LendEDU

Gas just hit $3.60 nationwide. That price includes oil, refining, transportation & taxes. When oil prices rise, it can also push up shipping, everyday costs & travel prices. Get all the details in our Beyond The Balance newsletter, plus more: linktr.ee/lendedu

One other thing that's changed since last tax year?  Up to $10,000 deductible in auto loan interest on qualifying cars. For some households, the bump may be small. For others who qualify? It could be noticeable. Check your return. Your refund might be bigger than you think.

Early IRS data says tax refunds are up over 10% from 2025. That’s about +$225 more per filer on average. What changed? ✔️$15,750 single ✔️ $31,500 married Deduct up to:  ✔️ $25,000 in tips  ✔️ $12,500 in overtime ✔️ 65+? Extra $6,000 deduction

Average net worth ≠ reality. The average is about $1.37M. The median? Roughly $193k. A small group of ultra-wealthy households skews the average upward. The median shows the middle, and proves that consistent progress adds up over time. tr.ee/3M7T6R

Wealth doesn’t grow in a straight line. It’s slow for decades…then suddenly fast. Early years = Lower income + debt Later years = Compounding investments, peak earnings + less debt That “overnight success"? It’s years of quiet consistency paying off. tr.ee/3M7T6R

Interesting oil fact: The world’s most oil-rich country barely pumps any. Venezuela holds 303B barrels (~18% of global reserves) but produces <1% daily. Why? Heavy crude, aging infrastructure, and slow investment. Get the scoop 🔗 tr.ee/7J7SBt

We pressed pause over the holidays so our team could truly unplug and recharge. Now we’re back and ready to bring you fresh financial news and insights starting this week!

Black Friday: Record $11B+ online..yet low consumer confidence Thanksgiving→Cyber Monday: $44B Behind the boom • Prices still high • Buy Now Pay Later + credit usage rising • Mobile shopping up 50%+ • AI deal alerts found the lowest-priced items 🔗 bit.ly/4a28BNv

Groceries are 30% ⬆️ than in 2020. Those jumps are colliding with new tariffs, weather shocks + a shrinking turkey supply. Stores are slashing turkey $$ to win you, but the rest of your cart isn't cheaper. Find ways to control of your budget now. 🔗 tr.ee/I8E33S

Here’s to the heroes among us—neighbors, friends + family. We thank you 🙏 Today, here's financial tips to help those who’ve given so much. Get the financial scoop every vet should know: tr.ee/V5jPOZ

"With the shutdown stretching on..focus on essentials...Pause extra savings, debt payments & adjust spending where possible. These moments are temporary. What matters most is protecting stability & avoiding big financial moves until things normalize" - Erin Kinkade, CFP®, ChFC®

The U.S. government has been shut down for 36 days - the longest ever. 1.4M federal workers have missed paychecks and have thankfully been able to turn to USAA 0-interest loans to cover food, rent, and medical bills. Get all the details 🔗 tr.ee/ZR6VJs

Happy Halloween from your favorite finance friends 👻 Here’s to enjoying the treats and skipping the financial tricks this spooky season.

Gen Z’s avg credit score hit 676 (the national avg is 715). Rising prices, student loan payments, and stricter rules make it harder to build a score. Find ways to boost your credit score: tr.ee/83dVaI Grab early access to insights like this: tr.ee/AKzVtE

💸 Need $50 fast? We tested a bunch of instant loan apps so you don’t have to. We applied, timed how long it took to get the money & tell you the real costs after fees. Some were instant, & some made us wait. Here’s the ones actually worth your time: tr.ee/6f3RR5

#bitcoin hit $125k for the first time ever, peaking at $125,700 on Sunday, 10/6. 🔗 tr.ee/st216l Get early access to the scoop on where BTC is going in and more in our Beyond The Balance newsletter: tr.ee/AKzVtE

On 9/17, the Fed cut its benchmark rate to 4.00–4.25%—the first 2025 cut. Avg 30-yr mortgage rates have dipped to 6.26% (lowest in ~12 mos). Waiting for prices or rates to drop more? You could be waiting a long time. Is it the right time for you? 🔗tr.ee/9SB5qv

Short on cash? Skip the stress and borrow smart by looking into: • Cash advance apps • Personal loans • 0% APR credit cards • Home equity loans like HELOCs • Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Each has pros, cons, & risks. Compare before you borrow 🔗 tr.ee/WPsbQ5

Save a little, stress less. Even starting with $5 a week adds up. $100 a week=$5,200 in a year Even a small savings cushion, even if you just start with $5 a week, can transform how you handle life’s curveballs, from emergency bills to surprise plans. tr.ee/ojX92N

Money might not buy happiness, but it does buy: 🔧 Stability 📊 Choices 🔓 Freedom 🧘 Peace of mind We’re launching a 10-part series because when money’s tight, everything gets harder. And when you manage it well, life opens up. Peek @ all 10 reasons: tr.ee/MaTdIB