Benchmark U.S. crude oil for August delivery rose 1 cent to $71.80 a barrel Thursday. Brent crude for September delivery fell 13 cents to $76.52 a barrel. Wholesale gasoline for August delivery rose 2 cents $2.54 a gallon. August heating oil fell 1 cent to $2.48 a gallon. August natural gas fell 5 cents to…
Closing Prices for Crude Oil, Gold, and Other Commodities (July 6)
How Major US Stock Indexes Fared July 6
Stocks closed lower after reports suggested the U.S. job market remains much more resilient than expected. The S&P 500 fell 0.8 percent Thursday. The Dow lost 366 points, or 1.1 percent, and the Nasdaq fell 0.8 percent. While a sturdy labor market keeps the economy out of a long-expected recession, it could also push the…
Is Bidenomics for Real?
What a difference a year makes. In 2020, under former president Donald Trump, inflation in the United States averaged 1.4 percent. One year later, inflation’s annual rate was 8 percent. As of June 2023, it’s hovering around 4 percent. That’s still higher than what the past administration had. Now, President Joe Biden is touting an…
Closing Prices for Crude Oil, Gold, and Other Commodities (July 5)
Benchmark U.S. crude oil for August delivery rose $2 to $71.79 a barrel Wednesday. Brent crude for September delivery rose 40 cents to $76.65 a barrel. Wholesale gasoline for August delivery rose 6 cents $2.52 a gallon. August heating oil rose 11 cents to $2.49 a gallon. August natural gas fell 5 cents to $2.66…
How Major US Stock Indexes Fared July 5
Wall Street edged lower following a rally that sent it roaring 16 percent higher for the year so far. The S&P 500 slipped 0.2 percent Wednesday, edging down from its highest level since April 2022. The Dow fell 129 points, or 0.4 percent. The Nasdaq gave back 0.2 percent. Other markets around the world fell…
The Good News About Social Security Administration Customer Service
Q: In a recent column, you highlighted some harsh words from a guy who was critical of the government in general and the Social Security Administration in particular. I just wanted to tell you that my recent experience with the SSA filing a claim for retirement benefits could not have gone more smoothly. I used…
How to Save Money, and Things You Should Avoid Buying
It is easy to talk about wanting to save money, but when you look at what some people buy, it is no wonder they cannot build a bank account. Saving money is not difficult for most people, but it begins with learning to say no to some purchases. When saving money is not your goal,…
No Second Mortgage!
Dear Dave, My husband was recently told layoffs are about to happen at his company, and that it might be a good idea for him to start looking for another job. He has found a couple of good possibilities, but the jobs are located 100 miles away. In preparation for a possible move, we spoke…
Be Smart About Paying Off Debt
Dear Dave, Should I cash in my 401(k) to pay off my car? I have just enough in the account to pay off the car and free up money in my budget. —Marina Dear Marina, If I were in your shoes and I could pay off the car in 18 months or less, I’d live…
A Corporate Con Game
Dear Dave, I know you recommend using cash or debit cards instead of credit cards. But can you explain why my husband and I shouldn’t take advantage of credit card points for travel expenses that are required for work but will be reimbursed by the employer? —Cathy Dear Cathy, So, your employer is so poor…
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