Coming in hot 🌡️

Your A/C bill could become an inflation story as temperatures rise. U.S. households are projected to spend an average of $778* on electricity between June and September as demand for cool air surges — an 8.5% increase from last summer’s costs.

The projected spike in electricity costs would outpace overall inflation, adding strain on households already facing higher prices for gas, groceries, and other essentials.

The good news? A few small adjustments at home — and to your finances — can help. Equipment tune-ups and better thermostat management can knock roughly 3%* off electricity bills. Budgeting for variable expenses and revisiting your cash flow can also help insulate your savings from seasonal surges. 

— The Editors 

🎒School’s out: As the academic year winds down, summer can be a great time for families to revisit their 529 plan. A quick refresher on qualified withdrawal rules can help avoid costly surprises this fall or later. Summer break can also be an opportunity for parents with younger kids to explore opening a college savings plan early — giving their money more time to grow.

🌅Later days: It’s never too early to plan for life after work. Empower Personal Dashboard^TM data shows traditional IRA balances average about $46,107 for savers in their 20s and $716,661 for those in their 60s. Roth IRA balances tend to be lower, but the average saver still has $106,073 put away. Learn more about Roth IRAs — and whether  maxing out your account makes the most sense for your goals.

🛟 Money floaties: From vacations and weddings to camps and concerts, summer spending can sneak up quickly — making "sinking funds" handy. Unlike an emergency fund, a sinking fund is designed for predictable expenses, allowing you to spread costs over time instead of scrambling when the bill hits. Here’s how to set up the financial version of water wings for your budget.

Hot degrees

As new grads enter a tougher labor market, students may be wondering whether their degree will pay off. A new study* found bachelor’s degrees in engineering, architecture, business, and economics delivered some of the strongest financial returns — earning graduates more than $180K above non-enrollees over 15 years.

Regardless of degree or income level, landing a first job — or any new job — can be a great time to set stronger financial habits, from upping your savings rate to ensuring you’re getting the full employer match on your 401(k).

Moving season

Summer is peak moving season, but today’s housing market has many Americans weighing whether to rent, buy — or negotiate. A wave of new apartment construction in some cities is giving renters leverage,* with landlords offering concessions and lower rents as competition for tenants heats up.

Meanwhile, elevated home prices and other factors pushed first-time buyers to just 21% of purchases last year. Still, Gen Z and other younger buyers are finding their own paths into the market. Here are 10 things to know before buying your first home. 

Vacation mode

Travel has topped every other credit card spending category — from restaurants to retail — over the past two years, according to Empower Personal Dashboard™ data. Americans spent a monthly average of $1,211 on travel in 2025, up 10% from the previous year, though early 2026 data suggest spending may be cooling slightly.

Higher costs for airfare, hotels, gas and dining are prompting some Americans to rethink their summer travel plans. From shorter getaways to using reward points and off-peak bookings, learn how travelers are exploring new ways to make summer vacations work. 

In case you missed it, read on:

• Credit card debt is putting some 40% of Americans’ financial goals on ice

• Gold or silver? How to choose which shines brighter for your portfolio

• I bonds offer cool returns for inflation-conscious savers at 4.26%