Subscribe Read in Browser |
 |
Stat Of The Day |
30% |
Summer in the Hamptons? Not so hot this year. Rental activity has slowed 30%, according to real estate insiders, with economic uncertainty and subpar weather largely to blame. But if you’ve ever dreamed of being Hamptons-bound, now’s your chance to snag a deal. Some renters are cutting prices by 10-20% to fill vacancies. |
|
|
Getting Off The “Hot Girl Hamster Wheel” |
Katie Gatti Tassin had the job, the paycheck, and the potential. But two weeks after every payday, her bank account was back to zero. Something had to give. What started as a personal money audit turned into Money with Katie, a financial education platform that now helps millions of women take charge of their money.
Tassin joined the HerMoney Podcast to talk about her new book, Rich Girl Nation: Taking Control of Our Financial Futures, and her mission to help women rethink everything we’ve been taught about work, wealth and independence.
One myth in particular? The idea that being “presentable” has to come with a big price tag. Tassin calls it the “hot girl hamster wheel” – Botox, blowouts, brows, skincare, and nails…rinse and repeat.
At her peak, she was spending $300 a month on beauty alone. So she started ranking everything by importance and cutting ruthlessly. “One by one, I just started removing them from my budget and from my schedule,” she shares. “I got rid of pretty much everything else and replaced it with at-home treatments or lower-expense alternatives.”
The payoff? Money, yes – but also time. “I didn't realize how much time and energy I had been devoting to this,” she shares. |
|
|
|
Interest Rate Earnings up to 4X Higher Than the Average CD? Yes, Really. |
|
Think your money could be doing more? You’re absolutely right. This National Annuity Awareness Month, HerMoney is shining a light on the FastBreak™ annuity, available on the Gainbridge® platform — with guaranteed interest rates that outpace average CDs with ease (by up to 4x!)
With FastBreak™, you get:
✓ A guaranteed 5.50% APY¹ with as little as $1,000
✓ A boost to 5.80% APY¹ when you invest $100K+
✓ Up to 10% penalty-free withdrawals each year²
✓ A straightforward, online application you can complete in minutes
Best of all, there’s no market risk. No hidden fees. Just secure, predictable growth — Insurer A- (Excellent) rating from AM Best³
Want to see how FastBreak™ stacks up to a traditional CD? For starters, you can learn more about annuities vs. CDs, or if you’re ready to earn more with confidence, then it’s time to Get Guaranteed Growth. Because every day you wait is a day your money could be doing more. |
|
|
Seeing Value Where Others Don't = A Winning Portfolio |
|
What makes a solid portfolio? For the women in our InvestingFixx club, it’s all about balance. Sure, we’ve got tech. But stocks like United Rentals (which we got into in 2022, at about ⅓ of today’s price) have also been huge winners for us. As our Investing guru Karen Finerman explains — it’s all about seeing value where others don’t. And a pristine balance sheet doesn’t hurt either.
Already in the club? Give yourself a pat on the back–you’re making smart moves for your future. Not a member yet? No worries. Join us here. We meet every other week to dive into the markets, answer your burning questions and help you become a more confident investor. There’s no experience required. We’ll meet you wherever you are – even if you’ve never bought a stock in your life. |
|
|
This Week In Your Wallet |
 |
Flying solo? It could cost you. Some major airlines are charging more for single travelers, according to a Thrifty Traveler analysis. As CNN reports, Delta, United and American have all been called out for what’s being called “a tax on single travelers.” Case in point: The analysis found that a one-way United flight from Chicago to Asheville was priced at $223 for one passenger, but only $207 total for two. The fare gap, Thrifty Traveler says, was almost always found on one-way routes. Turns out, solitude does have a price.
If you’re retiring soon, budget more for health care than you think you’ll need. The Wall Street Journal is spotlighting three major medical costs retirees tend to underestimate: Medications, medical isolation (higher costs in areas with limited healthcare access) and what’s called “concierge care.” “In some areas of the country with large affluent retiree populations, doctors increasingly are turning away patients on Medicare and accepting new patients only if they pay an annual fee for concierge medicine,” reports the WSJ. That annual fee? It averages $3,500 a year. The bottom line: Health care in retirement isn’t just about insurance…it’s about access. Plan accordingly.
Father’s Day is typically all about dad — and hey, he deserves it. But this year, we’re flipping the script: What can dads give their daughters in terms of financial wisdom? We spoke with three awesome girl dads about how they’re setting their daughters up for financial success. One key lesson? Be real from the start about what life actually costs. “As my daughters get older, I try to take them grocery shopping as well as clothes shopping,” shares Brian Stahl, President at Range of Motion Products. “I also talk about what rent and other essential utilities cost. This, in conjunction with discussing what various careers pay, helps my daughters gain perspective on the financial realities of living on your own.” |
|
|
Things That Save You Time |
|
|
|
Ask Jean |
 |
Q: |
Today’s question comes from Joanna. She writes: Our homeowners insurance policy is up for renewal in August, but I’d like to start researching alternatives now. I know we’ll need expanded coverage since we’ve renovated a new space, but I’m hoping to limit the increased price. What’s the easiest way to shop around? |
A: |
In a recent survey of 14,000 homeowners and renters, only about 7% said they’re actually shopping for another insurance policy. Sure, comparing coverage takes time, but it can save you serious money.
Start by asking your family and friends who they use, Googling, or checking with your state insurance department to see what options are available. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners is a great resource, offering info on complaints and insurer ratings in your state. Additionally, many states publish typical rates and complaint frequencies by company.
But don’t just chase the lowest price. Review complaints carefully and talk to a few insurers to get a feel for their service and ask how they might lower your cost. Also, check the financial stability of the companies you are considering with rating firms, such as A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. Once you’ve got a shortlist of three, get quotes and compare them.
When it comes to home upgrades, remember that not everything you’ve done will increase your insurance needs. In fact, improvements, such as a new roof, upgraded wiring or plumbing, and removing a fireplace, can actually lower your premium by making your home safer.
“Anything you can do to improve the safety of your home will help lower your insurance costs,” says Stephen Kates, a CFP with Bankrate. So, be sure to tell your insurer about any safety upgrades – think carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, or security enhancements. “It never hurts to be front of mind with the things you’re doing to protect yourself.” |
|
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
¹ Annual Percentage Yield (APY) rates are subject to change at any time, and the rate shown may no longer be current. Current rate as of June 11, 2025. for a 5-10 year term.
² FastBreak™ does not offer tax deferral; instead, you are taxed annually on interest. Because of this, you do not pay an IRS tax penalty to withdraw funds prior to age 59 ½. Early withdrawals prior to the end of the term may be subject to a withdrawal charge and market value adjustment. Withdrawals above the 10% free withdrawal amount are subject to a withdrawal charge and market-value adjustment.
³ A.M. Best Company assigns ratings from A++ to S based on a company’s financial strength and ability to meet obligations to contract holders. A- (Excellent) is the 4th highest of 16 ratings. For more information about the rating, visit www.ambest.com. Ratings subject to change. Ratings current as of June 11, 2025.
FastBreak™ is issued by Gainbridge Life Insurance Company, Zionsville, Indiana. Products and/or features may not be available in all states. All guarantees based on the financial strength and claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and non-tax-deferred annuities are distinct financial products, each with its own characteristics and purposes. CDs are deposit accounts offered by banks and credit unions, insured by the FDIC or NCUA, and typically provide fixed interest rates for specific terms. Non-tax-deferred annuities (FastBreak™), on the other hand, is an insurance product offered by an insurance company, designed to provide income or growth.
Learn more at Gainbridge.io/fastbreak.
NOT FDIC/NCUA INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NO BANK/CREDIT UNION GUARANTEE | NOT A DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY |
|