Saturday,
January 20, 2024

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Top Story

The week in review

•   Wholesale inflation decelerated for the third straight month in December, painting a different picture than consumer price inflation, which ticked up last month.

•   The average 30-year mortgage rate fell to 6.75%, driving an 11% increase in refinance applications, week-over-week.

•   The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell more than expected, hitting its lowest level since September 2022. Continuing claims for benefits also declined, reaching their lowest level since last October.

For more economic news, visit On the Money — SoFi’s one-stop-shop for news, trends, and tips!

Investing 101: This Is Your Year

Investing sounds great, but how do you know where to start?

First things first: Investing isn’t only for people who already have a lot of money. You can start your investing journey at any point in your life.

In fact, if you’re saving for retirement through an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan, you might already be investing! A 401(k) often allows you to choose from preselected investments, like index funds and target-date funds.

Other ways to invest include mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), as well as buying stocks outright. Always be sure to assess the risks before investing. Learn more about how to get started in our Investing 101 hub.

Dipping your toes into the financial waters

Set goals. Your investment strategy should align with your goals. Some investment vehicles are better suited for long-term savings goals like retirement, while other options could help you save for nearer-term needs like a downpayment on a house.

Don’t look too often. If you’re saving for the long-term, time is your friend. Try to avoid making knee-jerk decisions when the market is turbulent. However, if you are worried about long-term economic trends, it could be time to reassess your strategy.


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This week’s top stories

Your raise could be a bit smaller this year
Here’s how much the average private sector salary will grow in 2024.
Read more >>

Worried about becoming like your parents? You might already invest like them
The pandemic, inflation, high interest rates, and more risks ahead for 2024 have millennial and Gen Z investors reconsidering their investing strategies. Are you investing like your parents, too?
Read more >>

Americans keep spending. Can this change the Fed’s rate cut plans?
Retail spending outperformed forecasts in December, suggesting that a key driver of the economy remained strong going into 2024. That’s all well and good, but how will it affect the Fed’s plans for the year?
Read more >>

Deep dives from SoFi Learn

How much of your paycheck should you save?
Most of us need to save money for something. But how much of your paycheck should you stash away? Here’s your guide.
Read more >>

What to do if illness strikes on vacation
Nobody wants to get sick on vacation, but illness while traveling can and does happen, especially in the winter. Here’s what you need to know.
Read more >>

Could you be eligible for a Pell Grant to pay for college?
There are many ways to get help paying for your education. Pell Grants are one of them. Here’s what you need to know about the eligibility criteria.
Read more >>

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