| Subscribe Read in Browser |
 |
| Stat Of The Day |
| 6% |
A lower grocery bill. That’s one of the unexpected side effects of taking GLP-1 meds, like Ozempic and Wegovy, to lose weight. A new study from Cornell University and Numerator found the average user spends 6% less on groceries within 6 months of starting the medications. The main reason for the savings? Skipping the snack aisle, as the study shows users aren’t buying as many calorie-dense, processed foods. |
|
|
|
| Find Your Purpose 101 |
Think you need a lot of money to find your life’s purpose? Think again, says Dr. Jordan Grumet, author of The Purpose Code. As he tells host Jean Chatzky on the HerMoney Podcast, that’s just one of the myths that can hold us back from finding purpose in our lives.
Another roadblock? Thinking you will have only one big, true purpose in your lifetime. Instead, Dr. Grumet says we need to think about two different types – the "little p purpose" and "big P purpose."
"If you want to cure cancer, become a billionaire, or become President of the United States, those are all really hard things to do and most of them are all or nothing," Dr. Grumet says of big P purpose. "Little p purpose is much more process-oriented. What are the things you can do on a daily basis that light you up, that feel exciting, and make you feel like you’re accomplishing something?"
Instead of fixating on one huge, far-off dream, you might find purpose in mentoring a colleague, volunteering at a local charity, or simply spending more time on hobbies that make you happy. These small moments of purpose build momentum and help you show up as your best self, says Dr. Grumet. |
|
|
|
| This Week In Your Wallet |
 |
"Girl math" that has us worried. Pandemic learning loss is hitting girls harder than boys, as The Wall Street Journal reports. "Since 2019, girls’ test scores have dropped sharply, often to the lowest point in decades," writes Matt Barnum. "Boys’ scores have also fallen during that time, but the decline among girls has been more severe. Boys now consistently outperform girls in math, after being roughly even or slightly ahead in the years before 2020." The drop in test scores could lead to bigger issues down the road, namely hampering "women’s educational success and job prospects, as well as the overall health of the American economy," the WSJ notes.
Our hearts go out to those impacted by the unprecedented LA wildfires. To aid victims, Airbnb is offering free lodging. "To support residents who have been displaced from their homes or forced to evacuate by the wildfires, Airbnb.org is working with 211 LA, which serves Los Angeles County, to offer free, temporary housing," the company shared on its website. Those seeking lodging can request assistance by filling out this form.
Medical debt and good news don’t typically belong in the same sentence, but…. Under a new federal rule, medical bills are set to be banned from credit reports. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the rule will eliminate $49 billion in medical debt from the credit reports of around 15 million Americans. "That could help boost those borrowers' credit scores by an average of 20 points, helping them qualify for mortgages and other loans," as ABC News explains. The new rule is set to take effect in March, that is if any legal challenges don’t crop up.
Could we be looking at a stock market three-peat? "In the past five decades, the S&P 500 has gained more than 20 percent in a year on 15 separate occasions," Phil Rosen reports for Inc. "The average annual return of those years hovers at 27.3 percent. In the 12 months after each of those strong performances, the index’s average return hovers at 14.1 percent." In other words, if you aren’t investing in the markets, you’ve been missing out – and the sooner you get in on the action, the faster your money will grow. "Only three times has the S&P 500 turned negative in the year after gaining 20 percent or more. If that pattern holds, then, the benchmark index should fare well in 2025," notes Rosen.
📈 PS, no portfolio? No problem. Get started with InvestingFixx, our investing club for women. No experience required, and your first month is FREE! |
|
|
|
| Things That Save You Time |
|
|
|
|
|
| Ask Jean |
 |
| Q: |
Today’s question comes from a member of the HerMoney Facebook group. She writes: How much should I spend on a child’s birthday party at home or a park? I’m thinking Costco pizzas, salad, drinks and cake for the kids and parents. Thoughts? |
| A: |
If you’re a parent, you know how easy it can be to have a birthday party budget go the way of My Super Sweet 16. One recent survey shows the average child’s birthday party costs $314. About 1 in 5 parents exceed that, shelling out more than $500 to celebrate their offspring.
Let’s bring things back down to reality. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a birthday bash – your Costco pizzas, etc. sound just fine (really good, actually…my stomach’s rumbling as I write this).
As you continue with your party planning, the ladies of the HerMoney Facebook group are weighing in with their best tips for keeping costs down. Here are my faves, in no particular order: |
|
| ● |
"We just had my son's 6th birthday at home…I had 12 pizzas, my mom made a big salad, my sister-in-law brought chips," shares Andrea. "I bought a couple of 2 liters of soda, a case of water, 3 boxes of Capri Sun and a cake from Walmart. It was less than $200. If someone offers to bring something, we always take them up on it." |
| ● |
Shifting the party time can mean big savings, says Aria. "If you plan it outside of a meal time, a meal isn't required. For example, if you did 2 PM-4 PM, cake and a goodie bag with fruit snacks or a granola bar should be fine." |
| ● |
"We usually save by doing decorations from the local dollar store," says Bethany. PS, shoutout to Dollar Tree for having awesome helium balloons that you can pre-order. |
| ● |
Don’t be afraid to limit the guest list, says Pesha. "My mom believed you should only have as many kids as the age the child is turning." |
|
Submit your questions to Jean here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| We maintain a strict editorial policy and a judgment-free zone for our community. We strive to remain transparent in everything we do. Website posts and newsletters may contain advertisements, links and mentions of products from our partners. Learn more about how we make money. |
*This is a sponsored post
**Annual percentage yield (APY) effective as of 1/9/2025 and is subject to change. $1,000 minimum to open. All balances earn disclosed APY. APYs apply when all principal and interest remain on deposit for entire term. Penalty may be assessed for early withdrawal. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Community Savings Member FDIC. |
|
