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| Stat Of The Day |
| 42 |
That was the average age of a new hire in 2025, up from 40 in 2016. What’s driving the shift? Analysts say economic uncertainty has employers leaning into experience, becoming "a little more risk-averse in terms of who they’re hiring and who they’re willing to bet on in this labor market." |
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| One Free Move That Makes Identity Thieves Miserable |
Every year, millions of Americans fall victim to identity theft and fraud – crimes that can wreak havoc on your finances and your sanity.
During Identity Theft Awareness Week, we’re spotlighting a few smart, simple ways to boost your cybersecurity and lower your risk, starting with freezing your credit.
Freezing your credit is free to do (here’s how) and one of the most powerful moves you can make to lock your financial life down.
"The beauty of a credit freeze is that it prevents criminals from opening new loans or lines of credit in your name. I view this as a much more harmful form of identity theft than payment fraud," says Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst with Bankrate.
Another pro-tip? A solid identity theft protection service can flag suspicious activity early and make it far easier to reclaim your identity if something goes wrong. |
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| This Week In Your Wallet |
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Americans are in line for bigger tax refunds in 2026 and that extra cash could ripple through the economy. Expect a bump in consumer spending, though how it’s used will likely depend on income. "Typically, households making between $30,000 to $60,000 spend about 30% of refunds on discretionary purchases, compared to 15% for households earning $100,000 or more," reports CNBC. Experts estimate refunds could be 15% to 20% larger on average, giving many households a little more room to spend…or save.
The risk of another government shutdown is suddenly back on the table, with a January 30 deadline looming. Democrats have withdrawn support for a spending bill that includes funding for the Department of Homeland Security, following a second fatal shooting by federal law enforcement in Minnesota amid ongoing immigration enforcement in the state. Prediction markets are sounding the alarm, with betting platforms Kalshi and Polymarket putting the risk of a shutdown at nearly 80% on Sunday, up from 10% a day earlier.
Think high earners are immune to credit card debt? Think again. As USA Today reports, plenty of people with big paychecks are carrying balances – and hiding them. A LendingTree survey found that roughly two-fifths of consumers with credit card debt have lied about how much they owe. Among those earning more than $100,000 a year, that number climbs to about half. "People don’t expect people who earn a lot of money to have a lot of credit card debt," says Matt Schulz, chief consumer finance analyst at LendingTree. "And the truth is that having a lot of money doesn’t mean you’re good at managing it."
😮💨 The takeaway? Debt doesn’t discriminate by income. If credit card balances are weighing on you, there are ways to get unstuck. For many, the first step is simply acknowledging where you are and exploring your options. |
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| From Nest Egg To Paycheck: Rethinking Retirement Planning |
When we talk about retirement planning, many of us focus on the saving part. But the real challenge comes later – turning that nest egg into a paycheck that lasts as long as you do.
Christine Benz, director of personal finance and retirement planning for Morningstar, joined the HerMoney Podcast for a conversation about the smartest ways to map out a retirement income plan. Her message? There’s no single "right" way to do it – but there is a way that’s right for you.
"The retirement income approach that makes sense for us is really the one that fits with us psychologically," explains Benz. "Some people might have an appetite for safety… they just kind of want to lock it down, which is what you would get if you purchased an annuity." Others, she points out, might want more flexibility and control over their investments.
Regardless of your approach, Benz says, for many, sitting down with a financial professional is essential. "Get some direct feedback on your personal plan because I think that can provide you with a lot of comfort and peace of mind," she adds.
Get started with this free Retirement Income Planning Guide. It includes the points you should discuss with your advisor to make sure you’re on track for the retirement you want.
🚨 P.S. If you’re approaching retirement – or living it – don’t miss our monthly retirement-focused episodes of the HerMoney Podcast, brought to you by LIMRA. With practical tips and real-world conversations, these episodes will give you the tools to help you feel more confident about what comes next. Subscribe here! |
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| Things That Save You Time |
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| Ask Jean |
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| Q: |
Today’s question comes from Judy. She writes: My homeowners’ insurance bill is out of control. Any tips for bringing costs down? |
| A: |
Homeowners' insurance is one of the costliest parts of homeownership. The good news, though, is that a few smart moves can bring costs down. Here are three of my favorites:
Shop around: Most people don’t. Homeowners’ insurance is a classic "set-it-and-forget-it" bill, but by comparison shopping, you could save real money.
Brag about your credit score: In many states, your credit score is an important driver of the cost of homeowners’ insurance. A higher score can mean lower premiums, so if yours has improved, let your insurer know, or call up a few different providers for quotes.
Harden your home: In high-risk areas, insurers may offer discounts for safety upgrades, home security improvements (which can help snag you discounts ranging from 2% to 20%), or even community-wide resilience efforts. It’s worth asking what improvements could lower your premium. |
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