Financial Foundation Group

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.

08/26/2026

Online scams are becoming more sophisticated, and new technology is helping criminal networks operate at a larger scale.

An AP investigation found that scam operations have used artificial intelligence, cloud services, internet infrastructure, satellite connections, and social platforms to target people around the world.

Some scams now involve automated messages, real-time translation, fake identities, and carefully scripted conversations designed to build trust quickly.

The financial damage can be devastating. The Federal Trade Commission estimated that scams cost Americans nearly $200 billion in losses in 2024.

The human impact is also serious. Some people working inside scam compounds have been trafficked or forced to participate under threat of violence.

For consumers, the warning signs still matter: pressure to act quickly, requests to keep conversations secret, sudden talk of money or investments, and relationships that move unusually fast.

As scams become more advanced, skepticism can be a form of protection. Slowing down, verifying details, and talking with someone trusted before sending money can make a meaningful difference.


Source:

Technology from American companies is being used to power a revolution in the scam industry, playing a key role in the industrialization and globalization of fraud in ways that have not been clear until now, an AP/“FRONTLINE” investigation has found.

08/20/2026

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.

08/15/2026

Life insurance is often framed as something you only think about "just in case."

But for many people, it can be part of a broader financial foundation—supporting both current flexibility and future considerations.

From how coverage works to what employer benefits actually provide, understanding the basics can make it easier to decide what fits your situation.

Several factors affect the cost and availability of life insurance. And any guarantees associated with a policy depend on the issuing insurance company's ability to continue making claim payments.

08/11/2026

Mortgage rates recently climbed to their highest level since August 2025, creating another challenge for homebuyers.

The average contract interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a conforming loan balance rose to 6.65%, up from 6.58% the previous week.

Higher rates can affect affordability, as even a small increase can change a buyer’s monthly payment.

That pressure showed up in mortgage demand. Applications to purchase a home fell 7% from the previous week and were 2% lower than the same week one year ago.

Buyers are also still facing high home prices and a limited supply of affordable homes for sale.

Refinance applications rose this week, though refinancing remains less attractive for many borrowers because rates are not much lower than they were a year ago.

For households, mortgage rates are a reminder that borrowing costs can play a major role in affordability, timing, and monthly cash flow.


Source:

Mortgage rates moved higher last week, causing buyers to pull back, but refinancing did see small gains.

08/07/2026

Small-cap stocks have had a standout start to the year.

The Russell 2000 Index has climbed more than 21%, putting it on track for its strongest first-half performance since 1991.

One major driver has been the expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure. While large technology companies often get most of the attention, smaller companies tied to semiconductors, equipment, components, and connectivity have also benefited from increased AI-related spending.

The rally also reflects what some market watchers describe as a valuation catch-up after years of small-cap underperformance compared with large-cap stocks.

Still, interest rates remain an important factor. Smaller companies can be more sensitive to higher borrowing costs because they may carry more floating-rate debt or face greater refinancing needs.

For investors, the broader takeaway is that market leadership can shift over time — and major themes like AI may affect more than the biggest names in the market.


Source:

The advance marks a sharp turnaround after years of underperformance versus large-cap peers.

08/04/2026

Treasury yields moved slightly higher after new employment data offered another look at the labor market.

The 10-year Treasury yield rose to around 4.40%, while the 2-year Treasury yield moved to about 4.125%.

Treasury yields matter because they can influence borrowing costs across the economy. The 10-year Treasury is often connected to rates on mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards, while the 2-year Treasury tends to reflect expectations around Federal Reserve policy.

The latest job openings data showed 7.6 million openings in May, above economists’ expectations.

Investors are also watching energy prices, inflation expectations, and upcoming labor-market reports for clues about the broader economic picture.

For households and businesses, Treasury yields can offer useful context on where borrowing costs may be headed and how markets are reading the economy.


Source:

U.S. Treasury yields were higher on the final trading day of June as traders digested more jobs data.

07/28/2026

Federal Reserve independence is receiving renewed attention as questions around political pressure and monetary policy continue to surface.

In recent remarks, former Fed Chair Jerome Powell described the central bank as facing a political “stress test,” emphasizing the importance of keeping monetary policy decisions insulated from short-term political influence.

At the center of the discussion is the idea that public trust matters. When households, businesses, and markets believe the Fed is making decisions based on economic conditions, that credibility can support confidence in the broader financial system.

The concern is that political pressure could push policymakers toward short-term decisions that may not align with long-term price stability.

History has shown that inflation can become harder to manage when interest rate decisions are delayed or influenced by outside pressure.

For the economy, the broader issue is not just who leads the Fed — it is whether the institution can maintain credibility while balancing inflation, employment, and financial stability.


Source:

The Supreme Court is expected to rule within weeks on Trump's attempted removal of a Fed governor.

07/24/2026

Creating a will is crucial, but remember: life changes. When it does, so should your estate strategy. Regularly updating your will keeps it aligned with your current circumstances and wishes. Here are 7 reasons to revisit your will:

1️⃣ Family Changes: Marriage, divorce, births, or losses can impact your strategy.
2️⃣ Relocation: Different places, different laws.
3️⃣ Financial Shifts: Reflect on your current assets.
4️⃣ Executor/Trustee: Ensure they’re still the right choice.
5️⃣ Law Changes: Stay compliant and minimize taxes.
6️⃣ Beneficiary Updates: Reflect evolving relationships.
7️⃣ Time: Review every 3-5 years.

07/21/2026

The Federal Reserve’s new chair is stepping into the role during a complicated moment for monetary policy.

Inflation has remained above the central bank’s 2% target, with recent price increases driven in part by higher energy costs. Some economists expect the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge to show continued pressure in upcoming data.

That creates a difficult balancing act. Holding rates steady may help address inflation, while lower rates could support borrowing and economic growth.

The labor market also remains an important part of the equation. Steady employment conditions may give policymakers more flexibility, but persistent inflation could limit the case for rate cuts.

The new chair has also signaled interest in reshaping how the Fed operates and communicates with markets.

For households and businesses, the key takeaway is that inflation, interest rates, and Fed communication can all influence borrowing costs, savings yields, mortgage rates, and broader economic confidence.


Source:

Warsh is taking over as Fed chair as the U.S. faces the hottest inflation in years, impeding the interest rate cuts that President Trump has demanded.