This Week in Money (August 21, 2026)
Here are a few of the stories in money you may have missed this past week.
U.S. stocks rose today, with the Dow jumping 1%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq each gained 0.4%. Strong corporate earnings and signs of accelerating U.S. business activity provided support, but the bond market remained volatile.
Treasury yields climbed again today, keeping pressure on stocks as investors continue to watch interest rates closely.
Follow along with this 3-part series from SoFi.
Step #1 is to track your spending by reviewing your bank and credit card accounts, identifying where your money is going, and separating your spending that you’re comfortable with from areas where you could cut back.
This article explores the psychology behind why people diligently collect loyalty points but hesitate to redeem them. Holding onto points may provide a sense of control, flexibility, and a feeling of comfort knowing there are future options available, while mental accounting and delayed gratification can make those points feel different from ordinary money.
The article also highlights research suggesting that having more choices can be appealing, but how much we value those options depends on factors like decision difficulty, uncertainty, and our goals.
This video explores why some Gen Z investors are turning to sports betting in hopes of building wealth faster. According to a Betterment’s 2026 Retail Investor Survey, 26% of surveyed Gen Z investors reported they view sports betting as part of their financial strategy, and more than half (ages 18 to 29), reported that they’ve used money intended for retirement to place bets.
Yahoo Finance’s Kerry Hannon points to high housing costs, student debt, a challenging job market, and feeling behind financially as possible reasons younger adults are looking for a faster path to wealth.
This article highlights how rising costs and inflation are forcing many Gen Xers to rethink their retirement plans, with 19% saying they probably won’t ever fully retire and another 19% planning on working beyond age 68.
A sharp sell-off in the bond market is pushing bond yields higher, with the 30-year U.S. Treasury yield reaching its highest level since 2007.
The article further goes on to explain why this matters beyond Wall Street. For example, since treasury yields help set a benchmark for borrowing costs across the economy, higher yields can translate into higher interest rates on mortgages, loans, and other forms of credit.
Until next week - stay informed, stay intentional. ✨
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