Core Insights - The inflation faced by older Americans, as measured by the consumer price index (CPI), is often higher than the Social Security annual cost of living adjustment (COLA), leading to a gap that erodes purchasing power [1] - The upcoming COLA increase of 2.8% in January may not keep pace with the rising costs of essentials like groceries, medicine, and housing, which are estimated to increase by about 3.1% [1] - Only 22% of Americans aged 50 and above believe the COLA will be sufficient to cover their living expenses [1] Summary by Sections COLA Calculation Issues - The Social Security COLA is based on the CPI for urban wage earners and clerical workers (CPI-W), which does not accurately reflect the spending patterns of retirees [1] - Alternative measures like the CPI-E, which focuses on costs for individuals aged 62 and older, show that essential expenses such as healthcare and housing have been rising faster [1] - Over the past 25 years, the CPI-W has fallen short of the CPI-E in 18 out of 26 years, averaging 0.2% lower annually [1] Financial Impact on Retirees - Retirees who began collecting benefits in 1999 have lost nearly $5,000 in lifetime payments compared to what they would have received under the CPI-E [1] - For those retiring in 2024, the gap is projected to exceed $12,000 over a 25-year retirement [1] - Advocacy groups like AARP and TSCL have been pushing for a change in the inflation measure used for COLA calculations to better reflect the financial pressures faced by older Americans [1] Future Considerations - The 2.8% COLA for 2026 is viewed as insufficient, with a potential 3.1% increase if the CPI-E were used instead [1] - The 0.3% difference may seem minor but compounds over time, further eroding purchasing power in retirement [1] - Any change to the COLA calculation method would require federal legislative action, and failure to do so may worsen the situation for current and future retirees [1]

Group 1: Boeing - Boeing shares surged 10.2%, making it the top performer in the S&P 500, following an optimistic outlook for 2026 provided by CFO Jay Malave [2][6] - The company expects to increase deliveries of its 737 and 787 jets next year and anticipates strong free cash flow growth in 2026 [2][6] Group 2: Intel - Intel shares rose 8.7%, continuing gains amid speculation that Apple could become a new customer, adding to a series of high-profile agreements this year, including a partnership with Nvidia [2][3] Group 3: Teradyne - Teradyne's stock was upgraded to "buy" from "hold" by Stifel, resulting in a 5.7% increase in shares, driven by a shift towards high-growth markets, particularly in AI applications [3] Group 4: Paper and Packaging Industry - Companies in the paper and packaging sector faced pressure due to sluggish consumer spending, elevated costs, and excess supply, with Packaging Corporation of America shares dropping 5.3% [4] - Competitors International Paper and Smurfit WestRock also saw declines of 3.4% each [4] Group 5: AutoZone - AutoZone shares fell 3.1% following cautious commentary from Morgan Stanley analysts regarding potential cost headwinds [5]

Core Insights - Michael Dell and his wife Susan Dell are set to donate $6.25 billion to fund Trump Accounts for children, aiming to create 25 million accounts with $250 seed funding each [2][3][7] Group 1: Donation and Purpose - The donation is intended to provide financial support to children, with Michael Dell emphasizing the importance of giving children a financial head start [3] - Trump Accounts were established under the Trump administration's 2026 federal tax law, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA), designed for children under 18 [3][4] Group 2: Account Eligibility and Funding - The accounts will be available starting in 2026, with federal contributions of $1,000 for babies born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028 [4][5] - Dell's funding aims to assist children not eligible for the federal seed money, specifically targeting those in households with a median income below $150,000 [5][8] Group 3: Account Features and Limitations - Trump Accounts have a $5,000 annual contribution limit, indexed for inflation, and children cannot access the funds until they turn 18 [11] - Contributions are made post-tax, and investment gains are taxed at ordinary income tax rates, which may make other investment options, like brokerage accounts, more appealing [11][12] Group 4: Contribution Sources - Contributions can be made by parents, employers, nonprofits, and the government, with employers and charities able to contribute up to $2,500 tax-free [13]

It will be easier for taxpayers to deduct charitable donations in 2026. Close KEY TAKEAWAYS The 'One Big Beautiful Bill' will allow taxpayers who do not itemize to deduct their charitable contributions starting next year. That means donations made in January or later can lower your 2026 tax bill. This partial deduction is similar to a temporary measure that was put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will go back into effect next year and remain applicable for all future tax years. Non-itemizing taxpa ...

Table of Contents Expand Table of Contents Mortgage rates are drifting near their lowest levels in over a year as borrowers weigh timing their lock. bernardbodo / Getty Images Close Top Stories Stocks, Crypto Rebound From Monday's Pullback Why Some Experts Believe Gold Prices Could Reach $5,000 in 2026 Is the Real 'Poverty Line' $140,000 a Year? Americans Add This to Their List of Money-Saving Grocery Hacks Mortgage Rates Are Near a 14-Month Low "Why a Fed Cut May Not Push Mortgage Rates Lower Deciding When ...

Housing prices in Florida could increase by 9% if a proposal to eliminate property taxes is approved. THEPALMER / Getty Images Close Key Takeaways Residents of one state could see a big jump in their home value if voters make a key change to property tax collections. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed eliminating or reducing property taxes for Florida homeowners who live on the property as their primary residence. The cut would immediately benefit homeowners, whose property tax obligations are priced in ...

Core Insights - Strategy's executive chairman Michael Saylor, a prominent bitcoin advocate, has led the company in accumulating bitcoin, but recent statements from CEO Phong Le indicate a potential shift towards selling bitcoin under certain conditions [2][5][7]. Company Strategy - Strategy has not sold any bitcoin since establishing its bitcoin treasury in August 2020, but the CEO's recent comments suggest that selling could occur if the company's stock market capitalization falls below the net asset value of its bitcoin holdings [7][9]. - The company's stock has decreased by 60% since reaching a record high in July, bringing its market cap close to the value of its bitcoin holdings, which could trigger a sale [4][7]. Market Impact - If Strategy sells its bitcoin, it could negatively affect the broader crypto market and lead to a further decline in bitcoin prices [5][8]. - The company's "mNAV" metric, which compares the market value of its shares to the value of its bitcoin holdings, is currently at 1.01, indicating a precarious position [5]. Recent Developments - Despite the potential for selling, Strategy recently purchased an additional 130 bitcoin, increasing its total holdings to 650,000, valued at approximately $59 billion [9]. - The company has set aside $1.44 billion for dividends and interest payments, while also updating its 2025 earnings guidance to reflect a lower expected bitcoin price range of $85,000 to $110,000 [9].

Core Insights - Procter & Gamble (PG) shares reached a two-year low following a warning from the CFO regarding the American economy's health [1][3] - The CFO noted significant declines in sales volume and value in October, with expectations for November to remain similar [2][6] Company Performance - P&G's stock fell by as much as 3% on Tuesday, closing 1.1% lower, marking its lowest level since December 2023 [3] - The company is experiencing a shift in consumer behavior, with higher-income households opting for premium products while lower-income consumers are choosing cheaper store brands [4] Economic Context - The CFO described the current U.S. consumer environment as "nervous and cautious," influenced by tariffs and a government shutdown [6] - A previous port strike led to stockpiling by consumers, complicating year-over-year sales comparisons [2]

Forgetting your ID at home could soon cost you $45 at the airport. On Feb. 1, 2026, TSA is launching Confirm.ID, a new identity verification option for travelers who arrive at security without a REAL ID, passport, or another acceptable form of identification. REAL ID requirements are already in effect, so this paid fallback is meant to help travelers who show up unprepared. Here's what to expect and how to avoid the fee. What Is This New $45 Fee? TSA's Confirm.ID program is a new identity verification optio ...

Some beneficiaries will receive two Social Security checks in December. Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images Close KEY TAKEAWAYS The Social Security Administration distributes benefits to almost 74 million people each month. Here is when to expect yours in December. Payments are primarily distributed according to beneficiaries' birth dates. However, for those who began receiving retirement, spousal, or survivor benefits before May 1997, they typically receive their payments on the 3rd of every month. Su ...