This Week in Money (May 15, 2026)
- May 16
- 2 min read
Here are a few of the stories in money you may have missed this past week.
U.S. stocks fell Friday as investors pulled back from record highs amid renewed concerns about inflation and uncertainty surrounding the Trump-Xi summit in China. Markets were cautious as traders tried to assess whether the meeting would ease economic tensions or create additional volatility.
The Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.8%, while the S&P 500 fell 0.7% after reaching record closing highs the day before. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined more than 400 points, or 0.9%, slipping back below 50,000 as stocks came under pressure.
The Great Job Market Divide
A new global Gallup poll reveals a generational split in how Americans view the job market. Younger Americans, especially those between 15 and 34, are increasingly pessimistic about their career prospects, while older adults remain comparatively upbeat. The growing frustration among younger workers is also reshaping politics and culture. Pollsters say many young adults feel previous generations enjoyed opportunities that are now out of reach, contributing to rising disillusionment with institutions and the economy overall.
Eat It or Lose It: The Real Price of Food Waste
The average person throws away about 256 pounds of food annually, worth roughly $728, while a family of four may waste nearly $3,000 in uneaten groceries, leftovers, and takeout. This article focuses on practical and manageable ways to waste less food and save more money.
Your Gas Shock Survival Guide
Gas prices are climbing, with the national average reaching $4.56 a gallon and California topping $6, driven largely by the ongoing Iran war. Drivers are now paying $20 to $30 more per fill-up and may need to adjust spending habits as fuel costs rise. Some ways to save gas and money, include driving slower, avoiding aggressive acceleration, reducing vehicle weight, limiting idling, and keeping tires properly inflated.
Why IRAs Have Overtaken 401(k)s in America
IRAs now hold the largest share of U.S. retirement savings, with Americans keeping $19.2 trillion in IRAs compared with $14.2 trillion in workplace plans. This article explains the key differences between IRAs and workplace retirement plans, including contribution limits, tax advantages, and employer matching benefits. It also highlights how traditional and Roth IRAs are taxed differently and why many financial experts recommend combining IRA contributions with a 401(k) strategy to maximize long-term retirement savings.
Student Loan Defaults Surge as Pandemic Relief Ends
Millions of federal student loan borrowers are falling behind again as pandemic-era protections officially fade. According to new data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, about 1 million borrowers entered default in late 2025, followed by another 2.6 million in the first quarter of 2026 alone.
What To Do With Your Pennies
The U.S. Mint officially stopped producing pennies in late 2025, ending the coin’s long run after years of debate over the fact that it cost more to make than it was worth. While pennies are still legal tender, billions remain tucked away in jars, drawers, and cup holders across the country. This article outlines several ways Americans can put those coins to use.
Until next week - stay informed, stay intentional.
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