Cash Relief Is Back in the Conversation

What's Happening

US News

Cash Relief Is Back in the Conversation

What’s going on: Whether you’re a child, an adult, a bookie, or an orthodontist, one thing is true: The universal language is cold, hard cash. President Donald Trump understands this, too. That’s why he wants to hand it out like candy to help Americans forget about the anxiety-inducing economy — especially amid his own sweeping tariffs and subsequent high prices. The White House previously teased $2,000 rebate checks, betting they could boost goodwill among voters worried about rising costs (sooo, pretty much everyone). The plan would use revenue from tariffs to fund the checks. For now, details remain thin, and the hurdles are real. Trump did manage a semblance of a win though — last night, he announced a “warrior dividend” of $1,776 for veterans. 

What it means: Any future checks, for veterans or others, would typically still need congressional approval. Not to mention, how much tariff revenue actually exists is uncertain. And even if Team Trump clears both hurdles, economists say government checks wouldn’t fix the deeper economic problems. They warn the extra cash could even push inflation higher by adding more money into the system. If a check does arrive, experts recommend using it to lock in certainty, like paying down high-interest debt or prepaying essentials before prices move again. The key is not to build your financial plans around political promises. If the cash comes through, take the win. If it doesn’t, you’re covered.

Related: Another Billionaire Wants To Help Fund “Trump Accounts” (Axios)

The News In 5

🗞️ President Donald Trump had a lot to say about the economy last night. The polls tell a different story.

🗞️ Four House Republicans sided with Democrats to push through a bill to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, but it might be in vain. These states could see the largest surges. 

🗞️ The suspect in the Bondi Beach shooting faces 59 charges, including terrorism and 15 counts of murder. 

🗞️ More young, child-free women are seeking sterilization. 

🗞️ Warner Bros. is giving the Ellisons the classic “it’s not you, it’s us” treatment. Unrequited love is never easy.

Money

FinTok Makes Investing Look Too Easy

What’s going on: Young people have a new financial Achilles heel, and it’s not overpriced blind boxes or sweet treats. It’s “finfluencers.” These social media finance gurus have exploded in popularity as more young people turn to FinTok and other social media platforms for money advice. Earlier this month, the FINRA Investor Education Foundation found that 25% of adults turn to social media for investing advice. That figure jumps to 61% among people 35 and under. It’s easy to see why. These finfluencers — who often earn money through sponsorships and affiliate links — condense complex ideas into short, easy-to-follow videos that gloss over the risks. We all know how The Wolf of Wall Street ends. 

What it means: Not all FinTok money advice is bad, but it shouldn’t be your only source. One Washington Post columnist shared some words of wisdom: Cross-check information with verified sources like the SEC, FINRA, or FTC — especially since many influencers lack *real* qualifications. For anyone just starting (or who wants to help someone who is), the FDIC’s Money Smart for Young Adults guide is a solid, jargon-free place to turn to. Investing is also a lot like gambling: You need to know when to walk away, particularly if someone promises fast, guaranteed returns. Building a portfolio isn’t as sexy as FinTok likes to make it appear. It requires patience and can be boring, but those shortcuts rarely pay off in the long run. 

Related: When You Should (and Shouldn’t) Financially Help Your Adult Kids (CNN)

Consumer

Money Doesn't Grow on Trees…or Does It?

What's going on: If you celebrate Christmas, you’ve likely already picked a side in one of the season's most heated debates. No, we’re not talking about Wham! versus Taylor Swift’s version of “Last Christmas” (though there is obviously a correct answer). We mean: Are you a real-tree person or a fake-tree fan? If you’re on team fake, we’ve got some not-so-jolly news. Prices for fake trees rose 10% to 15% this year, mostly thanks to tariffs, per the American Christmas Tree Association. This comes as about 80% of US residents plan to use a fake tree this year (guess they aren't fans of cleaning up pine needles). Of course, real trees aren’t cheap either.

What it means: Three words: Clearance, clearance, and clearance. If you want to switch from a real tree to a fake one — or finally replace the tree you’ve owned since the Obama administration — timing matters. Don’t wait until November. In fact, start looking for one on December 26, when retailers slash prices on décor (sometimes before Santa even wiggles down the chimney). But if you don’t have any holiday cheer left in you, July also offers solid deals. This logic extends far beyond ornaments. With budgets stretched thin, off-season buying is a great survival skill. Buy summer clothes in winter and vice versa, and plane tickets months ahead. Trends may come and go, but a bargain is forever. 

Related: What’s the Deal With Those Costco Vacations? (WSJ Gift Link)

On Our Calendar

A few things to jot down today…

🗓️ Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest conference begins today.

🗓️ The TikTok Awards are here. If you’re not chronically online, America’s Funniest Home Videos picked its favorite viral clips of the year.

🗓️ Emily in Paris returns for season five. It might be time to start saying, “Ciao.”

Psst…For more dates worth knowing this week, check out the Skimm+ calendar.

Together with Eli Lilly

Skimm Scripts

Q: My partner is a very noisy sleeper. They snore loudly, sometimes gasp for air while sleeping, and experience daytime sleepiness. Should I be concerned?

Short answer: It’s worth looking into. Daytime fatigue plus loud snoring, choking for air while sleeping, or those “did-they-just-stop-breathing?” moments during sleep may all be symptoms of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It’s a serious, often missed condition that affects millions of adults in the U.S. It occurs when the airway gets partially or fully blocked during sleep, meaning your partner’s breathing may be interrupted and they might not be getting the oxygen they need. 

Ready to see a healthcare provider? Here are a few questions to ask:

• Could these symptoms point to OSA?

• What factors increase your risk of OSA?

 • Should my partner participate in a sleep study?

In the meantime, learn more at DontSleepOnOSA.com — especially for adults living with obesity.

Know It All

Last night, millions of dreams were crushed after the Powerball drawing. What was the estimated jackpot?

Game Time

Brick Breaker meets word search in Spelltower, your new favorite game. For every word you find, letter tiles disappear. The fewer tiles left when you run out of words, the better your score. Try it.