As the market seems to have rebounded slightly this week, the headlines have turned to labor markets and housing markets, which are both showing signs of a changing trends. That plus  investing, first-gen college students, financial scams, and more in this week’s reading list.

Economics-Employment

• For a comprehensive look at all employment related data and discussion of lagging (vs leading) indictors(of recession), this Schwab article is a great resource. It highlights indications of changes in trends, and concludes that the “tight labor market” story is about to change.
• Forbes covers all of the recent major layoff announcements. And Goldman Sachs may be reinstating it’s traditional year-end cutting of low performers, a practice that was halted (temporarily) in the tight labor market. Is this a sign of a return to normalcy, or an anticipated economic slowdown? (CNBC)

Economics-Interest Rates and the Dollar

• For a good explanation of the inverted yield curve and what that has to do with a potential recession, try this NYT article.
• The US Dollar is stronger than it has been in a very long time. This NYT article explains why that is, and what it means for the US and foreign economies.

Investing

• Wondering how long this bear market might last? If you would like a review of past bear markets, this Wealth of Common Sense post has the data.
• Housing prices may be starting to come back off their recent peak, but the median price of a home is still almost 12% higher than a year ago. For the low down on all housing market data, check out Redfin.
• Are you waiting for crypto to turn around? Reuters takes a look at recent chart/trend analysis for possible indications. (With crypto, there is no fundamental analysis.)

Student Loans

• According to Inside Higher Ed, FAFSA submissions are rising, up 4.6% from 2020 to 2022, but still below the 2019 level.
• The DOE explains how to use a limited-time waiver to get credit for past payments towards Public Service Loan Forgiveness. (studentaid.gov)

Higher Education

• The 2022 Student Voice survey examines the experience of first-gen college students, covering many aspects from factors influencing college selection to definitions of success, and everything in between about their on campus experience.   (Inside Higher Ed)

Career

• (CNBC) lists the soft skills most in demand by employers. This could come in handy when helping students to build strong resumes.

Scams and Fraud

• We are bombarded with scam texts and emails, and it is exhausting. There are costs to everyone, even those not caught out by one of the scams. (WAPO-subscription may be required)

Financial Literacy

• BankRate.com suggests many techniques for helping young children learn about money and explain why it is important.
• South Carolina poised to become another state requiring a ½ credit personal finance course for high school graduates. (WCSC)

About the Author

Beth Tallman

Beth Tallman entered the working world armed with an MBA in finance and thoroughly enjoyed her first career working in manufacturing and telecommunications, including a stint overseas. She took advantage of an involuntary separation to try teaching high school math, something she had always dreamed of doing. When fate stepped in once again, Beth jumped on the opportunity to combine her passion for numbers, money, and education to develop curriculum and teach personal finance at Oberlin College. Beth now spends her time writing on personal finance and financial education, conducts student workshops, and develops finance curricula and educational content. She is also the Treasurer of Ohio Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy.

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