Consumers catch a break at the pump ahead of the new year
Thanks to falling gas prices, the average U.S. driver will spend about $100 less on fuel this year, according to Bankrate calculations.
3 min read
Dec 17, 2025
Chris Kahn
Managing Editor, Surveys and Data Studies
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24year news veteran
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3years at Bankrate
EXPERTISE
- Surveys
- Data journalism
- Personal finance
EDUCATION
- Master’s of Mass Communications, Arizona State University
- Bachelor’s of Science (Physics), University of Arizona
- Bachelor’s of Arts (Anthropology), University of Arizona
About the author
Managing Editor Chris Kahn leads the data journalism for Bankrate. He works with reporters to gather, analyze and publish data-driven projects such as our True Cost Report. Drawing on his years of experience, Chris coaches writers and editors on the art of asking survey questions so that we can get the most out of our consumer surveys. He helps teams identify statistical trends and explain what it means for readers.
Prior to joining Bankrate, Chris managed opinion surveys at McKinsey & Co. and Reuters. He ran the political polling operation at Reuters from 2015 to 2021 along with the organization’s polling partner, Ipsos. Chris also covered personal finance at Newsday and was a national business writer at the Associated Press. He started his career covering the agricultural report for the AP in Richmond, Va.
Chris beyond Bankrate
Chris wants you to know
Readers will see Chris’ work on rankings like the Best States to Retire, as well as other data studies. He will also assist Bankrate with its extensive consumer survey program.
Chris's latest articles
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America’s “missing middle” and the struggle for affordable housing
When Richard Amaechi, 27, lost his job as a financial planner in North Carolina, he decided to pull up stakes and return to San Francisco, where his parents still lived. The question was: Had his hometown [...]
7 min read Dec 11, 2025 -
Debunking your broker’s “30% rule” — Americans need to set aside 43% of their income for a home
The longstanding affordability benchmark appears to have become obsolete.
6 min read Dec 11, 2025 -
Priced out of 75% of the market, Americans’ dream of homeownership has become a luxury
In most major markets, fewer than 3 in 10 homes are affordable to the typical household, Bankrate found.
9 min read Dec 08, 2025 -
With homes out of reach, renters are re-defining the American Dream
Rising home prices shift the American Dream as renters seek freedom and flexibility.
5 min read Dec 08, 2025 -
Best and worst markets for homebuyers, ranked
Bankrate ranked major U.S. metros according to two factors: (1) the share of homes for sale that a typical household can afford and (2) the income needed to buy a median-priced home.
1 min read Dec 08, 2025 -
Renovate or relocate? The expensive question facing homeowners
Four homeowners share insights into their financial decision to renovate their homes rather than purchase new ones.
5 min read Dec 08, 2025 -
Late car payments are at a 15-year high. How we got here, and what you can do if you’re feeling the pinch
Here’s what’s driving the rise in missed payments and what this says about the financial health of U.S. consumers and the road ahead for the economy.
5 min read Dec 04, 2025