White House praises $2.81/gallon US gas prices — lowest ‘in years.’ How to use American prosperity for big gains in 2026

Economic Overview - The U.S. stock market has been a significant driver of wealth creation, with recent comments from Trump highlighting its strength, particularly in relation to 401(k) plans [1] - The U.S. GDP expanded by 4.3% in Q3 2025, indicating stronger-than-expected economic growth, which has led to positive investor sentiment regarding potential interest rate cuts [2] - Inflation has decreased from a peak of 9.1% in June 2022 to a year-over-year increase of 2.7% in November 2025, down from 3.0% in September 2025, surprising many economists [2] Gas Prices - The national average for regular gas is currently $2.819 per gallon, a decrease from $3.068 a year ago and significantly lower than the record high of $5.016 in June 2022 [4] - The easing of gas prices provides relief to American households that have faced high costs in recent years [3][5] Stock Market Investment Strategies - Legendary investor Warren Buffett recommends that most individuals invest in an S&P 500 index fund for broad market exposure and diversification without the need for active trading [6][7] - Investment platforms like Acorns allow individuals to invest in an S&P 500 ETF with as little as $5, making it accessible for everyday investors [8][9] Real Estate Investment - Real estate remains a cornerstone of wealth-building, with Buffett emphasizing its value as a productive, income-generating asset [10][11] - Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived enable investors to buy shares in rental homes with investments starting at $100, providing an easier entry into real estate [12] - First National Realty Partners (FNRP) offers accredited investors the opportunity to invest in grocery-anchored commercial properties with a minimum investment of $50,000 [14][15] Private Equity Investment - Fundrise has launched a venture capital product that allows retail investors to invest in private tech companies with a minimum investment of $10, aiming to democratize access to early-stage investments [16][17][18] Cost Management - The average cost of car insurance has surged by 55% since 2020, with the average full-coverage policy costing $2,149 per year [19][20] - High-yield accounts, such as the Wealthfront Cash Account, offer competitive interest rates, providing a way for individuals to grow their savings [21][22][23] Financial Guidance - Individuals are encouraged to seek financial advice tailored to their unique situations, with services like Vanguard offering personalized advisory and portfolio management [24][25]