Deflation vs. disinflation: What’s the difference?

A customer visits a supermarket in San Mateo, California, on Dec. 12, 2023. Li Jianguo | Xinhua News Agency | Getty Images Inflation is retreating from its pandemic-era highs. Economic jargon yields two similar terms — “deflation” and “disinflation” — that might describe this pullback. So, which is the U.S. experiencing? In short: disinflation. What … Read more

The best way to deal with 6 awkward life situations

Even the most socially agile person can find themselves dumfounded by some of life’s more awkward situations. There is no obvious way to deal with a friend negging you or an in-law asking you rude questions. It’s in these moments, though, that Harvard-trained etiquette expert Sara Jane Ho sees herself as a resource. Ho is … Read more

Big Short’s Steve Eisman worries investors are too bullish in 2024

Investor Steve Eisman of “The Big Short” fame is questioning the level of bullishness on Wall Street — even with the market’s tepid start to the year. From enthusiasm surrounding the “Magnificent Seven” technology stocks to expectations for multiple interest rate cuts this year, Eisman believes there’s little tolerance for things going wrong. “Long term, … Read more

Top money goals for Gen Z and millennials in 2024

The millennial and Gen Z generations are placing financial goals at the top of their lists of 2024 resolutions, a recent American Express survey finds.  The poll, which surveyed more than 1,800 people born between 1981 and 2012, found that 57% of respondents named personal finance goals as their top personal aim for next year, … Read more

Asian cities, off the beaten path in Europe

Tokyo, Japan. Matteo Colombo | DigitalVision | Getty Images When it comes to travel abroad, popular destinations like London, Paris and Rome always seem to top the wish list for Americans. But many travelers are looking beyond those mainstay cities for trips in 2024. Interest in major Asian hubs, off-the-beaten-path locales in Europe and other … Read more

Spot bitcoin ETF approval may be coming in January 2024

The price of bitcoin has surged in 2023 as investors await approval for the first U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund, which would be a milestone for cryptocurrency investors, experts say. In early December, the digital currency topped $44,000 for the first time since April 2022, and year-to-date gains were above 160%, as of Dec. 21, … Read more

The U.S. avoided a recession in 2023. What’s the outlook for 2024?

Grocery items are offered for sale at a supermarket on August 09, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.  Scott Olson | Getty Images Heading into 2023, the predictions were nearly unanimous: a recession was coming. As the year comes to a close, the forecasted economic downturn did not arrive. So what’s in store for 2024? An economic … Read more

Inflation has created a dark cloud over how everyday Americans view the economy

Grocery items are offered for sale at a supermarket on August 09, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Scott Olson | Getty Images When Kyle Connolly looks back at 2023, she sees it as a year defined by changes and challenges. The newly single parent reentered the workforce, only to be laid off from her job at … Read more

Is the U.S. in a silent depression? The TikTok theory explained

A shopper carries several bags in the Magnificent Mile shopping district of Chicago on Dec. 2, 2023. Taylor Glascock | Bloomberg | Getty Images The U.S. economy has remained remarkably strong but affordability is worse than it has ever been, some social media users say, even when compared to The Great Depression. One of TikTok’s … Read more

Last-minute holiday shoppers face fraud risks. These 5 tips can help

Betsie Van der Meer | Getty If you’re a last-minute holiday shopper still checking off the remaining gifts on your list, beware: You could be putting yourself at risk for fraud. “Procrastination is, quite frankly, one of the keys to success for crooks,” Paul Fabara, chief risk officer at Visa, recently told CNBC. “They assume that … Read more