AJ Bernth at Prudential

09/03/2026

While you likely have a household budget in place, you might find that using a special tracker may offer you a different perspective.

09/03/2026

Ever wonder about those free credit scores you get once a year?

What’s the deal with your yearly free credit report?

09/02/2026

The Common Cents Act has passed the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

The bill is tied to the phase-out of the penny and would create a national rounding standard for cash transactions.

Under the proposal, cash purchases would be rounded up or down to the nearest five cents when exact change is not available.

For example, a purchase totaling $10.02 would round down to $10.00, while a purchase totaling $10.04 would round up to $10.05.

Pennies would still retain their value under the act, even as the Treasury stopped minting them.

The bill is especially relevant for businesses that handle cash, including restaurants and retailers, because it could reduce confusion and legal risk around exact change.

For consumers and businesses, the broader takeaway is that even small changes in currency rules can affect daily transactions, checkout systems, and cash-handling practices.


Source:

New law aims to address how businesses and consumers should transact amid the phase-out of the penny.

09/02/2026

Many retirees have discovered the benefits of a retirement spent in the great outdoors. Are you ready to do the same?

Get ready to enjoy America’s national park system with this helpful article.

09/01/2026

Back-to-school season is bringing higher costs for many families.

A new analysis found that a typical basket of school items, including notebooks, lunch boxes, and index cards, is up nearly 8% compared with last year.

School lunches are also more expensive, with the cost of a typical packed lunch up 11%.

The analysis estimates families may spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, including about $175 on school items and $3,800 on packed lunches.

Some items have seen especially sharp increases. Lunch boxes are up 27%, one-subject notebooks are up 23%, and index cards are up 22%.

Higher tariffs, imported school supplies, food prices, and energy costs are all contributing to the increase.

For families, back-to-school shopping is a reminder that seasonal expenses can add up quickly, especially when everyday costs are already stretching household budgets.


Source:

U.S. households will spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, a new analysis found.

09/01/2026

Every year since 1947, the U.S. President pens an economics textbook.

The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

08/31/2026

A tax refund can be a welcome surprise, but deciding what to do with it matters.
From tackling high-interest debt to contributing to long-term goals (or simply treating yourself), every choice can reflect what’s most meaningful to you.



Sources:
FINRA, “6 Smart Ways to Use Your Tax Refund,” March 18, 2025

CNBC Select, “5 Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund,” April 11, 2025

08/31/2026

Generate income and rebuild principal. A powerful one-two punch.

Here's one strategy that combines two different annuities to generate income and rebuild principal.

08/30/2026

The roof protects your home against nature’s risks. Is your personal wealth protected against life's risks?

Building wealth requires protection from the forces of wealth destruction.

08/29/2026

What do you need to know when the market experiences volatility?

When the market experiences volatility, it may be a good time to review these common terms.