🍋 Make lemonade

07.18.2024

When life gives you lemons…sometimes you have to tap an emergency fund. 

A financial surprise can be a sour moment: 37% of Americans can’t afford an unexpected expense over $400, and almost a quarter (21%) have no emergency savings at all, according to new Empower research.

In fact, 1 in 4 (25%) people are feeling the squeeze, dipping into emergency savings to cover basic living expenses in the past year. Americans agree that being able to weather unexpected financial needs creates a sense of Financial Happiness, and many are taking steps to plan for the unplanned.

Read on for more money stories, served with a side of zest. 

— The Editors

Money

🍊 Slice of life: According to the Census Bureau’s latest estimates, the 65-and-up population grew in all of America’s biggest cities from 2020-2023, up 20%* in some areas. Cities with the most 65+ growth include Raleigh (+18.3%), Austin (+17.3%), and Houston (+15.3%). The trend is influencing the real estate market and retirement savings: Those relocating can cash in on a median home equity of $250,000* and more, if they downsize in the move. For those approaching their golden years, increasing retirement saving contributions by just 1% more can have a meaningful impact.

🍬 Sweet and sour: The monthly Consumer Price Index dipped 0.1% in June with the 12-month rate landing at 3%* — the lowest in more than 3 years. Gas prices slid 3.8% from May to offset slight increases of 0.2% in food and shelter. Prices may not be rising as quickly as they have been, but American households still have sticker shock: The overall CPI has increased 20%* since February 2020.

🏎️ No lemons here: NASCAR is unveiling a $1.5 million* prototype EV stock car, and Ferrari is gearing up to launch its first EV next year, which will have a starting price of $535,000.* That’s about 42% higher than the $376,000 average purchase price for the automaker’s other vehicles, and nearly 1,760% more than the average price of $28,767 for used EVs in general. Americans have saved $1 billion in EV tax credits so far in 2024, according to the Treasury and IRS.

 👛 Small-change squeeze: $68 million* in coins are tossed each year, according to Reworld. The sustainable waste processing company recovers and separates 550,000 tons of metals annually and has collected $10 million in loose change over the last seven years. A little can go a long way, especially when Empower data shows Americans have a median emergency savings of just $600.

Work

Labor glass half full with a twist

The U.S. added 206,000* jobs in June, higher than the 200,000 forecasted but fewer than the 218,000 in May. Despite steady hiring, unemployment also rose to 4.1%.* While still historically low, it’s the highest level since November 2021, signaling a cooling economy. 

Average hourly pay was also up 3.9% year over year to $35.00* — a fraction of the $240 Americans say an hour of their time is worth on average, according to an Empower study.

Though it's the smallest annual wage growth* in three years, it still outpaced the 3%* increase in consumer prices. That may be good news for the nearly 6 in 10 (57%) Americans who say high inflation and price increases have soured their ability to save for an emergency this year, according to Empower research.

Life

🥤 Stirred up: (54%) worry about paying emergency expenses if or when the time comes, new Empower research reveals.

Play

Novelty homes are juicing the market

Would you live in a house shaped like a lemon?

New Zillow data* shows that if cost wasn't a factor, people would want a home with customized features — the stuff of childhood dreams. The whimsical wishlist for buyers includes a home theater (76%), a bowling alley (43%), and a personal elevator (58%).

But these homes often come with big price tags — like one $20 million Los Angeles compound with a go-kart track, golf simulator, and built-in aquarium — or a $2 million listing in San Luis Obispo that stands out with a peacock mosaic.

A social media account dubbed Zillow Gone Wild (2 million followers strong) has turned featuring the unexpected into a hit HGTV show. As Americans keep dreamscrolling for the perfect house, Zillow reported 217 million people* visited the site to window shop in the first quarter of 2024.

“Who is Alex Trebek?”

The U.S. Postal Service is answering in the form of a question with the release of its new Forever stamp honoring the late, longtime Jeopardy! game-show host.

The new stamp debuts on the heels of the sixth price hike in the last three years, from 68 to 73 cents.* Sold in sets of 20 for $14.60,* the tribute stamp is designed to mimic the game show’s board and features categories such as “entertainment” and “famous Alexes,” together with a photo of Trebek. 

Get financially happy.

Put your money to work for life and play.

*Third-party data is obtained from sources believed to be reliable; however, Empower cannot guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, or fitness of this data for any particular purpose. Third-party links are provided solely as a convenience and do not imply an affiliation, endorsement, responsibility, or approval by Empower of the contents on such third-party websites.

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The Currency editors

Staff contributors

The CurrencyTM, a publication from Empower, covers the latest financial news and views shaping how we live, work, and play. We keep you current on ways to plan, save, and invest for life.

The content contained in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and is not meant to constitute legal, tax, accounting or investment advice. You should consult a qualified legal or tax professional regarding your specific situation. No part of this blog, nor the links contained therein is a solicitation or offer to sell securities. Compensation for freelance contributions not to exceed $1,250. Third-party data is obtained from sources believed to be reliable; however, Empower cannot guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness or fitness of this data for any particular purpose. Third-party links are provided solely as a convenience and do not imply an affiliation, endorsement or approval by Empower of the contents on such third-party websites.

Certain sections of this blog may contain forward-looking statements that are based on our reasonable expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. Past performance is not a guarantee of future return, nor is it indicative of future performance. Investing involves risk. The value of your investment will fluctuate and you may lose money.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design), and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.