Money

     This and that. "The typical household is spending nearly $1,000 this winter to keep the heat on. That's about $85 more than a year ago. Residential electricity prices have risen about 25% since 2019. Although in the Northeast and the West Coast, electric bills in some states are less than in the 2010s, after adjusting for inflation. 

WORLD magazine

     "Paychecks for hourly wage earners have risen 3% to 4% every year since 2019. More than a third of homeowners reduced or went without necessities to pay an energy bill at least once.  

     Discounts. "More wealthy Americans are shopping at discount stores, a sign that inflation is reaching more income levels. About 30% of people earning more than $170,000 a year said they now shop at Walmart, ALDI and Dollar General, especially for food and household items. That's up from 20% four years ago. Surprised? 

     Graduation Blues. "College grads may struggle to land a job this spring, as businesses cut expenses. One quarter of 183 employers polled anticipate hiring more graduates this year. About half those surveyed rated the job market 'fair or poor,' the most pessimistic view since the pandemic. 

     "Declining sales and business leads, an uncertain economy, and budget cuts are the primary reasons. Economists expect the unemployment rate to remain elevated for most of 2026. But researchers say employers who didn't hire college grads last year may be looking for them this spring."