller lumps are sent to other banks in the system, which grants customers various F.D.I.C-insured accounts.

Ultimately, financial experts and banks advise asking where service providers bank to ensure that there are backups in place.

Uber Reports Increase in Revenue at the end of 2022

Posted on by scott.hodges

While Uber reported a downturn in revenue during the pandemic, chief executive, Dara Khosrowshahi said that the last 3 months of 2022 was the company’s “strongest quarter ever.” Khosrowshahi added that the company expects even more momentum in 2023.

Uber reported $8.6 billion in revenue from the last quarter of 2022, which is a 49% increase from the previous year due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19 limiting travel options. In 2020, during the lockdown at the start of the pandemic, Uber cut around 7,000 employees. However, according to Khosrowshahi, the pandemic is no longer impacting Uber’s operations. In fact, during the last quarter of 2022, active drivers hit an all-time high.

Khosrowshahi claims that the current economic inflation is working to Uber’s benefit in that 70% of drivers say that it is the reason that they join Uber’s platform. As Uber exceeded Wall Street analysts’ estimates for the end of 2022, their stock rose 5.5% in trading at the beginning of February 2023.