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IN THIS ISSUE: Deal or no deal, job hoppers, and student loan repayment tips |
GOOD START
Gobble up a good deal on a domestic Thanksgiving flight by booking now through early October—flights could be at least $100 cheaper. 1 See
#8 here
to help save on a hotel too. |
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THE HEADLINES
Fund factsWhat’s happening: This Saturday, September 30, is the deadline for Congress to pass a bill to fund the federal government for the 2024 fiscal year—or face a shutdown. There’s no deal yet.
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Here’s why:
Lawmakers are struggling to agree on how to spend Uncle Sam’s money. But the government can’t function without funding.
What it means for you: There’s still time for Congress to pass a new budget or at least a continuing resolution, aka a temporary spending bill, that will keep the government chugging along and avoid a shutdown. Previous shutdowns have closed some national parks and museums, furloughed federal employees, and even delayed air travel until funding was approved.
Another critical issue with an end-of-month deadline: childcare funding. States are set to run out of $24 billion in pandemic stimulus cash. That could close 70,000 childcare centers, affecting more than 3 million kids—unless funding is extended.2 |
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Fee’d upWhat’s happening: Rents are finally cooling. But housing costs might not be going down.
Here’s why: Property management companies are cashing in on convenience. They’re charging new fees for trash pickup, smart home doorbells, pest control, mailbox use, and even maintenance requests, according to The Wall Street Journal—maybe adding up to hundreds of dollars each year.
What it means for you: Dig up your lease. If your rent is supposed to cover services that suddenly cost extra, talk to your landlord about nixing those charges. A lease is a contract—and if your landlord’s not living up to what they promised, you could have legal recourse. You could also ask whether there’s flexibility with certain fees. For instance, do you have to pay for trash pickup, or could you bring your trash to the dumpster yourself? Plus, look closely at new leases and try to negotiate fees before signing. |
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Jump aroundWhat happened: More than 80% of Gen Zers say they’re job hoppers, according to a report by ResumeLab, a career advice site. Nearly 70% have already had 2 to 4 jobs.3
Here’s why: Gen Zers jump for work-life balance, fulfilling job duties, and positive relationships with co-workers—even more so than salary.
What it means for you: The stigma around changing jobs might fade, and could encourage employers to compete for talent with expanded health care options, flexible work schedules, and more development opportunities. Ready to bounce? Consider these
5 steps before changing jobs. |
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EASY WIN
Fit the billsStressed about bill due dates? You might be able to change them online or with a quick call. Before you do, figure out a schedule that works for your budget. Maybe you shift deadlines to just after payday when there’s more money in your account. Or maybe you want to pay bills on the first of the month, so they’re out of the way. Whatever you decide, double-check whether there’s a charge for switching dates. |
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HOW TO
Deal with rising pricesInflation might be lower than last year, but everything is still expensive. What can you do about it? |
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QUICK Q
What could I do if I can’t afford my student loan payments?
If you’re worried you can’t swing that monthly bill when student loan payments restart in early October, there are a few things you could try. |
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See if your employer offers student loan assistance.
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Contact your loan servicer about your options.
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Change your repayment plan to potentially lower your monthly payments.
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Consider asking for deferment or forbearance, which could temporarily pause your payments if you meet certain criteria.
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Think about consolidating or refinancing your loans, which also could reduce what you owe each month.
Here’s
how to decide which might be right for you—and
what the
consequences are if you don’t pay. |
