You couldn’t handle a “Hallmark job”

The New Wealth Whiplash

The Internet was busy last week. First came a viral Substack arguing the poverty line should be $140,000. Then came a buzzy new label: “moderate millionaires,” aka people with under $5M in assets — often tied up in a 401(k) or their home.

Here’s the thing: Seven figures sounds huge. But factor in housing, childcare, inflation, and the fact that most people’s “wealth” isn’t liquid, and suddenly a lot of Americans fall into this weird middle zone: technically well-off, still stressed about money.

The same could be said for the millennials and Gen Z-ers expecting to inherit trillions from Boomers through the ongoing “Great Wealth Transfer.” Which is to say that many people may be counting on money that isn’t in their bank accounts yet for their future financial security. This can lead to uncertainty, and potentially delaying life decisions like buying a house.

Sure, it’s easy to roll your eyes at millionaire problems. But the bigger takeaway is simpler: Money is messy for everyone. The silver lining? The basics of building wealth still work, no matter how much you may have in your account. Here’s how: 

Start now. If your employer offers a retirement plan, begin there. Want to invest beyond that?  Many new investors begin through index funds. These allow you to buy tiny “slices” of hundreds of companies at once, giving you built-in diversification while compound interest quietly works in the background. 

Talk with your family. Money conversations feel awkward, especially around inheritances or future caregiving. But they matter. Understanding whether you might receive money or be expected to provide support helps you plan realistically.

Remember: It’s your path to wealth. We get it: Hearing people complain about their millions can feel tone-deaf when you’re fighting your own financial battles. But your timeline doesn’t have to match anyone else’s.  Small steps — upping your contributions, automating savings, paying down high-interest debt — still move the needle. 

— Anna “Rich in Chaos” Davies, writer 

Read More

• Should Your Kid Get a Brokerage Account from Santa?

• And Just When You Finally Feel Comfortable… Beware the "Wealth Effect"

• Are Too Many Americans Relying on an Inheritance?

Ready or not, the holidays are here. This is your cheat sheet for everything you need to sail through the season without breaking the bank.

Whether it’s for Secret Santa or that obligatory gift you give your third cousin because of tradition, here’s what people actually want — with many suggestions around $20.

The best place to score last-minute gifts? The grocery store. Seriously.

For those big-ticket items, block out an hour on your calendar and save your receipts to get cash back in January.

Bookmark this: Who and how much to tip this holiday season.

Sure, the movies make it look dreamy… but could you really hack it in a “Hallmark job”?

Algorithmic pricing has entered your cart… potentially charging your  “identical” grocery haul up to 25% more than your neighbor’s.

If you want your money to do more, this is where you learn how. Consider it the smartest 45 minutes you’ll spend all week.

Women get penalized more than men for this simple workplace request. As if the pay gap needed a plus-one.

If your neighbor’s yard looks like an inflatable convention... Your state might be one of the biggest holiday overspenders.

Renting? Ten inexpensive ways to make your place feel more like yours — without annoying your landlord.

What annual household salary is needed to afford a typical, mid-range home?

What's Going Down

The Fed cut interest rates by a quarter point last week, the last rate cut of the year. Unlike the first, some officials thought it wasn’t a great idea. 

But aren’t lower rates good? Kinda. Cheaper borrowing can give the economy a boost and make it easier to get loans for homes, cars, or business projects.

The catch: Lower rates aren’t always a strong shield against inflation, so everyday prices could still climb. And the recent government shutdown meant that the Fed didn’t have all the data it usually has before it makes a decision like this. 

What does this mean for me? Probably not much. While mortgage rates have dipped slightly, the benchmark interest rate is still relatively high, which means credit card rates likely won’t come down significantly. 

Bottom line: It’s not the last we’ll hear about interest rates. President Trump will likely pick a new Fed chair in the coming weeks, and economists are watching this choice closely, as this person will impact future rate cuts in 2026. 

TOGETHER WITH VANGUARD

Two Hours

That’s how much time people say they get back each week by bringing on a financial advisor.^† That’s over 100 hours a year you can spend doing literally anything else. 

Vanguard’s Digital Advisor is a low-cost, zero-stress tool to help you plan for the big stuff — like buying a home, saving for college, or retiring comfortably. It builds out a personalized plan for your future, so you can stay focused on the present. The best part? Fees start at just $15-$16 per year for every $10,000 in an all-index portfolio —  but you won’t pay advisory fees for the first 90 days. So go ahead, reclaim your time.^‡

Going Places

Part of being money smart is knowing what’s worth the spend. 

Our commerce team tests it all — so you only see the picks that deserve your time and your budget. And because everyone spends differently, we pick three different price points to help you find what works best for you. 

This week: luggage. Yes, your college-era duffel still technically works. But these carry-ons protect your stuff and look good rolling through TSA. 

A soft-side carry on: Travelpro Maxlite Softside Expandable Luggage ($147.99+)

Sized to meet stricter European carry-on rules, this one’s made with stain-resistant fabric and smooth-gliding wheels that handle everything from cobblestones to crowded concourses.

A durable piece that’ll carry you through the next decade: Away The Carry-On ($247)

Our editor’s been using hers for nearly a decade. From overhead bins to trunk tosses, it holds up to real-world travel. It also comes in a slightly bigger size that’s still carry-on friendly. 

The overpacker’s option: BÉIS The Carry-On Roller ($268)

Expands up to two inches (because souvenirs happen), includes a built-in weight indicator to keep you honest, and has a padded handle that makes hauling extra stuff feel luxurious. 

Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently.

Take up to 40% off at Abercrombie & Fitch right now. This faux fur coat is what your holiday outfits are missing.

And don't miss Nordstrom's Winter Savings Event. Grab a sweet heart necklace, a pair of square-toe booties, and a pack of ankle socks that are rarely on sale.

For more of the best sales to shop this week, click here.