From fresh kicks to TI-84s, back-to-school season isn’t just about classroom prep — it’s a course in family budgeting with spending expected to reach $886 per household this year.

Class notes for extra credit:

• Total expenses are up 48% since 2019, hitting $38.8 billion last year.

• Costs for computers and accessories increased 4.13% this year, according to the Consumer Price Index.

• AI and price-tracking extensions are giving shoppers an edge.

— The Editors

📬 Report card: After months of speculation, the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged in July at 4.25 to 4.5%. This marks the seventh consecutive meeting without a change, signaling rate stability into fall. Find out what that means for rates, inflation, and the September outlook.

🚂 Railroad math: Union Pacific plans an $85 billion buyout* of Norfolk Southern, creating America’s first coast-to-coast freight railroad. If approved, the historic deal will span 50,000 route miles, reshaping logistics. Consumers could eventually see lower prices on everyday goods from streamlined supply chains.

📜 History lesson: John Hancock’s former Boston home, dating to the 1700s, is on the market.* The asking price is private, but the city of Boston has appraised it at $1.6 million.* With luxury real estate prices rising by 7.6%, this historic property is set to make a signature statement.

📈 Market mood: The S&P 500^®* is on a winning streak and is on track for its strongest quarter in nearly four years with around 82% of companies topping profit forecasts. Booming tech earnings fueled by record AI investment are driving much of the rally.

Emoji economics

Smileys, hearts, thumbs-up: Emojis are officially part of office talk. But they’re also raising eyebrows. A Glassdoor study shows that over one-third (37%)* of employees have questioned whether emojis are truly professional, including 41% of Gen Z, who also happen to use them most.

It’s more than just a fun trend. Younger workers increasingly value workplace happiness, humor, and connection.

Home smart home

Almost two-thirds of homeowners are budgeting at least $20,000 on renovations this year, with some stretching budgets further by doing repairs and upgrades themselves.

Refreshing a home doesn't have to break the bank — DIY painting a room costs about $200–$300, compared to around $900 when hiring a professional. Even smaller fixes, like installing a new faucet, cost roughly $60 DIY versus $364 with pro help.

Double play

Bobbleheads are having a comeback moment — moving from stadium giveaways to hot commodities online. At some Major League Baseball games, fans* with tickets line up early for the chance to grab one of the quirky toys. The Los Angeles Dodgers have dropped multiple Shohei Ohtani bobbleheads this season, with some immediately reselling for over $150 online. The New York Yankees’ upcoming giveaway featuring George Costanza napping under his desk* has sparked resale listings of up to $250, even though the game isn’t until late August.

Meanwhile, the cost for a family of four attending an MLB game averages about $180* — including tickets, parking, drinks, and hot dogs. 

In case you missed it — read on.

• Gen Z borrowers are paying $526 per month in student loans.

• For those late-night study sessions, coffee prices are heating up.