Your Money: High gas prices and the true cost of college

May 11, 2026

	By Mike Dang

Hi everyone,

I called my mom yesterday on Mother’s Day and while catching up, she told me that she had stopped visiting her friends as much or going out in general because of high gas prices. She and my father live in California, where gas now costs more than $6 per gallon. She also mentioned that my younger brother, who lives about an hour away from my parents, hadn’t visited in more than a month, also because of gas prices.

Our economics team is working on a story about how high gas prices are affecting people all across the country. What things have you cut back on or changed in your life to adapt to soaring fuel costs? How are you feeling about the U.S. economy? Tell us here.

Below, you’ll find some highlights from our money coverage from the past seven days. Have a great week.

In an illustration, a person feeds documents into a machine that resembles a college building.

Robert Neubecker

your money

With Just One Word, Brandeis Is Trying to Change College Shopping

A new tool on the university’s website tells you what the first year “will” cost if you get in.

By Ron Lieber

Mr. Watts, with one hand on a gas nozzle, fills up his van at a gas station.

Consumers Lean on a ‘Hamster Wheel’ of Credit to Manage Rising Costs

As prices increase for gas, groceries and other staples, more and more households are borrowing to get by.

By Stacy Cowley

Why Two Big Companies Just Cut Paid Family Leave

Deloitte and Zoom are among the employers reducing support for working parents, signaling a retreat from a “golden age of benefits.”

By Claire Cain Miller

An illustration of a green mask that looks like a dollar bill.

your money adviser

You May Be Owed a Tax Refund From the Covid Era

A court ruling found that the I.R.S. shouldn’t have charged penalties and interest during the pandemic. But the government may appeal the decision.

By Ann Carrns

An illustration depicts a house covered in green leaves that are flying off one end, revealing a bare tree. An older man rakes the leaves, now dollar bills, from the yard.

retiring

Retirees Expect Their Home to Be a Financial Safety Net. They Shouldn’t.

Older homeowners often can’t afford to maintain their houses or don’t understand the value in updating them. And that can mean thousands lost when they sell.

By Martha C. White

Pat Archer, in a black blouse and long necklace, stands for a portrait, her hands clasped in front of her.

When You’re ‘Fired From Retirement’

People return to work for many reasons, but the biggest is financial need. As costs remain high, more retirees could be looking to re-enter the job market.

By Kurtis Lee

In an illustration, a spinning ceiling fan with dollar bills for blades is viewed from below.

your money adviser

Utility Bills Are Likely to Be Higher This Summer. Here’s What You Can Do.

The average bill is forecast to rise 8.5 percent. There are simple ways to make sure you’re not overpaying, like getting your air-conditioning checked.

By Ann Carrns

Energy Secretary Floats Pause in Federal Gas Tax

The tax is a little over 18 cents a gallon for gasoline. With the average national price above $4.50, the measure will provide little relief.

By Adam Sella

A yellow McDonald’s M is mounted on the side of a building.

Consumers Aren’t Cutting Back on Fast Food, Even as Other Costs Climb

A 35 percent rise in gas prices didn’t dampen demand at restaurants like McDonald’s, Burger King and Taco Bell, which reported increased sales.

By Julie Creswell

An illustration showing large dollar bills covering the tops of cubicles occupied by workers.

Shop Talk

Why Some People Are Allergic to ‘Peanut Butter Raises’

The beloved spread has become a metaphor for things that are less than delicious.

By Lora Kelley

An illustration shows a person wearing an airline employee’s red-and-blue uniform holding up a hand as if to say “stop.” The person’s head is a stopwatch with just a couple of minutes left of it, and 10 small British Airways-style jets with red and blue markings are flying around in the background.

Tripped Up

Help! We Got to the Gate in the Nick of Time, but Missed Our Flight.

A California couple rushed through Heathrow to catch their connecting flight, arriving with minutes to spare. But British Airways had already given away their seats.

By Seth Kugel

Empty airport check-in counters with Spirit Airlines branding and a large banner reading “Latrobe voted the best Spirit station ’23.”

Spirit Was the Only Airline in Town. Now What?

Spirit’s presence was a point of pride in Latrobe, Pa., where the security lines were short and airport parking is free. Residents are mourning the loss.

By Gabe Castro-Root

A tall gray tower in an urban setting rises into the blue sky. In the foreground, the head and neck of a horse pulling a carriage can be seen.

Frugal Traveler

A Cheapskate in Dublin

Here are five ways to explore the energetic Irish capital without spending a fortune. Free music and storytelling play a role.

By Elaine Glusac and Michael Vince Kim

How are we doing?
We’d love your feedback on this newsletter. Please email thoughts and suggestions to yourmoney_newsletter@nytimes.com.

Like this email?
Forward it to your friends, and let them know they can sign up Your Money.

If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.

You received this email because you signed up for Your Money from The New York Times.

To stop receiving Your Money, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings.

Subscribe to The Times Get The New York Times app

Connect with us on:

Change Your Email Privacy Policy Contact Us California Notices