🔍 In focus

Credit cards can be a valuable tool to manage money but using them also puts debt in focus. Americans began 2026 with a record $1.28 trillion in credit card debt, and recent Federal Reserve data shows an uptick in requests for spending limit increases.

For users, credit cards go beyond monthly purchases and repayment: 49% wished they understood credit and debt better and 31% would change decisions about taking on debt if they could, Empower research shows.

Knowing how minimum payments, fees, and interest work can help keep monthly balances in check. The Currency^TM also has strategies for reducing accumulated card debt and setting healthy habits.

— The Editors

The Currency newsletter is moving from weekly to monthly. Our next edition will arrive on April 23.

🔍Tax check: Double-checking eligible tax credits can pay off before filing: The IRS estimates about 20% of eligible taxpayers overlook the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which averaged $2,916 in 2024.

🎓 Decoding 529s: Americans hold $568 billion in 529 plans, and the tax-advantaged accounts can help build education savings — and possibly help fund retirement goals. The Currency breaks down 529 myths and reveals smart strategies.

👓 Seeing clearly: With 92% of Americans using some form of eyewear, it’s easy to see why 45% rank vision plans among their most important benefits. Pairing coverage with up to $4,400 in annual HSA contributions ($8,750 for families) can help offset costs and offer a triple tax advantage.

🛣️ Looking ahead: The Saver’s Credit can cut your tax bill by up to $1,000 ($2,000 for couples) if you contribute to an IRA or 401(k). The benefit for low- and mid-income savers is available through tax year 2026 before transitioning to a new and direct “Saver’s Match” in 2027. Check out the average retirement savings by age on The Currency.

Housing double-take

Americans plan to spend a record $522 billion* on home renovations this year, buoyed by soaring* home equity and other factors.

Americans spent an average of $7,248 on home improvements in 2025, according to Empower Personal Dashboard^TM data. But projects can be tricky to estimate as homeowners often overshoot planned spends by 10-15%. Learn how creating a budget can help with goals like remodeling. 

Data focus ups trade pay

Spending on data centers is expected to hit $939 billion by 2028, creating high demand for electricians, HVAC engineers, and other trade and technical jobs to build and maintain them. Specialized trade talent that aligns with data-center needs and shortages can earn* a 25%-30% pay bump.

Workers benefitting from salary increases should consider how to put those extra dollars to work: One-fifth of Americans (21%) think high income is one of the most important factors to build wealth, according to Empower research.

Back in view

CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays are experiencing* a revival, echoing recent comebacks in bookstores and vinyl records. The trend is led by Gen Z customers who want to physically own entertainment — typically* $3 to $5 per disc — rather than buy, rent, or stream the digital version.

CD unit sales rose 1.5% in 2024, while the long decline in disc sales appears to be stabilizing, down just 3% in Q3 2025 versus nearly 26% the year prior. Prices for video discs and other media are up 3.6% annually in the latest* Consumer Price Index.    

In case you missed it, read on:

• Taking stock of the Fed’s move to hold rates steady

• Why clarity is the new currency for U.S. workers

• 2026 tax deductions that can help lower taxable income