D.P. Cushing & Associates

06/03/2026

Auto debt continues to climb as higher vehicle prices and interest rates put pressure on household budgets.

A recent report found that total auto debt reached $1.68 trillion at the end of 2025, up 37% from late 2018. Nearly 86 million Americans, or about 1 in 4, now carry auto loan or lease debt.

Monthly payments have also increased. The typical auto loan payment rose from about $506 in 2018 to more than $680 by the end of 2025.

Several factors are contributing to the shift, including higher vehicle prices, fewer lower-cost new car options, and longer loan terms. More buyers are also taking on larger monthly payments, with $1,000 auto loan payments becoming more common for financed new-vehicle purchases.

For many households, higher transportation costs can affect other parts of the budget, including groceries, rent, savings, and emergency funds.

These trends highlight how vehicle affordability can play a larger role in everyday financial decisions.


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Auto debt has swelled to $1.68 trillion, a new analysis finds. Americans face costlier vehicles, higher interest rates and lengthier loan terms.

06/02/2026

Before skipping your daily walk, keep this in mind: regularly active adults can save up to $2,500 a year compared to couch potatoes.

Year after year, according to a 2025 report in Stronger Life. Think of your exercise routine as the retirement savings that you don't have to drain early.

Drop your non-negotiable habit below.

05/22/2026

Can you put a dollar figure on being healthy?

One study that compared active and inactive adults found that healthcare costs are 9% to nearly 27% lower for those who stay "on the move," according to a landmark study by BMJ Journals.

When socking away money for retirement, savvy savers are not only accumulating money but also thinking about what they won't have to spend.

05/21/2026

Nearly half of healthy aging experts name physical activity as the single most important lifestyle habit for longevity, according to a September 2025 U.S. News & World Report article.

Not supplements. Not sleep hacks. Not anything you might read about on a social feed. Just movement. Plain and simple.

What habit has made the biggest difference for you?

05/15/2026

Homebuilder sentiment declined in April, reflecting a more cautious outlook across the housing market.

Rising costs are playing a key role, with increases reported across materials such as insulation, roofing, windows, and doors, as well as higher transportation costs.

Mortgage rates have also risen, adding another layer of pressure on both builders and buyers.

Together, these factors are contributing to a more measured pace of construction activity, as builders adjust to changing conditions.

These shifts highlight how broader economic forces — from financing costs to supply expenses — can influence housing availability and development trends.


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A slew of building suppliers reported price hikes in April on everything from foam insulation and roofing to windows and doors.

05/13/2026

Artificial intelligence is becoming a more common expectation in early-career roles.

Recent data shows that about 4.2% of entry-level job postings now reference AI skills, nearly double the share from a year ago. Internship postings are even higher, with more than 10% including AI-related requirements.

The trend spans a range of industries, with the strongest presence in technology roles, along with growing adoption in areas like financial services and marketing.

At the same time, many students report learning these tools on their own, as formal training continues to catch up with workplace expectations.

While the overall job market for new graduates remains competitive, familiarity with AI tools is becoming one way candidates can stand out across a variety of roles.


Source:

As of March, 4.2% of full-time early-career jobs called for AI skills, nearly double the share from a year ago, according to Handshake's 2026 graduate report.

05/11/2026

Stocks surged in April, delivering their strongest monthly gains in five years as solid economic data, easing geopolitical tensions, and upbeat first-quarter earnings lifted investor sentiment. The Nasdaq climbed 15.29%, the S&P 500 rose 10.42%, and the Dow gained 7.14%, while Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 3.65%. With no Fed meeting in May, attention turns to remarks from Fed officials and how evolving economic data may shape expectations moving forward. From \$34.1 billion in U.S. spending to the popularity of Mother’s Day dining and gifts, this month’s By the Numbers highlights how families celebrate the occasion.

Monthly Market Insights | May 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Stocks surged in April, notching their best month in five years as investors cheered upbeat economic news, efforts to lower tensions in the Middle East, and first-quarter results. The Nasdaq Composite rose an eye-catching 15.29 percent, wh...

05/08/2026

If you or someone in your family is still in school—or heading back in the fall—now is the time to make sure your FAFSA form is in.

A few things worth knowing:
⏰ The federal deadline is June 30. State and school deadlines are often earlier.
⏰ Many types of aid are first-come, first-served. Waiting could cost money.
⏰ You can make corrections after submission, but the form needs to be in first.

Don't let a deadline get in the way of money that's already available to you.

05/06/2026

In today’s global real estate market, $1 million can look very different depending on location.

In some of the world’s most expensive markets, that budget goes much less far. In Monaco, for example, $1 million buys about 16 square meters (roughly 172 square feet) — highlighting just how limited space can be at the top end of the market.

Other cities offer slightly more room. In Hong Kong, $1 million buys around 22.5 square meters, while in New York, it stretches to roughly 33.9 square meters.

Across global markets, luxury property prices have continued to rise, driven by factors such as location, lifestyle, and international mobility.

These differences offer a broader view of how real estate values can vary worldwide, even at the same price point.


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Luxury real estate in most major markets around the world continues to become more expensive, as the wealthy grow wealthier and more mobile.