Friday,
September 27, 2024
Market recap
Dow Jones
42,175.11
+260.36 (+0.62%)
S&P 500
5,745.37
+23.11 (+0.40%)
Nasdaq
18,190.29
+108.09 (+0.60%)
Top Story
U.S. home affordability has hit record lows. But one estimate doesn’t think that will change any time soon.
• The S&P 500 rose to a fresh record close
• Economic data was supportive, showing orders for durable goods held steady where a decline was expected, and the number of Americans filing for first-time unemployment claims fell to the lowest level in four months.
• Core PCE, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure.
The last months of the year tend to be expensive. Between holidays, gift giving, decorations, and hosting, there is a lot to potentially spend money on.
So if you want to avoid overspending in the leadup to this time, you’re not alone.
How to stay in control
Stick to cash or debit. It can be easier to overspend when using a credit card.
Limit temptation. Online shopping (with saved credit card info and quick check out options) can tempt you to spend more. Waiting a few days to see if the urge is still there can help you avoid impulse spending.
Make it a challenge. Everyone loves a little competition, right? A no-spend challenge can help you reign in your spending
Build a holiday budget. A dedicated budget can help you get prepared and stay on track during high-spend periods.
Extreme weather is becoming increasingly expensive for Americans.
Read more >> What does flood insurance cover?Here’s what to consider when deciding if a flood policy should be part of your insurance coverage.
Read more >>Other news that caught our eye
The U.S. Postal Service wants to hike the price of stamps five more times through 2027, but will not raise prices again until next summer, per a recent regulatory document.
Wendy’s will sell smaller $1 Frosty desserts through this weekend, as McDonald’s is struggling with faulty ice cream machines across the country.
Regional airlines’ passenger volume and revenue hit a two-decade low last year, per the Regional Airline Association, suggesting the economy’s strength has been bad for some business models.
Financial planner tip of the day
“Linking your bank accounts can be a great way to manage your finances without making a trip to the bank. Linking can help you optimize your finances by allowing you to use the accounts that offer the best interest rates or other perks while still being able to make transfers between them—even if they’re at different institutions.”
Brian Walsh, CFP® at SoFi