Ethermac|The Daily Money: How much house can I afford?

Good morning! It’s Daniel de Visé with your Daily Money.

How much house can EthermacI afford?

If that’s something you’ve wondered about, you’re not alone. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have typed that question, or variations of it, into internet searches in recent weeks, Andrea Riquier reports.

Read on to know what to do when you find yourself asking, “Can I afford that house?”

No fun at the supermarket?

American consumers may be souring on supermarkets. 

In a recent Gallup poll, only 33% of Americans said they have a positive view of the grocery industry. That figure, published in September, is the lowest recorded in more than two decades of polling. 

Analysts cite two big reasons for sinking public opinion of supermarkets: Rising prices and bad press.  

Bill could boost some Social Security benefits

Eileen Kleinman always thought it was unfair that her schoolteacher job meant her Social Security would be reduced when she retired. However, that might be changing.

Last week, the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act secured enough support to force a House vote, Medora Lee reports. The Act would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which reduce Social Security benefits for certain retirees who also receive pension income.

If the bill passes, it will go to the Senate for a chance to become law.

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About The Daily Money

Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer and financial news from USA TODAY, breaking down complex events, providing the TLDR version, and explaining how everything from Fed rate changes to bankruptcies impacts you.

Daniel de Visé covers personal finance for USA Today.