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Stat Of The Day |
$8.5 Billion |
There’s a new gender gap…and this one’s hitting us right in the pharmacy line. A recent study shows women are shelling out 30% more than men on prescription drugs, racking up $8.5 billion in extra out-of-pocket costs in 2024 alone. Why? Experts say it’s because we visit doctors more often, fill more prescriptions, and manage more chronic conditions, leading to (much) greater out-of-pocket costs across the board. |
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This Month’s InvestingFixx Dilemma: Stick With United Rentals Or Make Room? |
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If you had to choose, would you bet on Reddit, Affirm, or Dollar General? That was the big question at this week’s InvestingFixx meetup, where members weighed three potential additions to our model portfolio. And would you choose any of them if it meant that you had to sell United Rentals, a stock that has performed exceptionally (up over 160%) since we added it to our portfolio in June of 2022?
Each month, we present four stock picks, talk through them, and vote. We buy $1,000 of shares in the winner for our model portfolio (we don’t pool assets, though we know that many of our members are buying for their own accounts right along with us). And sometimes — as is true this month — we have to sell one holding to make room for something else (which happens IRL, of course, when you’re working with a finite amount of capital).
In this week’s meeting, Reddit earned props from one member who loved this interview with the company’s CEO. We’re fans of the human-curated content and the company’s growing ad revenue…but a drop in search traffic (thanks, AI) gave us pause.
As for Affirm? InvestingFixx co-founder Karen Finerman recently made the case for taking a look at the buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) firm. Why? The company has seen impressive growth and signed new retail partners, like Costco. Still, tariffs could be a wild card and the BNPL space overall has seen an increase in delinquencies.
So…what will we pick? Join the club (your first month is always free) and find out, here. |
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Things That Save You Money |
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This Week In Your Wallet |
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The latest lesson in estate planning comes from an unlikely source – Margaritaville. Jimmy Buffett’s $275 million estate is at the center of a heated battle between co-trustees – his widow, Jane, and his longtime business manager and accountant, Richard Mozenter. Jane Buffett is suing to have Mozenter removed as a trustee, accusing him of charging excessive fees and being “openly hostile.” He’s firing back, claiming she’s the uncooperative one. While the feud is juicy enough for Page Six, it’s also a cautionary tale for the rest of us, as CNBC reports. The two big takeaways? First, talk about your estate plans while you’re still here…surprises only lead to conflict. Next, think twice before naming a friend or business associate as a trustee. “While today’s wealthy often name a trusted friend to a family trust, the trustee may have a different relationship with the beneficiary and can see themselves as carrying out the wishes of the descendant — which is not the job of a trustee,” notes CNBC.
Thinking about clicking “Buy Now, Pay Later” at checkout? You might want to take a beat. As The Wall Street Journal reports, FICO is set to launch a new credit score model this fall that will factor in BNPL loans. “The credit-scoring industry has long puzzled over how to evaluate these loans because they are so different than, say, a credit-card loan or auto loan,” the WSJ notes. The installment plans – which are typically paid in four interest-free chunks over six weeks (though terms can be extended at varying rates of interest) – have become one of the fastest-growing forms of consumer credit in recent years, with the value of BNPL loans in the U.S. expected to reach $108 billion this year.
Is there a best day to book a hotel stay? Yes, say experts, and knowing when to click “reserve” can lead to big savings. While a good rule of thumb for snagging a cheap plane ticket is to book on a Monday or Tuesday, the exact opposite is true of hotels. “A general rule is to avoid booking hotels at the beginning of the week, say Monday to Wednesday, as this is a peak time people are planning their trips, so there’s a lot of demand,” travel expert Samantha Brown tells HerMoney. “That demand falls off towards the end of the week when hotels see that they’re not going to fill their rooms, so they start decreasing the prices by Friday and Saturday, making those days the best time to book a hotel.” |
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Ask Jean |
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Q: |
Today’s question comes from Lynette. She writes: I’m 43 years old, a mother, and dyslexic. Getting a job is difficult. Are there any organizations that can help support me in my search? |
A: |
Thanks for your question, Lynette, and yes – there are a number of organizations that can help support you in your job search and connect you with inclusive employers. Here’s a roundup of some popular resources:
Job Accommodation Network (JAN): JAN offers free, confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you’re unsure how to talk to an employer about your needs or need advice on how to request accommodations, JAN can walk you through it.
The Dyslexia Foundation: This organization offers support and mentoring for adults with dyslexia who are looking for employment. It also helps to bridge the gap between employers and employees, with a goal of creating a more supportive work environment.
American Job Centers: These centers offer free, local career services including resume help, job placement assistance, and access to training. Many centers have disability specialists to help you through the job-hunting process. You can search for a center near you, here.
I’d also suggest checking out job boards that focus on connecting people with disabilities with inclusive employers, including abilityJOBS.
Best of luck, Lynette – we’re rooting for you! |
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Submit your questions to Jean here. |
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