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Yes, the opportunity cost calculation is realistic. We use a default return of 7% after inflation, as early withdrawals can significantly reduce your money's compound growth over time.
Read moreThe federal funds rate is the interest rate banks charge each other for overnight loans. It's set by the Federal Reserve and ripples through everything—savings yields, credit card APRs, mortgages, ...
Read moreA normal yield curve slopes upward—long-term bonds pay higher yields than short-term. When it inverts (short-term > long-term), markets are pricing rate cuts to fight a slowdown. The 10-year minus ...
Read moreIt signals recession risk. Defensive moves: boost emergency savings to 6-9 months, pay down high-rate debt, favor quality bonds and cash-like assets, and delay major purchases unless essential. Avo...
Read moreHeadline inflation shows the broad CPI number; core strips out food and energy volatility. Look at category breakouts (shelter, food, healthcare) to see where your budget gets squeezed, then demand...
Read morePrime rate is typically the Fed funds rate + 3%. Banks use it as the baseline for HELOCs, variable-rate mortgages, small business loans, and many credit cards. Every 0.25% move adds ~$2 per month p...
Read moreFocus on offense and defense. Offense: keep investing steadily, bargain hard on salary, and pick up recession-resilient income streams. Defense: extend emergency savings, reduce variable spending, ...
Read moreCPI tracks out-of-pocket urban consumer costs; PCE is broader, adjusts for substitutions, and is the Fed’s preferred gauge. CPI often runs hotter than PCE. When CPI cools faster than PCE, inflation...
Read moreIt depends on your income stability and situation. If you have stable dual income, excellent job security, and good insurance, 3 months of essential expenses may suffice. If you're single income, h...
Read moreInclude only essential expenses: rent/mortgage, utilities, food, insurance, minimum debt payments, and transportation. Exclude discretionary spending like dining out, entertainment, subscriptions, ...
Read moreKeep your emergency fund in a high-yield savings account (currently 4-5% APY) or money market fund. Don't invest it in stocks or bonds—you need guaranteed access without market risk. Consider split...
Read moreBuild a starter emergency fund ($1,000-2,000) first, then aggressively pay down high-interest debt (above 7-8% APR), then finish building your full 3-6 month emergency fund. This strategy prevents ...
Read moreAn 8 month emergency fund should cover 8 months of your essential expenses. This extended cushion is ideal for entrepreneurs, freelancers, commission-based workers, or those in volatile industries ...
Read moreMost homes see a 6–10 year payback after the 30% federal tax credit, depending on system price, sun exposure, and electricity rates. Over 25 years, lifetime savings commonly range $30,000–$60,000.
Read moreBatteries add $10k–$15k and usually extend payback by 3–5 years, but they provide outage protection and time‑of‑use arbitrage value in TOU regions (e.g., CA, AZ, NV, TX) and where net metering is r...
Read moreYes. Modern cold‑climate models operate efficiently to about −15°F, maintaining high capacity even near 0°F. Geothermal systems are even more efficient but costlier upfront.
Read moreIf you heat with expensive fuels (oil/propane) or have very old equipment, a heat pump first often saves more immediately. Otherwise, solar first can offset future heat pump electricity and improve...
Read moreSolar + battery: 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit through 2032 (phasing down after). Heat pumps: 30% Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, capped (e.g., $2,000 for air‑source).
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