By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER and ANNE D’INNOCENZIO, Associated Press Business Writers

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumers spent slightly more at retail stores last month after ramping up their shopping in March to get ahead of tariffs.

Sales at retail stores and restaurants rose just 0.1% in April from March, the Commerce Department said Thursday. That is much lower than the previous month’s 1.7% gain, which reflected a surge in car sales as consumers sought to get ahead of President Trump’s 25% duty on auto imports that went into effect this month.

Last month’s tiny increase after the March surge makes it harder to get a clear read on consumer spending trends and reflects the ongoing turmoil and uncertainty in the economy in the wake of Trump’s stop-and-go tariff policies. Many publicly-traded companies have withdrawn or held off on the traditional practice of forecasting their revenues and earnings for the rest of this year because the economic landscape has become so chaotic.

Meanwhile, Americans are increasingly gloomy about the economy’s prospects, according to sentiment surveys, but it’s not yet evident whether that will translate into reduced spending and slower economic growth.

In April, sales were flat or down for many retailers: They plunged 2.5% at sporting goods stores, which saw prices jump last month, according to the government’s inflation report earlier this week. Sales dropped 0.4% at clothing stores, while they ticked down 0.2% at health and personal care stores and slipped 0.1% at auto dealers.

Gas station sales dropped 0.5%, even as prices declined 0.1%. The figures aren’t adjusted for price changes.

Still, there were signs that at least some Americans were willing to spend. Sales at restaurants and bars jumped a healthy 1.2% last month, a sign many consumers boosted their discretionary spending.

And sales at home and garden centers jumped 0.8%, the biggest gain since 2022, which suggests Americans are pursuing more home renovations as elevated mortgage rates cooled home sales.

Trump imposed sky-high tariffs on imports from China last month that fueled fears of a recession, higher inflation, and even the specter of empty shelves by the winter holidays. But on Monday the U.S. and China announced a deal that sharply reduced the duties, partly assuaging those concerns.

Retailers still face a lot of uncertainty around tariffs and how shoppers will react to higher prices after several years of sharply rising costs.

A government report, released Tuesday, showed that inflation cooled for the third straight month in April, though economists and many business owners expect inflation will climb by this summer.

Trump had imposed massive 145% import taxes on Chinese goods last month, thought they were reduced to 30% for the next 90 days. China reduced its retaliatory duties to 10% from 125%.

Also Thursday, retail giant Walmart said its sales grew at a solid pace in the quarter ended April 30, as their customers stepped up purchases of groceries, toys, automotive goods and kid’s clothes. Yet profits slipped and CEO Doug McMillon said the company would soon raise prices to offset the impact of tariffs.

Retailers and importers had largely stopped shipping shoes, clothes, toys, and other items when the duties were so high, raising worries about empty shelves for the key back-to-school and holiday seasons. But many are now scrambling to resume shipping their goods from China while there is a pause in the trade war.

While many retailers and suppliers are relieved with the reduced tariffs, they still face a lot of hurdles. For one, they’re bracing for higher costs for shipping and freight as competition heats up to get their goods on shipping containers.

San Francisco resident Elenor Mak, whose company Jilly Bing manufactures Asian American dolls in China, said she feels some relief that she has a more realistic path forward but the challenges are far from over.

Mak is talking to her factories to see whether her dolls can be produced in time for the winter holidays, but she fears she will be at the back of the production line because she is a small business. She also is unsure about how to price her goods and said she is bracing for cost increases across the board, from third-party testing fees to freight costs.

Before the tariff wars, her dolls had an average selling price of $68. She worries about sending confusing messages to shoppers: “How do you explain: ‘We weren’t going to restock—but now we might—and it could cost 30% more?’” she asked. “We’re doing our best to plan, but we’re still navigating a lot of unknowns.”

D’Innocenzio reported from New York City.

For those who’ve been through one, talk of a recession can be triggering. We’re not officially there yet (as of this writing), but it’s natural to be anxious about increased prices due to tariffs and the potential aftermath.

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Nearly 9 in 10 Americans (85%) have concerns about the tariffs, with one of the top worries being the tariffs resulting in a recession (45%), a NerdWallet survey found.

I recall how the Great Recession demolished jobs across the U.S., including mine. After graduating in 2009, I worked four months as an entry-level executive assistant at a nonprofit before being laid off.

I had limited financial knowledge, a short work history and a lot to prove to break into the field of journalism, my ultimate goal. Along the way, I picked up valuable lessons that might help you manage your finances in a shaky economy.

1. Save what you can

My short work history disqualified me from receiving unemployment benefits, so I relied on my savings account. Even a small emergency fund of $500 can prevent you from falling into debt, and I had socked away enough to cover a few months of expenses.

If you’re still employed, “pay yourself first,” said Samuel Deane, a financial planner at Rora Wealth, an independent financial advisory firm. “Even if it’s $20 every time you get paid, make sure you put that $20 away first and then live your lifestyle with the remainder.” Automate it with direct deposit if you can.

If you’ve lost your job, saving will obviously be tougher. Apply for unemployment if you qualify, and contact your landlord, creditors, area nonprofits and any options you might have to seek relief. If you’re still employed but have had your salary cut, consider taking on a side gig, downsizing cars, altering your living arrangements, and trimming other expenses.

2. Think twice before rejecting job offers

After many interviews and dead ends, I applied for an administrative role at an accounting firm and got hired in December 2009. It paid about $7,000 less than my previous salary. I knew it wouldn’t put my career on track, but it would cover most of my bills, so I took it.

Amanda Grossman, now a certified financial education instructor based in Virginia, made similar compromises after being laid off as a market researcher in Florida in 2008. She took a career counselor’s advice and relocated to Texas for a lower-paying job in the environmental industry.

“[The counselor] said, ‘Look, the economy is not doing well. You need to take that job, it’s going to keep going down; you’re not going to be able to find work,’” Grossman said.

If your sector is hurting and unemployment benefits or savings are lacking, even a less-than-ideal role can help you ride out a recession.

3. Get smart about money

You’ll find a myriad of financial literacy resources online and at your local library.

I struggled to save money on a lower salary. Credit cards became my emergency fund. I don’t recommend this approach, but times were tough. Had I learned about student loan repayment options and debt consolidation options I would have saved heaps on interest and ditched debt faster.

I wish I had made these financial moves:

Used a balance transfer credit card. Paying the fee and moving my debt to a new card with a lengthy 0% APR window would have saved lots of money.
Met with a credit counselor. A counselor could have reviewed my budget and evaluated whether I qualified for a debt management program that consolidated eligible debts into one single payment with a lower interest rate, for a fee.
Called my credit card issuer to understand my options. I could have asked about a financial hardship program early on to keep debts more manageable. Depending on your situation, you can ask for a credit limit increase, negotiate your interest rate, or request a product change to a credit card that doesn’t charge an annual fee.
Financed purchases strategically. Instead of charging purchases at a high interest rate, I might have qualified for a new credit card with a 0% introductory APR. If you can’t qualify for this offer these days, some issuers let you borrow against your credit card’s limit for a fee or a fixed interest rate.

4. Establish multiple streams of income

I still wanted journalism experience and extra income, so on top of my new full-time job, I learned to shoot and edit video. I began freelancing in 2010. A year later, I also launched a small social media consulting business.

Grossman, too, had other goals. “I’ve always wanted to be a writer and I love, love, love talking about money,” she said.

While she was unemployed in Florida, she launched the blog “Frugal Confessions.” She learned new writing skills from books and sought feedback from editors at newspapers. In 2013, she left her environmental job in Texas to run her blog full time.

5. Protect your credit — but protect yourself first

In a recession or during trying economic times, many normal financial rules don’t apply. You may need to carry a credit card balance to buy groceries or address an emergency. You may need to make only the minimum payment to cover rent.

Even with three jobs, I struggled at times to make the minimum payments on my credit cards due to high balances and interest rates. I never defaulted, but I did stress and scramble over it. I wanted a record of on-time payments and the good credit they build so that I could qualify for the low-interest rate offers I’m eligible for now.

That’s a worthy goal if you can swing it, but in times of emergency prioritize paying for essentials like shelter, food, utilities and expenses that help you work. Eventually, you’ll have time to address your credit scores.

6. Make calculated money moves

Eventually, I left my apartment and moved in with roommates. I also read the post-recession climate and, in successive jobs, learned how to ask for a raise. Every year that my workload and responsibilities increased, I made a case for a higher salary. Asking is uncomfortable at first, but it gets easier. The extra money eventually paid off my debts.

A recession’s impact is largely out of your control, but your reaction isn’t. With strategic steps, you can insulate yourself and create new opportunities.

Melissa Lambarena writes for NerdWallet. Email: mlambarena@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @LissaLambarena.

The article Great Recession Taught Me Lessons That Still Apply Now originally appeared on NerdWallet.

By Lacey Pfalz, TravelPulse

Inspired by popular historical drama series and social media, a growing travel trend encourages travelers heading to Europe to enjoy a different accommodation style than a hotel or private cottage: castles.

Castles, especially in the United Kingdom and Ireland, increasingly turn to the travel industry for historic preservation. They’re being restored and refashioned into luxury hotels and vacation rentals for travelers, sustaining both the local communities and the structure’s unique architecture and story.

But why are they becoming more popular? What’s behind the trend? And what should travelers know about staying at these historic properties?

Why are castle stays a growing trend?

There are many reasons people want to stay at historic castles instead of traditional hotels, especially in destinations like the United Kingdom.

By watching historical dramas and traveling with heritage in mind, travelers are inspired by the past and want to immerse themselves in history, admire historic architecture and enjoy peace and quiet in a secluded area away from city life.

A Brendan Vacation private chauffeur and guest in front of Dromoland Castle. (Travelpulse/Travelpulse/TNS)

Don’t believe me? Brendan Vacations, a well-known tour operator specializing in travel to the U.K. and Ireland, has seen a growing interest in itineraries that offer at least one stay in a castle. In 2024, nearly 60% of bookings included at least one overnight stay in a castle. This year, 70% of the operator’s bookings will include an overnight stay in a castle.

“More travelers are seeking immersive experiences that bring a destination’s history and culture to life,” Catherine Reilly, managing director of Brendan Vacations, explains. “From distinctive accommodations to memorable dining, they want stays that leave a lasting impression. Ireland and Scotland conjure images of grand estates, medieval knights and royal courts — romantic visions fueled by both history and popular shows like “Outlander” and “Bridgerton.”

“Whether drawn to real historical sites or inspired by period dramas, many visitors are eager to explore or even spend the night in a castle, indulging in the fantasy of living like royalty.”

Castle hotels also offer experiences that travelers can’t have at a hotel, no matter how many stars it might have.

Aerial view of historic Ashford Castle, now a luxury hotel. (Travelpulse/Travelpulse/TNS)

Ashford Castle is one such castle hotel. Located in County Mayo, Ireland, the five-star castle hotel boasts 800 years of history, luxury accommodations and plenty of unique experiences.

“Home to Ireland’s oldest established falconry school, guests can enjoy this unique tradition alongside activities such as fishing, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, archery, scenic heritage walks, and tennis,” explained Nial Rochford, Managing Director at Ashford Castle. “Each experience is designed to encourage guests to slow down, spend time outdoors, and share meaningful moments in a place full of character and stories. The castle also features a luxury spa …”

A castle stay is often the choice of luxury travelers looking to enjoy all a destination has to offer.

Archery is one of the many experiences guests can enjoy at Ashford Castle. (Travelpulse/Travelpulse/TNS)

Even travel advisers have noticed the growing trend.

“I’ve absolutely noticed an uptick in clients wanting to stay in a castle over the past few years. Most especially in Ireland — it seems every request I get for Ireland wants to spend a few nights in a castle,” said Heather Grodin, CTA-ACC Travel Planner Affiliated with MEI & Mouse Fan Travel.

“Clients are seeing these castle hotels all over social media, or even their favorite TV shows, and they’re wanting to experience that for themselves,” Grodin continued. “It’s the whole ‘when in Rome’ mentality — when else will they have that opportunity and they’re taking advantage of it!”

The difference between castle hotels and rentals

While castle stays are becoming more popular, not all are alike. They can typically be split into two categories: castle hotels, which function just as traditional hotels, and privately owned vacation rentals, which are rented like a Vrbo or Airbnb.

There are a few differences. Vacation rental castles can be great options for large groups, friends or families, special speaker events or big celebrations like destination weddings. They can offer different amenities than a more traditional hotel experience.

Owners Stef Burgon and Simon Hunt restored and transformed Kilmartin Castle into the fairy tale Scottish castle escape that it is today. A popular Vrbo, the castle provides a private chef, veggie garden and local guides who offer experiences ranging from foraging to archaeologist-led history excursions.

“We have noticed a significant rise in travelers seeking unique experiences beyond traditional hotels, said Burgon and Hunt. “With the prominence of social media, people are eager to share memorable moments, and staying in a castle provides the ideal backdrop for that.”

“Furthermore, after the pandemic, many are in search of safe, spacious and picturesque retreats, qualities that castles offer in abundance,” they said. “Travelers now prioritize experiences over materialism, and the chance to stay in a historic castle resonates deeply with that modern traveler desire.”

Castle rentals are typically quite pricey, so if you aren’t traveling in a big group, booking a castle hotel might be more cost-effective. Castle hotels may provide more amenities, on-site experiences, and dining and wellness opportunities than a vacation rental.

The Basil Brooke room inside the Lough Eske Castle Hotel. (Travelpulse/Travelpulse/TNS)

Lough Eske Castle Hotel is a 5-star castle hotel in County Donegal, Ireland. The stunning property offers a luxury hotel stay within a 150-year-old castle and opportunities to immerse guests in Irish culture with archery, falconry and traditional Irish music performances.

“While Lough Eske Castle boasts all the modern amenities one would expect from a luxury hotel, it retains its timeless historical charm,” said Dónal Cox, General Manager of Lough Eske. “Guests will enjoy a unique combination of opulent comfort and rich heritage, with the castle’s elegant architecture and interiors steeped in history…”

“Don’t miss the opportunity to savor gourmet dining that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and be sure to treat yourself to the traditional afternoon tea served in the castle’s cozy drawing rooms – a delightful way to immerse yourself in the castle’s regal atmosphere.”

Tips on how to sleep like royalty

So, what should you or your clients know about planning a stay at a castle?

The first is that no two castles are the same — and that’s true from the experiences available at the castle to the castle’s general accessibility.

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Suppose you or your clients have any physical mobility challenges. In that case, it’s going to be essential to research the individual accessibility of any accommodation you book, especially so for a castle, as some might not have elevators, ramps or other accessibility offerings. If the website doesn’t provide adequate information, contact the general manager directly to inquire.

“With many castles dating back to the European feudal era, from Medieval to Renaissance times, these structures were not created with thoughts of elevator access; modern heating and cooling requirements or for that matter, spa facilities,” explained Camilla Davidson, the UK & Ireland and France Specialist at Red Savannah.

“In many cases, guests could expect steep staircases – with no lift access for luggage; rudimentary air conditioning [if at all] or worse still, accommodation with a modern wing or ugly purpose-built separate building, not remotely resembling the chivalric dream of the main castle property.”

Travelers should consider working with a travel adviser or tour operator to avoid accessibility pitfalls and ensure they book the best castle stay for them.

“…Many are not as ADA-friendly as the U.S. standard,” explains Ronda Helton, Owner and Luxury Travel Designer of The Travel Connection Group. “I was in France last week and was staying in the Loire Valley. The hotel was only two floors high, and no elevator was available.”

“For some, this is not a big deal, but to others, it’s a complete deal breaker,” said Helton. “Also, the grounds may be cobblestones or rough, making it difficult to walk. Handrails are often absent as well.”

Beyond accessibility, some castles might offer different experiences due to the region or other factors. It’s also important to consider how you will be arriving at the castle, as many are located in more remote country areas and require a vehicle transfer or car rental.

“When looking for a castle property, travelers really need to be mindful of location. Choose a property that fits into your itinerary so you’re not driving far out of your way to get to one,” explains Heather Grodin. “They’ll also want to be aware of the amenities offered. Castles can offer dinner shows, falconry, skeet shooting, hunting, golf — the list is endless.

“But not every castle offers all of these things,” Grodin said. “So decide ahead of time what is important to you and select a castle that offers or specializes in that activity.”

No matter what, research and expert help will always improve your chances of finding the perfect place to sleep like royalty.

©2025 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Visit at travelpulse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Isabel Allende has been a literary legend for more than four decades.

The novelist made a living with words before she turned her attention to fiction. Allende worked as a journalist in Chile until she was forced to leave the country two years after the 1973 military coup that led to the suicide of her cousin, Chilean President Salvador Allende, and the installation of Gen. Augusto Pinochet as the dictator of the nation. She continued her work as a reporter while in exile in Venezuela.

While in that country, Allende began writing “The House of the Spirits,” which follows four generations of a family in an unnamed country much like Chile. The novel was originally published in Spain in 1982, and quickly became an international bestseller, making Allende one of the most talked-about authors of the era.

She would go on to write more than 20 works of fiction, including “Of Love and Shadows,” “Zorro,” and “The Japanese Lover,” as well as several works of nonfiction and a children’s book, “Perla the Mighty Dog.” She also founded the Isabel Allende Foundation in 1996 in honor of her late daughter, Paula Frías; the foundation invests “in the power of women and girls to secure reproductive rights, economic independence and freedom from violence.”

Allende’s longtime feminism is evident in her latest novel, “My Name Is Emilia del Valle,” published May 6 by Ballantine. The book tells the story of the title character, the fiercely independent American-born daughter of an Irish nun and a Chilean aristocrat, who convinces a newspaper editor to send her to Chile to cover the nation’s Civil War of 1891. While in Chile, she falls in love with another reporter, Eric Whelan, and meets her long-lost father.

Allende talked about her new novel via telephone from her home in northern California. This conversation has been condensed and edited for length and clarity.

Q: How did the character of Emilia arrive to you?

It all started with the [1891] Civil War in Chile. I was interested in that event because it echoes what happened 80 years later in Chile, with a military coup in both cases. In the first case, it was a civil war, and in the second case, it was a military coup, but there are a lot of similarities. I started researching the Civil War, and then I thought, “I want to tell this story from a neutral point of view. I don’t want it to be on either side of the conflict.” So I thought my narrator would be a foreigner, probably, and then one thing after another led me to the idea of having a woman journalist from California.

Q: What interested you about the Chilean Civil War of 1891?

In the months of battle during the Civil War, more Chileans died than in four years of the War of the Pacific [in 1879-1884], which was against Peru and Bolivia, and they killed each other in the most brutal way. It reminded me of what happened later [in the 1973 Chilean coup], because in both cases, it was a progressive visionary president who wanted to make changes, especially to empower the poor people. In both cases, they had the opposition of the conservatives, and eventually, the military intervened. In 1891, the military split, and that’s why we had a civil war. But in 1973, all the armed forces were against the government. In both instances, the president committed suicide.

Q: Like Emelia, you worked as a journalist. Did you find that your background in journalism helped you when you first started writing fiction?

Of course. I learned everything in journalism, how to conduct an interview, how to research and check the research of more than one source, how to use language to make it efficient so that you chop your reader by the neck in the first few lines and don’t let the reader go until the very end. 

Q: When you started writing the book, did you know that that was the profession you wanted Emilia to have?

Well, what else could it be? I needed someone who would go to report the war. There were very few women journalists at the time, and they were not war correspondents for sure, but I thought I would have to create a character that would have a very good reason to go to the civil war in Chile. So probably she has roots there. That’s how I came up with the idea for Emilia to be an illegitimate child of a Chilean man that is passing through San Francisco and has this child and never cares for her at all. She speaks Spanish because she lives in the Mission, which is at the time the only Mexican neighborhood in San Francisco. She has a Mexican stepfather, so she speaks Spanish. When she tells the newspaper that she’s the right person to report the war, she has these two things: She speaks Spanish and she has roots in the country.

Q: What kind of research did you do while you were writing this novel?

I didn’t know much [at first], but I knew that it had happened and that President [José Manuel Balmaceda] had committed suicide. That’s all I knew. But my brother, Juan, who is a scholar, now retired, helped me with the research. He sent me so much material that I was just drowning in links, documents, books, you name it. The research is there, but it shouldn’t show in the book. It’s like the dancer who leaps across the stage. You don’t want to know how much training there is behind it. You just want to see the dancer leaping. It’s the same with research for a novel. You want to have all the background, but it doesn’t have to show.

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Q: What do you think leads Emilia to strive for more and to challenge the gender roles of that era?

It was the beginning of a women’s liberation movement, but the word feminism didn’t exist yet. I wanted her to be educated, and that’s what the stepfather does. The stepfather tells her, “You are more intelligent than everybody else. You can do whatever you want. No one can put you down.” At one point, the mother says, “She cannot do that. No women are journalists. She will have to do 10 times the effort of any man to get any recognition.” And the stepfather says, “Yes, she can do that.” He gives her that self-confidence, which in a way I think I had when I was a child, somehow I got it in me that I wanted to be financially independent. I must have been 6 years old, and when I was asked, “What would you like to be when you grow up?”, my answer would be, “I want to support myself.” That’s all I wanted, because if you cannot do that, there’s no independence.

Q: Do you have any message for young women, young feminists especially, who might be getting discouraged by what’s happening in the world these days?

I have a book called “The Soul of a Woman,” which is about feminism and how I have experienced it. What I keep telling young women is that a woman alone is very vulnerable. Women together are invincible. So you have to be connected and informed and realize that all what your mothers and grandmothers have gained through incredible struggle, you may lose it in 24 hours. You have to be always vigilant and alert and keep going because this is just the beginning of a very long struggle. Patriarchy has been here for thousands of years. To change the patriarchy for a better way of living will take a long time, and there will be backlash. We have to just keep going,

Q: Would you say that you’re optimistic about the field of journalism as it’s under threat from a lot of quarters?

I have lived through this before. When we had the military coup in Chile, the first thing that happened on the first day was censorship of the press. They closed and eliminated newspapers, radio, TV programs; I had a TV program that was canceled. Immediate censorship is there to control public opinion, and any authoritarian government will try to do that. Teachers and professors are also targeted because they form the minds of the young. This can happen for a very long time, but eventually the truth comes out; eventually, things change. I am 82 years old, I have seen everything, and I know that there are cycles. Things seem really bad. You think that you cannot get out of this, it’s going to get worse probably, but we will get out of it. Don’t give up.