The Currency - Life

Shifting American spending habits

The numbers from Empower Personal Dashboard™ from January 2020 through March 2025 suggest a pattern of lifestyle recalibration, with consumers allocating dollars toward convenience, wellness, and personal enrichment, even as they experience pressure in cost-of-living expenses.

work

Getting personal with artificial intelligence

Americans are getting more comfortable with AI, but research shows they prefer human-AI collaboration — insight businesses can use as they integrate AI at work.

life

College enrollment rebounds as students and employers shift priorities

Enrollment in colleges and other types of postsecondary education has bounced back to levels last seen in 2019 led by surging interest in certificate programs.

money

The Great Decide

Money is on the move – and Americans are standing at the precipice of big financial choices ahead. On America’s financial scorecard, people rate their happiness with their overall personal finances a 4.97 out of 10, according to new research from Empower – and scores need improvement across the board, as the majority (91%) are prioritizing their financial health and happiness in a year of decisions ahead.

life

Small backyard homes break new ground

A quiet housing evolution is taking place in backyards across the U.S., as new zoning laws and permitting process make it easier to build accessory dwelling units, also known as ADUs.

money

Riding the volatility waves

For investors with a long-term mindset, managing volatility could offer more than just defense.

life

How empty-nest homes fit into the housing equation

With almost 21 million empty nest homes across the country, a real estate opportunity could be in the works.

life

Homeowners are doing mortgage math – this is their tipping point

Should they stay or should they go? More than half of homeowners have a mortgage rate sweet spot to make a move.

life

Forget buying a first home — buy a first property instead

Some first-time buyers are “rentvesting” — prioritizing the purchase of a rental or vacation property first as an investment while continuing to pay rent themselves.

money

Pets, gold, and Bitcoin: Why ETFs are having their moment

From sector-focused strategies to volatility-hedging tools to niche themes such as pet care and esports, today’s ETFs are expanding far beyond their original designs.

life

Brand loyalty is shifting as value takes lead

Brand loyalty is facing a serious test as the purchasing decisions of shoppers are being shaped by a new set of priorities — and a willingness to reconsider habits.

money

Sellers sweeten the deal: 44% help with closing costs and repairs

As the housing market starts to sway in buyers’ favor, sellers are getting creative with concessions at near-record rates.