📷 Say cheese
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Say cheese.
A picture is worth a thousand words. For Getty Images and Shutterstock, it’s worth a $3.7 billion* “merger of equals” to create one stock photography powerhouse that can compete* with the growing use of generative AI tools.
Zooming in on what success looks like for the average American: $5.3 million in overall net worth, according to Empower research. A third say the secret to prosperity is being a visionary (36%) and paying yourself first by putting money away to save for retirement (35%).
— The Editors
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✈️ In focus: JetBlue* is the first carrier to accept Venmo payments, making it easier than ever to book airfares on the carrier’s website. In coming months, passengers will also be able to purchase in-flight snacks or drinks through JetBlue’s mobile app. Overall, 1 in 4 Americans (26%) use digital payment methods weekly. In 2024, Americans spent an average of $1,268 monthly on travel, according to the Empower Personal DashboardTM.
🚗 Four-wheel close up: Compact cars are bringing in the cheese, with sales of models like the Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra accelerating by over 20%* last year. With new car prices topping $47,000 on average, and motor vehicle insurance soaring 11.3% year-over-year, budget-conscious buyers are parking their money in smaller sedans and crossovers.
💲 Stimulus snapshot: The IRS is issuing surprise payments of up to $1,400* for individuals who missed the Recovery Rebate Credit during the pandemic. No action is needed to receive the money: Eligible taxpayers will see the money in their bank account or mailbox by the end of January.
🥜 Picture this: Planters is hiring Peanutters* to drive its 26-foot-long NUTmobile across the country for a year, offering a $45,000 salary, benefits, and travel perks. The job? Cruise highways in a giant peanut, plan local events, and turn every stop into a photo op. Applications are being accepted until Feb. 14.
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Photo finish to the office
Not all commutes are created equal. Anyone cruising through Richmond, Virginia; Newark, Delaware; or Mesa, Arizona, is in luck, as drivers in these cities enjoy some of the quickest urban commutes, covering six miles in just over 9* minutes, according to TomTom’s annual Traffic Index. Contrast that with New York City, where it takes 30 minutes to cover the same distance. NYC’s new congestion* toll pricing — from $9 to $27 during peak hours — aims to cut traffic snarls, and early reports* suggest it may be working.
Empower research shows that 1 in 4 Americans would take a 15% pay cut for more free time. So the extra tolls could be worth it for some drivers.
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Zooming in on AI
The road ahead is looking smarter, thanks to AI-powered* innovations reshaping the driving experience. Qualcomm and Google are collaborating* to enable generative AI in-car experiences like intuitive voice assistants, immersive maps, and real-time software updates. This digital help could be a timesaver, with 1 in 4 Millennials valuing their time at over $500 per hour.
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Smile, you’re on a (smaller) cruise
Disney is shifting gears with its cruise line, planning three smaller ships by 2031* to reach ports the big vessels can’t. These downsized ships, carrying around 3,000 passengers compared to today’s 4,000-plus, are designed for unique destinations yet to be announced.
Some travelers are opting for $255,999 round-the-world cruises to get away for years at a time or living on ships as an alternative to moving to a traditional retirement community. Read more on The CurrencyTM.
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Freeze frame
Snowplows* are in the spotlight this winter with names like Beyonsleigh, Taylor Drift, and Darth Blader. Some states are embracing creativity by holding contests to name their fleets. The trend goes beyond just clever names — many areas now offer snowplow trackers so residents can follow their favorite snow-clearing stars in action.
States spend more than $2.3 billion* annually to keep winter roads clear.
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 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.