This Week in Money (July 24, 2026)
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Here are a few of the stories in money you may have missed this past week.
U.S. stocks ended Friday on a mixed note as investors remained cautious amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, new tariffs, and persistent inflation concerns. The Dow rose 0.5%, while the S&P 500 was little changed and the Nasdaq fell 0.6%, weighed down by losses in major tech stocks.
Despite the relatively quiet session, all three major indexes finished the week lower as geopolitical uncertainty and energy supply concerns continued to weigh on investor confidence.
Gen Z’s approach to budgeting isn’t as contradictory as it seems. This article highlights how growing up during periods of financial instability has influenced Gen Z to be both cautious and intentional with their money. Preparing for the future and enjoying the present in an uncertain economy.
In this article, economist Nouriel Roubini, known for predicting the 2008 financial crisis, says he sees AI as a potential force for massive economic growth rather than a threat. He argues that as AI and robots replace many jobs over the next few decades, societies may need solutions like universal basic income or shared ownership of AI-driven wealth to support people.
Gen Z is highly financially aware, values transparency, and prefers simple financial tools they understand, qualities that have driven them to become frequent users of buy now, pay later (BNPL) services.
In this article by CFO and Head of Product Management, Analytics, Strategy, and Facilities at Citadel Credit Union, Anand Solanki argues that credit unions are better positioned than fintech companies to offer safer installment lending because they can use members’ real financial data to assess affordability, provide clearer terms, and integrate these tools into a broader financial wellness strategy.
According to U.S. News and World Report, “over the past year, the S&P 500 has returned around 22%.” With the U.S. stock market posting unusually strong returns, it can be easy to assume the good times will continue indefinitely. History, however, suggests otherwise.
This article encourages investors to use today’s gains as an opportunity to review their retirement plans and rebalance portfolios that may have become too concentrated in AI-related stocks.
This article explains why marketers often use prices ending in .99. Understanding these cognitive biases can help shoppers slow down, look past pricing tricks, and make more intentional financial decisions.
For the third straight year, 93% of workers say their wages aren’t keeping up with the rising cost of living, while only 7% report receiving an inflation-related pay increase. As a result, 85% have dipped into their savings, 74% are searching for higher-paying jobs, and many are cutting spending or relying on credit just to stay afloat.
The article offers practical advice for navigating the gap between wages and rising costs, including knowing your market value, documenting accomplishments, and negotiating based on the value you bring, not just rising costs.
Until next week - stay informed, stay intentional. ✨
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