The FTC Is Now Requiring Car Dealerships to Advertise the Real Price — Ending Teaser Pricing
By SalaryFor.com – real salaries for all professions
For decades, car dealerships have advertised artificially low teaser prices that excluded doc fees, dealer add‑ons, prep fees, and mandatory packages. Buyers often discovered the real cost only at the end of the process — sometimes thousands of dollars higher than the advertised price.
That era is finally ending.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is now moving forward with a rule that requires dealerships to advertise the real, all‑in price of a vehicle. This includes doc fees, dealer add‑ons, and mandatory packages — everything except sales tax, which varies by municipality and cannot be standardized.
Here’s what the new rule means, why it’s happening now, and how it will change the car‑buying experience.
What Dealerships Must Now Include in the Advertised Price
Dealerships must now include doc fees, dealer add‑ons, mandatory protection packages, prep fees, VIN‑etching charges, nitrogen tire fees, and any other non‑optional charges in the advertised price. Sales tax is the only excluded item because it varies by city, county, and state.
The advertised price must now reflect the true cost before tax — not a teaser number no buyer can actually pay.
Used Cars and Buy‑Here‑Pay‑Here Lots Are Covered Too
Buyers should also know that the FTC’s new pricing‑transparency rule applies to both new and used vehicles, including certified pre‑owned units, fleet resales, and even the small buy‑here‑pay‑here lots that have historically relied on the most aggressive teaser pricing and hidden‑fee practices. These lots must now advertise the real, all‑in price before tax just like traditional dealerships, and they can no longer lure buyers with a low headline number only to reveal doc fees, prep fees, dealer add‑ons, or mandatory packages after financing discussions begin. This closes a major loophole that disproportionately affected lower‑income buyers, who were often targeted by these lots and hit with unexpected charges that dramatically increased the final cost of the vehicle.
Why the FTC Is Changing the Rules Now
Consumer complaints have surged, with buyers reporting bait‑and‑switch pricing at record levels. Hidden fees became a major frustration point, especially as dealer add‑ons grew more aggressive and often mandatory. Doc fees ballooned in many states, with some exceeding $900, allowing dealers to artificially lower the advertised price while raising the final cost.
Comparison shopping became nearly impossible because each dealership hid different fees. The FTC determined that the system was fundamentally misleading and needed reform.
What the New Rule Fixes
Teaser pricing is no longer allowed. Dealers must advertise the real price before tax, not a stripped‑down base price.
Hidden fees must be disclosed upfront rather than appearing only in final paperwork.
Mandatory add‑ons must be included in the advertised price, eliminating the practice of forcing buyers to purchase packages they never asked for.
The overall buying experience becomes clearer, more predictable, and easier to compare across dealerships.
Real‑World Example of How Pricing Changes Under the New Rule
Old advertised price: $28,995
Hidden Fees: Doc fee: $699 Dealer add‑ons: $1,495 Prep fee: $395 Mandatory package: $995
True price: $32,579 before sales tax
Under the new FTC rule, the dealership must advertise $32,579 now — not $28,995
Fines for Non‑Compliance
Dealerships that fail to follow the new pricing‑transparency rule face significant penalties. The FTC can issue civil fines for each violation, and the amounts can escalate quickly because every misleading advertisement, listing, or sales interaction counts as a separate offense.
Dealers may also face additional consequences such as required refunds to affected customers, mandatory corrective advertising, and investigations that can expand into other dealership practices.
The FTC has made it clear that non‑compliance will not be treated lightly. The agency views deceptive pricing as a direct consumer‑harm issue, and enforcement actions are expected to increase once the rule is fully implemented.
How to Report Dealerships That Violate the New Rule
Buyers who encounter misleading pricing or discover hidden fees that were not included in the advertised price can report the dealership directly to the FTC.
Reports can be submitted through the FTC’s public complaint portal, where consumers can document the dealership name, the advertised price, the actual price presented, and any supporting screenshots or paperwork.
Consumers may also report violations to their state’s attorney general, who can pursue additional penalties under state consumer‑protection laws.
The FTC encourages buyers to report violations because consistent reporting helps identify patterns of abuse and supports enforcement actions against dealerships that refuse to comply.
What Buyers Should Expect Going Forward
Pricing will be more honest and easier to understand. Surprises at the dealership will decrease. Comparison shopping becomes simpler because all required fees must be included upfront. Online listings will reflect the real cost before tax. Budgeting becomes more predictable for buyers.
The FTC’s new rule is one of the biggest consumer‑protection changes in the auto industry in decades — and it directly benefits everyday buyers.
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In: Finance · Tagged with: dealer add ons, dealer doc fees
Why Mortgage Rates Are Still High and Why They Will Stay That Way
By SalaryFor.com – real salaries for all professions
Homebuyers hoping for relief in mortgage rates this year are running into the same wall: borrowing costs remain stubbornly high, and experts increasingly believe they may stay elevated longer than anyone expected.
The reason isn’t just inflation or Federal Reserve policy. It’s something bigger — the record‑high U.S. national debt and the rapidly rising cost of maintaining it.
Here’s what’s happening, why mortgage rates haven’t fallen, and why they may remain persistently high.
What the Current Mortgage Rate Is
As of this week, the average 30‑year fixed mortgage rate is hovering around 6.7% to 7.2%, depending on credit score, down payment, and lender competition.
That’s far above the sub‑3% rates seen in 2020–2021, and even higher than the 4–5% range many buyers expected once inflation cooled.
Mortgage rates are refusing to fall — and the national debt is a major reason why.
Why Mortgage Rates Stay High: The National Debt Problem
The U.S. national debt has climbed past $35 trillion, and the cost of servicing that debt has exploded. Higher interest rates mean the government must pay more to borrow, and those borrowing costs ripple directly into mortgage rates.
Here’s how it works:
Government borrowing competes with homebuyers. When the Treasury issues more bonds to finance the debt, it increases demand for capital. Mortgage lenders must offer higher rates to attract investors away from safer Treasury bonds.
Higher Treasury yields = higher mortgage rates. Mortgage rates track the 10‑year Treasury yield closely. When yields rise because of debt pressure, mortgage rates rise with them.
The government’s interest bill is ballooning. The U.S. now spends more on interest payments than on defense. That forces continued heavy borrowing, which keeps yields — and mortgage rates — elevated.
Key Drivers Keeping Mortgage Rates Elevated
Record National Debt: Over $35 trillion
Impact: More Treasury issuance pushes yields higher Result: Mortgage rates stay elevated
High Federal Interest Costs: Interest payments now exceed $1 trillion annually
Impact: Government must borrow more just to pay interest Result: Persistent upward pressure on yields
Sticky Inflation: Inflation has cooled but remains above target
Impact: Fed hesitant to cut rates aggressively Result: Mortgage rates remain high
Investor Demand for Higher Returns: Investors want higher yields to offset risk
Impact: Mortgage‑backed securities must offer competitive returns Result: Mortgage rates stay elevated
Mortgage Rates vs. National Debt: Key Differences
Current Mortgage Rate 30‑year fixed: 6.7%–7.2% 15‑year fixed: 5.9%–6.3% Trend: Flat to slightly rising
National Debt Pressure: Record high
Interest costs: Surging Trend: Increasing Treasury issuance
Why They’re Connected:
Mortgage rates follow Treasury yields.
Treasury yields rise when debt issuance rises.
More debt = higher yields = higher mortgage rates
Why Mortgage Rates May Stay Persistently High
Even if the Federal Reserve cuts rates, mortgage rates may not fall much because:
The national debt is not going down. Borrowing needs remain high, and Treasury issuance will continue.
Investors demand higher yields. With rising debt and geopolitical risk, investors want stronger returns.
The government competes with homebuyers for capital. More government borrowing means lenders must raise rates to attract investors.
The Fed cannot cut aggressively. Cutting too fast risks reigniting inflation — and raising long‑term yields.
The bottom line: mortgage rates may stay higher for longer because the national debt is structurally pushing yields upward.
What Homebuyers Should Expect
Buyers should prepare for a world where:
• Mortgage rates stay in the 6–7% range
• Refinancing opportunities are limited
• Home prices remain elevated due to low inventory as homeowners with low mortgage rates no longer sell
• Affordability stays tight for first‑time buyers
The era of ultra‑low mortgage rates is likely over — not because of inflation alone, but because of the long‑term fiscal reality of the United States.
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In: Finance · Tagged with: home interest rates
Slate vs. Ford Fathom: Which Upcoming EV Truck Will Be the Better Daily Commuter?
By SalaryFor.com – real salaries for all professions
The electric truck market is about to get its first true budget showdown. Slate Auto is entering with a compact, ultra‑affordable EV pickup designed for everyday driving. Ford’s newly announced Fathom EV arrives with a low starting price and the weight of a major automaker behind it.
For commuters, the real question is simple: which truck will make daily driving easier, cheaper, and more predictable?
This comparison focuses on the factors that matter most: pricing, range, charging convenience, comfort, size, passengers, and long‑term ownership costs.
Pricing: Slate Takes the Lead
Slate Auto has officially priced its electric pickup at $24,950 and including destination charges, the total starting price is $26,400
Ford’s Fathom EV starts at $28,350, with a destination charge of $1,595, bringing the total starting price to $29,945
Both trucks fall under the $30K commuter‑friendly threshold, but Slate is now the clear price leader for cost‑conscious drivers.
Slate EV Truck vs. Ford Fathom EV Truck: Key Differences
Pricing:
Slate EV Truck: $24,950 base; $26,400 with destination
Ford Fathom EV Truck: $28,350 base; $29,945 with destination
Range:
Slate EV Truck: 150–200 miles (estimated)
Ford Fathom EV Truck: 250–300 miles (estimated)
Charging Speed:
Slate EV Truck: Slower DC charging; optimized for home overnight charging
Ford Fathom EV Truck: Faster DC charging; broader public charging network
Vehicle Size:
Slate EV Truck: Compact truck; easier city parking
Ford Fathom EV Truck: Midsize truck; better highway comfort
Passenger Capacity:
Slate EV Truck: 2–4 depending on cab
Ford Fathom EV Truck: 5 expected
Interior Comfort:
Slate EV Truck: Minimalist, durable, simple commuter layout
Ford Fathom EV Truck: More refined, quieter, larger screens
Best Use Case:
Slate EV Truck: Urban commuting; short‑range driving; budget‑focused buyers
Ford Fathom EV Truck: Suburban commuting; mixed driving + weekends; drivers needing more range
Range: Ford Wins for Longer Daily Drives
Ford is expected to deliver 250 to 300 miles of range, giving commuters more flexibility for longer drives, skipped charging days, and weekend travel.
Slate’s estimated 150 to 200 miles is ideal for short daily commutes but less suited to drivers who regularly exceed 40 to 60 miles per day or rely heavily on public charging.
If range is a priority, Ford is the safer choice.
Charging Convenience: Different Strengths for Different Drivers
Ford’s faster DC charging and broader charging partnerships make the Fathom better suited for commuters who rely on public charging or travel frequently.
Slate is designed around simple overnight home charging. For drivers with a garage and predictable routines, Slate fits naturally into daily life. For drivers who need fast charging on the go, Ford offers more flexibility.
Size and Maneuverability: Slate Shines in Tight Urban Commutes
Slate’s compact footprint is one of its biggest strengths. It fits easily into tight parking garages, narrow city streets, and crowded urban environments.
Ford’s Fathom is a midsize truck. It offers more interior space and better highway comfort, but it is less nimble in dense urban cores.
Urban commuters will appreciate Slate’s smaller size. Suburban commuters will appreciate Ford’s comfort and space.
Interior Comfort: Ford Offers More Refinement
Ford is expected to deliver a more polished interior with better sound insulation, larger screens, and more premium materials.
Slate’s interior is intentionally simple. Durable. Easy to clean. Minimalist.
For long highway commutes, Ford is the more comfortable choice. For short city hops, Slate’s simplicity is perfectly adequate and easier to live with for budget‑minded drivers.
Total Cost of Ownership: Slate Still Holds the Edge
Even with Ford’s aggressive pricing, Slate is still likely to be cheaper to insure, cheaper to repair, and cheaper to maintain.
Ford’s larger battery and midsize proportions will generally increase insurance and ownership costs. Slate’s smaller footprint and lower starting price keep long‑term costs down.
For commuters who prioritize affordability above all else, Slate remains the stronger choice.
Commuter Verdict
Choose Slate EV Truck if you want:
- The lowest possible upfront cost
- Easy parking and maneuverability
- A simple, durable commuter truck
- Predictable short‑range daily driving
Choose Ford Fathom EV Truck if you want:
- More range for longer commutes and trips
- More comfort and interior refinement
- Large dealer network for ease of maintenance
- Faster charging and better public charging access
- A truck that can handle both commuting and weekend travel
- Available BlueCruise for level 2 driving autonomy
Both trucks serve different commuter profiles. Slate is the ideal city commuter. Ford Fathom is the ideal suburban commuter.
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In: Finance · Tagged with: ford fathom, slate truck
