🛤️ Stay on track
Halfway through the year can be a great time to check in on your financial goals. Whether you're paying down debt, building savings, or investing for the future, small adjustments today can help you stay on track.
Savings can be one of the easiest places to start. Nearly half (47%) of Americans wish for a “do-over” on savings, making every opportunity to maximize returns count.
While today's rates may not be at their peak, a high-yield savings account (HYSA) can still pay more than many traditional savings accounts. Understanding how annual percentage yields (APYs) work can help you compare your options.
— The Editors
🛣️ Smooth course: Tax outcomes are shaped by financial choices throughout the year, not just at filing time. Learn why the summer months can be ideal to review your tax withholding, revisit workplace savings contributions, and plan out charitable giving before year-end deadlines approach.
🚃 Down the line: Changing jobs doesn't have to sideline your retirement savings. A rollover IRA can help you consolidate old workplace plans while keeping your money invested in a tax-advantaged account. Learn key rules, tax considerations, and why direct rollovers can matter.
💰 Ready, set, go: One way to prepare for the unexpected? Consider a financial go-bag. Having these 10 essential documents at your fingertips during an emergency can be key to helping you reduce delays, avoid fraud, and access your money when it matters most.
Steady momentum
America's small businesses are feeling more optimistic. Confidence improved* in June, though many owners remain measured about hiring and expansion.
Across the country, the formation of small businesses has also been rising over the past quarter, with 531,423* business applications filed in June 2026.
Starting a business is one milestone — planning for retirement is another. Learn how a SEP IRA can help small-business owners and self-employed workers build for the future in a tax-advantaged way.
Everyday wins
As consumers look for ways to stretch their budgets, even small savings can add up. Around 59%* regularly use grocery store loyalty programs, with shoppers who use digital coupons saving an average of $395.81* a year on groceries.
The latest Consumer Price Index shows grocery prices rose 2.7% over the past year. While not every aisle has seen yearly increases, many meats, fruits, and vegetables have outpaced overall food inflation. Some shoppers are adjusting: Empower Personal Dashboard™ data shows average monthly grocery spending fell to $611.33 in the first half of 2026 from a monthly average of $658.69 for all of 2025.
Riding on
Classic cars are becoming part of the Great Wealth Transfer, with an estimated $570 billion* in collector vehicles expected to change hands over the next 15 years.
“Giving while living” — transferring wealth during lifetime years — can be an effective strategy to build generational wealth. For recipients, inheriting possessions, real estate, and other assets can mean balancing nostalgia with practicality. Learn how pressing pause before making financial inheritance decisions can help.
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*Third-party data is obtained from sources believed to be reliable; however, Empower cannot guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, or fitness of this data for any particular purpose. Third-party links are provided solely as a convenience and do not imply an affiliation, endorsement, responsibility, or approval by Empower of the contents on such third-party websites.
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Be current.
The Currency editors
Staff contributors
The CurrencyTM writers and editors cover the latest financial news and insights shaping how we live, work, and play. The team provides accurate, data-driven, and timely content aimed at empowering financial freedom for all.
The content contained in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and is not meant to constitute legal, tax, accounting or investment advice. You should consult a qualified legal or tax professional regarding your specific situation. No part of this blog, nor the links contained therein is a solicitation or offer to sell securities. Compensation for freelance contributions not to exceed $1,250. Third-party data is obtained from sources believed to be reliable; however, Empower cannot guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness or fitness of this data for any particular purpose. Third-party links are provided solely as a convenience and do not imply an affiliation, endorsement or approval by Empower of the contents on such third-party websites. This article is based on current events, research, and developments at the time of publication, which may change over time.
Certain sections of this blog may contain forward-looking statements that are based on our reasonable expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. Past performance is not a guarantee of future return, nor is it indicative of future performance. Investing involves risk. The value of your investment will fluctuate and you may lose money.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design), and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.