Understand the costs of renting versus buying a home. Plus: the UAW strike, GDP growth, debit card fees, and AI policy.

Before discussing housing affordability, hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski review noteworthy financial headlines, including an update on the UAW strike against major US automakers, the latest Commerce Department numbers on GDP growth, debit card merchant fees, and the White House’s wide-ranging executive order pertaining to artificial intelligence.

Then, Sean and Anna welcome Jeff Tucker, a senior economist at the real estate website Zillow, to discuss the impact that rising interest rates could have on your decision to rent or buy a home. Jeff provides historical context, explains the factors contributing to the gap between renting and buying costs, and touches on the challenges faced by first-time homebuyers. The discussion also explores the impact of housing inventory on the market, including whether homes are pulled off the market or remain unsold for extended periods.

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: United Auto Workers (UAW) strike, GDP growth, debit card fees, AI Executive Order, housing affordability, renting vs. buying, personal finance, financial news, interest rates, inflation, mortgage rates, the economy, housing market, rental costs, down payments, homebuyers, housing inventory, AI technology, tech regulations, consumer spending, interest rate hikes, bank fees, and home ownership.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com.

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