| Subscribe Read in Browser |
 |
| Stat Of The Day |
| 4.9 Seconds |
In the time it takes to read this sentence, someone will probably become a victim of identity theft (it happens every 4.9 seconds). Last year, that translated to over 6.4 million reports and $12.7 billion in losses. With scammers getting more creative by the second, it’s a good time to lock down your digital life. Here are a few smart ways to start. |
|
|
|
| Things That Save You Money |
| ● |
Eat, save, repeat. When you join AARP for $11 a month, you can cash in on some big benefits – like 10% off your next meal at Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, Moe’s, Carraba’s and other eateries. |
| ● |
You’re probably used to comparing prices on things like toilet paper. But if you’re not price-comparing between Uber and Lyft, it’s likely costing you hundreds of dollars a year. (#Whoknew?) |
| ● |
Breakfast for dinner, anyone? IHOP’s "Kids Eat Free" deal runs through December 21. From 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily, when you order an adult entree, your little ones can pick something off the kids’ menu at no cost. |
|
|
|
|
| This Week In Your Wallet |
 |
Is pizza the new crystal ball for the economy? It might be. As The New York Times reports, pizza chains – which account for two-thirds of the nearly $50 billion-a-year pizza industry – have seen mostly flat sales since 2023. Even mom-and-pop shops are getting a little crispy around the edges. "Before, a customer would get two pies, wings, garlic knots and soda, all of the extras," says Jerry Carollo, owner of Prima Pizza Kitchen in Somerville, New Jersey. "Now, they’re just doing the pizzas." Experts say there are a number of factors to blame, including economic uncertainty, rising costs and a growing appetite for wellness trends.
A little more certainty could soon be baked into your 401(k). Beginning in 2026, Vanguard plans to let workers convert part of their retirement savings into an annuity, offering something that mimics the predictability of pensions, which fewer Americans have these days. "There is far less guaranteed income in retirement," Lauren Valente, head of workplace solutions at Vanguard, tells The Wall Street Journal. "Annuities provide a stream of income that is insulated from stock-market losses and can eliminate the risk of running out of money."
🪺 For many, the scariest part of retirement isn’t the market – it’s the math. Will your money last? A permanent, predictable "paycheck" from an annuity can help put worries to rest by turning a portion of your nest egg into steady, dependable income.
As 2025 winds down, we’re looking back at five of the year’s biggest money trends, and whether they’re worth carrying into 2026. One of them? Underconsumption, or the simple idea that, honestly, we don’t need all that stuff. "For some, underconsumption messaging (and reinforcement) could provide a nice alternative to the upscale lifestyles that the algorithm loves," writes Julie Guntrip. "However, like with the ‘no-spend’ challenge, putting pressure on yourself to live in the extreme could lead to guilt and anxiety. Underconsumption could also be equally as performative as overconsumption." |
|
|
|
| 🎨 The Art Of Being Your Own Boss |
More and more Americans are turning to freelance work — sometimes by choice, sometimes by circumstances. And, while the freedom can be empowering, the unpredictability is real.
Longtime freelancer Emily Guy Birken has spent over a decade navigating irregular income, quarterly taxes, inconsistent clients, and the emotional highs and lows of being your own boss. She joined the HerMoney Podcast to share the systems, protections, and mindset shifts that help freelancers find stability — including the year she accidentally built a nest egg just by over-saving for taxes.
Her top tip? Never work without a contract. It’s the simplest way to avoid one of freelancing’s biggest pitfalls – not getting paid.
"For clients who just don’t pay, being the squeaky wheel is part of it," Guy Birken shares. "If you’re a member of a union, or if you’re a member of an organization that can also be very helpful, because they will sometimes give you access to legal counsel. And even just the threat of going after them with the law can be enough for them to cough up the money." |
|
|
|
|
| Ask Jean |
 |
| Q: |
Today’s question comes from Paula. She writes: "Are CDs worth it right now, or should I keep my cash liquid?" |
| A: |
It depends. The interest you earn via certificates of deposit (CDs) can be worth it if you know you won’t need the money for the full term.
Start by considering what you need the cash for. Jamie Bosse, a CFP with CGN Advisors and author of "Money Boss Mom," suggests her clients think of their finances in terms of buckets – including a cash "bucket."
Your cash bucket should include enough for an emergency fund, plus cash you’ll need in the next year or two for vacations, home projects, etc. The funds in your cash bucket should earn interest, whether through a high-yield savings account (HYSA), a money market account, or a CD.
For money you might need on a whim, a HYSA is your best bet. But if there’s cash you can leave untouched for a set period, a CD could be the way to go. "Where a CD might make sense is if you have some money saved up for something you plan to buy in 12 months. In that case, having a 12-month CD is fine because you know you won't need it until then," shares Bosse.
Right now, the best CD rates are around 4% – but heads up. With the Fed expected to announce another rate cut this week, those rates could slip. If locking in a CD feels right for you, it is better to do so sooner rather than later. |
|
| 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 |
|
