Blissful New Yr! We’re kicking off 2026 with a actuality verify on the place your cash stands proper now.
The Good Information: Gasoline costs dropped beneath $3/gallon. Inflation cooled to 2.7%. The Fed reduce charges once more. GDP grew 4.3% (surprisingly robust). Gold hit $4,500 an oz. And 19 states raised minimal wages.
The Not-So-Good: Medical health insurance jumped 10-18%. Unemployment ticked up. Mortgage charges are caught round 6.2%. And 80% of house owners are unlikely to promote as a result of they locked in charges beneath 6%.
The Huge Image: The inventory market is outperforming the financial system.
How It Impacts You: I name it “millionaire malaise.”
Your 401k appears to be like nice. Your private home fairness is thru the roof (no pun meant). In the event you purchased earlier than 2022, your property look good on paper.
But you’re stressed on the grocery retailer.
All the things prices extra – insurance coverage, groceries, every little thing besides fuel. Jobs are stagnant. Persons are caught.
We’re experiencing the distinction between wealth and revenue.
That is 2026: Rich on paper. Broke on the checkout line.
Whether or not you’re new to cash administration or a long-timer searching for readability, this episode cuts by way of the noise to inform you what truly issues in your funds this 12 months.
Obtain the free useful resource: AffordAnything.com/financialgoals
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Warren Buffett’s retirement
Gold hitting report highs above $4,500/oz in December
Inventory market outperforming the broader financial system
US inflation at 2.7% in December
Fed price reduce in December
Fed’s inflation expectations for 2025
Unemployment at 4.6% in November
JOLTS knowledge and November jobs knowledge
Commerce Division releases GDP numbers at 4.3%
Minimal wage will increase in 19 states
Gasoline costs hitting report lows
Mortgage charges holding round 6.20%
Medical health insurance premiums up 10% (employer) and 18% (particular person)
$12 billion USDA support bundle for farmers
Timestamps
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(00:00) Welcome to 2026 and Your High Monetary Aim
(00:41) What This Podcast Covers and First Friday Format
(01:33) Warren Buffett’s Retirement and Investing Classes
(04:48) November Jobs Report and Rising Unemployment
(06:11) JOLTS Information and Labor Market Churn
(08:04) Gold Hits Document Highs Above $4,500
(11:30) Inflation Price December 2025
(12:54) Fed Price Lower and Inner Disagreement
(15:46) GDP Grows 4.3 P.c
(17:00) Inventory Market Outperforming the Financial system
(19:11) Gasoline Costs Drop Under $3 Per Gallon
(21:20) Mortgage Charges Round 6.2 P.c and the Lock In Impact
(26:29) Minimal Wage Will increase in 19 States
(28:23) Well being Insurance coverage Premiums Rising
(31:15) USDA Assist Package deal for Farmers
(33:16) Staff Over 50 Gaining Tech Expertise
(35:20) Shopper Confidence Replace
(36:28) Millionaire Malaise Wealth Versus Earnings
(37:54) Free Monetary Objectives Useful resource and Closing Recommendation
(40:22) Last Ideas and Sendoff
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