That rise is making Palantir stock an attractive pick for investors who want to find the next big winner in AI and military technology.

Sludge reports that public pension funds in 30 U.S. states own billions of Palantir shares. This means teachers, firefighters, and other public workers' retirement funds are tied to a firm involved in several political disputes.

These include worries about how AI will be used in the military, on the battlefield, for immigration enforcement, for spying on people at home, and for making decisions about government policy.

That's why this tale is about more than simply having a pension fund.

Investors' concerns go beyond the strength of Palantir's business. If institutional investors have to work harder to explain why they own the firm, will it be able to keep its premium?

When a company sits at the crossroads of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), criticism of war technology, big data gathering, and founder-controlled governance, controversy might begin to emerge as a major long-term risk factor.

PLTR is still going strong right now.

But the narrative is becoming a lot more complicated.

Palantir stock gains are colliding with pension fund pressure

The California Public Employees' Retirement System owns around $734 million worth of Palantir shares, Sludge says.

The California State Teachers' Retirement System is said to hold nearly $624 million worth. The New York State Common Retirement Fund is estimated to possess more than $413 million in PLTR, while the New York State Teachers' Retirement System is said to own roughly $326.5 million.

Those are really big positions.

They also indicate how firmly Palantir stock has become a part of big institutional portfolios, notably via passive index strategies that add more exposure as a company's market capitalization grows. In other words, as Palantir rises, it becomes harder for many big investors to stay away from it.

That matters because pension funds are not like regular stockholders. They are public entities that need to explain where retirement money is going, particularly when the corporation in question is the focus of a heated political dispute.

Related: Palantir CEO makes blunt AI claim and investors should care

Critics say the public money Palantir obtains is going to a corporation connected to ICE activities, government monitoring, and contentious national security projects. That makes things awkward for funds that typically speak publicly about civil liberties, human rights, and corporate governance.

"Pension funds that should someday care for them have their money invested in a company building AI surveillance systems that could be used to harm those same families or their loved ones," Kenny Morris, campaigns strategist for the American Friends Service Committee's Action Center for Corporate Accountability, told Sludge.

Most public pension systems, on the other hand, have used the same defense: fiduciary obligation.

Instead of saying they were going to sell right away, the funds that Sludge spoke about mostly referenced diversification, long-term portfolio building, and passive investment. That doesn't imply they are okay with every component of Palantir's business. This suggests they don't want to sell a stock that is doing well until they can show that it will help their finances.

That difference is crucial for investors.

The risk isn't that all pension funds will sell PLTR tomorrow. The risk is that public pressure, governance campaigns, and institutional discomfort will keep adding to the uncertainty around a stock that is already priced for a lot of future success.

Palantir’s immigration, Gaza-era war, and surveillance ties deepen the debate

ICE is just one element of the Palantir story for investors.

The company's work with the government now covers a lot of sensitive areas, and the numbers are large enough to matter. In April 2025, ICE gave Palantir a $30 million contract extension to work on ImmigrationOS, a system that helps keep track of and manage immigration case data. That project was supposed to last until 2027.

But that's only part of the story.

Reuters said in March 2026 that the Pentagon made Palantir's Maven system a core military program. By 2025, the platform had already brought in more than $1.3 billion in Pentagon contracts. Reuters also said that Maven has been used in thousands of U.S. strikes on Iran. This made Palantir even more of a focus in the debate over military AI and combat software.

Next, there is Israel.

Palantir's 2024 annual report said the company had formed a strategic agreement with the Israeli Defense Ministry to deliver technology throughout the battle, Bloomberg indicated.

More Palantir 

• Palantir CEO delivers curt 8-word message to investors
• Veteran analyst drops eye-popping price target on Palantir stock
• Morgan Stanley has a stark message for investors in Palantir stocks

The corporation didn't say how much money was involved in that deal, and it also indicated that its operations in Israel weren't important to its overall financial results at the time. Even though the value is not known, the arrangement adds another politically sensitive layer to the company's growing defense reach.

This is why this problem is wider than just enforcing immigration laws.

Sludge says that as of March 2026, public pension funds in more than 30 states owned nearly $4.6 billion worth of Palantir stock. CalPERS held around $734 million, CalSTRS held about $624 million, the New York State Common Retirement Fund held more than $413 million, and the New York State Teachers' Retirement System held about $326.5 million.

So the fundamental question for investors is not merely whether Palantir is contentious.

It is whether a corporation linked to a $30 million ICE expansion (as Wired reported), more than $1.3 billion in Pentagon contracts (according to Reuters), and a known collaboration with the Israeli Defense Ministry can continue to command a higher price if public pressure grows.

At that point, it's not just a matter of politics. It becomes a question of how much bad press investors are willing to tolerate in exchange for growth.

Palantir governance concerns leave investors with fewer safeguards

The thorny issues with Palantir do not restrict themselves to just politics or military criticism.

Corporate governance is also an issue.

The Sludge report pointed to Palantir’s multi-class share structure, which will give people who own the stock an outsized voting power compared to the general public. Many people find this arrangement problematic. The classic one-share, one-vote principle does not work very well here. It also does not help that board independence is weaker.

This point is important because governance is more important when a company is in the news for the wrong reasons and seems polarizing in general.

When a company faces tough questions about ICE, war tech, surveillance, and public accountability, investors often want to know that management can be held accountable and that shareholders' voices matter. But that leverage isn't as strong when the founder is in charge.

For Palantir bulls, that might seem very bookish for now.

Palantir still has strong growth drivers, close ties to the government, and a story about how its software is different from others on the market. Many investors may be willing to ignore governance problems as long as those strengths remain.

But markets will not stay in forgiveness mode forever.

If growth slows, competition increases, or investor enthusiasm around AI stocks cools, Palantir will face substantial headaches moving forward. That issue might be secondary for now, but the same governance issues will come into focus if things start going south for Palantir.

That is especially true for public pension funds, which may face growing pressure to explain how a company with controversial contracts and such a hands-on concentrated management structure.

The New York State comptroller’s office, according to Sludge, is in talks with Palantir with respect to governance risks, internal controls, and the scope of the company’s work tied to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security. It means that these are not what-if scenarios we are exploring with Palantir; these are real-life risks.

That does not mean we are heading toward these funds pulling their capital from Palantir.

But it does suggest that scrutiny is moving beyond activist slogans and into formal institutional channels. That is the kind of change to which investors should pay close attention.

Key, thorny areas investors should monitor for Palantir

• ICE-related work and any work that is connected to deportation enforcement
• Gaza-era war-tech scrutiny and broader military use
• Concerns about AI in the Pentagon and on the battlefield, including debates about targeting
• Domestic surveillance and government data aggregation risks
• Corporate governance issues that are connected to the senior management of the company
• Political exposure linked to alignment with President Donald Trump and donations
• ESG pressure on public pension funds that own a lot of PLTR stock

What PLTR investors should watch next

Palantir stock is still rising, for now.

Investors adore the company's ties to artificial intelligence, defense technology, and government contracts, plus the assumption that its software is especially crucial in high-stakes situations. That is a strong mix, and it helps explain why so many stockholders are still ignoring the issue.

But this story is important enough to warrant close attention.

A disappointing quarter isn't always the biggest threat to a premium stock. Sometimes, the tale is difficult to defend because problems keep piling up. For Palantir, such problems are getting exceptionally big. This is more than just an ICE discussion now.

There is also a tale about criticizing combat technology, spying, government, public pensions, and whether institutional investors are still okay with being linked to a corporation that continues popping up in the most politically sensitive areas of government authority.

That doesn't mean the business is over.

If reputational risk keeps mounting, the market may eventually raise harsher questions about how long Palantir's valuation premium will last. Ownership data doesn't necessarily reflect institutional concern right away, but it shows up in how analysts talk about risk, how public authorities deal with a company, and how easy investors keep believing the bull argument.

PLTR is still one of the most interesting and controversial stocks on the market right now.

The question is whether the people who own most of it will keep treating it like any other AI stock, or whether the lengthening list of problems will drive them to think about what type of firm they are really supporting.

Related: Lawmakers send stern warning to Palantir

Why we love these deals

Spring is the perfect time to spruce up your home. You can crack open the windows and clean to your heart's content, letting in the fresh spring breeze and airing out all the dust that accumulated over the winter months. But in addition to good old spring cleaning, there's also spring organizing, which is just as important. If that's also on your to-do list, a storage cabinet can help. 

Walmart has a variety of storage cabinets that are a dream for spring organizing. And if you like the classic look and versatility of farmhouse design, even better. Walmart is selling stylish farmhouse storage cabinets that are great for a spring storage upgrade, with prices as low as $59.

Homfa 4-Drawer Storage Cabinet, $59 (was $96) at Walmart

Need a piece of furniture that can declutter a small area? This storage cabinet has a narrow design, measuring 11.8 inches long, 11.8 inches wide, and 32.5 inches high. It has four drawers with cut-out pulls and slatted front panels that have a classic farmhouse look. It comes in four colors, including neutral hues like white and gray. However, it also comes in light green and blue shades that still lean into farmhouse design while adding a charming pop of color to any room. 

"This little cabinet is exactly what I wanted," a shopper said. "It fits by my bathroom sink perfectly!"

Ktaxon Freestanding 2-Door 1 Drawer Storage Cabinet, $60 (was $75) at Walmart

This farmhouse storage cabinet is a major space saver, and it's only $60. It has a drawer on top that's perfect for smaller items, and a two-door cabinet below with one adjustable shelf and two compartments. At 23.63 inches long, 11.82 inches wide, and 31.5 inches high, it's a great pick for small spaces. It's ideal for stylish bathroom storage, but can also work well in kitchens, laundry rooms, and entryways. The cabinet is available in five colors, but two have already sold out.

"I love this cabinet. It is freestanding in my bathroom, and I keep my cleaning products in it. The drawer at the top is perfect for keeping my cleaning cloths," a shopper said. "The cabinet itself holds up very well for keeping my detergents, bleach, etc. It is sturdy, it opens and closes with no issues, and it just looks nice."

Related: Target is selling a $350 storage cabinet for $90 with 5 compartments and both open and hidden storage

Better Homes & Gardens Modern Farmhouse Accent Storage Cabinet, $98 (was $155) at Walmart

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A sliding barn door is a staple in farmhouse design. While it sounds like a pricey feature, you can get it with this rustic accent storage cabinet for under $100. There are four compartments in total, with two open shelves and two hidden shelves. The sliding door can be positioned in the left or right side, putting select items on display while concealing clutter on the other. It measures 35.28 inches long, 17.6 inches wide, and 36.26, and would be a great addition to a kitchen as a coffee bar, extra storage in a bathroom, or in the living room as a TV stand.

"This is a wonderful, sturdy piece of furniture," a Walmart reviewer said. "I first saw it on Pinterest and loved it," adding that they used it as a coffee bar in the kitchen. Other shoppers used it as a laundry center and as a side table in their bedroom.

A farmhouse storage cabinet is a fantastic way to upgrade your home this spring, offering a rustic feel with clean, modern lines that make it both stylish and functional. And with any of these farmhouse cabinets at Walmart, you'll be able to snag one for under $100.

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Venezuela was "not investable," he told President Donald Trump, who was annoyed by the remark.

The Maduro regime's rules and laws offered little incentive to invest in the country, Woods said. Exxon had had its operations nationalized by the Venezuelan government — not once but twice. Plus, he conceded, Exxon had basically written Venezuela off for 20 years. And to do anything in Venezuela would require a solid on-the-ground investigation.

He didn't mention something else at that meeting — and maybe he didn't need to mention it:

Exxon didn't need Venezuela. Because a big piece of Exxon's future lies less than 700 miles to the east.

About 120 miles off the coast of Guyana.

Related: Persian Gulf crisis claims a corporate victim as gold stock resets plans

A huge and surprising oil find

It's called the Stabroek Block. It is one of the biggest oil finds anywhere in the world in a long, long time. And Exxon sees the find capable of delivering oil for many years to come.

The discovery has jump-started Guyana's economy in a major way. Exxon has invested millions in Georgetown, the country's capital, where it maintains office and staging area for Stabroek activities.

Exxon has been funding expansion of education resources across the country. Exxon's considerable influence in Washington has helped prevent Venezuela from trying to take more than half of Guyana in a border dispute.

For years, the country, parked in the northeast corner of South America, was among the poorest on the continent. It was known for thick rain forests and remote, gorgeous scenery, ungodly amounts of rain and humidity, not to mention corruption. It was where the Rev. Jim Jones set up his ill-fated Jonestown community in the 1970s.

But in 2015, oil arrived.

How big is Stabroek Block?

Remember that the value of an oil company is derived from at least two factors:

• The revenue and profits from current and expected future operations.
• The size and value of the reserves that it controls. To that we add: The ability of the company to replace the reserves with new reserves over time.

Right now, estimates are that Stabroek Block has about 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels of reserves, and Exxon expects daily production from the region, which was nearing 875,000 barrels a day at the end of 2025, to top 1 million barrels of oil a day before the end of 2026.

It's still exploring the block, which totals some 6.6 million acres where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. The acreage is roughly the size of Massachusetts.

Moreover, Exxon's annual report for 2025 notes that two thirds of its global oil-equivalent production is now coming from three places:

• The Permian basin of West Texas and New Mexico.
• Stabroek Block.
• liquid natural gas operations in the Middle East.

This proportion is generally expected to grow, the report says. A new project in the Stabroek Block, called Hammerhead, is slated to go online later this year.

Exxon's stock price reflects the bullishness about Stabroek as well as the company's biggest position in the Permian basis. The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran helped boost all energy shares, too. Exxon shares were up 41% in the first quarter after a 2025 gain of just 12%.

They're off 10% so far in April. That's partly due to Exxon's disclosure its liquid natural gas facilities in Qatar were damaged by Iranian attacks. And the war may reduce overall oil-equivalent production by 6% in the first quarter. But first-quarter earnings will be greater than what Exxon reported in the last quarter of 2025.

More Oil and Gas:

• The world’s biggest gas field matters just as much as oil right now
• Goldman Sachs reveals top oil stocks to buy for 2026
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Stabroek was a miracle find

For years, oil companies had vainly searched the north and northeast coast of South America for finds like those in Venezuela or those off northeastern Brazil.

One reason for the interest: something one learns in grade school. South America looks like it once had to be part of Africa millions of years ago. There are sizable oil deposits off the coast of Africa. Ergo, there should be deposits off South America.

Companies had drilled more than 40 dry holes off the coast of Guyana and had walked away. Exxon itself was about to give up. But Scott Dyksterhuis, an Exxon geophysicist using massive amounts of data run through Exxon supercomputers, thought a site codenamed Liza located about1,700 feet beneath the ocean surface looked good. Okay, he told his bosses, it was a 1-in-5 chance. Exxon, however reluctantly, agreed to drill but sold stakes in the project to Hess and CNOOK to reduce its risk.

About $225 million was pouring into this one well.

The result was the biggest find in a generation, worth at least $1.1 trillion, maybe a lot more. Suddenly Guyana became a place.

And it offered oil companies oil that's relatively inexpensive to pump out and to process, and there was more down below. Lots more.

The downsides of a bonanza

Stabroek is not without controversy. There have been spills during the drilling. The poverty in Guyana is still considerable, no matter how much Exxon has spent. Corruption has been part of the culture, and a September election was fought over what to do with the oil.

Guyana has been threatened by Venezuela. Guyana's neighbor on the west has claimed for more than 100 years that the Essequibo River drainage, which encompasses the western side of Guyana, is really Venezuela. There were real concerns the Maduro government would invade to seize the oil fields. Exxon and the U.S. government were able to get the situation diffused.

The International Court of Justice in the Hague, Netherlands, is supposed to decide on the border dispute later this year.

Suriname, to the east, also claims some territory. Once it sent gunboats out to shoo away a Canadian rig.

Related: The market is not efficient, it is delusional: Wall Street ignores higher inflation, tepid consumer confidence data amid ceasefire worries

Why we love this deal

Having fun in the sun is the best part about the warmer months, but between hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, travelling, and relaxing, our skin is exposed to a lot of sun. Protecting yourself from the sun's harmful rays can be one of the best ways to prevent premature aging, sun damage, and skin cancer, and while sunscreen is super useful when it comes to staying protected from the sun, it can be easy to forget to reapply, or it doesn't work as well during water sports or occasions like hiking, where you're just sweating too much for it to stick. 

In these instances where you'd like to enjoy being in the sun instead of worrying about sunburns, the Zity Sun Hoodie 3-Pack is a perfect solution. They're lightweight and offer UPF 50+ protection to keep your skin safe during all your fun outdoor adventures. Thankfully, shoppers can save 53% on the original price of $76 for this 3-pack, paying $12 for each hoodie.

Zity Sun Hoodie 3-Pack, $36 (was $76) at Amazon

Why do shoppers love it?

While wearing a long-sleeve shirt in the sun may seem counterintuitive, these sun hoodies provide high sun protection with quick-dry material that keeps you cool. The advanced breathable construction ventilates body heat and provides airflow, while also staying soft and featuring a comfortable four-way stretch that moves with you, no matter what your day entails. The material is also wrinkle-resistant and machine washable, and it includes a hood to protect your neck and ears.

Related: Walmart is selling a $74 9-foot solar light patio umbrella for just $43

The UPF 50+ sun protection makes these hoodies perfect for any outdoor activity, and the 3-pack allows you to pack an extra to change into if you want something fresh for pizza on the patio after a long hike. They feature a tagless design that prevents irritation, and could even be worn in the water during paddleboarding or water skiing. The versatility is endless, from afternoon walks, to vacation boating, to gardening and mowing the lawn. 

Details to know

• Sizes: Choose from Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large, and 3X-Large
• Color: They offer tons of color combinations, with blue, gray, white, and black being included in the best deals. 
• Material: This sun hoodie is 100% polyester.

"I was very happy with these. I used them on a recent trip. I like having the hoods to block the sun on my neck. Better than a hat," said one buyer.

Another reviewer said, "It's surprisingly comfortable and easy to wear, especially if you like performance-style fabrics. The material feels very similar to a workout shirt or a rash guard. It is thin, breathable, and clearly designed for warm weather. The hood is functional without feeling bulky, and the fabric dries quickly if you sweat. Comfort-wise, they feel good against the skin and do not trap heat as much as thicker hoodies."

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The Zity Sun Hoodie 3-Pack offers a quick and easy way to stay protected from the sun year-round. The high protection, thin, quick-dry material, and convenient hood make it great for everything from gardening to boating. Shoppers can save 53% at Amazon and get this pack for just $36.

Why we love this deal

Personal audio equipment sometimes feels like it's almost a part of us. Not only can we listen to our favorite music and podcasts, but modern AI-enabled earbuds can help connect us to the rest of the world in an even more intimate way. We found a pair of Bluetooth AIearbuds on sale at Amazon that literally blew our minds. These headphones can even do instant language translation with well over 100 languages in a split second. Add to that the low sale price and you've got a recipe for an amazing opportunity.

The Euqq AI Translation Earbuds are on sale for only $43, which is an incredible 77% off the regular price of $190. If you've ever wanted to understand exactly what someone was saying that's speaking another language, this is your chance to make that dream a reality.

Euqq AI Translation Earbuds, $43 (was $190) at Amazon

Why do shoppers love it?

These earbuds offer world-class sound for music, television, movies, and anything else you might want to enjoy. The open-ear design coupled with dual high-fidelity stereo drivers deliver the perfect balance of holistic sound with ambient awareness. You can even run with these on and still hear the traffic surrounding you. It's a great safety feature for those who walk, jog, or cycle in high-traffic areas. What's more, the powerful speakers are able to give you deep bass, and crisp mids and highs, without the discomfort of entering the ear canal like traditional wireless earbuds. 

The rechargeable internal batteries give you eight hours of continuous playback time or 60 hours of standby time including the charger case. The case also has a large full-color LED screen for managing the headphones. There are five equalization (EQ) modes that allow you to cater the sound profile to your desired pitch and tone. While the sound quality and hardware design of the headphones are impressive, it's the software they run that's the real star of the show. If you're someone who loves to communicate with people of other cultures and backgrounds, then this is the deal for you. The IPX7 water resistance means they can resist splashing and sweat, but not swimming submerged.

The headphones have an AI-enabled program that allows for instant translation between English and almost any other language on earth. The earbuds have access to 188 languages, allowing you to have a seamless conversation with someone standing right next to you, even if you don't speak one another's language. It even allows you to use the translation function when on a phone call, expanding the possibilities for both business and personal interactions. Connecting with other people has never been this simple. Unfortunately, it's only available in one color, but that's a rather insignificant complaint.

Related: Amazon is selling a smartwatch and fitness tracker for $9 that 'does everything the other expensive watches do'

Pros and cons of the Euqq AI Translation Earbuds

Pros

• Language: The earbuds have an AI program that allows for instant translation of up to 188 languages.
• Design: The open-ear construction allows you to exercise while still hearing ambient sounds.
• EQ: The headphones have 5 preset equalizer modes.
• Drivers: The dual bio-carbon high-fidelity drivers deliver deep bass and crisp mids and highs.

Cons

• Water resistance: The moderate IPX7 water resistance does not protect from damage when swimming.
• Colorways: The headphones are only available in a single black color variant.

Amazon shoppers were thrilled with this gadget. One called them "amazing earbuds," adding that they "astonished me in a good way…really helpful when I travel. The translations are fairly precise and quick…I highly recommend this amazing product."

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The Euqq AI Translation Earbuds are one of the most convenient smart devices we've seen in a while. At just $43, it's a smart deal as well. Just don't wait too long to put it in your cart or you might miss out. 

The top 1% of U.S. households held 31.7% of all household wealth in the third quarter of 2025, the highest share recorded since the Federal Reserve began tracking the data in 1989, according to CBS News. In dollar terms, that group holds an estimated $55 trillion in assets, roughly equal to the combined wealth of the entire bottom 90% of Americans.

What the Fed data actually shows

"Household wealth is highly concentrated and becoming steadily more concentrated," said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics.

The concentration is sharpest in financial assets. The top 10% of households control more than 87% of all corporate equity and mutual fund shares. When stock prices rise, that is where the gains flow first and fastest.

Related: America's wealthiest households hit $30 million as middle class lags

Consumer spending data underscores the divide. In the second quarter of 2025, the top 10% of income earners accounted for nearly half of all U.S. consumer spending, per Zandi's analysis of Federal Reserve data. That is a striking concentration of economic activity in a very narrow slice of the population.

What is driving the gap

The stock market is the primary engine. Last year's AI-driven rally boosted equity values sharply, and wealthier households benefited most because a larger share of their wealth is invested in stocks and securities. According to Gallup data cited by CBS News, 87% of Americans who own stocks live in households earning $100,000 or more.

Housing tells a different story for everyone else. Middle-income households typically have most of their wealth tied up in their homes, and house price growth has been slowing. That means they are not receiving the same lift from rising markets that wealthy investors are getting from equities.

Wages are widening the gap further. Higher-income Americans saw wage growth of 3% in December 2025, compared to 1.5% for middle-income households and just 1.1% for lower-income households.

Why this matters beyond inequality

This is not purely a social issue. It has direct implications for how stable the economy actually is beneath its surface-level strength.

MoreEconomy:

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• How Fed meeting impacts mortgage rates, housing market
• IMF drops blunt warning on US economy

When wealthy households carry a disproportionate share of consumer spending, the national data can look resilient even when most Americans feel financially pressured. A strong headline number on consumer spending can mask the reality that lower- and middle-income households are dealing with heavier debt burdens and slower income growth.

The Federal Reserve's own research has found that higher income inequality is associated with more household debt relative to GDP, particularly through mortgage debt. A rising stock market can make the wealthy richer while simultaneously making the broader economy more financially fragile.

Key figures from the Federal Reserve data:

• Top 1% share of U.S. household wealth: 31.7% in Q3 2025, a record high
• Top 1% total assets: approximately $55 trillion
• Bottom 90% combined wealth: approximately $54 trillion
• Top 10% share of corporate equity and mutual funds: more than 87%
• Top 10% share of consumer spending Q2 2025: nearly 50%
• Wage growth December 2025: 3% for high earners vs 1.1% for low earners

What this level of concentration means for the economy

When a single percentage of households controls more wealth than the bottom 90% combined, the economy starts to function differently. Growth becomes dependent on a narrow group of asset owners rather than broad-based consumer activity.

That creates a fragile foundation. If wealthy households pull back spending, whether from a market correction, a loss of confidence, or a shift in sentiment, the ripple effects can move through the economy quickly. There is no cushion from the broad middle to absorb the shock.

The data also raises questions about what economic strength actually means. When consumer spending holds up largely because the top 10% are spending more, the headline numbers can look solid while the majority of households quietly struggle. That gap between the data and lived experience is exactly what the Fed's numbers are now measuring.

The wealth gap has been widening for decades. What makes the current picture notable is the speed of concentration and the scale of the divide. The longer it continues, the harder it becomes to reverse, and the more the economy's strength depends on a foundation that only a small fraction of Americans are standing on.

Related: Powell sends message on U.S. economy and AI-related job loss fear

Why we love this deal

Few things give you a feeling of accomplishment and confidence like rocking a luxury watch. That said, you don't necessarily have to take out a second mortgage to afford one, if you know where to look. We've found Amazon to be an amazing place for occasional deals on high-end timepieces, and today is one of those days. The online retail giant is selling a very special watch at a very special price, and we thought it was time you heard about it.

The Citizen Brycen Super Titanium Eco-Drive Watch is on sale for only $262, which is 50% off the original price of $525. If you've ever wanted to own an understated luxury piece, but wanted a good deal, then this is the perfect buy for you.

Citizen Brycen Super Titanium Eco-Drive Watch, $262 (was $525) at Amazon

Why do shoppers love it?

This watch is the model of subdued elegance. The 41 millimeter diameter case is large enough to be legible but still restrained enough to be sophisticated. It's the perfect size for everyday wear. Speaking of the case, it's made of Citizen's proprietary Super Titanium. It's an extremely strong and lightweight material that's built to stand the test of time. Not only is Super Titanium forged to be rust resistant, corrosion resistant, and sturdier than standard titanium, but it has a hardness rating that's five times stronger than that of stainless steel. 

The deep blue dial is attractive and legible. It has raised steel hour markers just inside the chapter ring, and luminescent pips along the outer perimeter. The beautiful sword handset also has a luminescent treatment on it, making the watch easy to read in low light conditions. The watch's Super Titanium rotating dive bezel is perfect for measuring dive times or just about anything else you see fit. That said, this piece doesn't just look like a dive watch, it's intended to be taken in the ocean, if you so wish.

With a waterproof rating to 100 meters, you can swim with this timepiece on your wrist and have no worries about its continued functionality. While not intended for intense scuba diving at depths, swimming laps in a pool or enjoying the beach is perfectly within this watch's capabilities. What's protected inside of the pressure-tested case is a Citizen Eco-Drive movement. It's a quartz-regulated design that uses small solar panels under the dial to gather energy and power the handset. You likely won't need to buy a battery for the entire life of the watch. It's an ingenious watchmaking achievement, and one that's worth a premium price. Luckily, that's something you won’t have to pay, thanks to this deal.

Related: Amazon is selling a $325 Seiko automatic luxury watch with 100 meters of water resistance for $270

Details to know

• Case diameter: 41 millimeters.
• Material: Citizen's proprietary Super Titanium.
• Strap: Genuine leather.
• Movement: Quartz-regulated Citizen Eco-Drive.

The benefit of something this size that's so incredibly durable is that you can use it as a carry-on for your flight and don't have to worry about the bag or its contents getting damaged if and when it gets not-so-lovingly shoved into the back of the plane's overhead compartment. It's a sturdy travel companion that looks as good as it works. 

The Citizen Brycen Super Titanium Eco-Drive Watch is one of the best luxury watch buys we've seen in a while. At just $262, this Eco-Drive stunner is a must by for anyone looking to boost their watch game.

Citizen Super Titanium Eco-Drive Weekender Watch, $277 (was $395) at Amazon

Citizen Garrison Field Watch, $147 (was $174)  at Amazon

Timex Expedition North Field Titanium Watch, $158 (was $168) at Amazon

Citizen Eco-Drive Sport Luxury Armor Super Titanium Watch, $569 (was $725) at Amazon

Citizen Eco-Drive Sport Casual Odyn Watch, $237 (was $450) at Amazon

Shop more deals 

• Bulova Automatic Dress Watch, $476 (was $595) at Amazon
• Citizen Promaster Sea Eco-Drive Dive Watch, $403 (was $575) at Amazon

Why we love this deal

When you're running back and forth between work, taking the kids to school, and trying to complete your errands while balancing all the to-do lists and extracurriculars you have going on, you certainly look forward to hopping into bed each night. Life is so busy that when it's finally time to throw on some pajamas and hunker down for the night, we're more than happy to do it. Who could possibly say no to a quiet eight hours of no interruptions? But nothing irritates us more, or gets in the way of that overnight reset, than uncomfortable bedding. Whether it's made with a fabric that leaves you hot and sweaty, or seems scratchy and itchy on your skin, when you lack comfort, your sleep seriously suffers, and no one should have to deal with that. These days, it's well worth the money to invest in a new bedding set when your current one gets in the way of logging some solid ZZZ's, and with so many multi-piece sets available for affordable prices, it's easier than ever to swap out the old for the new. 

Right now, Target is selling the Becky Cameron Textured Comforter Set for 40% off. The down alternative comforter and pillow shams set typically goes for $116, but you can get your own for just $70. 

Becky Cameron Textured Comforter Set, $70 (was $116) at Target

Why do shoppers love it?

This ultra-soft set is designed to keep you comfortable and cool. Made with a 100% microfiber fabric, the down alternative comforter and two pillow shams in the set have a waffle-texture that promotes air circulation to keep you from overheating. The raised, honeycomb-like weave that waffle fabrics have creates air pockets that offer superior temperature regulation because they trap warmth but allow heat to escape. This, in combination with the polyester's moisture-wicking capabilities in the microfiber, prevents you from waking up damp and sweaty. The waffled-texture also creates a cozier sleeping experience because of how appealing and non-irritating it is on skin. 

The all-season comforter is stuffed with a polyester fill to give it its plush, fluffy appearance and warmth. It uses a sewn through box stitching to ensure that the fill stays evenly distributed, preventing shifting, bunching, or clumping in a certain corner or side. The textured comforter is a great way to add some style to your bedroom without going overboard. If you like a simple look but aren't keen on vibrant patterns, then this 3D-textured waffle weave might be the perfect solution to infuse some fun into your bedding.  

The set is available in three sizes: twin/twin extra long, full/queen, and king/california king. The full/queen and king/california king sets all come with three pieces — the two pillow shams and comforter — but the twin/twin extra long only includes one pillow sham and one comforter.

Related: Target is selling a $1,200 modular sectional sofa for $570 that can transform as needed

Available in seven colors, this set is machine washable. For best results, wash on cold with similar colors and then tumble on low to dry in the dryer. 

Details to know

• Material: Waffle-textured microfiber fabric with a polyester fill. 
• Colors: Seven.
• Includes: For the full/queen and king/california king sizes, you receive two pillow shams and a comforter. For the twin/twin extra long, you receive one pillow sham and a comforter. 
• Care: Machine wash on cold with similar colors and then tumble on low to dry.

Although the bedding is lightweight, which many shoppers find to be a plus, it's still incredibly warm and keeps you well insulated during the colder months. Shoppers say the comforter is very "fluffy" and are impressed with the quality of the comforter. "Surpassed my expectations," one shopper said. "It's so soft to the touch." Others like the stylish appearance of the waffle-texture, noting that it's "absolutely beautiful out of the box." 

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• Becky Cameron Luxury Reversible Quilted Coverlet Set, $55 (was $91) at Target
• Cosy House Collection Memory Foam Pillow, $55 (was $74) at Target
• Bokser Home Father & Down Plus Luxury Mattress Topper, $300 (was $375) at Target

Bedding is something you don't necessarily want to skimp on, but these days you can get quality for a low cost — win, win! The Becky Cameron Textured Comforter Set is an affordable way to make sure your good night's sleep is actually good every night. 

Introducing a 1979 Kenner Star Wars Rocket-Firing Boba Fett, which sold at a @GoldinCo auction for $1,342,000 (£1,036,887) 🤑

Only around 100 were ever made as it was a pre-production prototype made by official Star Wars licensee Kenner ahead of 1980's The Empire Strikes Back. pic.twitter.com/TGReRXfAWN

— Guinness World Records (@GWR) April 10, 2026

In the days before NFTs and Crypto, that sentence might make you angry. Today though, it is another example of a new store of value. For people who have been following the alternative asset market long enough to remember the idea that toys becoming one of the biggest areas of investment for collectors was a contrarian idea rather than a common one, the record-breaking Boba Fett auction is a kind of vindication. The market has been building this idea in seven-figure steps, and now it has a signature monument.

Anatomy of a $1.3 Million Asset: Why This Boba Fett?

The J-Slot vs. L-Slot Distinction

To figure out what the market is really buying here, you have to go down a taxonomy so strange that even a medieval scholar would stop and think. There are two versions of the rocket-firing Boba Fett prototype. The difference between them is the shape of the slot on the figure's back that holds the spring-loaded projectile mechanism. The L-slot, which looks like the letter L, is the first version. The J-slot, which has a curved channel that makes it stand out, is the second-generation prototype that the market has made almost a religious relic.

The difference is not just in appearance. The J-slot mechanism was more complicated mechanically, which made it more likely to break down over time. Specimens that stayed functional and in good shape did so despite the engineering, not because of it. The long-standing myth of the spring-loaded missile goes back to 1979, when Kenner, worried about a competitor's product being recalled because it was a choking hazard, decided to get rid of the feature before any units reached stores. Most of the pre-production samples were thrown away or destroyed.

This specific version possesses the added significance of confirmed pre-production premium: it never entered the retail market. Analysts call that a "clean chain of custody" in the language of alternative assets.

The Goldin Sale and the Maturation of the Toy Market

Institutional Grading as a Market Catalyst

For any asset class to attract serious money, it needs a common language of value. The troy ounce is a unit of measure for gold. There is a 100-point scale for wine. As it turns out, vintage toys have the Action Figure Authority.

The AFA grading system is like a certificate of authenticity for high-end collectibles. The $1,342,000 deal at Goldin would not have been possible on a large scale without standardized, third-party authentication and condition scoring. People with a lot of money don't write seven-figure checks just because a seller is excited. They need something that works like a Sotheby's provenance report, and AFA has been building that infrastructure for 20 years, one sealed acrylic case at a time.

The "Goldin Effect" is also very important. Ken Goldin made a name for itself in the sports card market, which also saw a speculative explosion in the early 2020s. The auction house knew that the same collector psychology that drives a Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card up to six figures works the same way in the Star Wars space, and they did a great job of putting that knowledge to use. It turns out, as competitive scarcity is platform-agnostic.

For anyone keeping an eye on vintage Star Wars toys that are worth thousands as possible long-term investments, the Goldin result sends a clear market signal: the top-tier prototype segment has not only kept up with traditional equity indices over the past decade. By a number of analytical measures, it has done better than them. The difference is liquidity, or lack of it. These aren't tools for tactical trading. They are buy-and-hold by nature and by design.

Scarcity Mechanics: The "100 Club" and Market Demand

The Psychology of the "Holy Grail"

Anyone who knows about money but isn't emotionally involved will ask the same question: why would a smart person pay $1.34 million for injection-molded plastic? To answer this question, you need to know how real scarcity affects price when demand is not only inelastic but also driven by prestige.

Take a look at the 1933 Double Eagle example, which went for $18.9 million in 2021. The gold in that coin is worth hundreds of dollars when melted down. The combination of uniqueness, authentication, and the weight of a specific, unrepeatable moment in history is what makes eight figures. The 1979 Kenner prototype meets all three standards at levels that most assets can't reach. There are only about 100 of these specimens in the world, and the number of billionaire-level collectors with strong nostalgia for that franchise is growing much faster than the number of graded, high-condition examples. This means that the demand-supply math is very favorable.

The record-breaking Boba Fett auction also answers a question that the market has been asking since 2022: was the rise in prices of high-end collectibles during the pandemic just speculation, or was it price discovery? The Goldin result gives a clear answer to that question. This was not a bubble. It was a market that was finding its true balance for things that can never be made again. Kenner is no longer here. The tools are gone. There is no way to get into the pre-production pipeline that made these 100 survivors. You can't make more supply.

Star Wars, on the other hand, has shown that it can last longer than most intellectual franchises. The original trilogy has survived every medium, every distribution platform, and every critical review that history has thrown at it. Boba Fett is a cultural icon that is almost contradictory: he only appeared on screen for a few seconds in *The Empire Strikes Back,* but his impact on culture has been felt around the world. That difference between how things look and how they affect people is a kind of rarity, and markets have priced it accordingly, as they usually do.

As one investment analyst recently put it, these are the "blue-chip alternative assets" in the vintage toy market.

The Future Outlook for the Record Breaking Boba Fett Auction

The $1.34 million sale will be the price anchor for all future sales in the top tier of the Star Wars prototype market. And the sale will set the standard for similar items, just like a record-breaking home sale changes the price range for a neighborhood. The rising-tide mechanism, which anyone who saw the fine art market react to a big Basquiat sale will recognize, will move through the larger vintage Kenner market over the next 18 to 36 months, with predictable effects on people who own graded, authenticated material.

The Goldin auction result confirms a theory that the collector has had for years, sometimes decades, about a high-quality Star Wars prototype. For the institutional investor who thought the category was just a way for people to remember things, it is a way to change their mind. And for the market itself, the record-breaking Boba Fett auction is not the end. It is a turning point: when a group stood up in front of a lot of money and said, without any doubt, that it had arrived.

Our Record Breaking Boba Fett Auction Questions Answered

Q: Why is the rocket-firing Boba Fett prototype so valuable?

A: The value comes from how rare it is and the very specific historical context. Kenner first sold the figure as a mail-away promotion for *The Empire Strikes Back,* but they took away the rocket-firing feature after a competitor's similar product was recalled because of safety concerns. Most of the units were destroyed before they left the factory, so there are only about 100 pre-production prototypes left. 

Q: What is a "J-slot" Boba Fett?

A: The "J-slot" is the name of the firing mechanism channel on the figure's back that looks like the letter J. This was the setup for the second-generation prototype. The J-slot is preferred over the earlier "L-slot" version because fewer were made and the mechanism was more likely to break down over time. This makes a working, high-quality example like the one sold at Goldin very rare, even among the few surviving examples.

Q: How many of these Star Wars prototypes exist?

A: About 100 of the original Kenner Rocket-Firing Boba Fett prototypes are thought to still exist, but they are in different stages of completion. A lot of them are "first shots" that haven't been painted or are structurally weak. The $1.34 million specimen is one of the best-known examples in the world, which is why it sold for such a high price.

Q: Is the vintage toy market a good investment in 2026?

A: Over the past 10 years, high-end vintage toys have seen amazing and steady price increases. The recent record-breaking Boba Fett auction shows that high-net-worth investors are treating top-tier, professionally graded collectibles as real alternative assets. That being said, the market is much less liquid than stocks or bonds, so these are better as long-term buy-and-hold positions than as ways to quickly deploy capital. Position sizing and the quality of authentication are very important for all types of alternative assets.

Why we love this deal

With spring in the air, outdoor additions are underway; updating your patio set, cleaning off the grill, and creating a cozy outdoor ambience to host friends and family over for some delicious backyard barbecue or a pool party. If you're planning to enjoy the evenings outdoors or just want to update your nightlights so you can see the driveway more easily at night, solar lights can be a big help. They require virtually no maintenance and offer a cozy, ambient vibe without having to even think about it. 

The Swtroom Solar Glass Ball Lights 4-Pack are a beautiful choice if you're looking for some elegant lighting that packs a punch. These in-ground lights are perfect for a garden walkway, the front door pathway, or to place next to the fence. This pack is 40% off at Target, offering shoppers a discounted price of just $30.

Swtroom Solar Glass Ball Lights 4-Pack, $30 (was $50) at Target

Why do shoppers love it?

These lights feature a chic cracked glass exterior design with bundled fairy lights inside that give off a soft, cozy glow while still lighting up the area enough to see the walkway or steps. They automatically turn on and off during dusk and dawn, eliminating the need to manually turn them on, offering light on your driveway or pathway whenever you get home at night. Each light features a weatherproof design that can withstand rain, sun, and other weather conditions, and reviewers say they're easy to keep clean.

Related: Amazon is selling a $65 solar light set with the 'perfect glow' for just $36

Installation is super easy with a tool-free setup. The reinforced ground stakes are easy to insert into the ground and offer a sturdy and solid foundation. Assemble the three pieces to make the cross-spike, press the power button to turn them on, push them into the ground, and then add the globe light. They can be inserted anywhere in the ground, or you could even omit the spike and set them on the patio table or steps for light. They measure 5.8 inches tall and 5.4 inches wide, and a full charge requires about six to eight hours of direct sunlight.

The pros and cons of the Swtroom Solar Glass Ball Lights deal

Pros

• The design is elegant: The cracked glass and fairy lights offer a gorgeous lighting option that looks better than normal stake-in-the-ground lights.
• Easy installation: These require no tools and offer a quick and easy installation. Simply connect the stake to the solar panel, press the ‘on’ button, and push them into the ground.

Cons 

• Reliant on the sun: These charge best when placed directly in the sun.
• It only comes with four lights: If you need to cover a larger area, you may have to buy a few packs.

One shopper said, "I love these! I have actually had them for several months, and they're still shining brilliantly and clearly." Another reviewer said, "They're remarkable, top-quality, and extremely easy to clean. I have had these for a year now, and they're still like new."

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The Swtroom Solar Glass Ball Lights 4-Pack offers a warm, cozy light that can illuminate the driveway, garden, walkway, and more. They're quick and easy to install, and require no additional upkeep. Shoppers can get this four-pack for $30 at Target and save 44%.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR) closed at $130.49 on April 9, down 7.30% on the day. The stock is now down roughly 22% since the start of 2026 and approximately 38% below its 52-week high of around $207 set in November 2025. Trading volume came in at 90.8 million shares, about 82% above its three-month average.

What just happened with Palantir for the first time in a year

Palantir's valuation recently fell below 100 times forward earnings estimates. That is something the stock has not done in about a year. At its peak, the forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio exceeded 240 times.

That compression matters because it changes the conversation. A stock trading at 240x forward earnings is essentially priced for flawless execution forever. Below 100x, the bar is still extremely high. But it is at least a bar some growth investors are willing to clear.

Related: Morgan Stanley has a stark message for investors in Palantir stocks

The stock's current forward P/E sits around 109 times, with a trailing P/E of approximately 200, according to Disruption Banking. That is still expensive by any conventional measure. But it is meaningfully cheaper than where Palantir has been.

What triggered the latest Palantir valuation drop

The immediate catalyst on April 9 was "Big Short" investor Michael Burry. He posted on X (the former Twitter) that Anthropic is "eating Palantir's lunch," before deleting the post, according to Benzinga. The post wiped roughly $23 billion from Palantir's market value.

Burry's argument rested on enterprise adoption data. He cited figures showing Anthropic's annual recurring revenue (ARR) surged from $9 billion to $30 billion in a matter of months, while Palantir took 20 years to reach $5 billion in revenue.

He also cited Ramp data showing Anthropic is capturing 73% of all new enterprise AI spending, according to Benzinga. Burry has held a short position in Palantir via long-dated put options since September 2025.

What the business actually looks like

The bearish sentiment stands in contrast to what Palantir's financials show. Q4 2025 revenue reached $1.41 billion, up 70% year over year, marking 10 consecutive quarters of accelerating growth.

Customer count climbed 34%, and the company closed more than $4 billion in contract value during the quarter, a record.

More Palantir 

• Palantir CEO delivers curt 8-word message to investors
• Veteran analyst drops eye-popping price target on Palantir stock
• Morgan Stanley has a stark message for investors in Palantir stocks

The balance sheet is clean. Palantir holds $7.2 billion in cash with no debt. Management has guided for U.S. commercial revenue above $3.144 billion in 2026, representing growth of at least 115%.

On the government side, the Pentagon classified its Maven Smart System as a Program of Record in March 2026, guaranteeing long-term budgetary support, as Disruption Banking reported.

Key Palantir metrics at a glance:

• Q4 2025 revenue: $1.41 billion, up 70% year over year
• Consecutive quarters of accelerating growth: 10
• Q4 contract value closed: $4 billion+ (record)
• Cash on hand: $7.2 billion; zero debt
• 2026 U.S. commercial revenue guidance: $3.144 billion+ (115%+ growth)
• Current forward P/E: Approximately 109x
• Stock decline since start of 2026: Approximately 22%

The bull case and the bear case

The bull case is straightforward. Revenue growth is accelerating, the commercial business is expanding rapidly, and the balance sheet is strong. Grand View Research projects the AI platform market will grow 38% annually to reach $251 billion by 2033, a wave Palantir is well positioned to ride.

The bear case is also easy to understand. At 109 times forward earnings, expectations are still sky-high. If growth moderates or competition intensifies, the valuation has significant room to compress further. Burry's core argument is that Palantir depends on external AI models rather than owning proprietary AI software, making its moat thinner than investors assume.

For long-term investors, Palantir looks more like a high-quality but high-risk proposition than a simple bargain. The business is clearly executing. But the stock price still reflects a great deal of optimism about years of continued execution at this pace.

Time to buy Palantir?

The valuation drop below 100x forward earnings is the first meaningful change in Palantir's valuation story in about a year. That alone does not make it cheap. But it does change the risk-reward balance for investors who had previously ruled out the stock on valuation grounds alone.

Patient investors willing to tolerate volatility may find the current level more compelling than any point in the past year. Those looking for a safer entry may prefer to wait and see whether the business can keep delivering the kind of growth that justifies even this lower multiple.

Related: UBS has a message for Palantir investors

The U.S. amusement and theme park industry is projected to reach a market value of $25.5 billion in 2026, representing a steady increase from $24.62 billion in 2025 as consumers continue to prioritize discretionary spending on experience-first entertainment, according to Mordor Intelligence. 

“Destination parks combine hotels, premium dining, and proprietary IP to justify multi-day visits and maintain a steady cadence of capital refresh," writes Mordor Intelligence.

 U.S. amusement industry key highlights: 

• Spending versus attendance: Walt Disney Company earnings report data cited by Travel Weekly revealed that while attendance is flat or somewhat lower, consumers are spending more.
• Consumer preference: More than two-thirds (68%) of consumers prefer family entertainment centers that offer interactive and immersive experiences, including virtual reality.
• Merchandise spending: Spending on merchandise is increasing, with a 6.24% CAGR forecast through 2031, driven by exclusive collaborations, according to data from Mordor Intelligence. 
• Loyalty shift: Consumers are prioritizing season passes to lock in value; these repeat visitors generate the highest margins through secondary spending on food and merchandise.
  Sources: Mordor Intelligence, Business Research Insights 

Despite the demand and projected growth, Adventure Landing is closing another park.

Adventure Landing closes its St. Augustine park after more than 25 years

Adventure Landing will close its St. Augustine park, located at 2780 SR 17, after more than 25 years, reported The Florida Times-Union - Jacksonville. 

The park was constructed back in 1999 and features:

• 18-hole miniature golf course
• Monster Video and Redemption Gaming Arcade
• Batting cages with varied skill levels 
• Adventure Speedway Go-Karts
• On-site food services
• A themed snack bar
  Source: Adventure Landing 

“It’s with heavy hearts that we share that Adventure Landing St. Augustine will be permanently closing on Sunday, April 12. We’ve loved being part of this community — celebrating birthdays, family nights, first dates, and countless memories with all of you. While we’re sad to see this chapter come to an end, we are incredibly grateful for the years of fun and support you’ve given us,” the park shared in a Facebook post. 

Adventure Landing previous closures

The latest closure comes some six months after the company shuttered its Jacksonville Beach location. 

Adventure Landing’s St. Augustine location was the company's third park in Northeast Florida. Its first amusement park launched in 1995 in Jacksonville Beach. Its second park opened at 4825 Blanding Blvd. in 1996, and the third debuted in 1998 in Daytona Beach. All three parks have closed over the last four years. 

Gradually, Adventure Landing expanded, opening parks in New York, North Carolina, Texas, Kansas, Missouri, and Ohio.

After its St. Augustine location closes, the company will continue to operate five parks. 

Adventure Landing’s 5 open parks: 

• Buffalo (Tonawanda), NY: Features a mega-arcade, mini-golf, and Teddy Bear Factory.
• Dallas, TX: Offers go-karts, bumper boats, laser tag, and batting cages.
• Raleigh, NC: A longstanding staple on Capital Boulevard (recently confirmed to be staying open, despite closure rumors in March 2026).
• Winston-Salem, NC: Known for its three uniquely themed 18-hole mini-golf courses.
• Gastonia, NC: Features mini-golf, an arcade, and batting cages.
  Source: Adventure Landing 

Adventure Landing's closed parks: 

• St. Augustine, FL: Closing permanently on April 12, 2026.
• Jacksonville Beach, FL: Closed on Oct. 15, 2025, after 30 years of operation. The site is being converted into a 427-unit apartment complex, according to The Florida Times-Union - Jacksonville. 
• Jacksonville (Blanding Blvd.), FL: Closed in Summer 2021 to make way for an Amazon delivery center parking lot, reported Kiddle. 
• Charlotte (Pineville), NC: Closed in 2020 (previously rebranded as Funtasticks in 2018), according to Kiddle. 
• Daytona Beach, FL: Closed in 2002 (the site was rebranded and is now called Daytona Lagoon), writes Kiddle. 
• Greece, NY: Closed and removed from the brand portfolio in the early 2010s, rebranded as Clubhouse Fun Center, according to Kids Out and About. 
• Wheatfield, NY: Closed and removed from the brand portfolio in the early 2010s, according to Kiddle. 
• Mason, OH (The Beach at Adventure Landing): Closed in 2019 following financial restructuring. 

Why is Adventure Landing St. Augustine location closing?

In the social media post confirming the latest closure, Adventure Landing said its lease was not being renewed and encouraged all visitors to redeem any tickets, vouchers, tokens, or gift certificates before April 12. 

The property was sold for $3.6 million on Feb. 25 by Marietta, Ga.-based M&D Property Ventures LLC, according to St. Johns County property records and as reported by The Florida Times-Union - Jacksonville. 

The closure of the St. Augustine park follows the pattern of Jacksonville Beach and Blanding Boulevard locations, suggesting an industry trend toward the highest and best use of real estate.

Sometimes, even when a park remains popular in a community, the rising value of the land for residential or commercial development exceeds the profit margin of operating a traditional amusement park on that same land. 

Related: Marriott makes huge changes to its loyalty program

Why we love this deal

A great patio area or deck setup is only as good as you make it. You don't need a massive space or sprawling yard to create the ultimate outdoor oasis. With some greenery, chairs, a table, and some good lighting, it can feel like your backyard space is a whole other world, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a good book by yourself after a long day. The best part? If you know where to look, you can get all the furniture you need for a super affordable cost. No need to spend a fortune to get your dream setup. Take advantage of spring sales to secure those patio sets that can be costly without a discount, like the Aoxun 7-Piece Patio Set on Amazon.

The table and chairs set originally sells for $600, but for a limited time, it's 53% off. Save $320 and get the entire ensemble for just $280 right now. 

Aoxun 7-Piece Patio Set, $280 (was $600) at Amazon

Why do shoppers love it?

Personal style might be subjective but we think any shopper would be impressed by this incredible deal. For just $280, you can get six chairs and a dining table built to hold up in all kinds of weather.

The entire set is constructed with high-quality metal and a textured faux-wood plastic that provide durability and a sleek, modern look. The table's frame and chairs are covered in a phosphating treatment that makes the metal resistant to rust and corrosion, so they won't deteriorate in quality even after intense storms and humid weather. It also is made with advanced manufacturing techniques which ensure it's long-lasting and make it suitable for year-round use. The table top has a weather-resistant anti-fading coating as well so that it stays in tip-top shape no matter what Mother Nature whips up. It's resistant to moisture makes it easy to clean up spills and wipe dry when it's exposed to moisture. 

Measuring 59 inches by 35 inches, the table top provides ample room for dining, drinking, and enjoying other activities outdoors. With a weight limit of 200 pounds, you can load it up with dinner plates, drink glasses, books, magazines, and other personal items and it won't falter or bend under the weight. The chairs are also just as sturdy. 

Related: Amazon is selling a $50 9-foot patio umbrella for only $30 right now

The six dining chairs, each measuring 23.62 inches long, 22.04 inches wide, and 34.25 inches high, can hold an impressive 400 pounds each. They are designed to properly support your head and neck, back, and offer lumbar support.  Each chair has a textilene fabric along the back rest and seat area. The fabric offers superior breathability, so air flow will better circulate and you're less likely to overheat. It's also praised for its durability, as it resists water, oil, UV rays, and can withstand high temperatures without fading. 

What to expect from a $169 portable grill: Pros and cons

Pros

• Quality construction: The entire set is constructed from rust-resistant and corrosion-resistant metal,  weather-resistant textured faux-wood plastic, and textilene fabric. 
• Superior durability: The table has a weight limit of 200 pounds, and each chair has a weight limit of 400 pounds. 
• Sleek and stylish: The metal frame and faux-wood textured plastic give it a simple, sleek, and modern appearance that's easy to pair with existing outdoor furniture. 

Cons

• Assembly required: Most shoppers say it takes about one to two hours to assemble. 

Shoppers say this limited-time deal is "worth every penny." Assembly is a bit tricky, but once it's put together, it looks great and feels very secure and sturdy. It's the perfect place to sit and relax by yourself or with a larger group of friends and family. Enjoy meals, sip cocktails, and participate in conversation all under the bright blue sky. 

Shop more deals 

• Leetolla Elevated Raised Garden Bed, $60 (was $80) at Amazon
• Blissun 9-Inch Outdoor Patio Umbrella, $43 (was $60) at Amazon
• Sweetcrispy Zero Gravity Chairs (Set of 2) $63 (was $70) at Amazon

Patio sets, particularly larger ones like the Aoxun 7-Piece Patio Set, don't have to cost a fortune to be long-lasting. Score this version for a whopping 53% off and enjoy relaxing with it this upcoming summer. 

Tesla China denied a report this week that said the electric vehicle company is developing a new, smaller SUV model to be produced at its Shanghai factory. Tesla China says "market information claiming that Tesla is developing a new, smaller, and cheaper electric SUV is inaccurate," Electrek reported, citing the Chinese financial wire Cailian Press.

On Thursday, April 9, Reuters reported that Tesla is developing a new electric SUV and has contacted suppliers about manufacturing logistics and specifications for various components.

The vehicle was supposed to be more than 18 inches shorter in length than Tesla’s current Model Y SUV (14 ft vs 15.7 ft) and was to be cheaper than the Model Y, which currently has an MSRP of $39,990 for the lowest-tier model.

The vehicle would be produced in China, according to four Reuters sources familiar with the discussions, with future plans to expand production to the U.S. and Europe. Tesla’s Shanghai factory, which exports to Europe and other markets, saw production rise by nearly 9% year over year to 85,670 in the first quarter.

Tesla shares show volatility after company denies working on new vehicle

Either Reuters sources were wrong, or Tesla wasn't ready for this information to become public, because the company has denied the report.

The denial has Tesla's stock going on a rollercoaster ride Friday morning, April 10, with shares dipping as low as $345.59 shortly after the opening bell, though the stock was up 0.14% to $346.06 at last check.

Investors may have been keen on a new model after the company shared it was mothballing its Model S and Model X due to a lack of demand. The Model 3 was the smaller, cheaper version of the Model S, and its widespread adoption after its July 2017 debut helped propel Tesla deliveries (and shares) to the levels they enjoy now.

Tesla's stock has fallen 4.5% over the past five days, 13.28% over the past month, and more than 16% over the past six months. Year to date, shares are down nearly 21%.

When Tesla confirmed it was ending production of the Model 3 and Model X, it said it would refocus its efforts on humanoid robots and driverless cars. However, according to Reuters sources, Tesla also realizes that “global markets won’t see meaningful adoption — nor regulatory acceptance — of driverless vehicles for years.”

So developing a new vehicle would seem to run counter to that messaging.

However, as much as Tesla likes to say it is not just a car company, more than 70% of its revenue ($69.5 billion in 2025) comes from automotive sales, which includes leasing, regulatory credits, and vehicle sales.

Service revenue from its vehicles (including supercharging, vehicle insurance, and repairs) totaled another $12.7 billion.

Auto sales already aren’t a high-margin business, and its automotive gross margin (excluding regulatory credits) actually dipped into the red for the first time in 2025, according to Reuters.

Stakes for Tesla “could not be higher,” analysts say

Earlier this year, Tesla indicated it was pulling the plug on the Model S and Model X and would replace that production capacity with Optimus humanoid robots as part of the company’s plan to build 1 million of them per year.

That plan may worry investors, since there is currently no discernible market for humanoid robots, and selling 10,000 of them in a year would be impressive. But the vehicle models the company is getting rid of haven’t sold, either, so it may be a wash in the end.

However, analysts at BNP Paribas aren’t taking this Tesla experiment lightly, since the company is also spending heavily to make it happen.

“Given Tesla’s sizable cash burn this year ($7 billion estimate by BNPP) and indications for massive multi-year investments on the horizon tied to a TeraFab and 100 GW solar capacity, the ‘stakes’ of TSLA’s demonstrated robotaxi and Optimus progress could not be higher,” analysts said in a recent note.

According to BNP, the other models that combined for 16,000 vehicles in the quarter benefited from artificially inflated demand, so, once again, moving off of them makes sense. Still, Musk has made some pretty big promises about what Optimus and Robotaxi can do, and the firm says it’s time for Tesla to “put up or shut up” in 2026.

“We view 1Q26’s deliveries — modestly below consensus — as yet another input to the TSLA stock’s challenged setup for this year, with EGS storage deployments also meaningfully light,” BNP analysts said.

“A critical factor to this year is the Co.’s progress rate in its active Robotaxi fleet, which is climbing yet still limited to just two cities. The core catalysts for TSLA center on its ability to show meaningful progress toward its AI-defined future, inclusive of Robotaxi fleet expansion (targeting seven new cities in 1H26) and commercialized production of Optimus by year-end.”

BNP reiterated its underperform rating and $280 price target on Tesla shares, representing a potential 22% downside from the stock’s current level.

Related: Tesla finally makes move fans, and investors, have been waiting for

Silver surged over 5% to $76.70 per ounce on April 8, its highest level since March 18, after the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, according to Trading Economics. The ceasefire eased fears of energy-driven inflation and shifted rate expectations, giving silver room to breathe after weeks of heavy selling pressure.

The move matters because of how far silver had fallen. The metal had dropped 18% since the Iran conflict began on February 28, and as much as 37% from its all-time high of $121.64 reached on January 29, according to Finance Magnates.

A single week does not erase that damage. But it changes the conversation.

Why silver fell so hard in the first place

The conflict created an unusual problem for silver. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz sent crude oil surging, which fed inflation expectations and pushed Treasury yields higher.

That strengthened the dollar and made rate cuts look less likely. Silver, which pays no income, loses relative appeal when rates stay elevated.

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That monetary policy pressure overwhelmed silver's safe-haven instincts. The metal that gained 148% in 2025 found itself trapped between its role as a defensive asset and its sensitivity to the rate environment. The ceasefire, by easing inflation pressure and reducing the odds of a Fed rate hike, released some of that tension.

The dual identity that makes silver different from gold

Silver is not just a precious metal. It is also an industrial one. That dual identity makes it more volatile than gold, but it also gives it more potential when both investment and industrial demand are pulling in the same direction.

Solar panels account for 16% of global silver demand, while electric vehicles account for another 2.9%, according to Strategic Metals Invest. Electronics, medical devices, and other manufacturing uses add further structural support.

China's silver imports reached their highest level in eight years in early 2026, reflecting that industrial appetite, Finance Magnates reported.

The supply side adds another layer. The Silver Institute projects a sixth consecutive annual supply deficit in 2026 at approximately 67 million ounces. COMEX registered silver inventory has fallen to 76 million ounces, representing just 13.4% coverage of open interest. Physical supply is tight.

What the next few weeks could look like for silver

The near-term outlook is volatile rather than linear. Most analysts see silver trading in the $60 to $80 range over the coming weeks, reacting sharply to each new development on the ceasefire, inflation data, and Fed signals.

The gold/silver ratio is hovering around 64, suggesting silver remains cheap relative to gold on a historical basis. That ratio has historically compressed when silver catches a genuine bid, implying silver could outperform gold if the current momentum continues.

Three paths are plausible from here. Silver could extend its rally if macro uncertainty persists and industrial demand stays firm. It could consolidate in a range as the market digests the recent gains. Or it could pull back if the ceasefire holds firmly and inflation pressure eases further, reducing the safe-haven bid.

Key figures shaping the silver outlook:

• Silver high this week: $76.70/oz., up over 5% on April 8
• Silver all-time high: $121.64 on January 29, 2026
• Decline since war began February 28: Approximately 18%
• Projected 2026 supply deficit: Approximately 67 million ounces
• COMEX registered inventory: 76 million oz., 13.4% of open interest coverage
• Solar share of global silver demand: 16%; EVs: 2.9%

What analysts say about the months ahead

Longer-term forecasts diverge sharply depending on the scenario. Reuters projects a $79.50 average price, Bank of America targets a range of $135 to $309, and Citigroup has set a target of $150 to $170, according to Finance Magnates.

The wide range reflects genuine uncertainty. The bullish case rests on persistent supply deficits, growing industrial demand from solar and EVs, and a potential return of investment interest if inflation eases and rate cuts eventually arrive. In that environment, silver could move well above current levels.

The bearish case is simpler. If the ceasefire holds, inflation cools, and the dollar firms, silver loses its safe-haven and rate-cut tailwinds simultaneously. That could keep the metal rangebound or push it back toward the lower end of near-term support.

The honest answer is that silver is a market worth watching closely right now. One good week is not a trend. But the structural case, including tight supply, surging industrial demand, and a metal still trading 37% below its highs, is hard to ignore.

Related: Bank of America revamps silver stock price target for 2026

"Fast food meals with prices in the single digits may soon be a thing of the past, especially in the largest U.S. metros, where prices are putting them out of reach for many Americans. The average flagship fast food meal costs $11.56 across the largest metros, with San Francisco leading the pack at $13.88," according to a Lending Tree report.

That's too much for many Americans.

"Seventy-eight percent of Americans now view fast food as a 'luxury,' highlighting the economic strain even low-cost dining now places on everyday consumers, particularly in high-cost urban areas," the same report shows.

That's a perception McDonald's has been pushing back against.

"As we look to 2026, success will again depend on going 3 for 3, compelling value that brings customers in the door, breakthrough marketing that creates meaningful moments for our fans and menu innovation that provides great tasting food for our customers. We believe this disciplined focus enables McDonald's to outperform in any environment," McDonald's CEO Christopher Kempczinski said during the chain's fourth-quarter earnings call.

While the chain has added lower-priced value meals, $2.99 Snack Wraps, and other specials through its app, it has also pulled back in two areas that take value away from customers.

Many McDonald's crack down on dipping sauces

While some fast-food chains have a strict limit on how many dipping sauces come with each order of chicken nuggets or chicken strips, McDonald's has generally had a pretty flexible policy.

At some locations, that has changed.

"Customers say the fast food giant is turning ‘stingy’ — with a growing number of locations clamping down on how many packets diners can get for free. At one franchise, a ‘sauce policy’ posted at the drive-thru window warns that an order of six McNuggets now comes with just one dip," The Daily Mail reported.

That's not an official corporate policy, but it's something stores have been doing. I've seen in practice when picking up a McNuggets meal for my son, where a 10-piece meal comes with only two sauce packets.

The Daily Mail reached out to McDonald's corporate, which did not offer a comment.

"Meanwhile, the price for extra dipping sauces varies by location. In New York City, at the Madison Square Garden location, it’s 22 cents, and at JFK Airport, 30 cents. In Belleville, New Jersey, expect to pay a whopping 39 cents," the website shared.

McDonald's ends self-serve soda

While limiting sauce packets may be a franchise-level choice, McDonald's has decided to get rid of self-serve soda on a national level.

The beverage station, however, will get a long goodbye, according to CBS News.

“McDonalds will eventually remove self-service soft drink stations in its restaurants, the company says, though you have another nine years to squirt your own Sprite: they can remain out until 2032,” Today.com reported. 

The chain said the change is intended to create a consistent experience for both McDonald’s workers and their customers at all ordering points — meaning that whether you order your Big Mac Meal via McDelivery, the app, kiosk, drive-thru or in-restaurant, you’ll get your grub the same exact way.

“In a pure example of corporate doublespeak, the line is that ditching the self-service option is for customers’ convenience,” TheStreet shared in an earlier article.

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Self-serve drinks used to be seen as a way to cut down on labor costs. Now, with chains wanting to squeeze every bit of margin out of their customers, franchise owners would prefer to have employees serve customers to reduce waste and take in revenue from the occasional paid-for refill.

And while McDonald's won't complete the change until 2032, many locations have already removed self-serve drink stations.

McDonald's has been doing well

As McDonald’s continues to emphasize value messaging, it has also increased its focus on operational efficiency across restaurants.

The chain encourages digital ordering through its app and in-store kiosks, reducing reliance on front-counter service in many locations. The change is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and manage costs amid ongoing labor pressure.

Across multiple McDonald’s visits, some customers appear to struggle with the kiosk system, particularly when customizing orders.

“Restaurant operators are balancing pricing, traffic, and margin pressure in a more constrained consumer environment,” said Bank of America analyst Sara Senatore in an interview with CNBC.

McDonald's, however, has had success with its Extra Value Meals.

"I am pleased to say that our EVM performance in the fourth quarter is exactly where we had hoped to be at this point. Together with McValue and exciting marketing, we gained share with low-income consumers in December, and we've seen a meaningful increase in our value and affordability scores," Kempczinski said.

"Predictably, as U.S. franchisees provided these stronger value offerings throughout the year, their cash flow grew versus the prior year," he added.

Still, as beef prices climb, McDonald's has found ways to trim expenses. It's also testing an artificial intelligence-based ordering system.

"There's a big leap from going to 10 restaurants in Chicago to 14,000 restaurants across the U.S., with an infinite number of promo permutations, menu permutations, dialect permutations, weather — and on and on and on," Kempczinski said, according to a conference transcript obtained by Nation's Restaurant News.

"Do I think in five years from now you're going to see a voice in the drive-thru? I do, but I don't think that this is going to be something that happens in the next year or so."

Related: 140-year-old food company lays off 765 amid bankruptcy

Why we love this deal

Something about the influx of warm weather signals adventure. Once those temperatures start hitting the 60s and 70s, and we see more of that blue sky and sun than the overcast gray skies we got used to during the winter, we're out the door, ready to take on all kinds of fun. Nothing's better than a camping trip, an outdoor excursion hiking or biking with some friends and family, or a day at the beach soaking up some sun. For fun trips like those and others where you're on the go, a portable grill is a purchase you certainly won't regret. Not only are they a great way to cook and keep everyone fed when you're picnicking, camping, or tailgating, but they're also versatile for small spaces where a regular grill simply wouldn't fit. And thanks to Walmart's latest Flash deal, you can get to grilling no matter where you go without spending a fortune.

The Nicwin Portable Grill is 44% off its original $300 price. You can save $131 and get the three-burner grill for $169, just in time for outdoor grilling season. But hurry — as a Flash deal, this discount is only available for a limited time. 

Nicwin Portable Grill, $169 (was $300) at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

Gone are the days where you had to cross your fingers and hope that the local park, beach, or campground area had a grill so that you could cook your burgers and hot dogs as you enjoyed outdoor time with the family. With heavy-duty, high-quality portable options available for reasonable prices, there's no need to rely on your destination providing a grill when you can simply bring one yourself. 

This portable option is certainly not lacking in size, but it is designed in a way that makes it easy to transport even though it is bigger than your traditional portable grills. It has quick-fold legs that make it more compact for traveling while still offering sturdiness and stability when you're actually grilling. It won't fold in or bend thanks to the special lock technology. It also has wheels on two of the legs so that, when it's folded and locked, you can easily drag it behind you as you would a suitcase. No heavy lifting required. 

The grill itself offers 415 square inches of cooking space, with enough of an area and 30,000 British Thermal Units (BTU) of power to evenly cook up to 15 burgers at once. Most grills have between four and six burners on average, so for something this portable to have three, it's quite impressive. The three stainless steel burners quickly heat up once the built-in start up button is pressed. It delivers a great level of heat output, providing consistent high-quality searing and grilling so that you can dish up kabobs, veggies, meats, and other delicious foods in no time. The grates themselves are porcelain-coated steel grates, which are rust-resistant and easy-to-clean. No need to worry about burnt food sticking or marinades and sauces leaving immovable residue. The heavy-duty stainless steel grill frame is strong enough to withstand over 220 pounds. 

Related: Walmart's bestselling $440 outdoor gas grill with a side burner is just $290 right now

The grill has a built-in thermometer to measure heat output, stainless steel knobs, a seasoning rack, and an additional side area that's great for laying grill tools, plates, and food before and after grilling. There's also a few hook mechanisms that make it easy to hang grill accessories and tools. 

What to expect from a $169 portable grill: Pros and cons

Pros

• Ample space: The two-layer grill area offers 415 square inches of cooking space. 
• Height adjustable: With two height levels, it's easier for anyone to cook comfortably. The one-hand lift to adjust makes it easy to customize so that no one is bending down or reaching up to grill.
• Built for portability: The wheels and folding legs make it easy to transport from one place to another. 
• Heavy-duty: It can support over 220 pounds. 

Cons

• Powered by gas: Although there's nothing wrong with gas power, it does mean when you travel with the grill you also need to remember to bring a gas tank. 

Shoppers call this portable grill a "lifesaver for camping and backyard gatherings." It's lightweight, easy to fold, and very easy to set up. Not only that, but it heats up quickly and cooks remarkably well, delivers consistent heat, and cooks perfectly every time. "A must-have for any outdoor enthusiast," another shopper said. 

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Why should you sacrifice the fun of summer grilling just because you're not at home? With the Nicwin Portable Grill, you can grill up delicious foods and mouthwatering meals no matter where you are.

"There are too many kids on this cruise."

I've heard that on Royal Caribbean ships with over a thousand kids and on a Celebrity Cruises trip with less than 100 people under the age of 18.

As someone who spends roughly 20 weeks a year at sea, I'm not overly bothered by children, but across multiple sailings, I’ve noticed a recurring pattern of unattended kids in common areas like elevators and adult-designated spaces.

That can lead to minor annoyances (like a kid pushing every button in the elevator) to larger ones like kids banging on random doors in the middle of the night).

Mainstream, family-friendly cruise lines can't get rid of children as serving all ages is a core part of their business. They can, however, take a page out of Carnival Cruise Line's playbook and offer a limited selection of adults-only cruises.

Carnivals expands its SEA Cruises

Carnival calls its adults-only sailings SEA Cruise (sailings exclusively for adults).

"Imagine a cruise designed exclusively for guests 21 and up, where every detail is tailored to people who love big wins, big fun, and a splash of indulgence. SEA Cruises are invite-only sailings that feature exciting itineraries, more casino access and themed parties… plus onboard experiences that are anything but ordinary," the cruise line shared on its website.

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I received one of those invitations and will be sailing on Carnival Conquest, an older ship that has recently been renovated, in late-October. The sailing will offer an upgraded menu, expanded casino hours, and special events.

Carnival declined to share details about how invitations are distributed or starting prices, but noted that it continues “to see strong demand for these cruises, and they do sell out quickly," in comments made to USA Today.

Carnival is meeting demand

The number of cruise passengers has continued to grow since the industry recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic.

"42 million passengers are forecast to sail in 2028," according to the Cruise Line International Association's 2025 State of the Cruise Industry report.

That compares with 37.7 million in 2025, according to CLIA data.

"Royal Caribbean and Carnival tend to sell out their biggest and newest ships," according to Postcard Travel Planning owner Amy Post. "Older ships don't sell as well, so using them for special sailings make sense.

Post, along with her husband Dennis will be sailing on the Conquest's October SEA sailing.

"Carnival remodeled Conquest, but it can't add the bells and whistles its newest ships offer," she said. "By using it for adults-only cruises, the cruise line can sell out a ship that otherwise would have not been full because it's lacking a large selection of specialty restaurants and the water park and amusement park-style features newer ships offer."

Carnival Cruise Line's Brand Ambassador John Heald made it clear that while these cruises are incredibly popular, they are special events.

“We are and always will be a proud family cruise line, and I don’t ever want you to think that this is changing. However, I have seen how extraordinarily popular the adults-only cruises that we have done so far have been,” Heald wrote, according to Cruise Industry News.

Carnival will offer 22 SEA cruises in 2026, on Carnival Conquest, Carnival Dream and Carnival Glorywith departures currently available from Miami and Port Canaveral in Florida and Singapore, along with Long Beach.

Heald sees the cruises as an opportunity for the company.

“I think we have perhaps stumbled across a secret and discovered that not all family cruises have to feature the whole family, and those choosing these adults-only cruises seem very happy to know this,” he added.

Royal Caribbean does not offer adults-only cruises and has no public plans to do so.

"They're missing an opportunity based on the customer feedback we get," said Dennis Post.

Daniel Kline is also the editor-in-chief of TravelHost's Come Cruise With Me, a sister website of TheStreet. You can visit Come Cruise With Me's YouTube page here. Kline takes at least 20 cruises a year and wrote this story in his cabin on Celebrity Beyond.

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In fact, his life as a businessman has proven even more lucrative than his career as a rapper and producer.

On March 10, 2026, Dre officially made it onto the Forbes Billionaire List, an elite ranking achieved by only a few performers, including Jay-Z, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and Bruce Springsteen.

Dre’s massive 2014 sale of Beats by Dre to Apple Music is responsible for the bulk of his wealth, but that’s only the beginning of the story.

Here's everything you need to know about Dre's net worth, how he made his fotune, his current businesses, and his real estate portfolio.

@laci_strike_

Still dre !! snoop dogg / dr dre. Banger🔥 #snoopdogg #drdre #cwalk #DanceChallenge

♬ Still D.R.E. - Instrumental - Dr. Dre

Dr. Dre’s net worth in 2026

Out of the 3,428 entrepreneurs, investors, and heirs on Forbes’ World’s Billionaires List, Andre Romelle Young, aka Dr. Dre, sits at #3,332 with an estimated net worth of $1 billion as of April 2026.

This makes him the 6th-wealthiest musician alive, according to Forbes:

The wealthiest musicians by net worth

Source: Forbes

In 2006, Dre co-created the audio brand Beats Electronics with Jimmy Iovine, a friend and frequent collaborator. As the co-founder of Interscope Records, Lovine distributed Dre’s music and later helped launch the careers of Dre’s proteges, Eminem, 50 Cent, and Kendrick Lamar.

Frustrated at the time by the poor audio quality from earbuds and digital music files, Dre and Iovine set out to create a product that could replicate the full sound of a recording studio.

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What they created instead was Beats by Dre, a functional fashion accessory that looked cool and was worn by celebrities, more akin in cultural relevance to sneakers than a typical pair of headphones. In the process, they captured a sizable share of their premium market.

When Beats Electronics entered the music streaming business in 2014, it also caught Apple's attention.

According to PCMag, Apple was looking for a product to help it compete with Spotify, which had been disrupting the market with its subscription-based streaming model (as opposed to iTunes’ model, which required users to purchase, download, and sync their music).

One day that spring, Dre and his friend, actor Tyrese Gibson, were so excited about the impending deal that they started a Facebook Live video, exclaiming, “The first billionaire in hip-hop, right here from the West Coast.”

But making premature announcements is a big no-no in the business world, and Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, was reportedly disappointed with their actions. After a bit of “internal resistance,” Apple shaved $200 million from the deal before it officially closed on May 28, 2014, for $3 billion.

Forbes estimates the deal earned Dre over $500 million in cash and nearly $100 million in Apple stock, but that wasn’t enough to make him a billionaire — at least not yet.

It would take another 12 years for his assets to appreciate to that level.

Dr. Dre’s early life and music career

Born on February 18, 1965, Dr. Dre, known then as Andre Romell Young, grew up on the tough streets of Compton, California. You could say music was his destiny, though, as his middle name came from the Romells, the R&B Group founded by his father, Theodore Young. His mother, Verna, was also a singer, though she left the Four Aces shortly before his birth.

Theodore and Verna divorced when Dre was 7; he has admitted to being a victim of domestic violence and witnessing his mother being abused.

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He was raised mainly by his grandmother, and at one point, they lived in the Wilmington Arms housing project, a notorious “drug bazaar,” although they moved frequently, and Dre changed schools often due to gang violence.

Dre actually did not graduate from high school due to his poor grades, but his entrepreneurial spirit was evident even as a child. He told Forbes, “I had no problem going to cut grass just to buy shoes when I was younger. I would do what I had to do just to get what I wanted.”

One Christmas, Dre received a music mixer and was instantly hooked. He began hanging out at the Eve After Dark nightclub near the corner of Avalon and El Segundo Blvd and eventually became the house DJ. There, he adopted the rap persona of Dr. Dre, “Master of Mixology,” but simply playing other people’s records wasn’t enough: He wanted to make his own music, too.

So Dre and his friend, DJ Yella, would spend the week making demos in the club's back room, which they played for patrons on the weekend. At the urging of Lonzo Williams, the club’s owner, Dre and Yella joined World Class Wreckin Cru, a 1980s electro-funk and hip hop group.

But they wanted to create a sound with an edge, so they left the group in 1985 to join forces with Easy-E, Ice Cube, MC Ren, and the Arabian Prince, forming NWA (N**gaz With Attitude). Their sound pioneered the gangsta rap genre, depicting their violent life in Compton, often describing police brutality and utilizing heavy basslines and the sounds of sirens and gunshots.  

Their 1988 album, Straight Outta Compton, became a major hit, going double platinum and influencing generations of rappers, despite many radio stations refusing to play it due to its explicit lyrics.

However, due to financial disputes, Dr. Dre left the group in 1991.

He then formed Death Row Records with the notorious producer Suge Knight, who would later serve a 28-year prison sentence for voluntary manslaughter.

Dre’s 1993 solo album, The Chronic, sold more than 3 million copies and earned him a Grammy Award.

He next turned to producing, helping to put Snoop Dogg on the map with 1993’s Doggystyle, and created a blockbuster with Tupac Shakur’s “California Love.” Jimmy Iovine’s Interscope Records marketed and distributed these massive hits, and Dre and Iovine became lifelong friends.

According to Forbes, by 1996, Death Row Records was generating more than $100 million in revenue, but Dre left the label to distance himself from its increasingly violent East Coast-West Coast rivalry. (Shakur would be killed just a few months later.)

Dre founded Aftermath Entertainment, a new label under Interscope, in 1996. It helped launch the careers of Eminem with The Slim Shady LP in 1999, 50 Cent with Get Rich or Die Tryin' in 2003, and Kendrick Lamar with good kid, m.A.A.d city in 2012. This venture created the bulk of Dre’s wealth before Beats Electronics.

Dr. Dre’s other business ventures

In addition to Beats Entertainment, Dre and Snoop Dogg created a top-shelf gin label, Still GIN, a parody of his hit “Still DRE” in 2024. It has notes of tangerine mixed with jasmine and coriander, according to Forbes taste testers, and was dubbed “surprisingly sippable” by The Guardian.

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Dr. Dre’s divorce settlement

Dre took a financial hit when his wife of 24 years, Nicole Young, filed for divorce in June 2020. At one point, she claimed he had “held a gun to her head,” an allegation Dre’s lawyer, Laura Wasser, called “false allegations of domestic violence.”

The couple share two children, son Truice (born in 1997) and daughter Truly (born in 2001).

Divorce proceedings were finalized in December 2021, and Dre was reportedly required to shell out $100 million to his ex-wife, payable in two installments. She also received the couple’s Rolls-Royce, Range Rover, Escalade limousine, and Spyder motorcycle.

Dre kept all of his master recordings, his Apple stocks, and all seven of the couple’s homes that they owned at the time.

Dr. Dre’s real estate empire

Today, Dre has been trimming down his real estate holdings, selling his 9,000 square-foot Malibu Beach house for $16.5 million in March 2026 (this was where his ex-wife resided during their divorce proceedings).

According to Architectural Digest, he also let go of his Woodland Hills mansion for $4.5 million in 2019 and a Mediterranean-style Calabasas home for $6 million in 2023.

Dre currently resides in a $40 million Brentwood estate he purchased from Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen in 2014 and a $2.25 million Pacific Palisades home that overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

We can only assume they both have recording studios.

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Why we love this deal

Everyone has a go-to bag. For some, it's a spacious tote bag that's perfect for casual, everyday wear. For others, it's a small but practical bag that has just enough room for the essentials. If the latter is what you're looking for, we found the perfect solution at Michael Kors Outlet, and thanks to an additional 20% off its already discounted price, it's on sale for under $80.

The Soho Small Convertible Shoulder Bag at Michael Kors Outlet is on sale for just $79. Originally $378, you get a 79% discount and $299 off. With nearly $300 in savings, you can add a few extra bags to your cart, making it not just a steal, but a closet essential.

Soho Small Convertible Shoulder Bag, $79 (was $378) at Michael Kors Outlet

Why do shoppers love it?

Finding a bag with a chic and versatile design is a game changer. You can wear them with a variety of outfits for various occasions. The Soho Small Convertible Shoulder Bag is a beautiful choice, offering not just versatility, but also effortless style.

The shoulder bag has a soft and pillowy design that modernizes the classic flap shoulder bag with a trendy look, but maintains a timeless vibe with shiny gold-tone hardware. The triangular snap closure features the same gold-tone hue, also sporting the Michael Kors name in a small and subtle way that doesn't take away from the rest of the bag. 

Measuring 8.5 inches long, 2.5 inches wide, and 4.5 inches tall, it's a compact bag that can fit more than you'd think. One shopper said they were able to fit an iPhone 17, keys, lipstick, and credit cards inside without a problem, making it the perfect size for the essentials. 

But our favorite feature is the versatile wear. It comes with two handles that allow you to switch up the look and wear from shoulder bag to crossbody. The 6.5-inch handle can be worn over the shoulder, while the 20.5- to 24-inch adjustable strap is ideal for crossbody wear. The strap options allow for day-to-night versatility, using the longer strap for hands-free convenience during the day and swapping over to the shorter strap for a chic and elegant look at night.

Related: Kate Spade Outlet is selling a $219 floral handbag for $68 that can be worn as a shoulder bag or wristlet

Details to know

• Dimensions: 8.5 inches long by 2.5 inches wide by 4.5 inches high.
• Material: Polyurethane, polyester, and cotton.
• Handle drop: 6.5 inches.
• Shoulder strap drop: 20.5 inches to 24 inches.
• Colors: Six.

One shopper highlighted everything from the color to the feel, saying they loved the color and how much it pops and how "nice and soft" the material is. "Love the flexibility of carrying it as a shoulder bag or crossbody," they said, adding that it's a great size that's not too small or big.

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The Soho Small Convertible Shoulder Bag at Michael Kors Outlet has a versatile design that you can wear day or night. It's on sale for just $79 with a 79% discount and nearly $300 off its regular price. 

Why we love this deal

A second screen can be useful in so many ways — whether you want to watch movies on your phone during your commute, you're streaming from your PC, or you work from home on your laptop, something that can not only double your viewing space but also increase your screen size for your phone can make life more convenient and enjoyable. If you've been looking for a second monitor but don't want to drop over $100, we've found a great addition for your tech setup.

If you need an easy upgrade, the Mnn Portable 15.6-Inch Ultra-Slim Monitor is a great choice. The versatility is almost unmatched, offering connections to your phone, PC, Nintendo Switch, and anything else that has a USB 3.1 Type-C plug. This portable monitor is just $50 right now at Amazon, which is a 44% savings off the original price of $90.

Mnn Portable 15.6-Inch Ultra-Slim Monitor, $50 (was $90) at Amazon

Why do shoppers love it?

The slim profile makes it super easy to carry this with you during your commute, to take to class, or to set up at home. The 15.6-inch FHD 1080p display features a matte screen that prevents eye strain, reduces screen flickering, and makes it easier to use for extended periods, making it great for your favorite show marathons or long study sessions.

It can not only duplicate your screen, but it can also extend your screen. It can work in both landscape and portrait mode, making it great for reading files from your phone, watching shows, or as a second screen for work meetings. The scratch-proof polyurethane leather cover protects the screen when not in use, and it doubles as a stand to set the monitor upright when in use. They also feature built-in speakers, making it a truly all-in-one monitor. 

Related: Amazon is selling a Samsung Galaxy tablet with AI-capabilities for just $270

It connects to a variety of devices using a USB 3.1 Type-C cable, which is included, and it's recommended to only use the included cables for connection. It supports a 178-degree viewing angle, and offers accurate and bright colors that create a more lifelike experience. Additionally, it offers an HDR mode to offer an even better, brighter, and more realistic image. 

The pros and cons of this ultra-slim monitor

Pros

• Portability: The slim, lightweight design makes this easy to slide into your backpack and take anywhere. 
• Versatility: This can be used with any service that supports Thunderbolt 3.0 or USB 3.1 Type-C, including phones, laptops, PC, MacBooks, PlayStations, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and more.

Cons 

• Smaller than a full-size monitor: If you're looking to only use this as a second PC screen, you might want to upgrade to a bigger size. 
• The maximum refresh rate is 60 hertz: Using this as a gaming monitor for high-performance online games may not work as well.

With over 7,800 five-star ratings, this monitor has been proven a worthy buy. One reviewer said, "This thing is awesome for a basic second screen. It's simple and easy to use, you just plug it into your laptop. It’s super lightweight and easy to bring around. It’s compatible with my Mac and my PC. It makes planning and designing docs way easier."

Another shopper said, "The setup was simple and connected without any issues. The 1080P resolution looks sharp, and you can easily adjust the brightness to fit your environment.”

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• Bonitoys 14-Inch Laptop Screen Extender, $130 (was $200) at Amazon
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Whether you want to extend your laptop for work, need a larger screen for your phone, or just like to have a second screen while you play games, the Mnn Portable 15.6-Inch Ultra-Slim Monitor is a great choice. The 15.6-inch screen offers a large viewing space, while the super-slim design makes it lightweight and easy to carry anywhere. At just $50, this second monitor is a great addition to your setup. 

And as more families balance dual incomes, geographic dispersion, and complex financial lives, the consequences of not making that decision are growing more significant, Harry Margolis, author of "Get Your Ducks in a Row," said in a recent interview.

At its core, guardianship planning answers a simple but critical question: Who will care for your children if you can’t?

Below is a transcript of that interview, edited for brevity and clarity.

Guardianship planning for minor children

Robert Powell: What happens to the guardianship of minor children if you pass away or become incapacitated? Joining me to discuss this is Harry Margolis, author of "Get Your Ducks in a Row." Harry, welcome.

Harry Margolis: Always good to talk with you.

Choosing a guardian is never easy

Robert Powell: It’s a pleasure. I remember when my children were minors, my wife and I spent a lot of time thinking about who to name as guardians. It wasn’t easy, especially with triplets. We had to consider practical issues, like whether someone had the space to take them in. It’s a topic many parents struggle with.

Harry Margolis: It is. It’s hard to imagine what would happen to your children if you’re not there. There’s no perfect solution. You choose the best available option and hope it’s never needed. Depending on your situation, the choice may be obvious — close friends, parents, siblings. But you should name someone just in case.

How guardianship works in a will

Harry Margolis: Laws vary by state, but generally you can nominate a guardian in your will. The actual appointment is made by a court. Parents are the natural guardians of their children, but anyone else must be formally appointed.

In most cases, the court will appoint the person you nominate. The presumption is that parents know best. Only if someone objects and presents evidence that your choice is inappropriate would a court consider a different option.

So while you are technically nominating, not appointing, your choice is very likely to be honored.

Incapacity can create more complications

Harry Margolis: If you become incapacitated, things can be more complicated. Many states now allow you to name a standby guardian who can step in if you are unable to care for your children.

However, fewer people take advantage of this. Without a standby designation, someone would need to petition the court to be appointed. That can lead to disagreements among family members.

If your state allows it, naming a standby guardian is a good step. Courts are likely to honor that choice as well.

Temporary vs. permanent arrangements

Harry Margolis: A standby guardian may serve temporarily. If your incapacity is not permanent, that person could step in for a period of time and then step aside if you recover.

Communicate your decision

Robert Powell: It’s probably obvious, but you should tell the person you’re naming as guardian.

Harry Margolis: Absolutely. You should ask them first. It’s a significant responsibility.

Factors to consider when choosing a guardian

Harry Margolis: Often, it comes down to what feels right. One practical issue is location. For example, when my children were young, my brother and sister-in-law might have been the natural choice, but they lived in Switzerland. That would have been very disruptive.

Don’t overlook financial planning

Robert Powell: Another issue is ensuring you have enough life insurance to support your children through adulthood, including education. You don’t want the guardian to bear that financial burden.

Harry Margolis: That’s an important point. This is where a trust can help. You might name a trustee to manage the money separately from the guardian.

That way, the guardian focuses on caregiving, while someone else oversees the finances. It also provides an added layer of protection.

Special needs planning requires more care

Robert Powell: For children with special needs, guardianship may extend beyond age 18.

Harry Margolis: Yes, and that can be more complex. Guardianship may be lifelong. Also, once a child turns 18, even parents must go to court to be appointed guardian if needed.

Related: Should you leave your IRA to a trust? What to know

The exchange of words wouldn't induce one's confidence either. We only have a ceasefire because of an 11th-hour truce, arranged by Pakistan's Prime Minister, who sought to stave off President Donald Trump's threats to "wipe out a civilization" and "send Iran back to the stone age."

But as negotiations square up this weekend, there is so little common ground, and the foreboding feeling that even more destruction may be impending weighs heavily.

The Trump Administration is reportedly preparing a new set of military action items if forthcoming talks collapse. Meanwhile, the President is posting on his social media website that "The only reason they [Iranians] are alive today is to negotiate."

Despite the implication, the S&P 500 rose nearly 3.5% this week. It's up 7.44% since Mar. 30. That is a truly jarring bounce for the index, which, all things considered, seems to be conveniently ignoring the economic toll that is starting to be felt. Even on Friday, as stocks rose, the economic impacts of the war were a prominent talking point.

Higher inflation arrives

On Friday, the Consumer Price Index for the month of March was released, showing that the rate of inflation tripled month-over-month on the record 21.2% spike in energy prices caused by the Iran conflict. It was the largest monthly increase in the record's history (going back to 1967).

Inflation rose 3.3% year-over-year, accelerating from the 2.4% YoY in February. Core Inflation rose by a more modest 2.6% YoY, up from the 2.5% YoY reported last month.

The higher rate of inflation almost certainly precludes the Federal Reserve from entertaining interest rate cuts this year, something the President has repeatedly urged the Fed to prioritize during his first year and change in office.

At last glance, WTI Crude Oil was trading at $96.33/barrel, down from the nearly $117/bbl posted earlier this week after Iran hit one of Saudi Arabia's key production plants. But given the dramatic swings in the oil market, WTI could again test the three figures in the event the ceasefire crumbles.

Consumer confidence hits a record low

The University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index fell to a record low in Apr. 2026, hitting 47.6. Americans' views of both current economic conditions and future expectations plummeted, declining from the year before. The report singles out the fact that "many consumers blame the Iran conflict for unfavorable changes to the economy."

A summary of the data states that, "Demographic groups across age, income, and political party all posted setbacks in sentiment, as did every component of the index, reflecting the widespread nature of this month’s fall."

Much of this frustration, as many learned from the 2024 election, stemmed from prices. It turns out that maximizing employment was ultimately not as popular as tamping down on the aggressive rate of inflation stemming from the economy's reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Related: A timeline of the Fed's '22–'26 rate hikes & cuts (& what caused them)

The market has lost its mind

There are smart enough people who work in finance, but Wall Street prides itself a little bit too much on the mantra that "nothing ever happens." And while the whole, that often is the case, overreaction can mean panic selling and missed opportunities.

I am not a bear, but this time, even if by some miracle a permanent resolution to the conflict were to be achieved, the disruption would be long-lasting. There is insufficient pricing of the current disruption, or the potential long-term disruption if this challenging environment continues.

The World Bank President said that the war would have a "cascading impact" on the global economy. In recent weeks, we have cataloged some of the ways that cascade could expand well beyond the oil markets: fertilizers, travel, and semiconductors, just to name a few.

Maybe the American investor can trivialize these impacts; perhaps the market can be immune to the country's errors and questionable involvement in geopolitical entanglements. Maybe there are no worries because the country's elite class has not felt them yet.

But absent a way to turn back time, there is a dearth of options wherein a cessation of the ongoing conflict can restore things to how they were just seven weeks ago, before the exchange of blows began. As it stands, free transit of key shipping routes in the Middle East is currently on the rocks. Energy and industrial capacity in the region, incredibly important to Europe and Asia, are being damaged in ways that will take years to rebuild.

And perhaps worst for the U.S., its desire to seek a swift withdrawal from the conflict without accomplishing its own goals puts Iran on more equal footing with other Western adversaries.

This is not a winning position. This is a losing position.

You would reckon that Wall Street is smart enough to price that in. Maybe they just don't care; maybe they'll buy whatever they're sold. Can a few earnings calls wake them up? Or, seriously, are we to believe that nothing happening right now really matters at all?

Among the challenged wineries in 2026 has been California-based Robledo Family Winery Inc.

The causes of the economic problems in the industry have included a 21% decrease in revenue from the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 through 2025.

Wine industry revenue declines

The wine sector’s total revenue fell by $19.7 billion over the six-year period, or from $94 billion in 2020 to $74.3 billion in 2025, according to  Silicon Valley Bank’s State of the U.S. Wine Industry Report.

Industry experts have blamed a decline in consumption by its top demographic, Baby Boomers, for the slowdown in wine sales. Some analysts, however, believe the industry might be heading for recovery.

"Consumption remains under pressure. That said, there is good news as the steepest part of the downturn appears to be waning and our analysis suggests we are entering a new phase in the correction," wrote Rob McMillan, executive vice president of Silicon Valley Bank's Wine Division and author of the report.

"Yes, 2026 will still be a challenging year, but the industry is at least approaching a point of stabilization," McMillan wrote.

Robledo Family Winery files bankruptcy

One of those challenged wineries is award-winning Robledo Family Winery Inc., which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to reorganize its business and restructure its debts.

The 29-year-old Sonoma, Calif.-based winery filed its petition, Case No. 26-10229, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California in Santa Rosa on April 8, listing $1 million to $10 million in assets and liabilities, according to Bankruptcy Observer.

Robledo Family Winery's largest unsecured creditors include American Express, Kapitus, Winecare Logistics, and Crown Lift Trucks, according to a report from What Now Media.

The winery was founded in 1997 by Reynaldo Robledo Sr. and now-ex-wife Maria, after purchasing 13 acres in the Carneros appellation of Napa Valley in 1984 and growing the company, according to the company's website.

Robledo Sr. got his start in the winery business after arriving from Atacheo, Mexico, in February 1968, and starting his first job the next day at Christian Brothers Winery in Napa, earning $1.10 an hour, the Press Democrat of Santa Rosa, Calif., reported in 2023.

Winery has won about 30 gold medals

Since launching Robledo Family Winery, the company's wines have won about 30 gold medals and double-gold medals in national and local competitions.

Most recently, Robledo Family Winery won a silver medal in the 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for its 2015 Los Carneros Cuvee Brut.

Robledo Family Winery owns 450 acres of land in Sonoma, Napa, and Lake counties in California, and produces 15,000 to 20,000 cases of wine annually as of 2023, according to the Press Democrat.

The winery produces about 1,200 tons of grapes per year, of which the company sells a portion to other wineries.

Related: McDonald’s answers major customer question for Easter 2026

Smaller wineries file for bankruptcy

Other, smaller wineries are also having a difficult time during the winery downturn, including Kerman, Calif., vineyard owner and wine producer Sran Vineyards LLC, which filed its petition on Feb. 23 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of California in Fresno, to avoid a public auction of its assets, according to Bondoro.

30-year-old California winery Aloria Vineyards filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to reorganize its business and continue operating as a going concern, but did not list a specific reason for filing its petition.

More bankruptcies: 

• Troubled automobile maker files Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation
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The Vallecito, Calif.-based winery, which also operates a tasting room in Murphys, Calif., in the Sierra foothills, filed its petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of California in Fresno on Feb. 24, according to Omni Agent Solutions.

Aloria Vineyards will remain open during its restructuring and is still taking tasting room reservations.

Major winemakers close facilities

Other major wineries that have not filed for bankruptcy have instead closed underperforming wineries or facilities that have become obsolete.

E. & J. Gallo, the largest wine company in the U.S., is permanently closing its Ranch Winery in St. Helena, Calif., and laying off all 56 employees by April 15, 2026, the company announced in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice.

Another major winery,  Jackson Family Wines, which makes 40 wine brands, said it will permanently close its Carneros Hills Winery in Sonoma, Calif., and lay off 13 workers by April 17, 2026, according to a WARN notice filed with the California Employment Development Department.

Related: National trucking and logistics firm files Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Why we love this deal

Dopamine-boosting decor is all the rage these days, and that can mean adding splashy colors and bright patterns to your home. However, not everyone finds joy in the same things. Those who feel most refreshed when surrounded by nature may find that adding outdoor elements to their interior spaces has a bigger impact on elevating their overall mood. Furniture and decor made from organic materials, like wood, rattan, or stone, can create an inviting and tranquil atmosphere by bringing the outdoors inside. 

One outstanding Target deal can help you create a nature-inspired retreat within your own home without breaking the bank, and it's on a versatile cabinet with countless uses. Normally retailing for $320, the top-rated Costway 2-Door Bamboo Storage Cabinet has been deeply discounted with 77% off. As a result, you can score this gorgeous freestanding cabinet for just $75. "The size is perfect for my small bathroom," one shopper said, but it would also look wonderful in the entryway, kitchen, living room, sunroom, or wherever else you need to organize clutter. The beautiful bamboo design is upgraded with magnetic closures, a removable shelf, and built-in ventilation to keep your items fresh.

Costway 2-Door Bamboo Storage Cabinet, $75 (was $320) at Target

Why do shoppers love it?

Measuring 25 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 31.5 inches high, this bamboo storage cabinet is spacious without taking up too much space. The cabinet is enclosed by double louvered doors, which describes the slatted style that keeps things fresh with better ventilation and air circulation. There's also a removable shelf behind these doors, so you can adjust the storage to your needs. Above the cabinet, two open shelves provide a convenient spot to display artwork and framed photos, or to place your most frequently used items for easy access.

"It looks so chic and nice in our large bathroom," one reviewer raved. They also appreciated that the cabinet "holds a lot," like toilet paper, bath towels, and extra toiletries.  

Related: Target is selling a $100 solid acacia wood 2-tier side table for $50

The storage cabinet is constructed with bamboo and medium-density fiberboard for an organizer that's sturdy and durable. It's so sturdy, in fact, that the cabinet has an overall weight capacity of 145 pounds, so you can tuck away heavy bottles of shampoo and laundry detergent or large stacks of books without worry or wobbling. You could even use it in the kitchen as a coffee bar with an espresso machine on top. For increased stability, the storage cabinet has anti-slip foot pads that will also protect your floors. 

Pros and cons of the $75 Costway bamboo cabinet

Pros:

• It's trendy and timeless. Bringing nature indoors isn't just an interior design trend for 2026 — it's a classic style that will continue to look good for years to come.
• It has a space-saving design: The compact footprint uses vertical height to maximize the cabinet's storage space.
• The bamboo has been treated: The storage cabinet has been painted with a clear finish, so it's smooth to the touch and easy to wipe clean.

Cons:

• It's not 100% bamboo: According to Costway, there's also medium-density fiberboard used in this cabinet, likely for the back panel.
• Assembly is required. Some reviewers describe assembly as easy. Another shopper who highlighted that "it has lots of storage space," also noted, "I did need help with assembly."

Shop more deals

• Costway Bamboo 2-Door Storage Cabinet Organizer, $85 (was $150) at Target
• Costway 4-Tier Bamboo Bathroom Floor Cabinet, $70 (was $117) at Target
• Costway Bamboo Bathroom Cabinet Shelving, $85 (was $150) at Target

Upgrade your bathroom with the Costway 2-Door Bamboo Storage Cabinet while it's on sale for just $75 at Target. This limited-time deal won't last long, so add it to your cart now to secure the savings.

In the last month alone, 60% of people say they have worried about being able to pay for necessary groceries, according to new data from LendingTree. More than 50% say they’re spending more on food this year than they were last year, and 49% say it’s become hard to afford food at all.

"Food costs are hitting every income level, and it's changing how people spend," LendingTree Chief Consumer Finance Analyst Matt Schulz told Food & Wine. "Nearly half of Americans are struggling to afford food, and even higher earners are feeling the pressure.”

These strained budgets are having a major impact on the way people shop. About 90% of people report changing how they shop for groceries, with tactics like being mindful of food waste and leftovers (23%) and buying more generic brands (23%) among the most popular concessions. 

But a newly expanded partnership between Flashfood and Kroger may soon make it even easier for shoppers to save on groceries.

Kroger and Flashfood expand partnership

Since its launch in 2017, Flashfood has been partnering with grocery retailers across the country to lower prices for consumers and keep food out of landfills.

The platform works like this: 

• List: Stores will list surplus food that is nearing its expiration date on the Flashfood app.
• Shop: Shoppers can browse and purchase available items directly through the app.
• Collect: Once the purchase is complete, shoppers head into the store and pick up items from a designated Flashfood zone or fridge.
  Source: Flashfood

To date, the app has saved more than 130 million pounds of food from ending up as waste.

“Flashfood is the health, nutrition and food access multiplier the world needs today,” Flashfood CEO Jordan Schenck said in the company’s most recent Impact Report. “There are powerful tailwinds behind our business driven by today’s economic, social, and political environment.”

Kroger initially partnered with the platform in 2025, launching it in 16 Richmond-area locations. In April 2026, the grocery chain shared that it would expand the partnership to all 100+ Kroger stores in its Mid-Atlantic Division.

“From the start, our Richmond customers have embraced Flashfood,” Kroger Mid-Atlantic President Kate Mora said in the statement. “The expansion throughout our Mid-Atlantic division is a natural next step. This will give more shoppers the opportunity to save on groceries while ensuring less good food ends up in landfills, bringing our Zero Hunger Zero Waste commitment to life in a meaningful way." 

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Schenck is equally excited about the expanded partnership.

“In a short amount of time, the impact Kroger and Flashfood have been able to accomplish for their local communities — improving access to affordable, healthy food — is something I’m incredibly proud of,” he said.

“Together, we’re building a modern, data-driven shrink management system that supports Kroger’s waste reduction goals while helping more families access the food they need.”

Kroger’s Zero Hunger Zero Waste commitment 

Kroger launched its social and environmental impact plan, Zero Hunger Zero Waste, back in 2017.

“Kroger’s Zero Hunger Zero Waste impact plan is our mission to end hunger and waste in our local communities and make sure more fresh, nutritious food achieves its highest purpose: feeding people,” the company said. 

“We do this by focusing on making quality food more affordable and accessible to everyone, donating more meals to nourish families, and encouraging our associates, customers, and neighbors to join our journey.”

To date, the grocery retailer has donated more than 3.9 billion meals to local communities and given more than $70 million to national and local charitable organizations dedicated to the hunger problem. 

Related: Aldi shoppers get very good news

While lowering in-store prices doesn’t directly fall under the impact plan, Kroger’s new CEO Greg Foran has made it clear that he considers making food more affordable for everyone a vital part of the retailer’s mission.

“Price is an important part of [the] equation,” Foran told investors during Kroger’s Q4 FY2026 earnings call in March. 

“Customers need to trust that they're getting a fair deal every time they walk into our stores,” he continued. “We've made progress on price, and I want to keep pushing by pulling unproductive costs out of the business, investing in everyday value, sharpening our promotions, and making sure customers see and feel the difference when they shop with us… That's what I want to accelerate at Kroger.”

To that end, Foran has also championed the recent expansion of Kroger’s private-label brands.

“At Kroger, customers do not have to choose between a good meal and a good deal,” the company said in a recent statement following its private-label expansion. “That means customers can get the products they need, want, and love for their families with clear savings right at the shelf.”

Related: ThredUp spots a worrisome trend in consumer behavior

Why we love this deal

This time of year is perfect for cleaning, reorganizing, and generally resetting. That's why purchases like lightweight dressers and multi-drawer organizers are so common in the springtime. Amazon is making that task even easier with a set of 12 stackable shelf bins that it's offering at a big discount. If you're looking to get your home in order ASAP, then this deal just might be the best way to make it happen.

The Akro-Mils Stackable Plastic Shelf Bins 12-Pack  is available for only $36, which is 45% off the original price of $65. It's not often you can simultaneously organize your home and save money, but this deal makes it possible.

Akro-Mils Stackable Plastic Shelf Bins 12-Pack, $36 (was $65) at Amazon

Why do shoppers love it?

As the name suggests, this set includes a total of 12 stackable bins. They are made of durable and waterproof plastic that should last for years to come. While designed to be open in the front for easy access, each bin has a small lip that keeps items from spilling out. That's a very convenient feature because it allows you to get items in and out in a hurry without worrying about whether things will tumble out accidentally. Those of us who always seem to be in a hurry will appreciate that clever design feature more than most. 

Because this set includes 12 pieces, it's a great option for so many different uses. Cooking utensils, tools, and toys are just a few that come to mind. In fact, when my son was a toddler, we had bins very similar to these for keeping his toys nearby in the living room. One of his favorite activities was grabbing all the toys off the ground and sorting them into categories with the bins as he put them away. How times have changed. Nevertheless, being able to sort any kind of household item helps greatly to keep the home neat and orderly. It might be nice if the set came in a few other quantity configurations, but 12 seems like a good number nonetheless.

Because the bins are so easy to stack due to their design and lightweight construction, they're far more versatile as an organizational tool than any sort of permanent standalone bin, dresser, or cupboard. They're small enough that you can easily fit them on a kitchen counter, but large enough to hold large items like power tools or kitchen appliances. Each bin measures 11.63 inches long by 6.63 inches wide by 4 inches high, making them ideal to use side-by-side on a pantry shelf as well. They're available in five colorways, so you can mix and match them as well. While some might prefer a multi-color set be available for categorization purposes, that's definitely not a deal breaker.

Related: Amazon is selling a 2-pack of under-sink organizers for just $14

Pros and cons of the Akro-Mils Stackable Plastic Shelf Bins

Pros

• Design: The stackable design of the bins makes them efficient and convenient.
• Construction: The plastic construction of each bin means they're waterproof, extremely lightweight, and durable.
• Size: The 11.63 inches long by 6.63 inches wide by 4 inches high size is perfect for vertical stacking or horizontal stowing.

Cons

• Configuration: It would have been nice to have more than one quantity from which to choose other than 12.
• Colorways: Although the set comes in multiple color options, there is no mixed choice.

Amazon customers offered effusive praise in the reviews for this bin set. One described them as a "great buy," adding that it "delivers outstanding value and is exactly the right size for my needs. It keeps me perfectly organized."

Shop more deals 

• Xilingol Kids Toy Storage Organizer, $120 at Amazon
• C and A Home 16-Cube Storage Organizer, $55 at Amazon
• Homidec 6-Cube Storage Organizer, $24 (was $35) at Amazon

If you want to get your house in order, and do so for just $36, then the Akro-Mils Stackable Plastic Shelf Bins are for you. Just don't wait too long, as the odds are stacked against them being available at this price for much longer.

Rebecca Walser
Glad to be here.

Caroline Woods
So it seems like stocks right now are acting like the worst is behind us. Do you think that's actually the case? Are they right or are they investors getting ahead of themselves?

Rebecca Walser
So it's really hard to predict what's going to happen with us and Iran. We'll see. Obviously we have this week and session to try to get to the table of some kind of deal that the really big concern is if we get this close to an agreement and then we don't get an agreement that's going to put the markets again ahead of their skis and having to retrench back.

Rebecca Walser
And then unfortunately, the retrenchment could be worse than what we saw the first time. And the reason that would be is because if we got this close to a deal and we couldn't get to it, then the situation becomes a little more hopeless. It's not a hopeless situation, but we have less hope than we would have had prior to getting this close to an agreement.

Rebecca Walser
And then seeing that we cannot get to the table and actually ink an agreement. So I think that this weekend and the next two weeks, and even if the cease fire is actually going to last for these next two weeks, because as we see, we don't really have a lot of ships moving through. So even though it's technically reopened the strait, is it really reopened?

Rebecca Walser
Are they really living up to their end of the agreement? And if Trump at any moment says you're really not living up to it, then that the two weeks won't even be two weeks?

Caroline Woods
Is that likely why oil is still elevated? We're looking at U.S. crude around $100 a barrel. Are you surprised that the market is rallying, regardless of the fact that oil is still high?

Rebecca Walser
I am, and I think that maybe I don't want to say that the higher, you know, numbers are baked down, because I don't think that's the case yet. If you look at this is December Futures, they have been coming down. They were still they were always in the high 70s and they've even been trending down. So I still think that from the very beginning, investors in the market expect this to be a short lived conflict such that by December, futures would be back to a normal I love 70 range per barrel.

Rebecca Walser
But again, if we get so close to resolution with the ceasefire and it doesn't come to fruition, that is really where I think the market could have a much bigger volatility ship to the downside. And I just want investors to brace and prepare, do not have high, high, high expectations of complete resolution immediately because then you're going to get shocked.

Rebecca Walser
Volatility is a factor right now. And you should plan on being a factor for at least the next 3 to 6 months.

Caroline Woods
So dig in. What does brace and prepare actually look like?

Rebecca Walser
If your, tolerance for risk is not such that you could withstand a 3 to 6 month aggressive pullback, then you're two risk on and you need to look to other alternative investments in the short term to to be secure through this volatile period. It could be that we do get a deal and everything goes up, up, up and away.

Rebecca Walser
But if that doesn't happen and you're too overleveraged and risk, then you're going to potentially have to, you know, retrench and then and then get into something that's safer and then recover, and that's going to be a slower recovery because you're in a safer asset class.

Caroline Woods
So what are some of those safer areas?

Rebecca Walser
You know, normally, you know, I love precious metals. You know my gold and silver bug. Those have been asked acting like risk on assets. As soon as we saw the deal and we saw gold, we turned to that 4800 level, which clearly we expect it to be probably around the 54 to 5600 level by the end of the year.

Rebecca Walser
That's our normal prognostication with central bank buying and as a reserve, as the world is kind of making currency transition, stablecoins, those kinds of things. But again, if we don't get a deal, precious metals are acting like a risk on asset. And a lot of liquidity drawing down has been happening to be able to afford the higher energy costs.

Rebecca Walser
So that would be not necessarily a safety play either. Then we'll have to look at other things. Of course, always oil itself. If there's no deal then oil itself will be elevated and that will be a great place to earn some yield.

Caroline Woods
So if I have cash on the sidelines right now, should I put it to work or should I wait for a better entry point?

Rebecca Walser
Such a tough question. Normally, I think, you know, I always look at the individual risk profile. If you have risk appetite, you absolutely should not have, you know, lazy money should definitely put it to work. If your risk appetite is less risky, then you should still put it to work. But you should put it to work in more conservative things that could potentially either benefit from continuing conflict, or would at least be stabilized through a continuing conflict.

Caroline Woods
3 to 6 months, though, of potential volatility and downturn in the grand scheme of things for a longer term investor isn't all that long. It's nothing and you're not a trader. So how are you putting money to work?

Rebecca Walser
I mean, we are really we are looking. So we really balance a portfolio. You know, we're looking at, always having enough cash to meet, meet immediate needs. But then we're looking for longer term. We definitely want to be on the fourth industrial revolution. We want that for our clients. We want them to participate in that to the extent that they can handle the risk of it.

Rebecca Walser
And then, of course, you're going to look at shorter term things to just grow the portfolio or to stabilize the portfolio. So we would be an oil right now. We've definitely, been moving more towards the oil space. We have trimmed some and taken some profits because it's obviously been very good. But, you know, if this conflict doesn't get, you know, resolved, as we anticipate, we could see potentially and I don't want to scare people, but we could see $150 a barrel, and that would be a great upside swing for us that we would definitely take advantage of.

Rebecca Walser
But it also means more volatility and it means more risk on other asset classes.

Caroline Woods
What are some of the names for the fourth Industrial Fourth Industrial Revolution that you like right now? Because I will say we have seen this rally in tech this week, but software hasn't participated.

Rebecca Walser
Yeah. Software is definitely going to be, a different story. You know, we definitely have software coming down this year, you know, and we also have the private credit, you know, kind of, it was a depression. And I mean, impact because of the fact that, you know, they're they're basically leveraging private. So, you know, private companies haven't gone public yet.

Rebecca Walser
So I like, you know, to look at two, I would say I would still look at I play and I would look at two different camps. So the first one I would say is like Jabil, for example, we I'll put a buy on this, this week. We like it. It's gone up even since we put a buy on this week because of the ceasefire.

Rebecca Walser
But, you know, they're they they're like, cheap. I play and comparison to semis and optics. Right. They're like 0.89 price to sales, which is expensive for them. But in the realm of an I play they're they're really cheap. You know, they've got networking server connectivity. So this is like a traditional backbone but still necessary for AI to be successful.

Rebecca Walser
So that would be one another though when we like is micron. Micron is memory. This is an aggressive supercycle like memory backlog is phenomenal. Their net income is up 700%. You know year over year revenue up almost 200% year over year. And the backlog is massive. As long as CapEx spending into AI continues, which we expect that it will.

Rebecca Walser
I mean, we might see some trimming as you know, it always the supercycle. It starts aggressive and it comes trims down. But it we do believe long term Micron's got a runway now on the other side of the I, I would say new technology. So optics laser and for that we're really like coherent. That is a play that we think long term.

Rebecca Walser
This is the new technology. This is AI connectivity through optics. And it's different from what we're used to. It's definitely the new frontier. But the problem with that for investors is it's got a very high beta, almost a two beta, which means that it's like super aggressive or double almost the volatility of the market. And so if you don't have the risk appetite for that, then that would not be a play.

Rebecca Walser
It's again a longer term play that you're going to have to hold through volatility as we monetize AI.

Caroline Woods
The other issue is Jabil Micron and Coherent aren't beaten down. Expect stocks so far this year. They're double digits. So it's not too late to get into these names.

Rebecca Walser
Oh no. Because we're still at the very beginning. We're at the beginning of the monetization of AI. So you will see, you know, these kind of names jump out massively and they will retrench. But as long as your runway is longer, as long as we're not looking for, you know, taking profits in the next six months, especially right now with this, you know, Iranian conflict, if you've got an 18 month window, as long as you can hold the volatility for the next 18 months, we expect these will have a runway that will be very beneficial to you in the next 18 months.

Caroline Woods
We were talking at the top, really, about the impact of the cease fire on the market. And if we don't see some sort of resolution. But what about all of the other factors that could impact where this market goes? If we do see a resolution, is that the all clear for this market to run higher, or is there are there other concerns that you have that could get in its way?

Rebecca Walser
Yeah, I mean, not to go into the macro that we talked about, I'm trying to keep it as low, low level as we can on micro. But the truth is, is that with a new fed, chair coming in next month in May, with Powell out, we don't even know if he's going to stay. He said he's going to stay as long as the Department of Justice investigation is going on.

Rebecca Walser
So we know he's going to be a factor, at least for a little bit longer. We've got a new fed chair. We've got labor issues really trying to raise their head. You know, we can see the quit rate is a really big problem for the fed. And yet they're being they're not yet saying, hey, we need to be accommodative.

Rebecca Walser
They still are keeping yields. And we see yields coming up because of the pressure of oil and inflation. So I think we have a macroeconomic issue with rates with price of money, with costs. It's not good for the Russell 2000 is not good for the people that need cheap money to really invest in R&D and R&D. And CapEx is really big.

Rebecca Walser
At the beginning of the fourth industrial evolution and the position of AI. So those factors like the cost of money. And then, of course, we have the issue of the ability for America to continue to sell its debt to the rest of the world. Do they still look at it and say, yes, this is a great play? Or are they saying, hey, we want to see maybe more to the east, we see a lot of players moving and moving in with this alliance with.

Rebecca Walser
Since Russia got kicked out of Swift in 2022, we definitely see more movement of funds and reallocations of assets to the east. And that's another thing that could be a headwind for the US.

Caroline Woods
So a lot of headwinds. Is this a market that should hit the old highs, but then power through them and hit new highs?

Rebecca Walser
I think that this is a market that would only be able to do that with the headwinds that we're facing from a macro economic perspective with the A, I had you know, with the AI basically versus the AI and the fourth industrial revolution could power us through and probably would be the only thing that could power us through the headwinds that we are facing because of our basically currency issues.

Caroline Woods
And if we don't see a resolution with Iran.

Rebecca Walser
We don't see a resolution with Iran. We are going to experience, you know, higher CPI. I think, you know, the forecast I see would be possibly a 3.7% CPI. You're talking about a fed that would definitely have to get accommodative, making money cheaper, which would only make the rest of the world more doubtful of our ability to continue to supply capital and sell our, you know, our public debt.

Rebecca Walser
So again, more, more of this takes longer. We're looking at a lot a much different market situation by the end of the year.

Caroline Woods
So if I'm a retail investor listening right now, what's the biggest mistake I could make here?

Rebecca Walser
The biggest mistake is to get scared and go sit on the sidelines and be an all cash, because you're going to lose either way. You're going to lose. If there's upside, you're going to lose. If there's downside, because you're not going to know when to get back in and you're going to see on the sideline for far too long and you're going to miss the recovery.

Rebecca Walser
So either way, you always need to assess your risk tolerance and be invested to the level that you can sustain the risk. I mean, meaning that you don't need to cash out of that portfolio for, you know, 18 months of two years at least.

Caroline Woods
Okay, I think this is a good time to transition to our rapid fire round of this or that you've played before. You know the rules. Are you ready? I'm ready. All right. Here we go. Ceasefire rally. Real deal or head fake.

Rebecca Walser
Head fake if it doesn't last. So, I'm praying it does, but I'm worried that we're going to see more consternation on this.

Caroline Woods
Stocks. New highs are back to the lows.

Rebecca Walser
It depends on what happens with the geopolitical worth arriving. But I think, I think by the end of the year we'll be more resolved and we'll see upside.

Caroline Woods
Where will oil prices settle?

Rebecca Walser
I think if we get the ceasefire to go, I mean, a lot of analysts are thinking that they'll be back down into the 70s and 80s. But right now, I think, you know, I would barometer 90s just because that way we're looking at, you know, actually inflation prices. But that still would indicate some kind of resolution in the near term with American.

Caroline Woods
Oil opportunity or falling knife.

Rebecca Walser
I think it's still an opportunity because as long as you can this way you would have to trade more frequently. Would it be more of a not a long term play? But absolutely, if you're able to trade it, frequently, then I think it's still an.

Caroline Woods
Opportunity for overall strategy. All in or play defense.

Rebecca Walser
Overall strategy or I would say overall be defensive right now. But you still need to take some risk.

Caroline Woods
Market jump in or wait it out.

Rebecca Walser
There's definitely plays to be made. And so strategic plays. Yes. All in.

Caroline Woods
No

right now stocks bonds or cash.

Rebecca Walser
Stocks.

Caroline Woods
S&P market cap or equal weight.

Rebecca Walser
Equal weight. This year I.

Caroline Woods
Big tech bounce or a bull trap.

Rebecca Walser
Hum. Gosh. Oh gosh why are they so tough? I think I was talking legacy tech. We're going to have some problems and we're talking AI type. We're going to have about we're going to have a bounce.

Caroline Woods
So mag seven buyer trim.

Rebecca Walser
Take profits trim and then rebuy when we get some more lows.

Caroline Woods
One big tech name you'd buy here.

Rebecca Walser
I'm a big tech name. I think Apple.

Caroline Woods
When you'd sell

Rebecca Walser
Microsoft right now AI leader micron or Nvidia.

Caroline Woods
Oh. Oh me that is tough. I just think micron I have to go with Nvidia.

Caroline Woods
Hard asset gold or bitcoin gold. Always private credit opportunity or risk.

Rebecca Walser
It depends on the private credit lender that you're looking at. So we like certain private credit lenders that are really conservative and really do their due diligence and have partnered with private equity that basically remember their senior loan position and they will, win first. So you'd have to lose almost 40% of the portfolio to really be impacted.

Rebecca Walser
So I still think it's an opportunity.

Caroline Woods
Rates higher for longer cuts coming.

Rebecca Walser
If we don't get resolution the fed will have to go accommodative and then we'll see cuts. But right now with where we're at you would we would be forecasting you know rate hikes.

Caroline Woods
Inflation sticky or rolling over.

Rebecca Walser
Again. So much depends on Iran. If we don't get resolution we have sticky.

Caroline Woods
Markets by year end. Higher or lower?

Rebecca Walser
Higher.

Caroline Woods
One word to describe how you're feeling about the market right now. Volatility Rebecca Hauser always a pleasure. Thanks so much. That's Rebecca Walser CEO of Walser Wealth Management.

Why we love this deal

Spring weather is finally here, and it's time to get outside and enjoy the patio. If you have yet to properly furnish your own, or your furniture is in need of an upgrade, we've found an incredible deal for you on the Christopher Knight Home Acacia Loveseat and Coffee Table Set. 

Normally $527, this set is currently 45% off at Target, taking the price down to just $290. That's already an excellent price for a loveseat and coffee table, but when you factor in that this one is made of real Acacia wood, it's even more impressive. This set does not look like it costs under $300, so if you've been on the lookout for a steal, this is it.

Christopher Knight Home Acacia Loveseat and Coffee Table Set, $290 (was $527) at Target

Why do shoppers love it?

The loveseat that comes with this set measures 28 inches high, 50 inches wide, and 30.75 inches deep, while the seat depth measures 18.5 inches. It weighs 44 pounds, so you'll definitely need a hand moving it around. Its most striking feature is the slatted design on the sides, which is not only attractive, but makes it more breathable for those extra hot days.

The matching coffee table measures 12.5 inches high, 39.4 inches wide, and 22 inches deep and weighs 17.64 pounds. While comfortably roomy, both pieces could fit on even a small apartment balcony, making this an ideal choice for small spaces. Much like the loveseat's slats, it has a stylish touch in its triangular leg design.

The seat and back cushions of the loveseat are 6 inches thick, filled with foam, and upholstered in 100% polyester, which is designed to repel moisture and fading. The manufacturer recommends spot-cleaning the cushions over machine washing, so you'll want to do your best to avoid spills.

Related: Walmart's bestselling $200 patio swing is on sale for $98, and it has a sun shade and an anti-slip design

If you've never owned Acacia wood furniture before, it does require some maintenance to keep it looking its best. Applying a food-grade oil, such as linseed oil, teak oil, or mineral oil, every 3 to 6 months, will help maintain moisture and resist cracking. It's also a smart idea to get a cover for it when not in use.

This set ships for free, which is an extra perk. However, it does require assembly, so be aware you'll need to get handy before you can start enjoying it.

Pros and cons of the Christopher Knight Home Acacia Loveseat and Coffee Table Set

Pros:

• An unbeatable price point: Paying under $300 for a sofa and a coffee table is a terrific deal.
• It's real wood: While we can't knock the durability of manufactured materials, there's a feeling of luxury to real wood.
• Timeless design: This set has a beautiful look that will look good for years to come.

Cons:

• Wood can fade in the sunlight: While this set does have a protective coating, wood is more vulnerable to the elements than man-made materials.
• Assembly is required: You'll need to put this set together.

Shop more deals 

• Costway 3-Piece Eucalyptus Rocking Chair Set with Coffee Table, $220 (was $440) at Target
• Christopher Knight Home 2-Piece Loveseat and Table Set, $456 (was $844) at Target
• Christopher Knight Home Adalyn Loveseat and Coffee Table, $646 (was $1,175) at Target

If you want to get the most out of spring, setting up your patio as a comfortable lounge space is a necessity. With the Christopher Knight Home Acacia Loveseat and Coffee Table Set, you can do just that for under $300. For a set made of Acacia wood, that's an incredible price, so grab this deal while you still can.

That helped shift the conversation around the stock. Investors already knew Amazon was spending heavily on AI infrastructure. The letter gave them a more direct look at what that spending is already starting to produce.

The chip business gave the market a bigger surprise

One of the most eye-catching parts of the letter was the chip disclosure. Jassy said Amazon’s chips business, including Graviton, Trainium, and Nitro, now has an annual revenue run rate above $20 billion and is growing at triple-digit year-over-year percentages.

He also said the figure would be closer to about $50 billion if the business were sold externally, the way other chip companies sell directly to customers, instead of being monetized mainly through EC2.

More Amazon

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• Wall Street resets Amazon stock price targets on AWS AI trends

That makes the story more interesting than a simple AI enthusiasm trade. Amazon is not just asking investors to believe AWS will benefit from AI demand. It is making a stronger claim that custom silicon could become one of the most important pieces of its long-term economics by helping lower costs, support Bedrock, and reduce dependence on outside suppliers.

Jassy wrote that Trainium demand is booming and that the company expects the chips to save tens of billions of dollars in annual capital spending at scale while improving AWS margins by several hundred basis points.

The letter landed on top of a strong operating base

The shareholder letter also did not arrive in a vacuum. In fourth-quarter 2025 results, Amazon reported net sales of $213.4 billion, up 14% year over year, while AWS sales rose 24% to $35.6 billion. For the full year, net sales reached $716.9 billion, and AWS sales rose to $128.7 billion.

The same earnings release also showed why investors had been debating the stock so intensely in the first place. Amazon said it expects to invest about $200 billion in capital expenditures in 2026, largely tied to AI, chips, robotics, and other long-cycle growth areas.

At the time, that spending number raised fresh questions about whether the payoff would justify the cash outlay. Jassy’s letter did not erase that concern, but it did give investors more evidence that large parts of the AI buildout are already being monetized.

Amazon by the numbers

• AWS AI revenue run rate: more than $15 billion
• Chips business run rate: more than $20 billion
• Hypothetical externalized chip run rate: about $50 billion
• Q4 2025 net sales: $213.4 billion, up 14%
• Q4 2025 AWS sales: $35.6 billion, up 24%
• 2026 planned capital expenditures: about $200 billion

What Amazon's chart says now

Amazon’s stock gained 5.60% on the session and closed at $233.65, a sharp move that improved near-term momentum but did not fully repair the broader chart. The stock now sits above both the 20-day exponential moving average (EMA) (light blue) at $213.04 and the 200-day EMA (dark blue) at $219.30, which is constructive after the recent pullback.

The bigger technical issue is still overhead. A prior resistance zone sits roughly between $241 and $259, and that area has already turned back rallies before. Thursday’s move pushed Amazon back toward that zone, but it did not clear it. For investors, that keeps the chart in an in-between position: stronger than it was, but not yet through the part of the range that would signal a cleaner breakout.

Where support sits now

The most obvious support area sits lower, roughly between $196 and $206. That band held as a prior support zone and helped contain earlier weakness. If Amazon gives back some of the post-letter move, investors will likely look first to the 20-day and 200-day EMAs, then to that broader support band beneath them.

That leaves the stock with a clear setup. Jassy’s letter gave investors a more compelling case for Amazon’s AI and chip ambitions, and the stock responded. The next question is whether that fresh enthusiasm is strong enough to carry shares through the heavier resistance area that still sits overhead.

Related: Nike’s latest quarter shows customers have changed

Why we love this deal

When they first arrived on the scene, nothing seemed more futuristic and borderline unattainable than a high-tech smartwatch. However, times have changed, and so have prices. An incredible piece of technology that fits on your wrist used to cost hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Many still do. However, we found one on sale at Amazon whose price absolutely blew our minds, and we think it'll shock you too.

The Durexo Smartwatch and Fitness Tracker is on sale for $9. You read that right. It's currently just $9. The original price wasn't a whole lot more at $10, but a sale is a sale. That's still an additional 10% off the regular price, and who are we to look a gift horse in the mouth?
Editor's note: The original product is no longer on sale. Check out these similar options that are available at various discounts.

• Smart Watch with Alexa Built In, $30 (was $50) at Amazon
• Smart Watch with Bluetooth Fitness Tracker, $20 (was $24) at Amazon

Durexo Smartwatch and Fitness Tracker, $9 (was $10) at Amazon

Why do shoppers love it?

There isn't much that this watch can't do. It has a crystal clear 1.69-inch full color touchscreen that allows you to control every aspect of your experience in seconds. What's more, it gives you full access to almost all the apps and information on your smartphone or tablet. Simply connect via Bluetooth and you're off to the races. It's compatible with most Apple iOS 9 and Android 4.4 or later phones. I've owned multiple smartwatches and fitness trackers, and one of the most convenient aspects for me has always been the ability to send and receive phone calls and texts right on my wrist. You can even sit in a meeting and have a full text conversation with your spouse or partner at home while your boss is none the wiser. 

In addition to standard phone communications, the watch can help with planning and organizing, making use of all the most convenient apps in your phone. It can access your calendar, email, and even open documents. I've found that a smartwatch can improve my efficiency and productivity just by giving me immediate access to basic information without ever taking my phone out of my pocket. I can even get meeting reminders so I don't accidentally miss one when things get hectic. Although a larger 2-inch screen might make reading such messages easier, it would also make it more obvious.

In addition to all the practical scheduling and work-related functions this watch offers, it's also a full-fledged fitness tracker. It can keep tabs on steps, calories burned, sleep quality, heart rate, milage, and a host of other data points. It has multiple sport modes including running, basketball, tennis, cycling, swimming, etc. Speaking of swimming, the watch has 50 meters of water resistance, so you won't have to worry about internal damage when using it around the water. You can use it for a full 7-10 days on a full charge and it lasts up to 30 days in standby mode. That means you can even take it on a short trip and will likely never need to recharge it the entire time. Because the watch is so inexpensive, it might have been nice to have multiple color variants in case people want to buy more than one. Nevertheless, that's a classy problem to have.

Related: Amazon is selling a $575 Citizen Eco-Drive watch for $230 that's a great start to your luxury watch collection

Pros and cons of Durexo Smartwatch and Fitness Tracker 

Pros

• Compatibility: The watch works with Apple iOS 9, Android 4.4, and later smartphone models.
• Communications: You can send and receive text messages and phone calls in an instant.
• Fitness: Multiple fitness tracking options make this an amazing dual-threat timepiece.
• Charge: The watch can work for 7 to 10 days on a full charge, and you also get up to 30 days of standby time.

Cons

• Screen size: Although a 2-inch screen might be easier to read, it would also be more conspicuous in delicate situations.
• Colors: Some buyers may prefer to have multiple color options if they plan to buy more than one watch.

Amazon shoppers were very happy with this watch. One called it "great," and added, "I bought two of these watches. It does everything the other expensive watches do. I can swim and take showers with it, no issues…software is easy to work with…and the price is a steal!"

Shop more deals 

• Tozo S8 Smartwatch, $40 (was $50) at Amazon
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The Durexo Smartwatch and Fitness Tracker offers everything you could want in a high-end smartwatch without the high price tag. At just $9, this may be the least expensive piece of life-changing tech you'll ever buy.

Australian trains are, given the large stretches of land and time needed to cross them, generally a luxury experience that that is chosen above all by rail enthusiasts and those who want to travel in style rather than get from Point A to Point B.

Journey Beyond, the company that has operated iconic Australian train routes like The Ghan and The Indian Pacific since 2017, just unveiled new sleeper train suites aboard three of its routes.

"Some of the country's most extraordinary landscapes": Journey Beyond unveils new Aurora Australis suites

Debuting on the Indian Pacific train from Perth to Sydney on Apr. 4, the Aurora Australis suites come with queen-size beds and a lounge with an in-room bar with butler service. Tapping into Art Deco style, the décor with of timber and stone as well as sheepskin and leather accents are also meant to evoke the aesthetic of the Australian landscape.

The Aurora Australias suites will be the train operator's most premium offering; those traveling on them will also get access to the trains' Platinum Club lounge and dining carriage, a private transfer to the platform from the arrival and departure destinations and excursions depending on the journey: a helicopter ride above Nitmiluk National Park in Northern Territory on the northbound Ghan route and a charter flight to Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park on the southbound one.

Related: Why luxury hotels are betting big on Scotland travel

"Our iconic trains have long connected guests with some of the country's most extraordinary landscapes, and these suites elevate that experience to an entirely new level," Journey Beyond CEO Chris Tallent said in a statement. "They offer guests a private sanctuary on board, a place to unwind and fully immerse themselves in the journey across this remarkable continent."

How much does a luxury train across Australia cost?

Fares on the three-day Indian Pacific route start at $7,800 USD for the Aurora Suite and $11,700 USD for the Australis Suite while going up for the longer Ghan journey between Darwin and Adelaide and Great Southern between Adelaide and Brisbane.

The journeys are tailored above all to international travelers looking to experience Australia in a particularly luxurious way.

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As part of the same growth in Australian tourism from the U.S. market, United Airlines has also launched a new route to Adelaide Airport (ADL) from San Francisco International (SFO) in December 2025.

The new route to the Journey Beyond headquarters and capital of the South Australia state runs for 15 hours and is the only direct flight to the city from the U.S. Competitor Delta has recently also brought back its seasonal routes to Brisbane and Melbourne from LAX while American Airlines increased its flight frequencies between LAX and Brisbane Airport (BNE) to three times a week for 2026.

Related: This is what it's like to take a 19-hour train from New York to Chicago

The company confirmed it will end production of the ID.4 electric crossover at its Chattanooga, Tennessee, plant in mid-April 2026. The plant will pivot to making the gas-powered Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, with the 2027 model year Atlas set to begin production this summer and reach dealerships in fall 2026.

Numbers back up Volkswagen's move to end ID.4 EV production in U.S.

The sales gap between the two vehicles tells the story. Volkswagen sold more than 71,000 Atlas units in 2025. It sold just 22,373 ID.4s over the same period.

The Q4 2025 figure is even more stark. Only 248 ID.4s sold in the final three months of the year, a decline of more than 60% from the same period a year earlier, the The New York Times reported.

More Automotive:

• Hyundai admits deadly defect caused more injuries than previously known
• Consumer Reports names 5 popular EVs with the best real-world range
• Uber targets 50,000 robotaxis in major Rivian, Nvidia deals

The expiration of the federal EV tax credit, which had been worth $7,500 on new purchases, accelerated the drop-off.

The Atlas, in contrast, has been VW's second-best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for the past three years. Moving the plant behind it was not a difficult call.

What Volkswagen said about the Atlas and ID.4

"The EV market continues to challenge the industry, requiring measured decisions throughout the last few years to navigate this unpredictability," Volkswagen said in a statement. "As part of the focus toward higher-volume products that meet market demand, Volkswagen will no longer assemble the ID.4 in Chattanooga starting mid-April 2026."

Kjell Gruner, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, framed the move as long-term positioning. "This strategic shift underscores the company's commitment to Chattanooga and its workforce as we position the plant for long-term success and future product opportunities," he said.

What happens to the Volkswagen ID.4 and Tennessee plant workforce

The ID.4 is not disappearing entirely. Volkswagen says existing 2026 model year inventory is expected to support customer demand into 2027.

The company also confirmed that a future version of the ID.4 is planned for the North American market, though it declined to share the timing or whether it will be built in the U.S., according to Inside EVs.

For workers, VW said hourly employees currently on ID.4 production will be transferred to other positions at the plant based on seniority. A special early retirement program will also be offered to eligible employees. The company consulted with employees and the UAW union, which unionized the Chattanooga plant in 2024.

Key facts about the Volkswagen ID.4 production shift:

• ID.4 production ends: Mid-April 2026
• Plant pivot: Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport for 2027 model year
• New Atlas production timeline: Starts this summer, with vehicles arriving at dealerships in fall 2026
• 2026 ID.4 inventory: Expected to last into 2027
• Future ID.4 for North America: Confirmed, details pending
• Workers affected: Can be transferred within the plant or offered early retirement

The broader U.S. EV picture

Volkswagen's move is not happening in isolation. General Motors, Ford, Stellantis, and Honda are among the major carmakers that have also scaled back EV plans after sales fell short of expectations.

The U.S. EV market share has persistently plateaued at around 7% to 8%, at which point sales have consistently slowed, according to analyst Mike Brauer, cited by the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

The transition is proving slower and more uneven than early forecasts suggested.

For investors, VW's decision reflects where management sees the stronger near-term returns. The company is not abandoning EVs permanently. But it is sending a clear message: Right now, gas-powered SUVs are the more reliable bet in the American market.

Related: Tesla just pulled off an EV shocker no one saw coming

A major headwind for U.S. restaurants right now is a perceived value gap where cumulative price hikes have outpaced consumer budgets, according to McKinsey & Company. 

Many brands now feel forced to launch aggressive value resets. For example, I recently reported about McDonald’s bold move to win back budget-conscious diners with new value offerings and a menu of items priced at $3 or less. 

Then there’s Chipotle’s nutrient-dense, high-fiber bowls, or Subway’s 20g-protein Protein Pockets. The majority of chains are making efforts to stay afloat amid economic challenges and geopolitical instability, which are tightening consumers’ wallets. 

For the first time in nearly a decade, Burger King has rolled out the first significant changes to its flagship Whopper sandwich, adding “a more premium bun, a new creamier mayonnaise and upgraded packaging — changes driven directly by customer feedback. The beef patty, a signature quarter-pound of 100% flame-grilled beef, remains unchanged,” reported the Washington Times.

Burger King President Tom Curtis said the company aimed to "elevate" the iconic sandwich rather than reinvent it.

Additionally, the fast-food chain returned the fan-favorite Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper. These moves are part of its $400 million “Reclaim the Flame" plan designed to win back lapsed customers by prioritizing food quality, reported TheStreet. 

Burger King is now testing other new menu items to adapt to a shifting consumer environment.

Burger King tests sliders in Ohio and Oregon 

Burger King will start testing the new King Size Sliders Box in Columbus, Ohio, and Portland, Oregon, April 14 through May 4. 

The new sliders are packed in boxes of two or six, allowing consumers to choose from three different flavors. The idea behind the slider is to offer snacking options that can also serve as a meal, enabling greater flexibility and variety. 

Burger King's new King Size Sliders: 

• Deluxe Slider features a 100% flame-grilled beef patty, topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, and tangy burger aioli, all on a buttery slider bun. 
• Steakhouse Bacon Slider contains a 100% flame-grilled beef patty, topped with melty Swiss cheese, crispy bacon, crispy onions, and peppercorn sauce on a buttery slider bun. 
• Bacon & Cheese Slider includes a 100% flame-grilled beef patty, topped with crispy bacon, melty American cheese and tangy burger aioli, on a buttery slider bun.
  Source: QSR Magazine 

The brand has not yet revealed a price for the new offering, and a national rollout depends on its reception and operational impacts in these test markets, a Burger King spokesperson told Restaurant Dive. 

Burger King’s "Reclaim the Flame" strategy is showing results 

The last few years have been somewhat challenging for Burger King, as its parent company, Restaurant Brands International, has struggled with closing locations. Its franchisee Consolidated Burger Holdings LLC, which owned 57 locations in Florida and Georgia, filed for Chapter 11 protection in April 2025, reported TheStreet’s Kirk O’Neil. 

Burger King closed four U.S. locations in 2025 after shuttering six locations in 2024, Usearch reported.

The giant is not the only one that has struggled lately. For example, Wendy’s has been closing hundreds of restaurants to adjust its footprint and menus amid industry pressures.  

Meanwhile, Burger King has heavily invested in its “Reclaim the Flame” turnaround plan. 

“The plan includes Burger King investing $400 million over the next two years, comprised of $150 million in advertising and digital investments to 'Fuel the Flame' and $250 million for a 'Royal Reset' involving restaurant technology, kitchen equipment, building enhancements, and high-quality remodels and relocations,” the company shared in a press release.

Related: Nationally acclaimed fast-casual chain closes locations

Earlier this year, the chain confirmed that the new strategy is working out. 

“Burger King US made visible progress executing Reclaim the Flame. While 2025 represented a low point for our consolidated net restaurant growth, we believe we have turned the corner and are excited to reaccelerate growth in 2026,” Restaurant Brands International CEO Josh Kobza said during a recent earnings call. 

Moreover, Kobza stressed the importance of value offerings such as Burger King’s $5 Duos and $7 Trios. 

“Duos and Trios continue to perform well by offering guests choice, price certainty and consistency. In a year when there was significant noise across the industry around value, this dependable platform allowed us to focus our marketing behind Whopper-led innovation,” Kobza said.

Burger King needs to improve its customer satisfaction rating 

Originality has always helped drive restaurants' success amid fierce competition. However, over time, the chains might need to adapt to survive, instead of focusing on just one original product. That’s exactly what Burger King is trying to do. 

The three most popular burger chains in the United States, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King, each offer different cooking methods and brand identities. 

When it comes to sales, McDonald’s is the king, not only among burger chains, but also among restaurants overall, according to Circana’s Top 50 US Restaurants for 2026. The giant is leading with an estimated consumer spend in 2025 of $54.53 billion, far above Wendy’s $11.88 billion and Burger King’s $10.95 billion. 

However, when it comes to customer sentiment and satisfaction, rankings differ. Wendy’s actually ranks as the second-most-popular dining brand in America with a 71% popularity ranking, according to YouGov 2026. In the same ranking, McDonald’s is ranked 28th, while Burger King is 33rd. 

Burger King's latest offering is already being analyzed under the magnifying glass, and early consumer feedback on platforms like Reddit points to a familiar trade-off.

While some customers praised the sliders’ improved toppings and flavor, others questioned whether the higher price aligns with Burger King’s broader value push. One early reviewer, TomHandyForever, described the offering as “a mixed bag,” citing better quality but weaker value compared to existing deals. 

These early sightings ahead of the sliders' official April 14 debut suggest a "soft launch" in test markets, a common industry tactic used to refine kitchen operations and train staff before the full marketing push begins.

Related: Iconic Italian restaurant closes for good after 30 years

Why we love this deal

Keeping your smartphone powered can feel like the world's most stressful balancing act. Personally, I have to constantly decide if I want to keep using it to listen to music while out and about or if I'm going to conserve battery power and just leave it alone. Thanks to a deal from Amazon, we can all finally get off that balance beam. The online giant is selling a portable power bank for less than the price of a tank of gas, and we're here for it.

The Golioklsy Portable Power Bank is only $20 at the moment, which is a discount of 38% off the original price of $32. If you're tired of constantly running out of juice when you're on the go, then this deal is for you.

Golioklsy Portable Power Bank, $20 (was $32) at Amazon

Why do shoppers love it?

This is one of the most convenient portable power banks on the market. For starters, it has a built-in charging cable. That makes it convenient for people like me who are constantly losing their spare charging cords. The end of the cord has both lightning and USB-C ends. While the L-shaped end can be a bit awkward looking, the convenience far exceeds the aesthetics. What's more, it's magnetic. That means that you can simply attach it to the back of your smartphone and go, which is a far more convenient option than awkwardly lugging it around with you until your phone is fully charged. If you throw it in your backpack or purse, you can feel confident that the power bank won't break away from the phone. It's an ingenious design feature that makes us wonder why all chargers aren't built this way.

Further adding to the smart functions, there is a highly-legible built-in LED screen that displays the current charge status of the unit. That makes it easy to know with just a glance whether it needs to be plugged back into a power source or not at any given moment. You won't even need to take it out of the aforementioned backpack or purse to see how much charge remains. It measures just 4.1 inches long by 2.6 inches wide by .6 inches high. That incredibly compact design allows you to throw it onto the back of your phone without worrying about blocking your camera. That's a great option for me, as I often use the camera function more than the actual phone one.

The charger is designed to work with iPhone 14 through iPhone 17 models as well as modern iPads. The 20-Watt fast-charge capacity can deliver nearly two full charges to an iPhone 17 on full power. It's also available in six fun colorways. If you're like me, then you often end up with multiple versions of the same product for various family members. As such, buying them in different colors just makes sense. This power bank makes that easy to do. My only suggestion would be to add some darker colors to the mix, as options are mostly lighter colors or pastels.

Related: Amazon is selling a 2-in-1 laptop and tablet for just $63

Pros and cons of the Golioklsy Portable Power Bank

Pros

• Attachment: The charger is magnetic, which allows you to attach it directly to the back of your phone.
• Size: Weighing just over six ounces, the lightweight power bank is immensely portable.
• Information: There is a very legible LED screen built into the charger that allows you to see how much charge is left at any moment.

Cons

• Connectors: The built-in cord has an L-shaped end to allow for two different format tips, which some may find awkward-looking.
• Colorways: Some buyers might prefer a few more darker color options to be added to the mix.

Amazon shoppers were impressed with the charger. One called it an "awesome device charger," adding that it was "compact and handy." The same buyer also claimed "it charged my iPhone in less than 30 minutes."

Shop more deals 

• Iniu Portable Charger, $20 (was $24) at Amazon
• Soundcore by Anker Headphones, $40 (was $70) at Amazon
• BolaButty Bluetooth Speaker, $22 (was $30) at Amazon

If you're always running your phone on low battery like I am, then the Golioklsy Portable Power Bank is a smart way to fix that problem for just $20. Considering that constantly keeping your phone at low power reduces its longevity, buying this charger is just plain smart.

Average IRA contributions jumped 18% during the two weeks before March 20 compared to the previous five weeks, Fidelity data cited by CNBC show. Nearly three-quarters of those deposits flowed into after-tax Roth IRAs, where income eligibility rules are strict and unforgiving.

The problem is that many contributors do not understand the number that determines whether they can legally contribute at all. Getting it wrong does not simply void your deposit; it triggers a recurring tax penalty that compounds every year you ignore the error.

If you plan to make a 2025 IRA contribution before the deadline, there is one calculation you need to complete before moving a dollar.

Fidelity says most savers overlook this IRA eligibility number

The trap Fidelity is warning about centers on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), a tax calculation that most people misunderstand or skip entirely.

Your eligibility for Roth IRA contributions depends on your MAGI, and many investors overestimate how much they can deposit. "Know your numbers" before you contribute, Rita Assaf, vice president of retirement offerings at Fidelity Investments, told CNBC.

Part of the struggle is that eligibility hinges on MAGI, which is confusing to calculate, Assaf explained in the same interview. Your MAGI starts with your adjusted gross income on line 11a of your tax return, then adds back deductions such as student loan interest. The final number determines exactly how much you can legally contribute to a Roth IRA for the 2025 tax year.

For single filers, you can contribute the full $7,000, or $8,000 if you are 50 or older, only if your MAGI stays below $150,000. The contribution limit phases down as income rises and disappears entirely at $165,000, according to the IRS. Married couples filing jointly face a phaseout range of $236,000 to $246,000 for the 2025 tax year.

The 6% penalty that hits you every year until you fix it

Contributing more than your eligible amount to a Roth IRA triggers a 6% excise tax on the excess, and this is not a one-time fee. The IRS charges this penalty every year the excess funds remain in your account, which means ignoring the problem only makes it more expensive.

Consider a single filer who deposited $7,000 into a Roth IRA but earned a MAGI above $165,000 for the 2025 tax year. The entire contribution would be treated as excess, resulting in a $420 penalty in the first year and again in every subsequent year.

You have until your tax filing deadline, including extensions, to remove excess contributions and any earnings those funds generated, Vanguard indicates. Those earnings must be reported as income on your tax return, and you will likely owe taxes on them.

If you miss the correction window, you may need to file an amended return and keep paying the 6% penalty until you resolve the issue, Fidelity warns.

Traditional IRA deductions face their own income restrictions

The Roth IRA is not the only account with MAGI-based restrictions that catch people off guard before Tax Day arrives. Traditional IRA contributions are available to anyone with earned income, but the tax deduction depends on your income and employer plan participation.

If you participate in an employer-sponsored plan like a 401(k), your traditional IRA deduction phases out starting at $79,000 for single filers.

The deduction disappears entirely at $89,000, and married couples filing jointly face a phaseout range between $126,000 and $146,000 when the contributing spouse has an employer plan, according to Fidelity’s contribution limits guide.

More Personal Finance:

• Retirees following 4% rule are leaving thousands on the table
• Fidelity says a $500 policy could protect your entire net worth
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If your spouse participates in a workplace plan but you do not, you can still claim the full traditional IRA deduction below $236,000 joint MAGI. The deduction phases out between $236,000 and $246,000, and disappears for joint filers above that ceiling during the 2025 tax year.

You can still make a nondeductible contribution even if your income exceeds the deduction threshold, but you must report it on IRS Form 8606. Failing to file this form can create confusion when you eventually take distributions and may result in a $50 penalty per occurrence.

Your practical IRA deadline is earlier than April 15

April 15 is the official cutoff, but financial professionals recommend treating April 1 as your real deadline for IRA contributions. "I tell people that the practical deadline is April 1," Rob Burnette, investment advisor and tax preparer at Outlook Financial Center, told CNBC. 

He emphasized that leaving a two-week buffer ensures your transaction clears and is properly recorded by your custodian. Contributions made between January 1 and April 15 of this year can apply to either the 2025 or 2026 tax year at your discretion.

You must clearly designate the year to which the deposit applies at the time you make the contribution to your financial institution. 

“Roth IRAs offer more opportunities… You have the Roth 401(k)s, you have even 529 to Roth, Roth Sep, Roth Simple, Roth matching, Roth catch-up. Congress went Roth crazy. Why? Because they need the revenue. They get the money up front. So let's take advantage of their shortsightedness,” Ed Slott, founder of Ed Slott and Company, told Investment News.

If you skip this step, your custodian will likely default the contribution to 2026, which could cost you a full year of retroactive tax benefits. "If you’re writing a check, just make sure you put in the memo box that it’s a contribution for that tax year," Burnette told CNBC.

He added that you should log in to your account afterward and confirm that your custodian credited the contribution to the correct tax year. 

If the custodian makes an error, you need to resolve it before the April 15 deadline passes, or the window will close permanently for 2025 contributions. Filing a tax extension pushes your filing deadline to October 15, but it does not extend your IRA contribution deadline by a single day. 

Your 2025 IRA contribution must arrive by April 15, 2026, regardless of whether you request an extension for your tax return filing. Missing this distinction is one of the most common and costly planning errors that Fidelity sees among last-minute contributors every spring.

3 moves to make before the April 15 IRA deadline

If you still plan to contribute to an IRA for the 2025 tax year, these steps will help you avoid the most common and costly errors.

Steps to protect your IRA contribution:

1. Calculate your 2025 MAGI before you contribute. Use line 11a of your tax return as the starting point, then add back deductions for student loan interest and IRA contributions. Compare your final number to the IRS income thresholds for your filing status to confirm your eligibility before depositing any money into the account.
2. Choose the right account type based on your tax situation. If your MAGI exceeds the Roth IRA income limits, consider a traditional IRA contribution or a nondeductible IRA as your alternative. A nondeductible traditional IRA can serve as the first step in a backdoor Roth conversion strategy that higher earners often use to access Roth benefits.
3. Make your contribution by April 1 to allow time for processing. Designate the contribution as applying to the 2025 tax year when you submit it to your financial institution or brokerage account. Log in after the deposit clears and confirm the custodian recorded it for the correct year to avoid any complications down the road.

The Saver’s Credit may also reduce your tax bill if your adjusted gross income falls below $39,500 for single filers in 2025. Married couples filing jointly qualify if their combined AGI stays below $79,000 for the same tax year, according to the IRS.

This credit provides a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax burden, making it one of the most valuable retirement-related tax breaks available.

Fidelity’s warning signals a broader shift in how Americans save for retirement

The last-minute IRA contribution rush is growing in scale and increasingly favoring Roth accounts over traditional IRAs, Fidelity’s research shows. Nearly 75% of recent IRA deposits went into Roth IRAs, reflecting a broader shift among savers toward building tax-free retirement income.

Roth IRA earnings grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals are entirely income-tax-free once you reach age 59-and-a-half and satisfy the five-year holding requirement. Unlike traditional IRAs, Roth accounts are not subject to required minimum distributions during the original account holder’s lifetime, which makes them a powerful wealth-transfer tool.

For the 2026 tax year, the IRA contribution limit rises to $7,500 for those under 50 and $8,600 for savers aged 50 and older. The Roth IRA income phaseout also increases, with single filers qualifying for full contributions below $153,000 and married couples below $242,000, according to the IRS. 

You can begin contributing toward your 2026 limits as early as Jan. 1, 2026, and the deadline extends to April 15, 2027.

Related: Fidelity flags the Roth IRA loophole high earners need

According to Seeking Alpha, that’s how Savita Subramanian describes the current market, where consumer activity is sluggish even as inflation-sensitive sectors rally.

Put simply, the market signals are starting to clash.

Investors usually position themselves for a specific problem at a time. However, when the market faces slowing growth and rising inflation simultaneously, it often behaves in contradictory ways.

The renewed inflation fears aren’t hard to see.

Since the Iran conflict started on Feb. 28, Brent crude has surged by more than 60% to the high-$60s to low-$70s a barrel to above $100, even with a brief ceasefire dip. 

Moreover, U.S. regular gasoline followed suit, rising from under $3 a gallon in late February to a little over $4 this month. 

Naturally, the result is a market that feels remarkably noisy, with investors wrestling with a backdrop that offers little clarity. 

Not only does it complicate stock picking, but it also points to an economy that’s entering a far trickier phase than what the standard bullish or bearish narratives suggest.

S&P 500 returns over the past 5 years

• 2025: year-end close 6,845.50; annual gain 16.39%.
• 2024: year-end close 5,881.63; annual gain 23.31%.
• 2023: year-end close 4,769.83; annual gain 24.23%.
• 2022: year-end close 3,839.50; annual loss 19.44%.
• 2021: year-end close 4,766.18; annual gain 26.89%.
  Source: S&P Dow Jones Indices, Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED).

Breaking down stagflation in simple terms

Stagflation sounds complex, but it’s a pretty simple idea.

It happens when the economy slows, yet the prices of goods and services continue to rise.

Typically, the two don't happen together.

That’s like when your paycheck isn’t growing, but your groceries, gas, and other items continue getting more expensive. 

When an economy is healthy, growth and inflation move together.

When economic growth is robust, prices jump because demand remains high. However, when growth stalls, inflation typically cools off. Stagflation tends to break that pattern, which is why it’s so painful.

Moreover, there are other types of inflation.

Demand-driven inflation occurs when excessive spending pushes prices higher. 

Cost-driven inflation results from growing input costs, such as energy or wages. There’s also “mild” inflation, where prices rise sluggishly and predictably.

Stagflation combines the worst of both worlds. 

U.S. stagflation periods over 100 years

• 1973 to 1975: Recognized as the first classic U.S. stagflation episode. Fed history shows that the 70’s high inflation and unemployment, along with the 1973-74 oil shock, sent crude oil prices from $2.90 a barrel to $11.65 by January 1974.
• 1978 to 1982: The second wave. Fed history dates the broader Great Inflation from 1965 to 1982; by summer 1980, inflation hovered near 14.5%, and unemployment was above 7.5%.
• Since 1982: No later U.S. period has been classified by the Fed and economists as a full stagflation era.

What is driving BofA’s stagflation warning

Subramanian pointed to a unique economic scenario that’s brewing, not a typical late-cycle market.

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That’s perhaps why the recent action in the S&P 500 matters. 

Though the index has effectively round-tripped its year-to-date gains, beneath the surface, leadership is shifting in ways that don’t exactly fit a specific playbook.

Instead, investors are crowding into ‘safe havens’, where Subramanian says the market is witnessing a “monstrous rally” in inflation beneficiaries such as industrials and energy. 

However, healthcare and consumer staples have been laggards despite a potentially recessionary backdrop.

Three major forces are shaping that view:

• Inflation-linked leadership: Energy attracted investors that kicked off the year significantly underweight, while industrials are trading at the “highest multiple we’ve seen in decades.”
• Confusing defensive signals: Healthcare and staples aren’t acting like the typical shelters we’ve been used to over the years, creating “a lot of crosscurrents that are telling you different things.”
• Selective caution elsewhere: Financials are feeling the heat from the geopolitical conflict and what Subramanian called a “mini credit cycle,” while software, she argues, looks “incredibly inexpensive”.
  In fact, I recently covered how Goldman Sachs is sounding the alarm on tech stocks, a sector that’s currently in the weakest relative-return stretches in 50 years.

Energy and industrials outpace broader ETF performance

• Over the past 1 month, theState Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETFreturned 3.29% versus the all-ETF median of 0.81%, while the State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF returned 0.58% versus the same 0.81% median.
• Over the past 6 months, the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF returned 32.47% versus the all-ETF median of 2.47%, while the State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF returned 10.23% versus the same 2.47% median.
• Over the past 1 year, the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF returned 56.76% versus the all-ETF median of 28.62%, while the State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF returned 48.37% versus the same 28.62% median.
• Over the past 3 years, the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF returned 50.64% versus the all-ETF median of 45.38%, while the State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF returned 82.30% versus the same 45.38% median.
• Over the past 5 years, the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF returned 187.95% versus the all-ETF median of 39.04%, while the State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF returned 84.79% versus the same 39.04% median.
  Source: Seeking Alpha.

Investor takeaway

For stock market investors, Subramanian’s message is clear in that it’s probably wise to avoid relying on the old recession playbook. 

That means, given stagflation conditions, hiding in traditional defensives might not work as it did in the past.

So instead, it would be wise for investors to focus more on balance-sheet strength, pricing power, and sectors that are still benefiting from inflation-linked demand, such as energy and industrials. 

At the same time, it’s best to stay selective in beaten-down growth areas such as software, where cheap valuations alone might not be enough without clearer earnings support. 

Financials also deserve another look, especially at larger institutions that appear stronger than investors currently give them credit for. 

Related: Morgan Stanley delivers blunt message to Tesla stock investors

British regional carriers Eastern Airways and Blue Channels, Swedish carriers Braathens Aviation and H-Bird, and Icelandic low-cost carrier Play Airlines have all collapsed in high-profile shutdowns over the last year.

National carrier Air Albania and Slovenian low-cost airline AlpAvia have also shut down over various types of problems in the last six months.

The latest European airline to shut down and cancel all flights is low-cost carrier GoTo Fly, based out of Forlì Airport (FRL) in northern Italy.

Italian GoTo Fly airline discontinues service, cancels flights

The virtual carrier, which launched in 2023 with the goal of bringing back air traffic to the Emilia-Romagna region after the Covid pandemic, has discontinued service, Swiss outlet ch-aviation first reported.

Over the three years that it operated, the virtual airline served more than 83,000 passengers on 16 routes to various European cities. A virtual airline is one that sells tickets through its brand and website but outsources the flights to other airlines. The airline also operated with more than 450 travel agencies in different corners of Europe.

Related: Another airline loses license, all flights off

As of April 10, sections of GoTo Fly's website have been taken down, while a social media post on its Facebook account thanked the 83,000 travelers for their business.

The same flights to destinations such as Vienna and Athens from Forlì will be run by the airlines themselves rather than GoTo Fly. The airline also ran some select charter flights.

"That phase is over": GoTo Fly shuts down as airline traffic grows

According to GoTo Fly representatives, the rise in regular traffic greatly reduced the need to market specific flights through another brand.

"It all arose from the post-Covid need to overcome the lack of carriers when Ridolfi was ready to restart," Riccardo Pregnolato, account manager of the management company overseeing Forlì Airport, said in a statement to the press translated from the original Italian.

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"Today, that phase is over. Let's leave transportation to those who do it professionally (i.e., the airlines; we'll take care of the airport)."

These airlines filed for bankruptcy in 2025:

• Spirit Airlines (Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc.): Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time on Aug. 29,2025.
• Ravn Alaska: Ceased operations in August 2025 after earlier Chapter 11 proceedings; shut down flights and folded into other operations such as New Pacific.
• Corporate Air: Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy (restructuring) in September 2025 as part of a planned sale, according to Bondoro.
• Play Airlines: The Reykjavik-based airline shut down operations and entered involuntary bankruptcy in September 2025.
• Braathens Airlines:The airline was forced to file for bankruptcy and canceled all of its flights in September 2025.

The last flight through GoTo Fly ran Oct. 11 from Forlì to Lampedusa on an Air Mediterranean Boeing B737-400. As a result, no passengers will be immediately affected by the cancellations.

At its peak in 2024, GoTo Fly expanded to up to 16 destinations in Italy, Greece, Croatia, and France.

Related: Another travel company files for bankruptcy, cancels all trips

More than a third of travelers who charged last summer’s vacation to credit cards still carry unpaid balances from those trips, NerdWallet’s 2026 summer travel report reveals. The cycle is familiar: You enjoy the trip, then spend months paying interest on the memories long after you return home.

Discover, the financial services company, recently published a structured travel savings plan designed to help budget-conscious travelers break that pattern. The strategy does not rely on extreme frugality or complicated investment maneuvers to get you to your destination debt-free. 

It walks you through a disciplined approach to building a travel fund that starts well before you ever book your first flight or hotel room.

Discover starts with a specific savings target tied to your destination

The core of Discover’s strategy begins with picking a destination and calculating a realistic total cost before saving a single dollar. That means researching airfare, lodging, local transportation, food, activities, and a buffer for unplanned expenses like souvenirs or last-minute excursions. “Decide where you’d like to go, and start from there,” personal finance expert Athena Valentine Lent told Discover.

Lent recommends researching the best travel windows for your chosen destination to take advantage of off-peak pricing. If the cheapest season does not align with your schedule, she suggests considering an entirely different location rather than overpaying.

Break your big travel savings goal into smaller weekly targets

Once you know your total trip cost, Discover’s plan asks you to reverse-engineer a savings schedule tied to your departure date. If your trip costs $2,000 and you have five months to save, that breaks down to $400 per month, or roughly $100 per week.

Framing the target in weekly terms makes it feel far less overwhelming and provides more frequent checkpoints to measure your progress.

“Breaking your goal into smaller steps makes it appear more manageable,” Lent told Discover in its published savings guide. Saving $100 weekly feels far more attainable than staring at a $2,000 lump sum, and each weekly milestone creates a sense of accomplishment.

You should also build a 10% to 15% buffer above your estimated trip cost to cover unexpected expenses when traveling domestically or abroad. That cushion is the difference between enjoying a surprise excursion and scrambling to cover an unplanned charge on your credit card.

A dedicated high-yield savings account can grow your travel fund

Keeping your travel fund in a separate savings account is one of the most effective steps Discover recommends in its strategy. A dedicated account prevents you from accidentally spending travel money on everyday expenses and gives you a clear dashboard to measure progress.

The psychological benefit of watching a labeled account climb toward a specific goal is a proven motivator for consistent savers.

High-yield savings accounts are paying up to 4% to 5% APY as of April 2026, more than 10 times the national average of 0.39%, the FDIC reports. A $3,000 travel fund sitting in a high-yield account for eight months could earn roughly $80 to $120 in interest alone.

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“I’m a firm believer in making your money work for you,” Lent told Discover when discussing the value of separating travel funds. She described labeling a dedicated savings account with a specific goal as a personal motivator that helps her protect the balance consistently. 

That emotional connection to a named account can be the difference between a funded vacation and a drained savings balance. You should compare account options carefully before opening one, because minimum balance requirements and fee structures vary widely between banks. 

Some online banks offer no-minimum, no-fee accounts with rates that outperform traditional brick-and-mortar institutions by a wide margin.

The Federal Reserve held its benchmark rate steady at 3.50% to 3.75% at its March 18, 2026 meeting, and while high-yield savings rates have drifted slightly lower in recent months, they remain far above the national average, according to NerdWallet.

Trimming discretionary spending doesn't mean losing everything you enjoy

One of the most practical pieces of guidance in Discover’s strategy tackles the mental barrier many savers face when cutting expenses. “My advice is to cut spending in small amounts at first and then look for cheaper ways to do the things you want to do,” Lent said.

You can swap a $50 restaurant dinner for a $15 happy hour with friends, or trade a $70 concert ticket for a free outdoor event. Lent also recommends checking group coupon sites before buying tickets and seeking out free community activities, such as museum admission days or city-sponsored music nights. 

“One thing about having that travel fund and having that recurrence of saving is that now you’re building up your savings, and you can now consider more opportunities of spontaneous travel," travel writer and "The Thought Card" podcast host Danielle Desir Corbett said on an episode of the "Unpacked" podcast.

Many national parks offer free entry on designated days throughout the year, giving you outdoor entertainment without touching your travel fund at all. The savings add up without making you feel like you are punishing yourself for six months just to afford a vacation.

A side hustle can close the savings gap if your primary income falls short

If trimming expenses alone does not get you to your target fast enough, Discover suggests exploring additional travel-related income streams. Freelance projects, weekend gig work, and ride-sharing services can all generate cash earmarked specifically for your vacation fund without reducing your daily budget.

Lent frames side hustles as optional rather than essential in Discover’s guide, acknowledging that not everyone has the bandwidth for extra work. About 20% of Americans already use side hustle earnings to pay for their travel plans, Empower research found.

Skipping a savings plan and relying on credit cards comes with a hidden cost

Funding a vacation entirely on credit cards without a repayment plan remains one of the most common financial mistakes travelers make. About 84% of 2026 summer travelers plan to use credit cards for at least some vacation expenses, NerdWallet’s summer travel survey found.

Only about one in four travelers who charged last summer’s trip managed to pay off the balance with their very first statement. A $3,000 trip financed on a credit card at 22% APR and paid off over 12 months costs you roughly $370 in interest alone.

That is $370 you could direct toward your next trip, your emergency fund, or simply staying out of unnecessary consumer debt. The math reinforces Discover’s central argument that a few months of disciplined saving before you travel is far cheaper than a year of interest payments afterward.

Key takeaways from Discover’s travel savings strategy

• Set a total trip budget by researching airfare, lodging, food, and activities, plus a 10% to 15% buffer for unplanned costs.
• Break your savings goal into weekly or biweekly targets so each milestone feels achievable and keeps you on track.
• Open a separate high-yield savings account earning 4% or more APY to grow your fund passively while you save.
• Cut discretionary spending gradually rather than eliminating all non-essential purchases at once to avoid burnout.
• Consider a side hustle only if your schedule allows, and direct that income exclusively toward your vacation fund.

Starting your travel fund now positions you for a debt-free trip this summer

Discover’s strategy is not revolutionary, but the simplicity of its framework makes it useful for everyday travelers. You need a destination, a realistic cost estimate, a dedicated savings account, and the discipline to make consistent weekly contributions for a set period.

Even starting today with $75 to $100 per week could put $1,200 to $1,600 in your travel account by mid-summer. That may not cover a luxury international trip, but it is more than enough for a well-planned domestic getaway without a single swipe of a credit card.

Related: Hotels are losing younger travelers, and the reason isn't just price

Why we love this style

Woven bags crafted from natural textiles are always a fashionable selection, especially in the warmer months. The classic construction is surging in popularity this season, but instead of the casual beachwear staple, this year's offerings feel more versatile with a touch of refinement and luxury. Premium brands, like Coach, Kate Spade, and J. Crew, have even gotten in on the action, adding straw and raffia handbag styles to their latest collections, but that doesn't mean you need to pay a high-end price to add a trendy straw beach bag to your own wardrobe. 

Walmart has a wide range of woven and straw bags that are well-suited for any upcoming outdoor adventures this summer. From spacious totes ideal for shopping at the farmer's market and breezy mesh options that are a perfect beach companion to sturdier styles with a top zipper for added security, there are handbag picks for everyone at the retailer. To help you score the best bang for your buck, we've rounded up Walmart's top-rated straw bag selections with prices starting at just $13, and best of all, none of them cost more than $25. 

Gocvo Woven Straw Beach Bag, $17 (was $28) at Walmart

The bestselling Gocvo Woven Straw Beach Bag normally retails for $28, but with one of Walmart's weekly Flash deals, you can score it for just $17 in two colors: khaki (pictured above) or beige. Crafted from durable straw and reinforced with a polyester lining, the bag has more structure than your typical slouchy beach bag. It also has a sturdy zipper along the top for a secure closure, which isn't common for this style, but it will provide peace of mind about potentially losing your items in the sand. 

Measuring 16 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 15.4 inches tall, the handbag has plenty of space for your summer read, sunglasses, and even a tablet. It comes highly rated with 4.5 out of five stars. "This is a classic summer bag," one shopper raved. They explained, "It's the perfect size to carry to the beach or pool."

Livhil Large Beach Mesh Tote Bag, $13 at Walmart

The Livhil Large Beach Mesh Tote Bag isn't technically woven from natural materials, but it has a similar elegant appearance and offers so much versatility at just $13. If you want something more colorful than the natural straw color, you can get this bag on sale for $10 in a pretty lavender hue. The bag is spacious enough to fit four beach towels, a magazine, or a Kindle into the main compartment. There's also an inner pocket to keep your smaller items easily accessible, like your iPhone or earbuds. 

The convenient design is what really makes this mesh beach bag stand out. It's crafted from a durable, tear-resistant nylon, which is sturdy enough to be put in the washing machine if necessary. Additionally, it's extremely lightweight and foldable, so you can place it into a suitcase, backpack, or everyday handbag. One shopper wrote, "This bag was perfect for my girls' getaway to the beach. It was strong, lightweight, and could fold down so easily for traveling."

Gocvo 2-in-1 Straw Beach Bag, $18 (was $26) at Walmart

Thanks to another one of Walmart's Flash deals, the $26 Gocvo 2-in-1 Straw Beach Bag is on sale for only $18, which one shopper calls "the perfect summer purse." This one is an incredible value, because the convertible woven bag comes with two removable straps, so you can wear it as a shoulder bag or crossbody bag depending on your day-to-day needs. You can also choose from two different straw shades. 

This is a smaller style, so you won't be able to fit a change of clothes inside, but it still has ample space for your everyday essentials and a few extras, like a folding umbrella or sunscreen. While the bag looks like it has an open top to easily grab your items, there's also a zipper closure, so you'll never have to worry about anything falling out.

No Boundaries Beach Icons Mini Straw Tote Bag, $25 at Walmart

The No Boundaries Beach Icons Mini Straw Tote Bag is the most expensive bag on our list at $25, but the adorable embroidered design, bandana-wrapped handle, and colorful straw touches have the appearance of a much higher-end handbag. The bag is smaller, measuring 10 inches tall, 11.75 inches wide, and 6.25 inches deep, so while it may not be a go-to beach bag, it could be a go-to everyday bag. Two of the three options are already showing low stock, so you won't want to wait to add this selection to your cart. 

Related: Walmart is selling a pair of $110 18k gold-plated Swarovski crystal earrings for just $20

Shop more deals

• Kukuzhu Woven Straw Beach Tote Bag, $15 (was $23) at Walmart
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• Calvin&Sally Straw Summer Beach Bag, $21 at Walmart

A woven straw bag is the handbag your summer wardrobe needs, and you don't have to splurge by shopping Walmart's top-rated selections. The versatile designs are great for your upcoming trips to the beach, as well as any outdoor activities where you want to dress to impress.

Read:More personal finance stories from Nifty 50+

Discover:Can home upgrades help your insurance costs?

How much of your pre-retirement income will Social Security replace?

Social Security was never intended to replace workers' earnings entirely. Rather, if you earn a pretty typical paycheck, you can expect those benefits to replace about 40% of it. This assumes that benefits aren't cut in the future, which is a possibility. But because lawmakers have not allowed Social Security cuts to happen before, let's be optimistic and assume it won't happen this time around.

With that in mind, let's assume you earn a $100,000 salary in the years leading up to retirement. Social Security might give you $40,000 a year, assuming you claim benefits on time (more on that in a second). Where does that leave you in terms of savings? Well, that's up to you.

It's common for retirees to need about 75% to 80% of their former income to live comfortably. But if you don't anticipate large expenses, 65% of your former income may suffice. If you plan to live it up in retirement, you may need 100% of your former income, or even more.

Assuming a middle-ground scenario, if you're used to living on $100,000 a year, you may find that you're fine with $80,000 a year in retirement. If Social Security provides half of that, the rest will have to come from your savings or other sources. Knowing that as retirement approaches can help you plan effectively.

When should you claim Social Security?

A big part of figuring out Social Security's role in your retirement income is deciding when you'll take benefits. If you file at full retirement age, which is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later, you'll get 100% of the monthly benefit you're entitled to based on your earnings history.

Filing early, on the other hand, will reduce your benefits, while a delayed claim will boost them. The earliest age to claim Social Security is 62. On the flipside, you get delayed retirement credits worth about 8% for each year you wait on benefits until age 70. From there, you can't rack up any more credits.

Now, let's say you're eligible for $3,000 a month in Social Security at age 67. Filing at 62 will whittle those payments down to about $2,100. Waiting until 70 to file will boost them to roughly $3,740.

You'll need to think about how much replacement income you're looking for in retirement and what your non-Social Security income streams entail to decide when to claim benefits. If boosting those checks by waiting gives you the freedom to enjoy retirement more, it may be worth holding off.

Related: Strategies for claiming Social Security as a couple

Some other factors to consider

Now that you have a basic sense of what to expect from Social Security income-wise, and you understand the implications of filing early versus on time versus late, let's review some other factors to think about.

Inflation

Social Security benefits are eligible for an annual cost-of-living adjustment. If you invest your savings strategically, they can potentially grow at a rate that beats inflation, too. But there's no guarantee, whereas with Social Security, there is.

For this reason, if you want more inflation protection, you may want to lean toward a delayed claim. The larger your monthly benefits are to begin with, the more valuable those annual cost-of-living adjustments become.

Longevity risk

Many retirees fear outliving their savings. With a smart withdrawal strategy, you can reduce that risk. Can you get rid of it completely? That's harder. There are other strategies you can employ to guarantee yourself retirement income for life, like purchasing an annuity. But there can be high costs and fees to set that up.

Social Security pays you your monthly benefits for life. The longer you wait to sign up, the more guaranteed monthly income you get.

Spousal protection

If you're eligible for Social Security and you pass away before your spouse, they'll be entitled to survivor benefits worth 100% of your monthly benefits. That's another argument for claiming Social Security on the later side. If there's a big age gap between you and your spouse or you have health issues and expect to pass away first, the larger a benefit you lock in, the more stability your spouse might enjoy as they age.

The bottom line

Social Security should not be your only retirement income source, but it's certainly an important one. Claiming benefits at the right time is crucial if you want your income plan to succeed, so think through your choices carefully before making a decision.

Related: 4 Social Security misconceptions to clear up

When a company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the first step is to initiate court proceedings to address unmanageable debt. It results in reorganization, and if the company can find buyer(s) willing to acquire its businesses, the outcome can be optimistic.

But when no buyer is found, plant closures and consequent job losses could be next.

In 2025, total bankruptcies in the United States rose 11%, driven by increases in both business and non-business filings, with 24,737 business bankruptcies filed, according to data from the U.S courts.

Del Monte Food Corporation, which entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2025 as part of a plan to sell its assets and strengthen its financial position, ultimately found buyers for most of its operations.

However, one of its major facilities, a food processing plant in Modesto, California, did not secure a backer. As a result, the facility is now permanently closed, according to USA Today.

On April 7, the company officially shut down its plant at 4000 Yosemite Boulevard, laying off 765 employees.

Historic Del Monte food brand faces restructuring

Del Monte has long been one of the most recognizable brands in American grocery stores, a staple for canned fruits, tomato products, and sauces. 

Sold through major retailers including Walmart, Kroger, and Costco, as well as local and national grocery chains, Del Monte products have been part of most households for the past 140 years.

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The company’s processing plants, including the Modesto cannery, have played a vital role in turning fresh agricultural produce into packaged foods distributed nationwide, serving as a major buyer for farmers in the area.

The closure of this cannery for packaged fruit products, therefore, may affect not only the 765 people left unemployed, but also the farmers tied to the supply chain.

A fresh start for Del Monte

Despite the closure, the bankruptcy process did allow Del Monte to sell most of its assets.

In March 2026, with the US bankruptcy court approval in place, the company was able to finalize the sale of “substantially all of its assets and business operations as going-concern businesses.”

A majority of its vegetable, tomato, and refrigerated fruit business assets were sold to Fresh Del Monte Produce, a brand that split from the Del Monte family in 1989.

The deal, valued at $285 million, is a milestone because it brings the Del Monte brand back under a single owner after about four decades.

“Bringing these businesses together allows us to move forward with a unified strategy that strengthens the brand across fresh and packaged categories while creating new opportunities for growth, innovation and global reach,” said Fresh Del Monte CEO Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh.

As part of the transaction, Fresh Del Monte will assume ownership and rights to the following.

• Del Monte and S&W packaged vegetable brands
• Del Monte and Contadina packaged tomato brands
• Del Monte packaged refrigerated fruit brand

Potential impact of Del Monte closure and changing food trends

The restructuring at Del Monte reflects broader changes in the food industry.

Food manufacturers are facing rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer demand toward fresh, unprocessed, or less-processed foods.

Consumers are increasingly adopting a healthier lifestyle, opting for farm-to-table options rather than canned goods. And this has put pressure on companies to restructure operations, consolidating manufacturing facilities or, in Del Monte’s case, selling the company to new owners.

PWC research noted that the largest growth area is health and nutrition, at $800 billion, and that it has the potential to “reshape ingredients and drive more sustainable, resource-efficient production.”

And while this opens up new avenues and opportunities for the agricultural industry, for now, a small part of the California farming community stands to see the ripple effects of a closed cannery.

Related: Dunkin’ could exit an entire market in 2026 after 14 years

Why we love this deal

Whether you're updating your home or have just moved into your first place, having nice-looking storage options can help keep your home tidy and make it easy to find what you need. From the home office to the family room to the kitchen, if you need extra storage for any part of your home, Target has some affordable and gorgeous options to choose from.

One option is this Costway Antique-Style Accent Storage Cabinet. Originally $410, this cabinet is on sale for just $130, offering three adjustable shelves worth of storage and a large bottom cabinet for books, crafts, electronics, toys, and more. Shoppers can save 67% on this cabinet thanks to this deal!

Costway Antique-Style Accent Storage Cabinet, $130 (was $410) at Target

Why do shoppers love it?

This storage cabinet offers tons of storage with a small footprint and a stylish design. The cabinet measures 24 inches wide, 13 inches deep, and 48.5 inches tall. Two of the upper shelves are adjustable up to five positions and removable, offering room for larger or smaller objects, baskets, and more. The cabinet section measures 14.5 inches tall with two cabinet doors, and has tons of hidden storage space for any items. Each shelf can hold up to 22 pounds, with storage space for electronics, TV accessories, workbooks, kitchen appliances, and more. The cabinet would look great as an entryway catchall, pantry storage, media storage, and more.

Related: Target is selling a $350 storage cabinet for $90 with 5 compartments and both open and hidden storage

The shelving is made from medium-density fiberboard with sturdy connections, offering a durable build. The door designs give the cabinet a vintage look while being simple enough to match with a majority of other home furniture. The doors also include magnetic door pieces that keep them from swinging out. It's available in black for the best deal, but it also comes in white for $10 more. The set includes an anti-tip kit, offering an extra-stable setup that can prevent injury. 

The pros and cons of the Costway Antique-Style Accent Storage Cabinet

Pros

• Functionality: The adjustable shelves and multiple storage spaces offer room for kitchen items, games, craft supplies, electronics, and more. 
• Colors: Both the black and the white color options are on sale and would fit into any home.

Cons 

• Assembly: Some reviewers say assembly took a while.
• Weight capacity: The 22-pound weight capacity may not be ideal for storing lots of books or heavy kitchen appliances. 

One reviewer said, "I love it. I put it together on my own. It wasn't difficult, and the quality is very sturdy. The material seems high-quality. It's not too heavy; I was able to move it on my own to adjust its placement. I really love this piece."

"It's a lovely storage cabinet. It adds character to the room and provides storage and shelf space. We keep our family board games in it. It's a nice entryway piece or accent in the living room," said another shopper.

Shop more deals

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The Costway Antique-Style Accent Storage Cabinet provides tons of storage space for your items while also offering a chic design for your home. The lower cabinet and adjustable shelves offer storage space for large or small items, and the doors keep your stored items clean and hidden. Shoppers can save a huge 67% on this cabinet at Target, paying just $130. 

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell summoned Wall Street leaders to an urgent meeting at Treasury headquarters on April 8, over concerns that Anthropic's latest AI model will usher in an era of greater cyber risk.

The goal was to make sure banks are aware of possible future risks and are taking precautions to defend their systems, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified.

Who was in the room during the White House bank leader AI meeting

The meeting brought together the CEOs of the largest systemically important U.S. banks. Citigroup's Jane Fraser, Morgan Stanley's Ted Pick, Bank of America's Brian Moynihan, Wells Fargo's Charlie Scharf, and Goldman Sachs' David Solomon all attended, according to Sherwood News.

JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon did not attend. JPMorgan is a participant in Project Glasswing, Anthropic's initiative to give select firms early access to Mythos for defensive purposes.

Treasury, the Fed, Anthropic, and the banks all declined to comment.

How Anthropic's Mythos model uncovers banking security risks

The concerns for U.S. banks center on Anthropic's Mythos model, which the company itself has described in striking terms.

"AI models have reached a level of coding capability where they can surpass all but the most skilled humans at finding and exploiting software vulnerabilities," Anthropic warned, adding that it has "found thousands of high-severity vulnerabilities, including some in every major operating system and web browser."

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The model can rapidly spot software flaws and craft sophisticated exploits, raising fears of systemic risks in the banking system, CoinDesk reported. Its ability to uncover and weaponize zero-day vulnerabilities has drawn particular concern from cybersecurity experts.

Anthropic consulted with U.S. officials ahead of Mythos' release regarding both its defensive and offensive cyber capabilities. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also met separately with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei at the Pentagon on the same day as the Treasury gathering.

Anthropic's Project Glasswing helps companies tighten cybersecurity

The day after the meeting, Anthropic revealed it was releasing a version of Mythos to a select group of companies under an initiative called Project Glasswing. Participants include Amazon, Apple, and JPMorgan. The idea is that these firms will get a head start on strengthening their defenses before the model becomes more widely available or similar tools emerge from other developers.

Anthropic is not alone in taking this cautious approach. OpenAI is also reportedly concerned that an upcoming cybersecurity tool it has developed is too dangerous to release publicly, and has similarly restricted access to a small group of partners.

Key facts about the Treasury meeting:

• Date: April 8, 2026, at Treasury headquarters in Washington
• Convened by: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Fed Chair Jerome Powell
• Attendees: CEOs of Citi, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Goldman Sachs
• Notable absence: JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon
• Topic: Cybersecurity risks from Anthropic's Mythos AI model
• Comments: All parties declined to comment

Related: Scott Bessent’s net worth in 2026: From hedge fund manager to Treasury chief

What this AI, cybersecurity focus means for financial sector

The White House meeting signals that policymakers now view AI-driven cyber risk as a financial stability concern, not just a technology problem. When a Treasury Secretary and Fed Chair call in the heads of systemically important banks, the message is clear: prepare now.

For banks, that means stress-testing systems, reviewing access controls, and upgrading detection tools. Financial firms have long invested heavily in cybersecurity. But if AI lowers the barrier for attackers, existing defenses may not be enough.

For investors, the implications run in two directions. A serious cyber disruption at a major bank or clearing firm could shake market confidence and trigger significant compliance costs. If regulators conclude that AI is increasing systemic risk, financial firms could also face tighter standards and higher operating costs.

The Anthropic situation adds a dimension that rarely gets attention in the AI boom narrative. The same capabilities driving productivity gains can be turned against the systems they are meant to serve. Bessent and Powell's decision to summon Wall Street's biggest names suggests they believe that risk is no longer hypothetical.

Related: Peter Schiff has a warning that Wall Street is ignoring

Here’s what Home Depot’s workforce looks like in 2026.

How many employees does Home Depot have in 2026?

Home Depot has about 472,400 employees, whom they refer to as associates, according to its 2025 annual report. Its fiscal 2025 ended on February 1, 2026. 

Those workers are scattered across its offices and 2,359 stores throughout the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the territories of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam), Canada, and Mexico. Just 324 of its stores, or 13.7%, are located in Canada and Mexico.

The company's headquarters are in Atlanta, Georgia.

Home Depot's workforce has grown significantly over the years. In 2015, it had around 385,000 associates at its offices and 2,274 stores.

Related: Home Depot's Atlanta headquarters: Everything you need to know

What is Home Depot’s revenue per employee?

Home Depot reported net sales of $164.6 billion in fiscal 2025. Based on 472,400 employees, that puts its revenue per employee at $348,609. 

By comparison, Apple — the second-largest publicly traded company by market value, which operates retail stores in many countries — generated $2.5 million in revenue per employee based on its 2025 data. 

Who are the highest and lowest-paid employees at Home Depot?

Home Depot’s executives are among its highest-paid employees. Ted Decker, the CEO, is paid the most — his 2024 base salary was $1.4 million. Stock options and cash awards boosted his total compensation to $15.57 million. 

Among vice presidents, Ann-Marie Campbell, senior executive vice president of U.S. stores and operations, made $1 million in salary, but her total compensation was $6.45 million. 

Home Depot executives & their salaries

The average Home Depot customer service/sales associate, who greets and engages with customers at its stores, makes around $39,098 per year, or $18.80 an hour, as of early April 2026, according to ZipRecruiter, a jobs review website.

Employees who have participated in the Home Depot’s stock purchase program have seen their equity grow in value. In the past decade, the company's stock price has more than doubled. In its early years, Home Depot minted millionaires among its workforce who participated in the retailer’s stock plans. 

In 2021, Home Depot said that about 90% of store leadership had begun their careers as hourly associates.

More on Home Depot:

• Home Depot over the years: A complete history of America's biggest hardware store
• Home Depot founder Arthur Blank’s net worth: Investments, Atlanta Falcons & ranches
• Home Depot founder Bernard Marcus’s net worth: From fired CEO to entrepreneur

Home Depot’s CEO pay ratio

Home Depot’s CEO pay ratio (which compared the CEO’s annual total compensation to that of the median employee) was 443 to 1 for fiscal 2024 as reported in its 2025 proxy statement. The CEO’s total compensation was $15,574,678 for fiscal 2024. The median compensation of its associates was just $35,196.

By comparison, Nvidia, which is the largest publicly traded company in the world, had a significantly lower CEO pay ratio of 166 to 1, which is due in part to the company having fewer employees — at about 42,000 in its fiscal 2026.

Home Depot’s median compensation is well below the national average of $62,608, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Where do most of Home Depot’s employees work?

Almost all of Home Depot’s workers are based in the U.S. Of its 472,400 associates, 89.4% work in the U.S., 6.7% in Canada, 3.8% in Mexico, and 0.1% in other areas (which the retailer listed as sourcing operations in India, Italy, Poland, Turkey, Taiwan, Vietnam, and China).

Why we love this deal

Storage bins are one of those purchases most people put off until they're drowning in clutter. But at just $10 each, the Greenmade Instacrate 12-Gallon Collapsible Storage Bin at Walmart removes every excuse to put it off any longer.

The Instacrate's key function is simple, but genuinely useful: it folds completely flat when not in use, collapsing from a full 11.68 inches tall down to just 2.625 inches. That means you can store a dozen of these in the space a single traditional rigid bin would occupy. For anyone living in a small apartment, running a garage with seasonal storage needs, or just trying to keep a closet from becoming a war zone, that math matters.

Greenmade Instacrate 12-Gallon Storage Bin, $10 at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

When fully expanded, the bin measures 20.8 inches long, 14.25 inches wide, and 11.68 deep and holds a full 12 gallons — enough for bulky sweaters, office supplies, kids' toys, or moving-day essentials. And unlike cheaper bins that wobble or bow under real-world weight, the Instacrate is built from durable plastic with a rigid frame that holds its shape once locked open.

One detail that sets it apart from the generic storage bin crowd: built-in file folder rails along the interior sides. That's a thoughtful touch that turns this into a legitimate home office or paperwork organizer, not just a catch-all tote. The black-and-blue colorway is clean enough to live on an open shelf without looking like you raided a warehouse.

Stackability is another win. The bins stack securely whether flat or expanded, which is the kind of practical versatility that convinces people to buy multiples. Walmart is currently showing 100+ units bought in a single day, and the product carries a 4.8-star average rating, which is a strong signal for a newer listing.

At under ten dollars, the Greenmade Instacrate competes directly with rigid plastic bins that cost the same but offer none of the collapsible convenience. For college students heading into finals, families prepping for a move, or anyone finally tackling that spare room, it's one of the smarter storage buys available right now.

Related: Amazon's stylish 6-shelf arched storage cabinet that 'keeps everything organized' is only $100

Details to know

• Size: This bin measures 20.8 inches long, 14.25 inches wide, and 11.68 inches deep when expanded. When collapsed, height is reduced to 2.625 inches deep.
• Uses: Carrying groceries, garage storage, gardening supplies, DIY supplies, and more.
• Capacity: 12 gallons.

These are a Walmart bestseller, and it's easy to see why. One shopper wrote, "I use this for laundry and in my car. It folds down or stacks! I love that I can fold it down once the laundry is done. It has handles so you can carry it around. It fits under the dryer door when you open it perfectly. I bought four for my laundry, and four for my family's cars. Everyone I show them to loves them!"

A second shopper wrote, "I like these for the cargo area of my car. They collapse for easy storage. I use them for groceries for myself and for Spark orders."

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Get organized with ease with the Greenmade Instacrate 12-Gallon Collapsible Storage Bin. Whether you use them for hauling stuff, organizing the garage, or keeping your files organized.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Jared Dillian joins me this morning. Jared, great to see you. Thanks for joining us on the program this morning.

Hey, good to be here. Thank you. And I love that money is a big part of what you do in terms of your podcasting, your blogging, and I read your recent piece on reason, and I thought we'd have a great conversation about taxes.

So let me just back up and just ask you a baseline question. Do taxes shape where Americans live versus one state versus another?

Jared Dillian, Jared Dillian Money

100%. Absolutely. I mean, obviously, there's a bunch of factors that go into determining where people live.

In California, the weather is awesome. In New York, the weather is terrible, right? So the weather is a factor.

Also, culture, nightlife, restaurants, proximity to friends and family, all these things matter. But what I'm saying is that taxes matter a lot. And what we're starting to get is humongous divergences in tax rates between what you might call the blue states and what you might call the red states.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

And, you know, affordability, clearly an issue. We've seen gas prices, food prices. That just compounds, I would think, Jared, with this decision of, hey, where should I live?

Where do I want to live long term?

Jared Dillian, Jared Dillian Money

Yeah. And, you know, what we're seeing is that just since 2017, since Trump passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which limited the deductibility of state and local taxes to $10,000 a year, that really is what started off a huge migration within the United States. California has lost 500,000 people a year since that law was passed.

New York and Illinois have lost people. Florida has gained people. Texas has gained people.

All the states throughout the South has gained people. And that's because when that was passed, if you have high state income taxes, it limited your ability to deduct them at the federal level.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Is there a breaking point? Obviously, people are migrating. We have great technology.

A lot of people have the ability now to be flexible with where they work because a lot of people work remotely or can work remotely. But is there a breaking point, a threshold? You don't have to give me an exact amount, but that people say of any class, middle class, upper class, that just say, hey, I'm not going to do it anymore.

I'm just going to wash my hands, pick up, bring my family, bring my wife, bring my husband, and move to another state.

Jared Dillian, Jared Dillian Money

Yeah, I think that breaking point gets to be when you get to combined state and federal taxes of about 50%. California, the state income, the top state income tax rate is 13.3%. So if you put that on top of a top federal rate of 37%, that gets you to 50.3%, which is a lot. In New York, Mayor Mamdani wants to raise city taxes to 5.88%, which would take New York state and local to 16.8 on top of a 37 federal, which is about 54%. Once you start getting to those levels, then people say, look, I can move to Florida where state and local taxes are effectively zero, and I can save 100,000 or more on my taxes. That's really meaningful. That makes a big difference.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Yeah, especially when you're saving for retirement, trying to save for a home, whatever, trying to put your kid through college, kids through college, or yourself through college, every little bit counts. And that value of compounding, really, really important. When you're looking to do the math, so you're deciding on state A versus state B or C or D, states have all different forms of taxation.

There may be property taxes. There may be income taxes. I'm not asking for all the specifics, but how do you discern and make sure that you're really getting what you think you're getting when you make that move?

Jared Dillian, Jared Dillian Money

Yeah. When I make those decisions, I do the math. I'm not sure everybody does the math.

I live in South Carolina. South Carolina is a state that has 5.2% income taxes. It used to be seven.

And the goal is to get it to zero. There have been thresholds put in place in terms of revenue so that the state income tax rate will get to zero over time. When I moved here in 2010, it was 7%.

It was actually pretty high. But South Carolina has pretty close to the lowest property taxes in the country. So what that meant was people were coming to South Carolina, but we were getting a specific type of person.

We were getting retirees because retirees don't have income. So they don't care about the income tax, but what they care about are property taxes. And I can tell you that in this area, the property tax bill on a typical $300,000 or $400,000 home will be about $750 a year.

Extremely low. So that affects the states that people move to, and the weather is good.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Yeah. I'm just north of you, as you know, in Charlotte. Maybe the weather's not as good as in South Carolina, but it's pretty darn good.

We're attracted to your state. But I would imagine you're seeing an influx just because of that decrease in income tax. You're seeing people move from all around the country, even people who maybe wouldn't have thought of the South maybe as a place that they wanted to live.

Jared Dillian, Jared Dillian Money

Yeah. And ultimately, here's where I think we're going with this. If you look out 10 or 20 years and these trends and taxes stay intact, where Southern states are lowering them and the rest of the country is raising them, you're going to see such big changes in migration that really cities like New York, Chicago, LA are going to become less relevant over time.

Miami is going to become the new financial center of the world. I don't know if you've spent any time in Nashville lately, but Nashville is absolutely booming. There's no state income tax in Nashville.

Dallas is becoming a financial center. In 10 or 20 years, it's going to completely reshape what the US looks like.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Yeah. I would say that's a good thing. They say that states are the laboratories of democracy.

There's a competition that exists, whether it's California versus Texas. I'm talking about a healthy business competition, not like we want to whatever. But that's important.

I think if you can see financial businesses move out of New York, move to New Jersey, or move to Texas or Florida, that's ultimately going to benefit the consumer, which is all of us.

Jared Dillian, Jared Dillian Money

Yeah, it really benefits everybody. I can tell you that the South... I actually wrote a piece for Bloomberg.

I used to be a columnist at Bloomberg Opinion, and this was back in 2017. After the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed, I wrote a piece called The South Will Rise Again Under Trump's Tax Plan. That is exactly what's happened.

Tennessee has no state income tax, Texas, Florida. I think there's nine states that don't have a state income tax, South Dakota, Alaska, Wyoming, New Hampshire. You mentioned property taxes earlier.

Some of the states with no income tax actually do have high property taxes. Texas has high property taxes. Florida has high property taxes.

Now what you're seeing in Florida, as Governor Ron DeSantis is actually talking about also getting rid of property taxes. The only taxes that they will collect are sales taxes, which is even more incredible.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Yeah. Look, ultimately, it's almost like consumption. You're totally changing the process by which you're collecting taxes, leaving a lot of the income untaxed, which is good for everybody.

As we close out our discussion this morning, what are you looking for in the next, I don't know, 12, 18 to 24 months when it comes to what some of the states are doing, some of these migration trends? Are there anything in particular that you're going to be tracking and looking for?

Jared Dillian, Jared Dillian Money

Well, what's interesting about all these tax changes is that not only are Southern states lowering them, but other states are raising them. What you've seen in the last couple of months is a proposed tax change in Virginia, where they're going to add two more rates of 8% and 10%. Massachusetts passed a millionaire's tax of 5%.

Rhode Island is passing a millionaire's tax of 3%. And these are surtaxes. Washington just passed a 9.9% millionaire's tax rate that may or may not be constitutional under the state constitution. But not only are red states lowering them, but blue states are actually raising them further, which to rates that... If you're talking about a 9%, 10% state income tax rate, that gets you pretty close to that 50% number that I was talking about. There's a saying on Wall Street, it's called capital flows where it's treated best.

And like you said, the states are a laboratory and they're in competition with each other for people and resources. And we know how this is going to play out.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Yeah. It's going to be interesting to watch. Again, I think you're right.

We're going to continue to see this migration. Technology, for the most part, has allowed us to do that. And people are going to go, look, they're going to vote with their feet.

Jared, we're going to have to leave it there. Great piece. Great to see you.

Thanks for joining us. And we look forward to having you back again very soon, sir.

Jared Dillian, Jared Dillian Money

Thanks very much.

Workers who steadily added money to 401(k)s, IRAs, and target-date funds made huge strides, thanks to major stock indexes that became increasingly dominated by a small number of powerful tech stocks.

From 2009 through 2025, the Nasdaq-100 delivered roughly 17% annualized returns, while the tech-heavy S&P 500 posted about 11% annualized gains during the same period. For a lot of Americans, those returns became a part of their long-term retirement planning.

Then artificial intelligence made everything better.

Investors poured money into Microsoft (MSFT), Alphabet (GOOGL), Meta Platforms (META) and other big-time tech companies that normally dominate such portfolios.

The investment in these portfolios is based on the belief that huge AI spending will unlock new growth, CNBC reported. The market mostly thought that AI would make software companies' products more valuable, necessary, and profitable, which helped them, too.

It's getting harder to defend optimism now.

At the same time, Wall Street is looking more closely at the huge amounts of money that need to be spent on AI to stay competitive and whether those investments will really make the money that the market has already priced in.

That matters, even outside Silicon Valley.

Many who are saving for retirement now have a lot of money in the same tech-heavy funds and indexes whose prices are changing. That might be a hard but manageable swing for younger workers, but a much bigger problem for people who are close to retirement.

Tech stocks became a retirement default

Technology did not become a retirement mainstay overnight. It became one over time, thanks to years of outperforming.

A lot of people who saved didn't mean to put too much money in technology. They only owned broad market funds, large-cap growth funds, or target-date funds that became more focused on the sector as the market's winners grew. What began as passive diversity gradually evolved into a subtle reliance on a select few corporations.

The concentration is really high.

Forbes says Morningstar data show that the 10 biggest actively managed mutual funds included in 401(k) plans have an average of 38% of their portfolios in technology and communication services. Some of the same businesses that investors think of as Big Tech, including Alphabet, Microsoft, and Meta, are in the second group. The "Magnificent 7," including Apple (AAPL), Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon (AMZN), Meta, Nvidia (NVDA), and Tesla (TSLA), now make up about a third of the S&P 500.

That setup worked great, as long as leadership maintained focus and momentum was strong.

However, it made retirement accounts more vulnerable to a sudden change when the market's view of AI, software profits, and megacap spending changed.

Although it felt like diversification at first glance, such thinking was an incorrect assumption. It masks a major issue, since performance was not dependent on a broad base. Instead, the focus was on a small cluster of companies continuing to dominate.

Bill Bengen, the retired adviser whose research helped popularize the 4% rule, is already leaning more defensively, CNBC noted. He cut his equity exposure from 65% to 32% during the last few years and eliminated tech stock exposure completely. As he put it, it is “too difficult to determine how it’ll shake out.”

That remains the heart of the issue.

This is not just about whether tech stocks are performing badly. It is about whether millions of savers, many who did not want to take a chance on Big Tech, now need to anxiously depend on the outcome of the AI trade.

Related: How much gold you should hold in your retirement portfolio

For most of the last two years, artificial intelligence made the bullish case stronger. Investors saw AI as a good thing for both software businesses and the biggest cloud and semiconductor companies, thinking that the technology will make moats stronger instead of weaker. The end consequence was a market that continued giving the same winners more money.

But long streaks of wins might disguise risk.

When one industry is in charge for years, investors often forget how much of their future depends on it.

In this scenario, it's not just the fact that technology stocks might go down that worries people. It is that millions of people saving for retirement may be more vulnerable to a change in the AI narrative than they ever planned to be.

AI is changing the software trade

The biggest shift is now focused on software.

During the height of the AI boom, the market thought that better tools would increase software companies' worth. Some investors are starting to worry that the opposite might be true for some parts of the sector. Certain companies may lose some of the edge that once made their stocks worth more if AI coding tools can help make competing products faster and cheaper.

That price change is already happening.

The iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF(IGV), which is broadly tracking software stocks, is down 25% this year, according to the Forbes report.

More AI Stocks:

• Morgan Stanley drops eye-popping Broadcom price target
• Morgan Stanley sets jaw-dropping Micron price target after event
• Bank of America updates Palantir stock forecast after private meeting

The Magnificent 7 have also fallen about 11% on average year to date, as the broader market puts a damper on things and investors reassess how durable the AI trade really is.

There is another point of pressure. To stay ahead in AI, the biggest tech companies are spending huge amounts of money on chips, servers, and data centers. At first, the market liked that spending. Investors now want clearer proof that the money will make money over time instead of just keeping the company competitive at a higher cost.

That doesn't mean every AI investment will fail or every software company is broken. It does, however, mean that the market is getting pickier.

Companies that have strong ecosystems, pricing power, and real demand may still do well. People who have weaker products or positions that are harder to defend could have a much harder time than they did during the first part of the AI rally.

That's why the story is so important for regular investors. Wall Street no longer thinks that AI is always good for every business in the chain. It is starting to separate the likely winners from the likely losers, and that kind of price change doesn't usually stay in one part of the market.

A market that spent years rewarding AI optimism must now face up to anxiety. That is a very different exercise, and it raises the odds of more volatility for the same names that became the gold standard for retirement accounts for quite some time.

Bill Bengen’s warning matters most for near-retirees

The folks most at risk are often not the youngest investors who still have decades to save.

People who are close to retirement or who are already moving money out of their portfolios are more worried. When the market goes down early in retirement, taking money out can lock in losses and leave less money to invest when the market goes back up.

That is what sequence-of-returns risk is all about. It gets worse when a portfolio is strongly attached to one leadership group that suddenly loses momentum.

That's why this story is more important than a normal drop in growth stocks.

If AI is affecting how investors value software firms and the biggest names in IT, it won't just affect hedge funds and traders. It will show up in the account balances of regular savers who felt they owned a broad, diversified retirement portfolio.

Key takeaways for retirement savers

• Many 401(k)s and retirement funds now heavily involve technology after several years of excellent performance.
• Artificial intelligence is forcing stockholders to revamp and rethink software valuations and competitive benefits.
• Big Tech spending on AI infrastructure is facing much tougher scrutiny from the market.
• People who are close to retiring are at even more risk because taking money out during downturns can permanently lower future gains.
• Diversification matters more when one sector has dominated returns for as long as technology has.

None of it means that investors should sell their tech stocks right away.

Some advisers nevertheless say that the recent drop is a good thing and a chance to invest for the long run. Some people think rebalancing is the better option, especially for individuals close to retirement who can't afford to wait for a protracted recovery.

It's easier to learn from the market argument than from the practical lesson: Know what you possess.

A lot of portfolios that seem to be diverse on the surface are nonetheless very dependent on software valuations, mega-cap spending, and the future of the AI buildout. It was easy to forget about that need while the exchange was still going on.

Once investors start to wonder whether AI will make Big Tech even more powerful or hurt the portions of the model that made those businesses so valuable in the first place, it becomes much harder to ignore.

For years, tech stocks helped people save money for retirement. Investors thought that foundation was strong, but artificial intelligence is now challenging that idea.

Related: Retirees are rethinking this 'safe' withdrawal strategy

Why we love this deal

While mid-century modern sofas and loveseats are revered for their clean lines and elegant simplicity, there's one problem that comes with them: the price tag. It's not unusual for these styles to cost thousands of dollars. While the aesthetic is worth the spend, we sometimes come across deals in this category that make the style affordable, and Target's deal on the Costway Modern Loveseat is one of them.

This handsome battleship gray loveseat normally retails for $2,210, and it looks worth every penny. It would be a stunner on its own, but the inclusion of two orange bolster pillows gives in a pop of color and enhances the modern art look even more. This is the kind of furniture you take a break on when you're strolling through the art museum, and now you can own it for less than $200.

Costway Modern Loveseat, $195 (was $2,210) at Target

Why do shoppers love it?

There are plenty of inexpensive loveseats on the market, but you typically have to sacrifice style in trade for the low price. This loveseat is a rare exception. Measuring 31.5 inches high, 31 inches deep, and 68 inches wide, this piece comfortably seats two and would look right at home in a condo or an apartment. The cushions are filled with high-density sponge and measure 5 inches thick, so they're plenty plush enough for all your hours of lounging.

This loveseat is not only comfortable, but has plenty of little touches that make it special. The bolster pillows can be used behind your back for lumbar support, which is not a detail you find often. It also has a magazine pocket on one side, which can be used to store remotes, a tablet, or anything else you want to keep close at hand. We especially love the black metal feet tipped in anti-slip pads, which enhance the loveseat's elegance even more and prevent scratches when you move it around. 

One important thing to note is that this loveseat does require assembly, and it ships in two boxes, so don't panic if you get one in advance of the other. As the piece weighs 117 pounds once assembled, it's a good idea to have a friend or family around to help put it together.

Pros and cons of the Costway Modern Loveseat

Pros:

• An unbeatable price point: This is one of the deepest furniture discounts we've seen this season so far.
• Good looks + comfort: Not all modern sofas are comfortable, but thanks to 5-inch cushions, this one is.
• Bolsters included: There's no need to buy extra throw pillows.

Cons:

• It only seats two: This is the perfect piece for a single person or a couple, but a larger family wouldn't fit on it.
• Assembly is required: It comes in two pieces, so you'll need to put it together. 

Related: Target is selling a $1,200 modular sectional sofa for $570 that can transform as needed

There are no reviews for this item yet, but the Costway brand makes plenty of other loveseats and sofas, so you can check out what people think of similar products. Target also has a three-seat version of this model on sale for $277, and we recommend you take a look if you like the style of this loveseat, but need something that seats more people.  

Shop more deals 

• Costway Modern Modular 3-Seat Sofa, $265 (was $1,800) at Target
• Christopher Knight Home Roxanne Sofa, $321 (was $632) at Target
• Hyleory 3-Seater L-Shaped Sectional Sofa, $268 (was $400) at Target

If you thought you couldn't afford mid-century modern furniture, think again. The Costway Modern Loveseat is an absolute steal at 91% off.

Why we love this deal

Grilling isn't necessarily a seasonal hobby — afterall, you can cook outdoors anytime of the year — but it certainly is easier and more enjoyable when the weather is warm and the sun is shining. One of the best things to look forward to come spring is the chance to get outside and start experimenting with the grill again, whipping up delicious veggies, charred meat, and a whole host of other foods that somehow taste better fresh off the barbecue than they would out of the oven. In order to play chef outside though, you need a grill that's up to the task for any of your culinary adventures, a large one especially if you enjoy hosting friends and family all through the spring and summer. Now is the perfect time to start shopping so that in a month or two, when the weather is finally warm enough to actually spend extended periods of time outside, you have a grill built and ready to cook anything right on your patio or deck. 

As part of a Walmart Flash deal this week, you can get the MF Studio Outdoor Propane Gas Grill for 34% off its original $440 price tag. Save $150 and get the four-burner grill, which has an additional side burner, for just $290 before the Flash deal expires online. 

MF Studio Outdoor Propane Gas Grill, $290 (was $440) at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

Shopping for a grill can seem overwhelming. You might be an expert griller yourself, but might be unfamiliar with the technology and set up of the machine you love to use so it can be tricky figuring out what to look for. For starters, gas grills like this one can have between two and six main burners. This model has four, which is typically the standard size and perfect for when you're cooking for a group of four to five people. Powered by a gas propane tank, which sits hidden away underneath the cooking surface, the four stainless steel burners have 8,000 (British Thermal Units) BTU of power each. Each one provides moderate heat for cooking but still measures at a low enough heat to keep control for delicate, low heat tasks, like melting chocolate or butter. The grill also has a 10,000 BTU side burner for a total of 42,000 BTUs, making it suitable for high-performance grilling. 

The cooking area features a 397 square inch main cooking grate area and a 145 square inch warming rack that sits above it for a total of 542 square inches of cooking space — perfect when you want to have multiple pieces of food cooking at once. It actually provides a larger cooking area than similar models of the same size, which usually provide fewer square inches for grilling. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates offer superior heat retention. They are non-stick and easy-to-clean, so sticky sauces, marinades, or broiled pieces of excess meat can easily be removed. Through a push-and-turn ignition system, you can turn the grill on and off. There's a built-in temperature gauge and even a bottle opener for when you want to enjoy a cold drink as you man the grill. With the double-layer lid, you get extra heat insulation to help lock in the juices of your food without overheating the surrounding area. A special oil drainage design ensures that that juice and extra grease are caught and drained to prevent build up on the grill. 

Related: Walmart is selling a $74 9-foot solar light patio umbrella for just $43

In addition to the cast iron grates, the grill is primarily made of stainless steel. Measuring 51 inches long, 21.8 inches wide, and 42.3 inches high, the grill has two stainless steel doors which keep the propane tank hidden but make it easy to swap out when it's empty. There's also room there to store additional grilling accessories. It also has two galvanized locking casters, and two non-locking casters (also known as wheels) which make it easy to safely maneuver or move when needed. 

What to expect from a $290 grill: Pros and cons

Pros

• Quality construction: The grill is made with stainless steel and porcelain-enameled cast iron grates that offer superior heat retention.
• Easy-to-clean: The stainless steel and cast iron grates are easy to clean, with the cast iron grates specifically having a non-stick design. The oil drip tray also ensures proper grease drainage and prevents build up on the grill. 
• Made-to-manuever: The four wheels make the grill easy to move around. Two of the wheels lock to ensure that the grill doesn't roll or move when it's being used.  

Cons

• Assembly required: It comes with a detailed instruction manual, hose, and regulator necessary for assembling yourself. 
• Lacking quality: Although the grill feels very sturdy once assembled, some shoppers feel that the grill material itself is lacking in quality.

Although shoppers find the assembly process a bit time consuming and strenuous, many feel that once it's built, it performs extremely well. It heats quickly and grills food very well. "The grilling area is huge so I can cook multiple items at once without any issue," one shopper said. The burners heat evenly, preventing any burnt spots on food." The double-layer lid is a big bonus because it traps heat effectively to keep food warm. "I highly recommend this grill for anyone who loves outdoor cooking," another shopper said. 

Shop more deals 

• Cshidworld 30-Piece Grill Accessories Kit, $30 (was $71) at Walmart
• Walsunny 45-Inch Propane Fit Pit Table, $205 (was $300) at Walmart
• Mainstays Chelsea Outdoor Patio 4-Piece Sectional Dining Set, $497 (was $597) at Walmart

There's nothing quite as enjoyable as eating outdoors once that weather gets warm, and while you could always cook your food in the kitchen, grilling outdoors simply screams "summer." You can't do that without a great grill, and the MF Studio Outdoor Propane Gas Grill is certainly one that we think is worth the hype and the great price.