Transcript:

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Well joining me now is Dr. Patrick Payne of the Arizona State University Carey School of Business. Dr. Payne, it’s great to see you. Thanks for joining us this morning.

Patrick Payne of the Arizona State University W. P. Carey School of Business

Yeah, thanks for having me, Jeff.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

I’m really excited to talk to you because money obviously is an important part of our society. You were part of an interview at Arizona State University that I read. I thought it was really important.

So thanks again for coming on. Let me start off with a basic question. Is managing your money cookie cutter?

I mean, is it simple? Is it just figure out the percentage you need to save, invest it, and everything else will take care of itself?

Patrick Payne of the Arizona State University W. P. Carey School of Business

Absolutely nothing could be less cookie cutter than personal finance. I’m always telling my students the hard part of personal finance isn’t the finance part. It’s the personal part.

I can do the math. The computer can do the math. The web app can do the math for you.

Like sort of the finance, math, background stuff, that’s the easy part. The personal, how does this work for me? Does this make my life better?

Does this take me in a direction? Do I want to go? How do I discipline myself and make sure I’m not going way out on my budget?

Am I buying the right things for me? That’s absolutely not cookie cutter in any way. And I think educators, public figures, anyone who kind of promotes a cookie cutter approach is doing a disservice to the public in many ways.

I understand people want a single answer. They want, tell me A, B, and C and everything will be fine. I understand that.

I want that, but it just is not the case with finances. Everything has to be applied personally and integrated in your own way. And that makes it very challenging.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

And I would tend to agree with you. It’s not as easy as one, two, three, put money in a cookie jar and it’s going to be a million dollars at the end of that. It takes a lot of machination and coaxing.

So with that being said, and I’m in complete agreement with you, does your approach to money have to change as you age? Because clearly you’re working in a very prestigious university, a very prestigious business school. You have very thoughtful students.

They’re of a certain age probably, but as we get older, do our priorities change and therefore does our management of money have to change?

Patrick Payne of the Arizona State University W. P. Carey School of Business

Oh, absolutely. You’re going to change your priorities. You’re going to change your goals.

You’re going to change interests even. Your circumstances are going to change. What you need is going to change.

So every part of your life is going to fluctuate and change. And so it’s important that you update and modify your approach as you move through your life, both to accommodate changes in your life and your situation, as well as to just, as you approach retirement, that’s an important inflection point in your finances. And so you need to be, as you approach that point in particular, it’s time to start paying attention to some things that maybe were deep in the background for a long time.

It’s time to start bringing forward and paying attention to them.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

You may teach students of all ages because people go to school for all different reasons at all different times. But let me ask you about specific categories of people, if I may. And again, we’re generalizing here.

It doesn’t always apply. People are individuals and therefore personalization matters. But let’s talk about that first job.

And many of your students may be coming out of school, getting that first job. What are some of the things they should be thinking about? That’s very overwhelming if you’ve been in the college life for some time.

So what should they be prioritizing maybe that they’re not?

Patrick Payne of the Arizona State University W. P. Carey School of Business

I think a lot of times they’re looking at that first job as the payoff, the reward for their investment in their education. Hopefully they’re thinking about the reward and the payoff from their education. But they’re thinking of it as the end, as, all right, I need to pick the right job in the right field, doing the right thing for the right people, because this is going to set the trajectory of my life.

And in a certain way, that’s kind of true. In a certain way, it’s too, it’s just a little dramatic. Like you can change jobs, you can change paths, you can change entire career trajectories, entire industries when you’re 50 if you want, right?

But when you’re young. Case in point. Yeah.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Sorry to interrupt, go ahead.

Patrick Payne of the Arizona State University W. P. Carey School of Business

But so I always encourage students to keep two things in mind when they’re looking at that first job. The first is to think of it as an investment. It’s not the reward, it’s a continuation of investing in their skills.

And so when you’re evaluating a job, it’s not just salary and location. Those things are obviously important. Those things matter.

But even more important that gets overlooked is what skills can I learn here? What types of people will I meet? How can this job lead me to the next job that will be better?

And the next job after that, and the next job? So view it as a stepping stone rather than a final destination. And then the second thing I like to encourage them to do is to just get going.

Sometimes young people, they get paralyzed with fear that they’re going to make a bad choice. I felt that way when I was their age. I’m like, oh, is this a bad choice?

Is this a bad job? Should I major in this? You know, you’re making these big decisions for your whole life.

And sometimes it paralyzes them into not making a choice at all, not trying. It gets overwhelming. And so I like to use the analogy of a car.

You can’t steer a car that’s parked. So if you find a job and it seems like it’s going to be okay, it looks good, go ahead and just take it and get going down the road. And if it winds up not being the perfect job or not being great, or it winds up being like, I hate this and everything about it, that’s fine.

You can steer as long as you’re moving. And a lot of times you can be like, hey, now I know what I don’t want. And that clarity is valuable.

Even when you roll to the next job, you’re applying for a second job out of college. And they’re like, well, your first job is very different than this one. What’s going on?

You say, I learned what I didn’t want. And I think you have what I do want. And that’s valuable too.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Uh, it sounds like maybe people need to reset their expectations. Students may have to reset their expectations. You don’t have to stay at home, run to use a baseball analogy.

Um, at that first at bat, you just got to keep singles, doubles, triples, bumps, whatever it takes to get on base. It sounds like, um, maybe is a, is a good analogy. Um, I want to ask you about, as we progress through the timeline, but I did have a thought that occurred to me.

So much has been talked about in terms of financial literacy. I know part of what you do is educate students about these, I call them basic skills. Are you finding students have some of the basic mathematical and financial skills that they will need to be successful?

Or are they coming in as really blank slates? Maybe didn’t get some of this in home ec like I did, or, or, you know, in, in, in school or high school and they’re, and they’re basically a blank slate.

Patrick Payne of the Arizona State University W. P. Carey School of Business

Um, overall I would say blank slate. Um, there has been, uh, I think gradual improvement that I’ve seen over the course of, um, you know, 10 years of teaching. I actually think they are coming in with better prepared on average, uh, with a better background.

I think there’s a growing awareness among kids at younger ages of the importance of these topics. Um, that said, when it’s hard to get a high school or to, to recognize the importance of homeowners insurance estate planning, you know, like I was the same way. I can’t blame them at all.

Right. I was exactly the same. Um, if you told me I would be make a career out in this field, I would have just laughed at you in high school.

Um, but here I am. Right. And I love it.

So, um, yeah, blank slate, I would say like the math skills are, are not, not any better or worse, I think, than they’ve been in the past and just kids are young and they’ve always been young. That’s why they’re kids. Um, and so I don’t know that it’s necessarily, uh, a bad thing per se, I would be better if, if they were more prepared, but, um, I think that’s why it’s just that our job as instructors and universities, as, as parents, family, friends, just as the adults, um, to provide that education and, and to teach them as they mature and become more capable of appreciating it.

Uh, I had my, my first job, my, um, my media manager, um, took like three hours every Monday and pulled the team of us together. And there was like six of us and we’re all fresh out of college and he just taught. And it was a, it was a job at a bank and he talked about banking and he talked about finance and he talked about economics and he just, he just shared like life wisdom and experience.

And I really appreciated that. And it did a lot of good for me. So if you’re frustrated and you’re like, well, I don’t teach at a university.

How am I supposed to help you? You can just, just be there for, for the youth who need you.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Yeah. I think that’s a very important perspective. And, and, you know, life is a great teacher and you don’t come out of high school, as to your point, you don’t come out knowing everything.

And you may think, you know, everything because we all think we’re at that age that we’re infallible. We know everything, right. We’re better than the generation before, but the reality is, and I want to get your reaction to this, it’s life’s circumstances put you in the situation to learn something.

And that’s the benefit that I had now in my mid fifties, you’ve had as an instructor and other people that have come before us, they, they’ve learned from the experience that they’ve been put in.

Patrick Payne of the Arizona State University W. P. Carey School of Business

Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. Life is the great teacher.

And in fact, one of the, one of the areas I try to, or I feel is important when I’m teaching financial literacy and basics to like an intro level class, as I try to view it as less as like, I’m trying to teach them everything they need to know. Cause if I try to cram everything they need to know into a class, they’re just going to shut down. It’s a fire hose.

It’s too much. It’s just can’t do it. Right.

So I try to focus on big picture, big ticket things so that when they make mistakes, they’re the small mistakes rather than the big mistakes. And so I try to steer them around. This is the big mistake.

This is the big, here’s like the big, the big rocks in the water, they’re going to sink your ship. If you, if you run into some problems and you will, you’re going to learn from hard experience. All of us have, and all of us do try to make it the small ones rather than try to cram everything.

They might need to know everything that is useful because it’s just too much of it.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Well, I mean, it’s like drinking from a fire hose. And again, going back to our early part of our conversation, experience is the great teacher. And when you go to buy the house, that’s when you need to figure out an adjustable rate mortgage versus this fixed rate, all the, all the, or do you buy a new house or a house, you know, right.

Those are, those are things that kind of pop up. I did have a question for you about the classes that you teach. So would you mind just sharing maybe the class size and then also do the tools of today, you know, the technology, because I grew up with typewriters, do they help you express and get through to students in a more, much more beneficial way than maybe before we had some of these technologies?

Patrick Payne of the Arizona State University W. P. Carey School of Business

Sure. Well, ASU is a large school. I think it’s the largest in the country by enrollment right now.

And so we do have relatively large class sizes compared to maybe other programs in a, in a gen ed for me, like a gen ed financial literacy class, I might have 180 to 200 students in something more like an upper division for the students who want to become financial professionals. They’re majoring in our financial planning program here. Might have 50 or 60 in a class like that.

And it gets to be where the technology becomes essential. We’re really trying to embrace the capabilities, for example, that AI give us to provide personalized instruction in a way that you just, you just couldn’t before. So we’re, you know, the WP Carey College of Business is, you know, providing training for faculty on how to create chatbots based on a specific set of knowledge or facts.

So you can control, you know, minimal hallucinations, get the correct information to the students in a way that maybe they could have more personalized. On the flip side, there’s, there’s also challenges, you know, AI in education, students can turn their brains off, just let the AI do it for them. So we’re, we’re working on things like making sure that our assessments are based on something that you have to do, like in person, like an in-person exam, or something proctored.

So we’ve had to adapt, and there’s advantages and disadvantages to the technology. But overall, it’s been, I think, a positive impact on our ability to provide the university’s goal to provide a quality education to a large audience at the same time, which usually traditional wisdom says you can’t do. If you want to be good, you have to be small.

If you want to be big, you have to be bad. And ASU as an institution rejects that. And it’s one of the things I love about this school, is that we believe you can be good, and you can be big, that everyone can get a really good education.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Yeah, well, well said. I do. My last question is, did they still use Scantrons, Doctor?

The Scrantron, you know, the Scantron sheets with the number two pencils?

Patrick Payne of the Arizona State University W. P. Carey School of Business

Um, most don’t, but I think we’re starting to pivot back.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Interesting. What’s old is new, and what’s new is old.

Patrick Payne of the Arizona State University W. P. Carey School of Business

Yeah, yeah. In fact, I’m using Scantrons again for the first time in like six years, in one of my tests, in one of my classes.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Did the kids know how to sharpen pencils? I’m just kidding. Dr. Patrick Payne, we’re going to have to leave it there. Thanks so much for joining us. Great insight, and we look forward to having you back on the program again very soon.

Patrick Payne of the Arizona State University W. P. Carey School of Business

Yeah, thanks for having me.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Thanks, Patrick.

Why we love this deal

Staying warm during the winter can often be costly or difficult if the windows are drafty or the house is larger. If you’re trying to cut down on costs this winter, and want an option that’s easy to carry around the house, a portable space heater is the way to go. Heat the room you’re in while keeping the thermostat down to help save on heating costs. This allows you to stay warm and toasty wherever you like to hang out in your home, and a portable option also works on trips or during emergencies. 

The Dreo Portable Space Heater offers convenient, portable heating equipped with a thermostat and a remote, all for just $35. This space heater heats up fast and keeps you warm without being too bulky. In fact, it’s small enough to toss in the car during trips and can be used with any normal power generator or plug. 

Dreo Portable Space Heater, $35 (was $40) at Amazon

Why do shoppers love it?

This space heater offers quicker heating in less time than other brands. It features a new heat funnel design that offers heating within seconds, and has up to 200% farther reach. The brushless motor reduces friction and noise, creating a quiet experience of just 34dB that doesn’t disrupt your day. The enhanced design provides a precise thermostat that ranges from 41 to 95 degrees in one-degree increments, allowing you to completely customize and keep track of the temperature. It also features a remote to easily change the temperature, modes, and timer. 

Related: Walmart has a ‘cozy’ $80 electric blanket with 6 heating modes for 50% off

The different modes offer adjustable options, like eco-mode for even more money-saving potential, power heat for super cold days, and fan-only to circulate the air a bit without heat. It also features a memory function and a 12-hour timer, plus a child lock for safety, offering convenience for any occasion. In addition to using flame-resistant materials, the space heater has a tilt-detection sensor that turns the fan off in case the fan is pushed over, preventing fire hazards. It also has a safety plug. Four colors are available, with the gold option being the best deal. 

Details to know

• Size: The unit measures just 11 inches tall and 7.3 inches wide.
• Features: It has different modes, like eco mode, a timer, and its own thermostat for convenience. 
• Extra heating: It blows 200% farther and heats up quicker than other space heaters thanks to upgraded features. 

This heater has over 17,500 5-star ratings, making it a super trusted buy. One reviewer wrote, “Don’t let its small size fool you. This little guy puts out heat. It works at least as well as one several times its size; frankly, even better. Very quiet operation. It has great operational options, the remote works well, and it has a very intuitive setup.

Another shopper wrote, “Wow! I’ve tried an assortment of heaters through the years, and this one, so far, has been one of the best. It’s small, but it really puts out the heat while being really quiet. I’m very happy so far.”

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The Dreo Portable Space Heater is a powerhouse, offering quick and efficient heating that’s easy to take wherever you go. The safety features offer peace of mind, and the remote makes it a convenient option for just $35.

Fast forward one year. On Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, IonQ said the Susquehanna International Group affiliate is back for another $2 billion. This time, it agreed to pay $40 a share, according to a press release. That is less than half of last October’s price.

What changed is how much of IonQ that money buys. The same $2 billion now gets Heights 50 million shares and pre-funded warrants, according to the prospectus supplement. That is about 2.3 times last year’s haul.

Shareholders ran that math quickly. IonQ stock fell about 9.5% on Wednesday, Oct. 14, even though Heights is paying a 15% premium to Tuesday’s close.

Also read: One quantum stock just posted a 9,000% revenue jump

The premium shrinks once you count the warrants

Each $40 buys one share or pre-funded warrant, plus two seven-year warrants exercisable at $69.46, according to the prospectus. Heights used the same two-for-one template in July 2025 and October 2025.

The upfront premium, however, has slid from about 25% in the July 2025 deal to 20% last October and 15% now.

Those warrants carry real value. I ran them through a standard Black-Scholes model, using the 80% volatility the warrant terms specify for a merger payout. On that basis, each is worth roughly $18 to $22, so each pair is worth about the $40 Heights paid.

The premium is mostly optics. Heights gets a cheap, long-dated option on a quantum rebound, funded by existing shareholders’ dilution.

The deal also builds in future selling. The warrants bar Heights from exercising if it would own more than 4.99% of IonQ, according to the filing. To convert everything, Heights would have to sell shares along the way.

IonQ is raising cash in the middle of a buying spree

IonQ was not running low on money. It had about $2 billion in cash and investments after buying SkyWater Technology, according to its second-quarter results.

What it wants is room to keep buying. On Monday, Oct. 12, IonQ announced an all-stock deal for zero-trust security firm Elisity worth up to $1.3 billion. The prospectus lists acquisitions among possible uses for the new cash.

The balance sheet is thinner than that cash suggests. IonQ carried about $3 billion in goodwill and intangibles on June 30, plus $3.05 billion in warrant liabilities, according to its quarterly filing.

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As a result, net tangible book value was just $0.98 a share, the prospectus shows. This raise lifts it to $5.48, so existing holders gain on paper even as they are diluted.

The dilution is still heavy. Counting every new share and warrant, IonQ’s share count would rise from about 409 million to roughly 559 million, according to the filing. That is an increase of more than a third.

Wall Street’s targets stop short of the warrant strike

Analysts remain upbeat. IonQ carries a consensus Strong Buy rating from 14 analysts, with an average price target of $66.63, according to StockAnalysis. That sits below the $69.46 strike, so even the average 12-month target leaves the new warrants out of the money.

The latest calls, as StockAnalysis records them, all landed before the raise:

• Buy rating and $75 target: Wedbush, Matt Bryson, Oct. 13, 2026
• Buy rating and $100 target: Rosenblatt Securities, John McPeake, Oct. 12, 2026
• Hold rating and $49 target: Morgan Stanley, Joseph Moore, Oct. 8, 2026
• Buy rating and $52 target: Mizuho Securities, Vijay Rakesh, Oct. 4, 2026
• Buy rating and $60 target: Bank of America Securities, Vivek Arya (initiated), Sept. 28, 2026

Valuation is where the caution comes in. IonQ trades at roughly 50 times its trailing sales of $246 million, according to StockAnalysis. That multiple assumes years of rapid growth.

Sentiment has turned fast. The stock is down about 62% over the past year, with a 52-week range of $25.89 to $81.08.

IonQ’s record close of $82.09 came on Oct. 13, 2025, according to Macrotrends, one trading day after Heights’ last deal. The new deal was priced against the close exactly one year later. The stock’s lowest close, about $3.10, came in late 2022.

IonQ is betting capital becomes quantum’s moat

CEO Niccolo de Masi said the raise gives IonQ more flexibility “as the best-capitalized pure-play quantum company,” according to the press release.

He has a point. In a field this costly, cash buys time, talent and targets.

I’d watch two things next: whether Elisity closes in the fourth quarter as planned, and whether revenue can outrun the new stock.

For IonQ, staying best-capitalized now means letting one sophisticated buyer, not the broad market, set the terms of each new dollar.

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Anchor events like the FIFA World Cup, Formula 1, Art Basel, and the Hyundai Air & Sea Show feed the city a continuous stream of prominent visitors throughout the year. The 28.3 million visitors who came to the city in 2025 pumped nearly $23 billion into the city’s economy.

The number of travelers in the highest-spending segment of the market saw some of the fastest growth, according to CoStar, while Miami Beach attracts above all by its proximity to the water.

The coastal island separated from mainland Miami by the Biscayne Bay and Venetian Causeway has long shed its past reputation as a Spring Break party destination and offers countless attractions for those looking for an upscale beach holiday.

Read more: Where to travel for the most glamorous New Year’s Eve experiences (the time to think about this is now)

Where to stay, what to do, and what to eat for some Miami Beach luxury

Typically defined as an unofficial tier beyond the traditional five-star ranking due to the focus on personalized service for each guest, the ultra-luxury hotel experience in Miami Beach has for decades been defined by the Art Deco-style The Setai Miami Beach hotel on Collins Avenue.

Opened in 1937 on the site of the former Dempsey-Vanderbilt Hotel, The Setai sits on the bottom floors of a 38-floor glass residential tower. The aesthetic of the luxury hotel is one of Asian Zen with black granite, black terrazzo, and teak wood featuring prominently in both the lobby and the rooms envisioned as a sanctuary from the usual party scene of South Beach.

The Setai’s signature Pan-Asian Jaya restaurant named after the late Indonesian architect Jaya Ibrahim, with a central reflecting pool around which tables are laid out in a way that evokes images of a courtyard in a temple or a pagoda, is the centerpiece. Guests pass through it to access amenities such as three infinity pools of different temperatures, the Valmont Spa, and direct access to the beach.

On the dining end, one of the most exclusive restaurants in Miami Beach includes Los Fuegos by Francis Mallman, which blends the art of cooking South American barbecue cooked over an open fire with an intricate interior design envisioned by “The Great Gatsby” and “Moulin Rouge” director Baz Luhrmann.

Another exclusive luxury restaurant is Pao by Paul Qui, in which the namesake Manila-born chef gives traditional Filipino dishes a modern creative interpretation with the blend of various Japanese, Spanish and French flavors.

A yacht tour from Miami Beach: Where to book and how much it costs

Activities that will definitely elevate one’s time in Miami could include a chartered yacht or private sunset cruise tour.

Through companies such as Miami Yachting Company and UNIQ Miami Yacht Charters, tours start at approximately $500 per person per hour on a yacht with other guests. You can also pay $4,500 for a half-day on a mid-size yacht with room for eight people.

For those looking to dive deeper into the history and architecture of the Art Deco buildings one encounters while strolling down Collins Avenue, several private companies as well as the Miami Design Preservation League offer private walking tours with an art historian.

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With Art Basel running through the first week of December 2026, art experts and aficionados from the world over will soon also descend upon the city for one of the world’s largest displays of modern and contemporary art from leading international galleries.

During the rest of the year, premium galleries into which art collectors can peek into in between time lounging on the beach include the LIK Fine Art gallery, showing off the works of renowned landscape and panoramic photographer Peter Lik, and Romero Britto Fine Art Gallery. The Brazilian artist’s bright blend of pop art, cubism and graffiti styles has over the years also become synonymous with Miami.

Related: “The Traitors” has luxury travelers flocking to castles all over the UK

Why we love this deal

Staying organized isn’t simply about keeping tidy and mess free. Knowing where your things are safely stowed away not only keeps clutter from overtaking the rest of your home, but it makes it easier to find what you’re looking for when you need it. There are the everyday items that need a place to stay stored away and out of sight when they aren’t in use, and then there are the more seasonal items like clothes and decor that need the space and the protection to stay tucked away in the basement or underneath the stairs without worry or damage or deterioration. Different needs require different storage solutions, but the Broview Stackable Storage Bins are the easy option that works for both those cases, and they are on sale for 36% off.

The bestselling bins, which come in a bunch of different multi-packs, can be used solo or together stacked on top of one another to consolidate space, and right now a three-pack, which would usually cost you $150, is $96 during a Walmart deal. 

Broview Stackable Storage Bins, $96 (was $150) at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

More often than not, storage solutions are more functional than anything, which means stylewise they aren’t always the nicest thing to look at. These bins are designed so that if you want them out in the open, used like an additional dresser or drawer, they aren’t too much of an eyesore. In fact, the magnetic cabinet doors are completely clear, so you can easily see what’s being stored inside each one, but the rest of the cabinet is opaque so there is some privacy still available to you. 

This multi-pack includes three storage bins, each measuring 23 inches long, 14.3 inches wide, and 15.4 inches wide. With a storage capacity of 80 quarts, or 20 gallons, each, they provide ample room for you to store away seasonal clothing, bedding, extra toiletries, holiday items, and more. There are up to 17 different sizes and pack options, ranging from a three-pack of 40-quart bins to a four-pack of 200-quart bins, so you can truly find the right size for your needs and the area you plan to place them in. Although they have stackable capabilities, and can be set up one on top of another for a more consolidated storage space, they function just as well on their own as individual bins. And when you aren’t using them, they collapse in and fold down, making for easy storage under furniture. 

Available in two colors, the bins are made from a high-impact, shatter-resistant polypropylene plastic. Perfect for storage, it is a highly durable material that provides moisture resistance, cracking, warping, or fatigue under heavy use or excess stress, which means whatever you’re stowing away inside the bins won’t be ruined or damaged. 

Related: Amazon’s $150 farmhouse storage cabinet is at its lowest price in 30 days

In addition to the front cabinet doors, each bin has a top lid for versatile access, and each bin has the option for 360-degree rotating wheels. Assembly is required but it takes virtually minutes, and soon enough you can have a whole set of storage bins ready for everything from dry pantry products, coats, summer clothes, and everything in between. 

Details to know

• Material: Polypropylene plastic. 
• Dimensions: Each bin measures 23 inches long, 14.3 inches wide, and 15.4 inches high. 
• Storage capacity: 80 quarts.
• Colors: Two. 

Shoppers use these bins for seasonal storage as well as day-to-day organization, for everything from toiletries and hygiene products to decorations and old clothing. Each bin is very deep and spacious, providing you with tons of space to adequately store items, and the magnetic cabinet doors give you an easy way to access everything. “This product is by far one of the best things I’ve purchased for storage,” one shopper said. The 360-degree wheels give the bins a portable aspect that makes it easy to move them around without causing excess strain on your body. 

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Calm the clutter of your home with the Broview Stackable Storage Bins. Suitable for the bedroom, the bathroom, or the basement, they are a reliable storage method that will keep some of the mess at bay and help you stay more organized.

Wholesale prices for two important cuts of pork have dropped sharply, and new retail data show that consumers are already paying less for bacon at grocery stores.

But lower prices may not be the best news for sellers.

The changing market is creating an unexpected challenge for Smithfield Foods, one of the country’s largest pork producers and the company behind popular grocery brands including Smithfield, Nathan’s, Farmland, and Farmer John.

Smithfield products are sold at major retailers, including Walmart. Its broad supermarket presence means changes in the pork market can have implications beyond the company’s financial results.

Bank of America analysts recently warned that deteriorating pork prices and weak demand for certain cuts are putting pressure on the meat producer’s earnings.

The underlying research also reveals an important development for consumers: The economics of bacon and ham are shifting.

And with the holiday shopping season approaching, the timing is particularly relevant for households planning family meals.

Also read: Costco is getting a new kind of member

Smithfield Foods faces a sharp decline in bacon and ham values

The biggest finding in BofA’s report, titled “When pigs are grounded” and shared with TheStreet, is around the wholesale market.

According to the analysts, pork belly values have fallen 44% year over year, while ham values have declined 18%.

Pork bellies are the primary cut used to make bacon, while hams are used in products ranging from traditional holiday centerpieces to processed meats.

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The declines reflect weak demand for those cuts and a deteriorating market for pork processors.

“Weak belly & ham demand is keeping the pork cutout under pressure,” the analysts wrote.

The pork cutout represents the combined wholesale value of the various cuts obtained from a hog.

For a producer like Smithfield, these weaker prices are posing challenges across its business. Its Fresh Pork segment processes hogs into products sold to retailers, restaurants, and other customers. 

The company also operates a Hog Production business and a Packaged Meats division that makes many familiar supermarket products.

Lower wholesale prices can hurt the company’s fresh pork and hog operations, even as cheaper raw materials help the packaged meat business.

But for shoppers, the question is more straightforward: Are bacon and ham actually becoming cheaper?

Is bacon getting cheaper?

The latest figures confirm that, yes, bacon prices are now lower than they were a year ago.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average retail price of sliced bacon was $6.76 per pound in September 2026, compared with $7.29 in September 2025.

Separate NielsenIQ data cited in BofA’s consumer staples report also points to lower bacon prices.

During the four weeks ended Sept. 19, the total value of refrigerated bacon sold at retailers tracked by NielsenIQ declined 9.3% compared with a year earlier. 

However, the quantity of bacon purchased fell just 1.5%.

This suggests that the drop in bacon sales occurred not because people stopped buying it, but due to lower average prices and changes in the products shoppers bought.

Smithfield Foods, one of the country’s largest pork producers, also experienced weaker retail sales.

Its sales declined 4.3%, while the quantity of products sold fell 1.2%. Its price and product mix declined by 3.1%.

For consumers, the takeaway is straightforward. Bacon has become cheaper compared with a year ago, although the amount shoppers save will depend on the brand, package size, and retailer.

And while wholesale pork belly prices have fallen much more sharply, it does not mean that the prices you pay at retail stores have also become similarly discounted.

Why lower pork prices are not good news for Smithfield

While falling pork prices might seem like good news for a company that makes bacon, ham, and sausage, the reality is more complicated.

Smithfield doesn’t just manufacture packaged meats. 

It also raises hogs and processes fresh pork, meaning that lower market prices can hurt one part of its business, even as they benefit another.

BofA said weaker pork belly and ham prices are weighing on Smithfield’s fresh pork operations, while elevated feed costs are squeezing its hog production business.

Its packaged meats division benefits from lower-cost raw materials, but the company typically passes some of those savings to its customers through lower selling prices.

As a result, the benefits of cheaper pork aren’t enough to offset the pressure elsewhere in Smithfield’s business.

Hence, analysts expect Smithfield’s Hog Production division to record an operating loss of approximately $115 million in 2027. The outlook for Fresh Pork has also weakened because of declining belly and ham values.

However, Smithfield’s Packaged Meats division remains comparatively resilient. The business includes bacon, sausage, hot dogs, deli meats, and other products sold through grocery stores and foodservice channels.

What lower pork prices could mean for holiday grocery shopping

The timing of these developments could be relevant for households preparing Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.

Ham remains a traditional centerpiece for many holiday gatherings, while bacon and sausage feature prominently in breakfast and other family meals.

The sharp decline in wholesale ham values could create opportunities for retailers and meat producers to offer more competitive pricing.

However, BofA’s report does not establish that every supermarket will reduce holiday ham prices or that every Smithfield product will become cheaper.

Retail promotions, contracts, transportation expenses, and demand during the holiday season will influence the prices consumers encounter.

With Smithfield’s portfolio extending beyond its flagship brand to include Farmland, Armor, Farmer John, and Eckrich, developments in the company’s pricing and production costs can affect more than one brand.

For bargain hunters, the practical takeaway is clear. Compare the price per pound of different cuts and brands rather than assuming that lower wholesale pork costs will translate into savings across stores.

Related: Walmart, Target, Dollar General make noticeable changes to stores

Happy Thursday. Stock futures were mixed as Wall Street looked to recover from a losing session driven by hotter-than-expected inflation data.

Markets closed lower Wednesday after the Consumer Price Index (CPI) accelerated month over month, fueling a sell-off in AI and semiconductor shares, while third-quarter bank earnings were mixed to weak.

Daniela Hathorn, senior market analyst at Capital.com, said Wednesday’s CPI numbers “were a bucket of cold water for dovish hopes.”

“The data confirmed that inflation continues to run above target in the US, and more importantly, it is moving further away from it,” she said. “The data reveals how sticky price pressures have become, and it’s not possible to pin it all on the continued rise in energy prices.”

Hathorn said the data breakdown shows that core services continue to be a bigger contributor than energy, “which is particularly uncomfortable for a central bank focused on bringing inflation back to 2%.”

“This all but confirms that the Federal Reserve is going to hike rates again, possibly even at the meeting in two weeks,” she said. “Markets now view this outcome probability as a coin flip, a substantial shift from the more dovish expectations that followed September’s softer labor-market data.”

A global sell-off in memory-chip stocks deepened overnight as South Korea’s benchmark Kospi index ended 8% lower, Business Insider reported. Samsung Electronics and memory-chip rival SK Hynix (SKHY) closed 9% and 11% lower, respectively.

The plunge followed Wednesday’s tech-led sell-off on Wall Street, as the CPI data revived concerns about higher interest rates.

The sell-off spread across Asia’s other major AI markets. Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed 5% lower, with chipmaker Kioxia and tech investor SoftBank Group among the biggest losers. Taiwan’s Taiex fell 3%, while chipmaking giant TSMC lost 2%.

The September producer price index, along with new retail sales figures and weekly jobless claims, is slated for release today at 8:30 a.m. ET.

The corporate earnings season continues, with U.S. Bancorp (USB), PNC Financial Services (PNC) and Charles Schwab (SCHW) scheduled to report results.

Why we love this deal

Autumn is the perfect time for sitting out on your patio. The weather is nice and cool, and the color-changing leaves are on full display, surrounding your outdoor space with a beautiful view. If you love a hot cup of coffee, sipping it on your porch on a chilly morning makes it even more enjoyable. All you need to make your patio a go-to space this fall is a cozy chair to curl up in. A rocking chair or Adirondack chairs may be popular in the summer months, but in autumn, seats with plush cloud-like cushions will deliver the warmth and softness you crave.

The Grand Patio Outdoor Lounge Chair and Ottoman Set fits the bill, but the best thing about this patio furniture selection is that it’s on clearance with over 50% off. Normally priced at $240, this cozy lounge chair with a matching footrest is now available for just $108, saving shoppers more than $130. If the sleek and stylish black shade isn’t your preference, there’s also a beige colorway on sale for a few dollars more. 

Grand Patio Outdoor Lounge Chair and Ottoman, $108 (was $240) at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

Relaxing on the patio is effortless with this outdoor lounge chair and ottoman. The ergonomic design has a slightly reclined back that curves to your body and cradles your spine, allowing you to comfortably sit for longer periods. What really takes the comfort over the top, however, is the plush padded cushion that looks as fluffy as a cloud. If you want to really stretch out, kick your feet up with the ottoman, which also has a cushioned pillowtop for even more coziness. One shopper wrote, “This chair is very comfortable and sturdy!”

Related: Walmart is selling a 5-piece patio set with a chaise sectional and a table for $110

Designed for the outdoors, this cozy chair also delivers on durability. It has an all-steel frame, giving the chair and ottoman each a sturdy 350-pound weight capacity, which means you could also use the footrest as a stool if needed. For longevity outdoors, the metal has a powder coating, making it resistant to rusting and fading. The fade-resistant cushions are also treated to withstand all types of weather, so you can keep the chair out year-round without worry.

Details to know 

• Chair dimensions: 28 inches long, 38 inches wide, and 39 inches tall. 
• Ottoman dimensions: 24 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 12 inches tall. 
• Frame material: Steel.
• Average shopper rating: 4.4 out of five stars.

While this chair is designed to withstand the outdoor elements, it’s also comfy enough that you could use it as an indoor chair if you desire. One reviewer explained, “Great outdoor chair, but would be great for a Florida room, too. It’s large, and the cushions are soft.”

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The Grand Patio Outdoor Lounge Chair and Ottoman Set is a great addition to the porch or patio, especially if you score it while it’s on sale for only $108 at Walmart.

Why we love this deal

No matter what season it is, there’s never a bad time to throw some marinated meats or delicious fresh veggies on the grill. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, entertain guests, or just expand your cooking horizons, a great, versatile grill can transform your diet and introduce a rewarding new activity into your life (and we all could use more of those!).

Walmart’s got a great deal on the $480 KingChii Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, which can be yours for $250 at the moment — saving you a whopping $230 and opening up a whole new world of options for dinner.

KingChii 456-Square-Inch Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker, $250 (was $480) at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

This 8-in-1 wood pellet grill marries electric precision and control with the healthy, natural flavor of wood-firing. Its intelligent temp-control technology ensures a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process, with available temperatures ranging from 180 to 420 degrees Fahrenheit. Whatever you and the family are craving, you can barbecue, bake, roast, braise, smoke, grill, sear, or char it with this bad boy.

It’s got a folding-leg design for easy transportation and superior stability on any terrain. Whether you’re tailgating, hauling it to the park or a friend’s get-together, or storing it away for the winter, you can fit it in the trunk or bed of your truck with ease. It weighs just 72 pounds, and it’s also a breeze to clean. Just be sure to read the safety guidelines and follow the directions on the proper shutdown cycle, allowing sufficient time for the wood pellets to burn out on their own.

Related: Macy’s has a $100 set of nesting stainless steel bowls for 70% off

Details to know

• Dimensions: 36.7 inches high by 18.3 inches deep by 35.4 inches wide.
• Weight: 72 pounds.
• Fuel required: 100% hardwood pellets.

“It adds rich flavor to everything,” wrote one reviewer. “The smoky flavor is powerful, and it heats up quickly. I’ve been pleased with the way the food turns out. For those who enjoy smoky flavors but don’t want to wait hours for them, this is the ideal solution.”

A second reviewer recommends this smoker for beginners, saying, “Amazing little pellet smoker! It holds temp within a couple of degrees for hours and hours. The internal temp probe is very accurate. I’m brand new to smoking meat, and this made it so easy!”

Shop more deals

• Kingchii Wood Pellet Smoker & Grill, $250 (was $496) at Walmart
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If you’re ready to invest in a grill that can do it all, save yourself $230 when you bring home the KingChii Grill and Smoker with this unbeatable deal at Walmart. It’ll take your family cookouts to the next level, and you’ll have fun with all the new options at your fingertips.

Mortgage rate predictions are never set in stone. If any of the factors that impact rates — inflation, jobs, the 10-year Treasury yield — change unexpectedly, then organizations need to update their projections.

A few organizations stand out for their mortgage rate forecasts. One of my go-to sources is Fannie Mae, a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE).

The organization published the October 2026 Fannie Mae Housing Forecast, and the projections probably aren’t what you want to hear. Fannie Mae expects the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate to stay in the mid-7.5% range throughout 2027.

Read more: Americans are souring on the economy as housing gets harder again

Fannie Mae mortgage rate predictions have spiked since September

In its October Housing Forecast, Fannie Mae predicted the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate would be 7.4% in Q4 2026 and 7.5% throughout all of 2027.

These differ significantly from the GSE’s September predictions.

In the September 2026 Fannie Mae Housing Forecast, the organization projected the 30-year mortgage rate at 6.8% in Q4 2026, then inching down to 6.7% for all of 2027.

So, what changed?

Fannie Mae’s monthly mortgage rate predictions are based on Freddie Mac mortgage rate data. More specifically, Fannie Mae focuses on Freddie Mac rates on the last day of the previous month.

For its September forecast, Fannie Mae used the Freddie Mac average 30-year rate from Aug. 31, which was 6.66%.

For its October forecast, the GSE used Freddie Mac data from Sept. 30, which was 7.03%.

Although Fannie Mae’s forecast relies on data from the previous month, the subsequent increase in mortgage rates appears consistent with its higher projection. Freddie Mac’s average 30-year rate reached 7.4% on Oct. 8.

Fannie Mae vs. MBA: Comparing mortgage rate predictions

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is a trade association representing the mortgage industry. Along with Fannie Mae, I consider it to be one of the most reliable sources for rate predictions.

So, Fannie Mae predicts the average 30-year mortgage rate will end 2026 at 7.4% and hold at 7.5% through 2027. How do these numbers compare to the MBA’s predictions?

The MBA foresees slightly lower rates. The October MBA Mortgage Financial Forecast put the 30-year fixed rate at 7.3% for the end of 2026. Then, the MBA expects the rate to drop to 7.2% for the first three quarters of 2027 and 7.1% in Q4 2027.

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Although Fannie Mae and the MBA both use Freddie Mac mortgage rate data as a reference, their forecasts differ partly because they have different outlooks for the 10-year Treasury yield, a key influence on mortgage rates.

In the October 2026 Fannie Mae Economic Forecast, the GSE predicts the 10-year Treasury yield will hold steady at 5.3% throughout 2026 and 2027.

However, the MBA projects a 5.1% yield through the end of 2026, a 5% yield for most of 2027, and a 4.9% yield in Q4 2027. So, it makes sense that its mortgage rate predictions are lower than Fannie Mae’s.

Each organization uses its own assumptions and formulas to predict 10-year Treasury yields and mortgage rates. Their forecasts may differ, but the overall message is the same: Both expect 30-year mortgage rates to stay above 7% throughout 2027.

When can Americans expect mortgage rates to decrease?

Mortgage rates typically decrease when inflation cools and increase when inflation growth is aggressive.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics published the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Wednesday, Oct. 14. The CPI is a key measure of inflation. The hotter-than-expected inflation reading could put upward pressure on mortgage rates, although the impact will also depend on Treasury yields and how markets interpret the data.

The September inflation rate was 3.7%. This exceeded economists’ predictions of 3.6%.

“Core” inflation, which removes the volatile categories of food and energy, was also more aggressive than projected. It rose by 2.6%, while economists had expected 2.5%.

The 10-year Treasury yield spiked immediately after the CPI release but calmed down throughout the day. Time will tell how inflation numbers affect the yield in the coming days and weeks.

A sustained decline in inflation could help ease pressure on mortgage rates, particularly if the 10-year Treasury yield also falls. Until those conditions improve, mortgage rates could remain above 7%, as both Fannie Mae and the MBA currently project.

Related: Redfin predicts major housing market change over the next five years as debt-income ratios shift

Why we love this deal

Summer might be over, but patio season is still in full swing. In fact, many people prefer the cooling temperatures and slight breeze that’s more common now that fall is underway, and enjoy the autumn outdoor season much more than summer. The season is changing, and the weather might be getting chillier, but there’s a lot of time to still enjoy your backyard, deck, or patio area with the right pieces of furniture. Add in a heater or two, a fire pit, and some blankets, and you can easily keep that same outdoor summer oasis going well into November and December. If your furniture setup isn’t quite thrilling you, or you’re simply looking to take advantage of the last end-of-season sales on seasonal purchases like the Costway Patio Rocking Chair, then there’s no better time to take advantage of Walmart’s latest sales.

The outdoor rocking chair, which comes with a set of cushions to properly support you and provide you with comfort, typically runs a bit expensive with a $279 price tag, but right now it’s available for $115 at Walmart. Get 59% off on this patio wicker chair and give yourself something to enjoy not just this fall, but next spring and summer when the weather gets warm again. 

Costway Patio Rocking Chair, $115 (was $279) at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

Give us a comfy chair, a book, and some decent weather and we’re in heaven as it is, but a rocking chair makes the outdoor experience even more relaxing. Compared to a stationary chair, rocking chairs and the gentle, rocking motion they provide have actually been shown to help lower stress, ease pain and strain, and improve mobility. It’s been said that the back-and-forth motion releases endorphins in the brain, which can improve your mood and help you unwind in stressful environments, and because it increases blood flow around the body, it takes some of the strain off your joints. All in all, it’s a soothing experience, and this patio rocking chair is no exception.

The chair has a heavy-duty steel frame that’s covered with hand-woven polyethylene rattan material. Resembling the look of wicker, it feels more like plastic but looks very high-end, and it’s far more weather-resistant than natural wicker is. The weatherproof material resists UV rays, moisture damage, cracking, fading, and splintering. Measuring 39 inches long, 28.5 inches wide, and 26 inches high, this rocking chair’s seat sits about 15.5 inches off the ground, and is supported with high-density foam cushions measuring at least 3.2 inches thick. 

In order to best support all areas of your body, the cushions are different thickness. The seat cushion measures 3.2 inches, the waist pillow measures 6 inches, and the back cushion measures 4 inches, giving you enough variety and plush comfort to properly support your neck, back, and lower body. The cushions and back pillow have a zipper design that makes them easy to clean and maintain. The chair can support up to 400 pounds.

Related: Amazon’s $90 3-piece patio bistro set comes in 10 colors

In addition to its rocking capabilities, the chair has anti-slip rubber mats and bottom stoppers to ensure that the chair stays securely in place and to make it more safe when you’re rocking back and forth. 

Details to know

• Dimensions: The chair measures 39 inches long, 28.5 inches wide, and 26 inches high. The seat itself sits 15.5 inches high off the ground.
• Material: Hand-woven polyethylene rattan, high-density foam, and metal. 
• Weight capacity: 400 pounds. 
• Color: Four. 

Although it requires some assembly, the finished product looks very nice. It’s very comfortable, and the cushions are nice and thick. “Sturdy, well made, and easy to put together,” the color and quality is really lovely, and the back-and-forth rocking motion is nice and gentle. “These chairs are gorgeous and great quality for the price,” one shopper said. “They look gorgeous on my front porch.”

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Enjoy the crisp fall weather curled up in the Costway Patio Rocking Chair and look forward to relaxing in it when the weather gets warm again come next spring and summer.

Why we love this deal

A catch-all shelf is an ideal option for storing tools, car accessories, appliances, and other large items or totes that don’t have another place to go. Something that can hold a large amount of weight can be used for storing anything from gardening and outdoor tools to DIY and hobby items, and adjustable shelves and multiple configurations are an added bonus. 

If you need something to hold a large amount of weight, the Dynaload Heavy-Duty Adjustable Shelf is the right choice. With up to a 3,200-pound weight capacity and 31% off the original price of $80, this is a steal. Shoppers can get this heavy-duty shelf for just $55. 

Dynaload Heavy-Duty Adjustable Shelf, $55 (was $80) at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

This is a super unit with tons of features that keep your items secure and easy to find. The unit is built with rust-resistant, powder-coated steel that holds up to daily use and resists scratching and wear. The interlocking system offers easy assembly in as little as 15 minutes, and the rolled-edge beams and extra-thick shelving boards can hold up to 800 pounds per shelf. The shelves are adjustable in about one-inch increments, giving you the customization to fit your items perfectly. The whole unit can be used as one large storage option, or it can be split up into two separate benches to use in different locations or right next to each other. 

Related: Walmart is selling a 5-tiered farmhouse corner shelf for only $99

The rack includes two hooks that each hold up to 15 pounds, allowing you to hang items like tote bags or tools, which can be placed anywhere along the frame. You can also easily purchase extra hooks to hang on the frame to hold even more items, if needed. The boltless shelves can be secured with a mallet in seconds, and can also be taken apart with a mallet to rearrange your items as many times as you need. The shelf measures 30 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 60 inches tall, with a smaller footprint that can be used in the garage, pantry, basement, or patio. 

Details to know

• Quick, no-tool setup: Shoppers have said they were able to set this shelf up in as little as 15 minutes.
• Weight capacity: Each shelf can hold up to 800 pounds, offering a whopping total of 3,200 pounds for the whole unit.
• Features: The shelves are adjustable, and the set comes with two hooks to hang tools, accessories, or bags. 

“It’s a strong and solid shelving unit,” one reviewer wrote. “Everything is inside the box, and it took me 15 minutes to build it with no tools required. It is so strong, I can even sit on it. The metal surface is painted and feels smooth, which I think will prevent rusting.”

Another shopper wrote, “I’m so excited. The sturdiness is perfect, the large shelves can be used in the pantry or garage, and it has hooks to hang items on the side, so now I can get things off the floor.”

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The Dynaload Heavy-Duty Adjustable Shelf is on sale for $55 at Walmart for a limited time, which is a great price for adjustable shelving, multiple configurations, and thousands of pounds worth of storage potential. Shoppers can save 31%.

Why we love this deal

More often than not, we think of storage in terms of size, and it’s more likely that we’re considering large, clunky items and space-saving solutions to keep them organized and out of the way than we’re thinking about smaller, more petite-sized items. But when you have small items, like jewelry, craft supplies, even tool accessories, where do those items get safely stowed? The trick is finding a one-stop storage solution, rather than a bunch of individual small ones, to keep your tiny items secure and easily locatable when it’s time to get when you need.With the Zkh Organizer Box, you get all that and more.

The multi-compartment tackle box is the compact storage mechanism you’ve been searching for, and right now it’s on sale for 23% off. Save some money and get the organizer for just $23 at Amazon. 

Zkh Organizer Box, $23 (was $30) at Amazon

Why do shoppers love it?

Made from polypropylene plastic, this organizer is heavy-duty and built to keep whatever you’re storing inside well protected. Although a lightweight material, it’s not flimsy in the slightest, and as long as you keep it in dry storage environments, it will keep your items from damage or deterioration, especially with its high-impact and fatigue resistance. And this plastic is slightly transparent so you can see where and what’s stored inside without opening the organizer at all. 

Measuring 11 inches long, 5.5 inches wide, and 8.26 inches high, the rectangular organizer has a 4×12 grid featuring 48 individual compartments. Each compartment, which measures roughly 2.75 inches long and 0.45 inches wide, gives you enough space to store everything from small beads, screws and fasteners, fishing hooks and lures, small parts, tool components, office supplies — pretty much anything you could think of. The compartments even have removable partitions that let you customize the size so you can adjust accordingly to unusually sized items. 

Although each individual compartment has an open-design, the entire box itself has an integrated locking mechanism on the main lid for security purposes and to keep items from falling or slipping out. That, in combination with the comfortable carrying handle, ensures that the portable box is easy to take from place to place without the worry about losing anything in the process. 

Related: Amazon’s 3-drawer multi-storage organizer can help tidy desk clutter for $40

Perfect for use in the garage, under a sink or cabinet, or stored in your shed, this multi-compartment storage unit is a lifesaver for those pesky, petite-sized items that always manage to get lost. 

Details to know

• Dimensions: The organizer measures 11 inches long, 5.5 inches wide, and 8.26 inches high. 
• Material: Polypropylene. 
• Features: 48 individual compartments with adjustable partitions. 

Not only is this a great “space-saving” storage solution, but it’s just the right size to give you enough compartments to store a great deal of items. It’s very well-made, can handle heavy hardware without cracking or breaking, and great for a grab-and-go situation. The removable dividers are also really appreciated because they allow you to adjust the box and customize it to fit exactly what you need it to. “Fantastic storage system,” one shopper said. “The set is well-molded and fits together well. It is quite professionally designed.”

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• Aobabo Metal Garage Storage Cabinet, $155 at Amazon
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With the Zkh Organizer Box, small but essential items don’t get lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday home life. Now, you have a sturdy storage solution to help keep everything you need organized in one place.

Why we love this deal

Keeping your yard or patio lit shouldn’t be a difficult task. Whether you like fence lights, security lighting, or string lights, solar is the way to go to save on electricity. Solar lights are affordable, attractive, and they keep your monthly bills low. One of our favorite styles of outdoor solar lighting is in-ground path lights that not only add to your home’s curb appeal but also improve the safety of your walkway.

The Daybetter 12-Piece LED Solar Path Lights are on sale for just $18, which is 44% off the regular price of $32. If you want a great way to brighten your yard or patio but don’t want to spend a lot of money, then this lighting set is your answer. There’s a reason this is one of Walmart’s bestselling solar lighting options.

Daybetter 12-Piece LED Solar Path Lights, $18 (was $32) at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

These lights are a convenient and versatile solution to your outdoor lighting woes. Included are a dozen narrow solar path lights, each measuring 11.6 inches tall with a top diameter of 1.8 inches. At the bottom of the lights are plastic stakes that allow you to easily place them into the ground. This is a simple design feature that makes the set adaptable, and it’s a great option for those who like to switch up their space’s outdoor lighting configuration occasionally.

What’s more, the lights have a simple design that makes them incredibly resilient in the face of imperfect weather conditions. The top of each light has a small solar panel, which collects energy from the sun during the daytime and uses it for lighting throughout the night. Though small, the LED bulbs deliver a bright light for up to 12 hours at a time on a single day’s charge. That offers peace of mind to those who have security concerns or just want their yard to look nice no matter what time of night it is. 

Further bolstering the set’s outdoor credibility is the fact that each light is IP44 waterproof. That means you can leave them outside all year long and they won’t sustain permanent damage from rain, snow, or morning dew. The set also has an automatic on-and-off function, so you don’t have to worry about turning them on and off manually every night if you don’t want to. The bulbs are available in either bright white or warm white variants, depending on your preference. At this price, you’d be wise to buy multiple sets and combine them for a complete lighting scheme for both your front and back yards.

Related: Walmart is selling a 4-pack of solar-powered outdoor lanterns for just $40

Walmart shoppers are big fans of these lights. One called them “well made, easy to assemble, and very easy to set up.” Another reviewer said they are “just what I was looking for,” adding that they were “very pleased” with the soft and warm hue of the lights.

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The Daybetter 12-Piece LED Solar Path Lights would be a wonderful addition to any yard. At just $18, they’re currently one of the best options Walmart offers for quick and easy outdoor lighting. However, this is a clearance deal, so once the lights sell out, they may be gone for good. That means you should probably put them in your cart ASAP if you don’t want to miss out.

In Silicon Valley, belief in artificial intelligence (AI) has turned into its own kind of identity. Founders talk about curing diseases, ending scarcity and building machines smarter than any person alive.

Those promises have helped drive enormous investment. They have also created a culture where the boldest prediction often gets the most attention.

Few companies have benefited from that wave more than Palantir. Its software helps governments and corporations put AI to work, and its stock has become a favorite of retail investors betting on the trend.

Now one of Palantir’s top executives says the culture around AI has gone too far. The example he chose to make his point is a strange one.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR) Chief Technology Officer Shyam Sankar said on CBS’s “Face the Nation” on Sunday, Oct. 11, that some AI researchers have taken up smoking. Their reasoning, he said, is that AI will cure cancer before cigarettes can hurt them.

Shyam Sankar’s claim about researchers and cigarettes

“So many AI researchers have started smoking as a way of signaling to other researchers how much they believe in AI,” Sankar said, according to Business Insider.

He described the thinking behind it in the researchers’ own imagined words.

“I believe so much in AI that it’s going to cure cancer. So I’m showing you my chips are all in,” Sankar said.

More Artificial Intelligence:

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• Palantir’s answer to a deadly targeting failure was more AI

Sankar did not name any researchers or provide evidence for the claim, Business Insider reported. The outlet noted that its own reporter had written the previous month about some people in tech taking up smoking, in an industry better known for obsessing over health.

That earlier reporting captured the same mindset. “By the time you do get lung cancer, our AI robots are supposed to have cured that,” Avi Schiffmann, founder of AI wearable startup Friend, told Business Insider.

Why Palantir’s CTO calls the AI hype ‘mass psychosis’

Sankar told the story as a criticism. He raised it while attacking what he called the “mass psychosis” and “social delusion” surrounding AI in Silicon Valley, according to Benzinga.

He aimed that criticism at both ends of the debate. Warnings that AI could destroy humanity reflect a theological view more than an evidence-based one, Sankar argued, Benzinga reported.

He also took a swipe at the belief that AI will become something close to a god. People have “filled that hole with the machine god of AGI,” Sankar said, referring to artificial general intelligence, Business Insider reported.

Related: Palantir CEO drops 11-word bombshell for stock market investors

Sankar has pushed a similar line before. In September, he criticized the effective altruism movement’s influence on AI safety debates, arguing that a small group should not set the pace of technological progress, according to Benzinga.

His prescription is more practical. The industry needs to prove AI can strengthen national prosperity and security, and it needs to build safety into products from the start, Sankar said.

The health math behind betting on a cancer cure

Here is the problem with the bet Sankar described. No AI breakthrough has removed the health risks of cigarettes, Business Insider noted.

Smoking and secondhand smoke exposure cause more than 480,000 deaths each year in the U.S., or nearly one in five deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cigarette smoking “is the leading preventable cause of disease, death, and disability in the United States,” the CDC says.

I think that is what makes Sankar’s anecdote land. The story works as a warning precisely because the wager is so lopsided:

• The cost is certain. Smoking’s damage is well-documented and starts adding up long before any illness appears.
• The payoff is speculative. Nobody can say when, or whether, AI will deliver a cure for the cancers smoking causes.
• The signal is social. By Sankar’s account, the point is to impress peers.

If you or someone you know wants help quitting, free support is available through 1-800-QUIT-NOW, the national quitline listed by the CDC.

Palantir stock investors get an unusual warning from inside

Palantir shares traded around $208.81 when Benzinga published its report on Monday, Oct. 12.

For investors, the irony is hard to miss. Palantir has been one of the stock market’s biggest AI winners, and its own CTO is now warning that the culture around AI has slipped into delusion.

In my view, that is consistent with how Palantir likes to position itself. The company pitches AI as software that has to work inside governments and corporations right now, and Sankar’s comments reinforce that pitch.

The takeaway for anyone holding AI stocks is to separate the business from the belief system. Contracts, revenue and margins can be measured, while promises about curing cancer on a deadline cannot.

A few questions can help you tell the difference when the next bold AI prediction lands:

• Who is making the claim? Executives and researchers often benefit when investors believe the biggest version of the story.
• Is there a timeline and a measure? A forecast with a date and a number can be checked later. A vague promise cannot.
• What does the company sell right now? Revenue from paying customers tells you more than a vision for 2035.

Sankar’s anecdote is extreme, but the habit it describes is common. When belief starts to replace evidence, investors tend to pay for it eventually, and in this case the researchers he described are betting their health.

Related: Nvidia, Palantir, and Alphabet send waves through Wall Street

The effect on energy markets? Small declines over the past weekend. But that’s because the deal is relatively small, compared with U.S. and global diesel consumption.

• More Diesel: Diesel, gas prices jump in September: Now what?

This week, in fact, diesel prices both in retail and, especially, futures markets were rising again.

Diesel settled at $4.9274 a gallon in futures trading in New York on Oct. 14, down slightly on the day. But that followed a 4.5% jump the day before.

Diesel still solidly above $6 a gallon — $8 in California

Retail diesel was quoted at an average $6.2997 per gallon in the United States on Oct. 14 by AAA Fuel Prices, up about 2 cents from the day before and also on Oct. 9 and up 76.7% for the year.

Prices vary around the United States, AAA data shows, ranging from $8.413 a gallon in high-cost California (and $8.80 a gallon in San Francisco) to $5.77 a gallon in Georgia.

The U.S. average diesel price has jumped 76.7% in 2026, AAA data shows, compared with “only” 52.6% for retail gasoline.

That means fueling a diesel-powered truck with a 150-gallon tank has risen from an average $533.40 at the beginning of the year to about $933.45 on average — and $1,252 in California.

The U.S. national average price of gasoline was $4.33 a gallon on Oct. 14, AAA data show. GasBuddy puts the average price at about $4.32 a gallon.

Global oil prices moved higher as well. Light sweet crude settled at $95.09 a barrel, up 1%. Brent, the global benchmark, was at $106.06 a barrel, up 0.4%.

More Oil & Gas:

• Chevron CEO issues stark warning on depleting oil reserves
• Hot September CPI numbers, possible Fed rate hikes spark anxiety for midterm voters
• Why $5 gasoline is about to force a major holiday shift

Diesel really is necessary

Diesel is a key fuel used by trucks, railroads, automobiles, and a host of agricultural and industrial machinery.

And diesel supplies globally are expected to remain tight — and prices high — well into 2027, the International Energy Agency said in an Oct. 14 report. The Paris-based IEA provides policy recommendations, analysis and data on the global energy sector.

Gasoline prices also will be pressured, as well, the IEA said.

How the Russia diesel deal works

Under the terms of Trump’s deal, according to a Truth Social Post, Russia will supply 300,000 metric tons immediately to the global market. One metric ton of diesel is equivalent to about 7.45 barrels, according to S&P Global Platts.

The Kremlin, then, has agreed to initially export about 2.24 million barrels, or 74,500 barrels per day if spread out over an entire month.

The United States consumes some 3.8 million barrels of diesel per day. Globally, about 28 million barrels of diesel is consumed per day.

So, the incremental supply coming from the deal is small at best. The situation is worrisome enough that the White House used a 1950 law, the Defense Production Act, to order a boost in production at a small Texas refinery.

And a big question is whether Russia can actually deliver the diesel. Its oil industry has been strapped all year because of the effectiveness of Ukrainian drone attacks. The situation was so bad during the summer that there were gas lines in major cities.

Trump claimed over the weekend that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to a ceasefire, but the fighting still raged on.

Moreover, the fighting continued this week throughout the Persian Gulf region.

Related: Chevron CEO says key decision on diesel and fuel export is unwise

Disney is constantly promoting its characters through various media and artificial intelligence is the newest pathway that it is pursuing.

The company entered the world of artificial intelligence in December 2025 after signing a three-year agreement with OpenAI’s Sora platform to generate short, user-prompted social videos for fans of Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars characters, according to an OpenAI statement.

Disney next plans to expand its A.I. exposure through a bankruptcy acquisition of Character.ai‘s intellectual property.

Character.ai files bankruptcy seeking sale

Artificial intelligence entertainment platform Character.AI filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, seeking a sale of a portion of its intellectual property rights to Disney Worldwide Services Inc. as a stalking-horse bidder for $20 million, with the remainder of assets to be sold in an auction, according to a declaration by Chief Executive Officer Colin. M. Adams.

The lead debtor, Character Technologies Inc., filed its petition on Oct. 12 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in Wilmington, facing declining liquidity and high costs of operating and defending lawsuits and regulatory investigations related to safety concerns surrounding its products.

Character.ai is a first in kind artificial intelligence entertainment platform that allows tens of millions of users to have immersive, multimodal experiences with fictional or imagined characters. The platform was created in 2021 for one-on-one chats tailored to user preferences and evolved into a leader in entertainment A.I., according to the declaration.

The A.I. platform currently “powers natural conversations, generates stunning visuals that become part of a story, creates dynamic video content with A.I. characters, and is augmented with rich audio experiences to enhance immersion,” the declaration said.

Monthly revenue almost doubled

Character’s revenue has improved in 2026, rising from $2.8 million in December 2025 to $5.3 million for August 2026, but the company reported an operating loss from $8 million to $9 million per month.

The company’s costs of doing business are significant, as it spent $56.1 million on compute costs from Jan. 1 through Aug. 31, 2026, which was about 45% of the company’s operating expenses. Personnel costs were $19.7 million, or about 16% of operating expenses in the eight-month period.

Debtor faces rising legal costs

Character has faced significant legal costs, as well, from lawsuits and investigations from individuals and regulators related to the safety of its products, including lawsuits filed on allegations regarding youth suicide and self-harm.

The debtor has been working with a multistate group and individual states, consisting of 46 states and territories, to resolve various issues. The company was able to settle all then-pending personal injury lawsuits in early 2026 and enacted voluntary changes and safety improvements to its platform, including banning children under 18 years old from open-ended chats with its characters.

The Redwood City, Calif.-based debtor listed $50 million to $100 million in assets and liabilities in its petition.

The company has no funded debt and $57 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and investments as of the petition date.

In mid-2024, the debtor reached an agreement with Google in a strategic transaction to rehire Character.ai’s founders, who had previously worked for Google, grant a non-exclusive license of Character’s technology, and release certain claims against Google in exchange for $2.7 billion, according to the declaration.

Character Technologies’ largest unsecured creditors include Google LLC, owed over $4.1 million; Hogan Lovells US LLP, owed over $2.1 million; DigitalOcean LLC, owed over $1.9 million; Fireworks.AI, owed over $813,000; and Apple Distribution International Ltd., owed over $384,000.

Related: 76-year-old Whataburger chain closes its high-tech restaurants

More than 250 prescription drugs will be covered at no cost, and workers facing some of the most serious diagnoses in medicine are getting expanded access to specialist care.

The changes include no-cost coverage for certain GLP-1 medications for Type 2 diabetes. That covers Novo Nordisk’s (NVO) Ozempic and Eli Lilly’s (LLY) Mounjaro, both subject to prior authorization.

Walmart is also expanding specialist access through the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, and adding up to 12 weeks of neonatal intensive care unit leave.

The announcement comes ahead of open enrollment. Walmart said the changes are the product of years of planning and testing.

At a U.S. workforce of 1.6 million employees, the company’s calculation is straightforward: reducing turnover by even a few percentage points produces savings in recruiting and onboarding that are difficult to generate any other way.

Also read: Best Buy takes the fight to Amazon and Walmart

What Walmart will cover at no cost starting in 2027

The no-cost prescription list covers more than 250 drugs, including certain insulins and inhalers alongside the GLP-1 diabetes medications.

For employees with Type 2 diabetes, Ozempic and Mounjaro will be available without a copay after prior authorization. Walmart built in that requirement to manage the volume and cost of claims for drugs that have become two of the most prescribed in the country.

In 2026, the specialist care benefit covers cancer treatment and second opinions at the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic. In 2027, that benefit expands to include rare conditions. Workers on most Walmart plans will be able to use it for ALS, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, all of which require specialized care that most regional hospital systems cannot provide.

On the parental side, Walmart is adding up to 12 weeks of paid leave for parents whose newborns require time in a neonatal intensive care unit. That leave can be stacked on top of existing parental and maternity leave.

For families navigating a NICU stay, the added time provides more flexibility during one of the most difficult periods a household can face.

The cost of the company’s starting plan will rise by $1.50 per pay period, bringing it to $39.80. Walmart said that increase is smaller than last year’s.

The company described the broader expansion as something it was able to deliver “without slashing benefits or significantly raising premiums.”

The GLP-1 line Walmart drew and why it matters

Walmart is covering Ozempic and Mounjaro for employees with Type 2 diabetes, but not for weight loss, Fox Business reported.

That distinction separates the diabetes indication from the obesity indication. It is the line most large employers have settled on as drug costs for the GLP-1 class have climbed sharply.

Ozempic and Mounjaro carry FDA approval for Type 2 diabetes management. Wegovy and Zepbound are the versions of those same active compounds marketed for weight management. They are approved for obesity but cost employers significantly more per member when covered broadly.

Several large employers have pulled back on obesity drug coverage over the past two years as the math on widespread GLP-1 access has proven difficult to sustain.

Walmart’s solution was to cover the diabetes indication and exclude weight loss. Ozempic and Mounjaro require prior authorization, meaning employees need a confirmed Type 2 diabetes diagnosis to access the benefit.

That requirement is doing real work — without it, the no-cost drug benefit could attract a much wider pool of employees than Walmart’s cost projections account for.

Why the largest private employer in the U.S. is spending more on worker health

Walmart employs roughly 2.1 million associates worldwide, with about 1.6 million in the United States as of the end of fiscal 2026. At that scale, even modest improvements in employee retention translate into meaningful reductions in recruiting, onboarding and training costs.

The company said the benefits changes reflect years of planning and testing rather than a reaction to a single year of labor market conditions.

No-cost prescriptions and NICU leave carry the most weight for hourly workers. They face higher out-of-pocket healthcare costs than salaried employees, and benefits factor more directly into their decision to stay or leave.

More Walmart:

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• Walmart brings back a holiday returns perk shoppers count on every year
• Walmart’s CEO tells BofA where his retail chain is headed next

Walmart competes for that same labor pool against large retailers, logistics companies and healthcare systems, all of which have been raising their own benefits floors in recent years.

Walmart is also keeping premiums in check. The starting plan rises by $1.50 per pay period to $39.80, a smaller increase than last year.

The prior-authorization requirement on the GLP-1 drugs serves a similar function. It limits the no-cost benefit to employees who have gone through a formal diagnosis process. That gives the company some visibility into what the diabetes drug spend is likely to cost before claims come in.

What Walmart’s move signals for other large employers

Walmart’s decision to cover GLP-1 medications for diabetes while excluding weight-loss indications is likely to draw attention from other large employers working through the same calculation.

The retailer’s scale means its benefits decisions carry more weight than most. The structure Walmart landed on gives other HR teams a concrete framework heading into their own open enrollment seasons.

For Walmart shareholders, the near-term earnings picture is largely unchanged by this announcement.

The longer argument is about workforce stability. Retail and logistics turnover is expensive, and Walmart has consistently framed benefits investment as something that pays back through lower attrition across a workforce of more than 2 million people.

What Walmart’s 2027 package captures is a problem most large employers are actively navigating. Healthcare spending is up, GLP-1 prescriptions are climbing, and hourly workers have more leverage than they did five years ago.

Walmart’s response is to expand coverage where hourly workers feel the most financial pressure. It is holding premium increases to a minimum and using prior authorization to keep the drug spend from growing faster than the company can manage.

More on Walmart & its stock: 

• History of Walmart: Company timeline & facts
• Is Walmart a good long-term investment? Its buy-and-hold prospects explained
• How many employees does Walmart have in 2026? Its workforce, locations & layoffs explained
• Where is Walmart’s headquarters? All about its Bentonville, Arkansas base

Why we love this deal

It looks like fall weather is here to stay, with cooler temperatures that have us putting our layers and sweaters to good use. And when nighttime comes around, we want to make sure we’re able to snuggle up in bedding that’s warm enough to fight off the chill, but not too warm where we’ll overheat and get zero sleep. Macy’s is a great place to find these fall-ready types of bedding that aren’t too heavy and have the style to give your bedding a fall makeover. One of our latest finds is a bed-in-a-bag set that’s nearly 70% off.

The Kayla Patchwork 8-Piece Reversible Comforter Set is on sale for only $33 during a big fall sale at Macy’s. At full price, it’s $100, but with 67% off, it’s available at its lowest price of the season. The deal won’t last for long, though, as this discount is only available until Sunday, Oct. 25.

Kayla Patchwork 8-Piece Reversible Comforter Set, $33 (was $100) at Macy’s

Why do shoppers love it?

Farmhouse bedding can make any room feel cozier, which is exactly the kind of feeling you’d want in a comforter set during the fall. With a patchwork design, it looks like a farmhouse quilt you’d see at an antique store, but with the fluff and filling of a comforter that provides extra warmth when you need it. It has a muted color scheme, with light lavenders and mauves, that bring in some color into a room without feeling off-season. And if you want to change things up down the line for something more minimal, the comforter’s reversible design has a solid color on the other side. 

Along with the comforter and matching shams, it also comes with sheets that complement the set perfectly. The sheets and pillowcases have a pattern that matches one of the patch designs on the comforter. The bed skirt ties the look together, featuring a solid hue that’s on the comforter, too.

Related: Walmart is selling an $85 farmhouse quilt set with sheets for $38

Details to know

• Sizes: Twin, full, queen, and king.
• Material: Polyester.
• Includes: One comforter, two standard shams, one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, two pillowcases, and one bed skirt.

Macy’s shoppers have rated this bedding set 4.7 out of five stars, making it a near-perfect find. One shopper said it’s “beautiful and well made,” while another said it “looks and feels good,” especially for the price. When it comes to weight, a customer said it’s not too heavy, which makes it a great choice for fall when the temperature isn’t too hot or too cold. And when the temperature inevitably drops, you can always pair it with a throw blanket.

Shop more deals

• Wysteria Floral 8-Piece Comforter Set, $33 (was $100) at Macy’s
• Catherine 8-Piece Comforter Set, $33 (was $100) at Macy’s
• Helena Floral Reversible 8-Piece Comforter Set, $33 (was $100) at Macy’s

The Kayla Patchwork 8-Piece Reversible Comforter Set is on sale for just $33, but with a limited-time deal, the nearly 70% discount won’t last for long.

MongoDB Inc. (MDB) wants to break that habit. On Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, it launched Atlas Infinite, which bills customers only for the computing and storage they use, according to a press release.

Okta Inc. (OKTA), a login provider, said the option will let it handle surges “without paying for idle resources.” Infinite is still in public preview.

A day before the launch, MongoDB revealed that CEO CJ Desai had left for a senior role at Meta Platforms Inc. (META). Desai lasted under a year, and former chief Dev Ittycheria is back as interim CEO.

On Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, Wolfe Research flagged the exits of Chief Customer Officer Erica Volini, along with Pablo Stern-Plaza, chief product officer for AI and emerging products. Neither appears on MongoDB’s leadership page.

Revenue hit $771.8 million in the quarter ended Friday, July 31, 2026, up 30% from a year earlier, according to MongoDB’s earnings release.

Also read: MongoDB stock crashes 26% as its CEO jumps ship

Atlas, the cloud service Infinite plugs into, made up about 73% of it, the release shows. “It is business as usual at MongoDB,” CFO Mike Berry told investors the day Infinite debuted.

Most of MongoDB’s revenue depends on how much customers use it, according to a Bank of America research note shared with TheStreet. Infinite gives them a cheaper way to do the same work. The note calls the CEO change the key immediate risk, but pricing will matter longer.

After hosting a group call with MongoDB’s investor relations chief, BofA analyst Koji Ikeda kept his Buy rating and $540 price target.

The report, dated Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, is titled “AI strategy intact, near-term debate is execution; Reiterate Buy.” Its bear case warns that Infinite “compresses Atlas spend through improved efficiency.”

Customers pocket the savings before MongoDB sees growth

Infinite separates computing from storage, so each can grow on its own. In internal tests, it delivered 189% more throughput per dollar than the standard service, the release said. The same work can cost far less.

Management says customers will spend those savings on more work. Chief product officer Ben Cefalo cited the Jevons paradox, the 19th-century finding that efficient steam engines made Britain burn more coal.

Okta is buying the savings, while Cefalo is selling the growth. Although savings show up on the next bill, extra usage takes years to earn.

The savings could come out of MongoDB’s sales

The note’s other debate is whether MongoDB’s document database stays different enough from PostgreSQL.

Developers already lean toward that rival. PostgreSQL drew 57.9% of respondents to the database question in Stack Overflow’s 2026 Developer Survey, versus 19% for MongoDB.

Wolfe said the exits came faster than expected. Selling a new way to pay takes steady customer relationships, and the customer chief is gone.

Analysts say Buy MongoDB but disagree on what it’s worth

MongoDB carries a consensus Buy rating from 40 analysts with an average price target of $449.74, according to StockAnalysis. All five of the latest calls are Buys, yet their targets sit $155 apart.

Stifel Financial analyst Brad Reback cut his target price to $385 from $465 on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, a week after the CEO’s exit. Bank of America’s $540 is the highest.

Wolfe’s Alex Zukin held his target at $440 on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. Bank of Nova Scotia analyst Patrick Colville lifted his target to $450 on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. Daniel Ives of Yorkville Ives & Co. started at $430 a day earlier.

On the day of the note, shares jumped as much as 7.9% before closing about 2.2% lower. Wolfe’s comments on the exits surfaced that afternoon. Shares remain about 21% below their August peak of $473.10.

More Bank of America:

• BofA splits software into winners and losers as AI agents arrive
• Bank of America reveals hidden moat that makes Morgan Stanley a buy
• Bank of America resets Amazon stock forecast on delivery plan

Bank of America thinks MongoDB’s bet has room to run

Ikeda raised his fiscal 2028 revenue estimate by 3% to $3.65 billion and his fiscal 2029 estimate by 6% to $4.39 billion, according to the note.

Before the investor day, I flagged the growth target as the number to watch. Management raised it to 20% or more a year from the high teens, as its investor day presentation shows.

Bank of America raised its Atlas forecasts yet sees growth slowing to 24% in fiscal 2028 and 23% in fiscal 2029. That compares with 27% in the year ending January 2027. Even the bull is not modeling a surge from Infinite.

For app users, the payoff could be fewer freezes on busy days. PicPay, a Brazilian payments app, handled four times its normal peak traffic for two hours with zero failures, MongoDB said. It is still early, so don’t count on it everywhere this holiday season.

The note’s bull case is that Infinite wins new AI and agent workloads, while its bear case is that cheaper usage shrinks Atlas spending. Ikeda sides with the bulls, arguing that “AI and modernization support durable growth.”

BofA will judge it by Atlas growth and existing customers’ spending. As the cloud shifts to pay-per-use, MongoDB will test whether cheaper computing grows a supplier’s sales or just its customers’ savings.

More Stocks News

• IonQ raises $2 billion from the buyer that paid $93 a share last year
• Stock Market Today (Oct. 15, 2026): Nasdaq futures fall as Wall Street awaits more economic data
• Elon Musk takes a direct swipe at Broadcom CEO and AI investors
• Dell leads CIO spending plans as hardware prices jump

Transcript:

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

We’re gonna welcome back to the program, Chris Tobe of the Hackett Group. Chris, it’s always great to see you.

Thanks for joining us in the program again this morning.

Chris Tobe, CFA, CAIA, Chief Investment Officer at The Hackett Group

Great, I always enjoy it, Jeff, and I enjoy your daily newsletter every morning as well.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

And thank you for being a long-term subscriber and for your willingness to come on. Chris, I always like talking about, I like different perspectives. I think that what this show is about, candidly, and if I were to give my opinion, is about bringing all perspectives so that people have the most information they can to make the best decision possible.

So what I like about your perspective in particular is that you have served on many boards. You’ve written books about being on those boards, and you’ve also looked at a lot of the legal cases around retirement plan litigation. So with that context in mind, I had reached out to you because I wanna talk about the Intel case that’s currently in front of the Supreme Court.

Give us the lay of the land here because we’ve talked to you about fees. This isn’t necessarily about fees. It’s about something else.

Chris Tobe, CFA, CAIA, Chief Investment Officer at The Hackett Group

Well, again, that’s the issue. I think it really should be about fees and is, but it’s being pushed to be kind of this generic performance type of issue, which I think is used to cover up excessive fees. So that’s part of my whole issue here.

And I don’t like the way the defense attorneys or the plaintiff attorneys are kind of handling this case and talking about it. The thing about a meaningful benchmark, when you have things like target date funds, and this is what Intel has done is they have a lot of future mega plans like Intel and GM, they’ll have what we call master trust where they’ll have this, it’s kind of like the target date fund we see everywhere else where they put stocks, bonds, private equity, hedge, all their different asset classes in one kind of master trust. And they use it for both their defined benefit plans and their defined contribution plans. So the Intel has, I think it’s a private acreage hedge fund buried inside this master trust.

And again, performance, to me, it’s all about transparency here, being able to see down to the asset class level. So remember right now in 401k plans, over 50% of the assets are now in what we call target date or kind of asset allocation structures. But what we don’t, so with all those assets, and each of those have four or five different asset classes or maybe more underneath them.

And the whole problem to me is that the industry has used these target date funds actually to be able to block the transparency of the underlying funds. So that you see a target date fund and you don’t know what its allocation is. You don’t know what the fees are underneath individually.

Sometimes you’ll have an aggregate. So by reporting everything in aggregate, I think we leave out all the transparency. And this is what I think Intel’s more about than the actual performance around meaningful benchmarks, which is a term that has no, to me, I’ve never heard investments before.

I think it’s made up by Wall Street attorneys to block transparency, this whole term of meaningful benchmark. Because I was taught, okay, I’m sorry, go ahead.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Finish your thought that I have a follow-up to that because I wanna get into your role as a professional. So finish your thought and then I’ll come back to you with a question.

Chris Tobe, CFA, CAIA, Chief Investment Officer at The Hackett Group

So how do you benchmark something? First of all, the classic benchmark would be the S&P 500 index versus a large cap stock fund. And in that type of benchmark, we know what the benchmark is.

We know what the underlying securities are in both of what we’re investing in and what the index is. But for a contract like a private equity, private credit, or even annuity, there’s no underlying securities to measure. It’s just a contract.

And first of all, I have a very hard time benchmarking any contracts. And then you have a target date that has three contracts and three funds in it, mixing and matching them creates very difficult, lots of difficulty in benchmarking. So yeah, go ahead.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Okay, so my follow-up is, let’s talk about your role as a fiduciary. Because one of the things you do in addition to serving as a witness for the plaintiff, right? So why is this transparency important for the work you do as a fiduciary?

As someone who is advising the plan sponsor who owns the plan, runs the plan, has a responsibility to pay out benefits from the plan. What does that mean to you as that individual?

Chris Tobe, CFA, CAIA, Chief Investment Officer at The Hackett Group

If I don’t have transparency down to the fund level in a target date fund, how can I have any fiduciary control over the underlying assets? If I’m not allowed to know the fees, I don’t know how they’re computing performance, that to me as a fiduciary, it’s a black hole. And black holes create liability for me as a fiduciary, the plan and everyone else, when there’s not transparency all the way down to the asset class level in these types of funds.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

So I wanna play devil’s advocate. Well, maybe not advocate, but the accountancy of that would be, there’s a fun fact sheet. But let’s talk about the fun fact sheet that, so every targeted fund, every fund in a retirement plan, has this fun fact sheet.

It’s meant to distill what is arguably a very complex product into something that is meaningful to the end user. So is that enough for the participant or for you to look at? So that one or two pager, that’s a PDF that’s available for download.

Chris Tobe, CFA, CAIA, Chief Investment Officer at The Hackett Group

Well, for participants, it’s hard to get them to read more than one page anyhow, and it’s maybe not fair to have them do that. But what I’m looking for, and I’m actually maybe pushing legislation around this, is that on the 5500 form, which everyone can have access to, a fiduciary should be looking at, the plan should be looking at, and a participant, if they want to, can go to the 5500 form, then there should be more disclosures and transparencies there. The fun fact sheet, it’s just gonna be very difficult to get that level of transparency there without making it too complicated and something that a participant wouldn’t read anyhow.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

So let’s go back to the Intel case. So this has been going on, this has wound its way through the court system. Again, you and I are not attorneys, although you have acted as a witness in several litigation cases.

So you have more experience than I am. So where does this wind up? Because the end of the Supreme Court term is in June, right?

So they had to write, they’ve been taking, having hearings from both sides. I won’t pretend to have listened to those conversations. It’s a little too nuanced for me.

But where does this wind its way through, come June of 27, or does it, do we get some kind of decision in 27?

Chris Tobe, CFA, CAIA, Chief Investment Officer at The Hackett Group

I think whatever decision we get is probably gonna be murky. Because it’s all about these kind of, these lawyers like to talk about all this procedural things. And it’s all about can, when you file a case, will there be discovery, all about issues of level of transparency that the plaintiffs can ask for.

And it’s just gonna be positioning around all those type of issues around whether you can file a case, do you have enough to file and get past the motion to dismiss? So a lot of it, again, revolves around those issues. And I think at the end of this, it may be kind of a, the Supreme Court will say, well, yeah, you need to have some, it’ll be a mixed opinion that may not tell us anything and that we’ll still be in limbo.

And that’s why I think we need some better disclosure legislation out there to really fix this. I don’t think the Supreme Court, they’re kind of, the way they’re looking at and talking about meaningful benchmarks and things like that, the Supreme Court just doesn’t have the ability to look down in the detail level. I mean, it would take them 20 years to get inside these things.

It’s just, they have to rule on kind of some, the more superficial legal questions around discovery and things like that. But I don’t think it will really solve it either way come June, whatever their decision is, because I don’t know what kind of decision they could make. They can’t just say, oh, private equity is great.

And you have no discretion. They’re still gonna hold up ERISA, but how they do it and what’s the threshold for litigation is really what this is going to set. And it could be higher or lower threshold for litigation, but your largest plans will still, and again, I think the plaintiff attorneys are guilty of this.

They tend to go after the mega plans, the top couple hundred of them for about anything.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Yeah, well, that’s where the candidly, that’s where the money is, right? If you’re a lawyer and you’re looking to get paid, those small plans don’t probably pay us.

Chris Tobe, CFA, CAIA, Chief Investment Officer at The Hackett Group

Well, I still think the medium sized plans, a hundred million to a billion, those plans still are good. Good, and that’s where I think more of the solid cases are anyhow. But the mega plans, they’re also easier to find plaintiffs.

It’s hard to find, you have to find plaintiffs because most plaintiffs, no one understands these plans, especially the plaintiffs. So getting plaintiffs is also a challenge for those attorneys as well. So that’s kind of where I’m going.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Well, let me ask you about, so when we had you on, I don’t know, a couple of months ago, we talked about these new Department of Labor rules. I haven’t seen the final version of it. I’ve seen the, I guess the proposed and then they got the comments, et cetera.

We talked to you during the comment period or after the comment period. So when do these, does this have an impact on those rules and do you have a sense for when those rules might be released? I mean, that you would think they would have been, how long to take to finalize rules?

Chris Tobe, CFA, CAIA, Chief Investment Officer at The Hackett Group

I don’t know. A lot of these rules are not real hard and fast things. There’s kind of loose gotten.

You said, you can have private equity, but you still have to do your due diligence and do all the types of things that ERISA requires. And I think what it may do is it may embolden the industry, especially to put a lot of private equity things in small plans, but the larger plans will still stay away because there’s litigation risk. So you’ve got like two parts of the market here.

It probably may not be enough though that large plans will invest, but small plans, especially under a hundred million who have really no risk of litigation, it’ll start growing in those areas with the DOL guys. But then when we get to change parties and go to another DOL, it could flip around in that direction as well.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

And so to that point, and I don’t want to get, we don’t do politics on the show, but if there is a switch in the executive branch or in the Congress, could whatever is written be done? So for example, ESG, that was a big proponent or a big initiative, environmental social governance funds were a big initiative in the last administration. That appears to have been in some ways unwound.

So could what we’re talking about today be, even if the Supreme Court rules and we have these new regs, couldn’t that be undone?

Chris Tobe, CFA, CAIA, Chief Investment Officer at The Hackett Group

Well, kind of, I mean, it can be a shifting back and forth. The ES, I think ESG is mostly a bunch of noise in my opinion. And again, some ESG funds charge too high fees.

And I don’t like, I don’t think, I think even violate the governance part of themselves because they charge higher fees with these ESG funds. So there’s a lot of hypocrisy in every side. And when you get ESG kind of try to throw politics in here and it tends to be messy on both sides, going back and forth.

And I really don’t think from a material point of view, it makes that much difference. And the private equity will probably start out small as well inside of target date funds. And as we go along here, these are not gonna be monster issues right away.

They’re just gonna kind of gradually kind of move over time.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Yeah, it’s gonna be interesting to see. You know, like I said, I just kind of follow it from the outside looking in. It’ll be interesting to see what you’re talking about, but also what materially it means to the end user, to the participant.

Is it going to increase the return? Is it going, now, you know, everyone always says, oh yeah, well, if you add this sliver, it’s gonna do X, Y, Z, create greater diversification, a greater return. I think time will tell as to whether or not that makes sense.

And it’ll be a, you know, it’ll give people, plant sponsors the reason to say, hey, should we keep our plan plain vanilla? Anyway, TBD, Chris, it’s always great to see you. Thanks for popping by the program, sharing your expertise.

And we look forward to having you back on the program again very soon, sir.

Chris Tobe, CFA, CAIA, Chief Investment Officer at The Hackett Group

Great, Jeff. Thanks for having me.

The jab added fuel to a growing debate over how long the AI boom can last.

The exchange landed at a touchy moment for the AI trade. The Nasdaq fell 1.25% on Oct. 8 as chip stocks, including Nvidia (NVDA) and Broadcom (AVGO), took a hit after questions surfaced about OpenAI’s revenue.

Also read: AT&T CEO holds firm stance on Elon Musk’s SpaceX phone strategy

Hock Tan says many AI investors are gambling

Tan made the comments on Oct. 12 at the DBS Asia Future Forward Conference in Singapore, sharing the stage with Intel (INTC) CEO Lip-Bu Tan on a panel moderated by DBS CEO Tan Su Shan.

“A lot of investors have no clue what they are investing in,” he said, adding that some set very extreme expectations “only to find out that it’s almost like they are in a casino.”

He was just as blunt about corporate spending.

“People are just wasting money, spending tokens, trying to understand (AI),” Tan said, comparing companies to a child who burns through $10 of arcade tokens in minutes and learns nothing.

He added that OpenAI’s annualized revenue of roughly $50 billion was “by itself, not that bad” for a startup.

That OpenAI figure is exactly what rattled the market a few days earlier. OpenAI told investors its annualized revenue was approaching $50 billion at the end of September, well below the nearly $70 billion figure that had been widely reported, and AI infrastructure stocks fell on Oct. 8.

Musk has played both sides of this debate. In September, he said Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei was “right” after Amodei called for an intentional slowdown in advanced AI development.

Tan brushed that push aside, saying on Sept. 14 that the debate had not changed Broadcom’s AI forecasts “in the least.”

Broadcom is cashing in on the boom it’s warning about

Tan’s warning carries extra weight because few companies have gained more from AI spending than Broadcom.

Broadcom reported fiscal third-quarter revenue of $29.6 billion in early September, slightly ahead of analyst estimates, with AI semiconductor revenue up 221% from a year earlier, according to its SEC filing. It guided for $21.7 billion in fourth-quarter AI chip revenue, yet shares still fell after hours.

The longer-term targets are even bigger.

Broadcom expects AI semiconductor revenue of about $115 billion in fiscal 2027 and about $230 billion in fiscal 2028. Tan also arranged a financing partnership with Apollo and Blackstone to back more than 20 gigawatts of computing capacity, a buildout that will require hundreds of billions of dollars.

That financing angle is where Tan sees the real squeeze.

“What I think might be the biggest constraint is capital,” he said in Singapore, while Lip-Bu Tan pointed to “capital and the cost of capital.” Hock Tan also said computing demand could outrun supply through 2029 or 2030, according to Benzinga.

Broadcom is deeply tied to that money chase. Broadcom has been seeking more than $50 billion in financing tied to OpenAI as tech companies race to buy chips and expand AI infrastructure.

The bill for the AI buildout keeps growing

The spending numbers explain why capital is suddenly the main topic. The largest U.S. hyperscalers are on track to spend roughly $800 billion on capital projects this year, and Goldman Sachs projects $1.2 trillion in capital expenditure in 2027, as reported by TheStreet.

Wall Street has been warning about this for months. Morgan Stanley said in February that hyperscaler AI spending was “set to exceed dot-com era telecom capex in both magnitude and length.” Its bear case was that “investment outpaces monetization for several years.”

More Artificial Intelligence:

• AI’s biggest business opportunity may not look like AI
• AI racks are outgrowing old power: 2 chipmakers have a strategy
• BofA splits software into winners and losers as AI agents arrive

The borrowing is already showing up in bond markets. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh said in September that hyperscalers raising money is part of why Treasury yields have climbed, adding that “the competition for capital is real,” according to Fortune.

Morgan Stanley expects global AI-related debt issuance to approach $570 billion this year.

Even AI believers are getting nervous about the price tag. The Financial Times reported that Big Tech firms are using guarantees to back as much as $300 billion in debt tied to AI data centers and chips.

SoftBank also raised $11.1 billion in one of the biggest high-yield bond deals ever to fund its OpenAI investment.

What investors should watch next

The cost of money is the first thing to track. The 10-year Treasury yield hit its 2026 peak of 5.37% on Oct. 7, its highest level since March 2002, which raises the bar for every project funded with borrowed money.

The biggest spenders still look well protected. The largest hyperscalers have shown little sensitivity to higher funding costs so far, while smaller and highly leveraged businesses are more exposed.

Musk, for his part, has his own chips on the table. SpaceX went public in June in what was billed as the largest IPO in history, and it absorbed xAI earlier this year. The company says xAI built the first gigawatt-scale AI training cluster.

For investors watching from the sidelines, the question is who walks away from this casino with winnings.

Related: Broadcom CEO echoes Warren Buffett with warning for investors

Why we love this deal

Birthstones — everyone has one, and even if you aren’t a big fan of birthday celebrations themselves, you have to agree that the handful of stones that represent the 12 months of the year are something to get excited about. When they’re featured in the designs of bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings, they add a gorgeous pop of color, and they make a piece of jewelry feel a bit more customized because they say something about the person wearing them. These days, retailers offer great deals so that you can score these stunning looks for less, and right now Walmart has a great one to take advantage of on the Apsvo Heart Birthstone Earrings.

The cubic zirconia heart-shaped studs, which originally sell for $120, are now on sale for 88%. Save $106 and get the bestsellers in the birthstone of your choosing for just $14 right now. 

Apsvo Heart Birthstone Earrings, $14 (was $120) at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

Although they measure on the smaller size at only 0.33 inches wide and 0.32 inches long, these earrings have an arrangement of cubic zirconia stones that gives them some major shine. Each stud, which together weigh about 2 grams, features a heart-shaped cubic zirconia birthstone of your choosing, and a border of smaller white circular cubic zirconia stones around that central stone. These gems sit in an 18K white gold-plated copper setting and are finished off with S925 silver posts.

Overall, the earrings are very durable, especially thanks to the high-quality materials that they are crafted with. The copper base provides more resistance to daily wear and tear compared to pure gold or silver, and the 18K white gold plating gives the jewelry a nice shine that won’t tarnish or turn green the way copper does with exposure to air or moisture. It also makes the earrings more sensitive skin-friendly, since skin won’t have direct contact to the copper base and the 18K white gold plating provides a nickel-free and lead-free hypoallergenic barrier.

The sterling silver posts also are considered generally hypoallergenic to prevent any skin reactions or redness. The S925 rating means that the posts are 92.5% pure silver and typically a small percentage of copper or some other non-reaction alloy metal. With such a large percentage of pure silver, they are generally considered safe for those even with skin sensitivities. 

Related: Macy’s $275 lab-grown ruby and white sapphire earrings are 65% off

The earrings are available in garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, diamond, emerald, alexandrite, ruby, peridot, sapphire, tourmaline, citrine, zircon, and if hearts aren’t really your thing, you can also get them in rectangle or triangle shapes. They come in a lovely presentation box that makes them easy to gift to someone else if your jewelry collection is already pretty stacked.  

Details to know

• Material: Cubic zirconia, 18K white gold plating, and S925 silver posts.
• Dimensions: Each earring measures 0.33 inches wide and 0.32 inches long. 
• Weight: 2 grams per pair.
• Birthstones: Garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, diamond, emerald, alexandrite, ruby, peridot, sapphire, tourmaline, citrine, and zircon. 
• Shape: Hearts, rectangle, or triangle. 

Sparkly with very secure backs, shoppers really love these earrings. They look really lovely in your ears, and even those with sensitive ears find they are easy and comfortable to wear. “They’re perfectly petite and absolutely gorgeous,” one shopper said. “You cannot go wrong with these earrings,” another shopper said. “You will not be disappointed.” 

Shop more deals 

• Cate & Chloe McKenzie Dangle Drop Earrings, $20 (was $29) at Walmart
• Apsvo 18K White Gold-Plated Birthstone Earrings, $13 (was $110) at Walmart
• Yami Freshwater Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings, $11 (was $21) at Walmart

The perfect gift for someone this upcoming holiday season or the perfect addition to your own jewelry collection, the $120 pair of Apsvo Heart Birthstone Earrings, now 88% off, is the purchase you won’t want to miss out on right now. 

Major players, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestlé, have been expanding their beverage portfolios as competition in the better-for-you drinks market grows. Smaller brands are also looking to capitalize on consumer interest in beverages that offer more than just refreshment.

Now, a protein soda brand is bringing two high-profile celebrities into its founding team as it looks to reach more consumers.

PRODA, a better-for-you protein soda co-founded by actor and wellness entrepreneur Matthew Postlethwaite and beverage industry veteran Jeff Church, announced a new partnership that could help expand its reach.

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel become co-founders of PRODA

Actor and singer Justin Timberlake and actress Jessica Biel have joined PRODA as co-founders, the company announced on Oct. 13.

The couple will help shape the brand’s creative strategy, flavor innovation, product development, and cultural partnerships as PRODA works to expand its presence across grocery, club, and direct-to-consumer channels nationwide, according to the company announcement.

“The opportunity to work with Matthew and Jeff in shaping the brand, its products and where it goes next is what made this an exciting opportunity for us,” Timberlake and Biel said in a joint statement.

Timberlake and Biel are entering a competitive market in which celebrities have increasingly become involved in beverage businesses.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson co-founded ZOA Energy, Michelle Obama and Stephen Curry co-backed PLEZi Hydration, Kim Kardashian co-founded Update, and Logan Paul co-founded PRIME.

Their involvement reflects a broader effort by beverage brands to pair recognizable personalities with products designed to appeal to consumers who are seeking alternatives to traditional soft drinks.

Soda rivals invest in the functional beverage market

PRODA is entering a category that has attracted investment from some of the beverage industry’s largest companies.

One example is Coca-Cola (KO). The company is preparing to conduct a regional test of prebiotic versions of Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar, Sprite Zero Sugar, and Fresca beginning in late October 2026. The products are formulated with 6 grams of prebiotic fiber and zero sugar, according to the company’s announcement.

The limited-time pilot is planned for parts of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania as Coca‑Cola evaluates consumer response.

PepsiCo (PEP) has also made a significant investment in the category. The company completed its acquisition of prebiotic soda brand Poppi in May 2025 for $1.95 billion, according to its acquisition announcement.

PepsiCo subsequently introduced Prebiotic Cola, a Pepsi product formulated with 5 grams of cane sugar and 3 grams of prebiotic fiber, with no artificial sweeteners and 30 calories per can. The company described the launch as its first major innovation in the traditional cola category in 20 years, according to its product announcement.

Nestlé (NSRGY) has also explored opportunities in the functional beverage market. In 2025, the company partnered with the Unwell Network, founded by podcast host Alex Cooper, to launch Unwell Beverage Co. The brand has since shut down.

However, the closure has not removed Nestlé from the broader beverage market. The company offers products such as Pure Life Soda Plus, a sparkling beverage with zero sugar and added vitamins. Its broader portfolio also includes established brands such as Vital Proteins and Sanpellegrino Crafted Soda Italiana.

The companies are pursuing different approaches, from acquiring established brands to introducing new products under familiar names. For PRODA, the challenge will be establishing a place in the market alongside companies with much larger distribution networks and existing customer bases.

Why companies are entering the better-for-you soda market

The financial opportunity extends beyond individual product launches.

Grand View Research valued the global functional drinks market at $164.7 billion in 2025 and projects that it will reach $315.9 billion by 2033. The research firm forecasts a compound annual growth rate of 8.5% from 2026 through 2033, with North America accounting for the largest share of revenue in 2025.

Here’s some of my previous coverage of functional beverages:

• Popular beverage chain closing multiple locations nationwide
• Popular beverage brand faces another controversy
• Pepsi and Coca-Cola rival brings SpongeBob to healthy soda

The firm also reported that protein influences more than two-thirds of consumers when they select sports and energy drinks. Although that finding does not measure demand for protein soda specifically, it points to the importance of protein in purchasing decisions within related beverage categories.

PRODA is betting that consumers will be interested in getting protein from a carbonated drink rather than relying exclusively on traditional protein shakes or other supplements.

According to the company’s website, each 12-ounce can contains 10 grams of whey protein isolate, 0 grams of sugar, and 40 calories. The company describes its ingredients as all-natural and says its formulation is designed to deliver protein without the thick texture associated with many traditional protein beverages.

The brand offers seven flavors: Lemon Lime, Classic Orange, Cherry Lime, Strawberry Lemonade, Golden Apple, Shirley Temple, and Root Beer.

While PRODA provides consumers with an option to add protein to their everyday beverages, the product’s nutritional specifications alone do not demonstrate that it is healthier overall than competing drinks.

How PRODA compares with the competition

PRODA is available through its official online store, Amazon, and Sprouts Farmers Market, according to the company.

A 12-count case is listed at $39.95 on PRODA’s website, equivalent to approximately $3.33 per can before taxes, shipping charges, or discounts.

That price is an important consideration for consumers comparing protein beverages and functional sodas. Brands such as Poppi and Olipop offer alternatives at lower price points, although their formulations and nutritional profiles differ from PRODA’s.

PRODA’s combination of carbonation and protein gives it a distinct selling point, but consumers weighing their options may also want to compare sugar content, calories, ingredients, serving sizes, and cost per can.

The brand’s expanding retail presence could help it reach more consumers, while partnering with Timberlake and Biel may increase awareness. However, repeat purchases will depend on whether shoppers find the product’s taste, price, and nutritional profile compelling enough to justify buying it regularly.

Related: Coca-Cola and Pepsi rival shuts down

Deals? Discounts? Crowds?

While I look forward to the heavy discounts, the crowds and lines do slightly curb my enthusiasm.

One way to avoid that is to shop early and look for brands offering deals before the rush begins.

Over the years, retailers have also steadily moved their holiday promotions earlier, giving customers more opportunities to spread out their spending rather than squeezing their purchases into a single weekend.

And with consumers paying close attention to their budgets, the timing of those promotions matters.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF) 2025 holiday survey, 42% of consumers plan to begin shopping before November. Among early shoppers, 54% said they want to spread out their budgets, while 41% want to avoid last-minute shopping stress.

Still, Black Friday remains a major shopping event. 

A record 202.9 million consumers shopped during the five-day Thanksgiving-to-Cyber-Monday period in 2025, according to the NRF.

Now, Lowe’s is also making several changes to its holiday shopping plans, including an earlier Black Friday kickoff, an expanded daily deals event, and additional benefits for its loyalty members.

Lowe’s kicks off Black Friday on Oct. 29

The home improvement retailer has confirmed in a press release that its Black Friday 2026 promotions will begin Oct. 29, four weeks before the traditional shopping event, with additional offers running through Christmas Eve.

“The holidays should be about enjoying your home, not stressing over everything it takes to get it ready,” said Jen Wilson, Lowe’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer.

The changes give customers more opportunities to shop for appliances, tools, decorations, and home-improvement essentials, although some of the earliest offers will be reserved for loyalty members.

Lowe’s Black Friday and holiday schedule for 2026

Rather than concentrating its biggest promotional efforts around Thanksgiving weekend, Lowe’s is rolling out several shopping events over nearly two months.

One notable change is the expansion of its annual 10 Days of Deals promotion to 12 Days of Deals, introducing two additional days of daily offers.

The company also plans to introduce December Deal Drops to extend new savings opportunities through Christmas Eve.

Here’s how Lowe’s holiday shopping calendar breaks down:

The promotions will cover major appliances, power tools, storage, flooring, cabinets, paint, holiday decorations, and outdoor power equipment.

Customers can also expect offers featuring free products with select tool purchases, although Lowe’s has not yet disclosed the full list of discounted merchandise or prices for each event.

The retailer will keep its stores closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, but online-only deals will remain available.

Lowe’s rewards members get early access to Black Friday deals

Another significant change involves who gets to shop certain holiday deals first.

Lowe’s says members of MyLowe’s Rewards and MyLowe’s Pro Rewards will receive exclusive early online access to Black Friday Doorbusters on Nov. 26, one day before the offers open to everyone.

More Retail:

• Target tackles a frustrating problem for shoppers
• America’s biggest RV seller closing more stores
• Costco helps members solve a key problem, but at a cost

For shoppers looking for limited-quantity appliances, power tools, or seasonal decorations, the early-access window could be particularly useful.

But getting a head start is not the only benefit Lowe’s is offering.

The retailer is adding several seasonal perks for members, including:

• Free same-day delivery on eligible purchases of at least $25, subject to availability.
• Early access to select Traeger grills and accessories in November, along with opportunities to earn triple rewards points on qualifying purchases after activation.
• Free member gifts and opportunities to earn MyLowe’s Money during the holiday season.
• Free kids’ workshops, including a Holiday Engine project on Nov. 14 and a Holiday Trolley Car workshop on Dec. 12, with registration required.

The same-day delivery benefit requires a loyalty membership, and eligible orders must generally be placed by 2 p.m.

Lowe’s expands holiday merchandise beyond tools and appliances

Lowe’s is also broadening its holiday assortment, aimed at shoppers who are not as focused on home-improvement shopping or gifts. 

Beyond DEWALT nailers, CRAFTSMAN products, and Kobalt Mini Toolboxes, offerings include pet toys, beds, and apparel from Lowe’s Heart & Herd brand.

The retailer is also promoting a HomeCare+ gift card, offering a $99 annual subscription for select home maintenance services.

Holiday decorations are another area of expansion. Lowe’s is expanding its Rudolph and Friends collection with Sam the Snowman and Clarice merchandise available online, alongside returning characters, including Bumble and Yukon Cornelius.

The retailer is also introducing a five-foot poseable Elf on the Shelf decoration, as well as vintage-inspired Christmas trees, lights, and seasonal accessories.

Lowe’s expanded holiday calendar reflects a broader shift in retail, as companies increasingly compete for consumer spending well before Thanksgiving.

The NRF’s 2025 research found that shoppers planned to spend an average of $890.49 on holiday gifts, food, decorations, and other seasonal purchases, down slightly from the previous year’s record.

This makes value and variety more important for retailers trying to attract customers.

But of course, an earlier promotion does not necessarily mean the lowest price of the season. 

Lowe’s biggest savings offers will still arrive during Thanksgiving week, meaning some customers may benefit from comparing early offers with later promotions before making larger purchases.

Related: Costco adds exclusive limited-time frozen treat

Lane-keeping systems have loosened the requirement slightly, and hands-free features now allow some drivers to take their hands off the wheel on certain highways.

Eyes still have to stay up front because if you look down at, say, a phone for too long, the car starts beeping at you.

That last barrier is the one automakers have struggled to clear. In the U.S., only one system that lets drivers look away from the road is on sale right now, and it works on a limited set of mapped highways.

General Motors (GM) says it is getting close to joining that club. CEO Mary Barra told CNBC on Monday, Oct. 12, that GM is making “leaps and bounds” toward eyes-off, hands-off driving, with a launch planned for 2028.

If GM delivers, owners of the electric Cadillac Escalade IQ will be able to read and answer texts on the highway while the car drives itself.

How GM’s eyes-off driving system is supposed to work

GM first laid out the plan at its GM Forward event in New York in October 2025, TechCrunch reported.

Here is what the company has said about the system so far:

• First vehicle: the 2028 Cadillac Escalade IQ
• Sensors: a mix of lidar, radar and cameras
• Where it works: highways at first, including ones GM has not mapped
• When drivers step in: for situations such as exiting the highway
• The brains: AI models from GM’s former Cruise unit, trained on five million driverless miles

Drivers will be able to “read or respond to texts” while the vehicle handles the drive, Business Insider reported at the time. Turquoise lights on the dashboard and side mirrors will show when the system is in control.

GM is starting with highway driving “because that’s where autonomous technology delivers the greatest immediate impact,” Sterling Anderson, GM’s chief product officer, said at the 2025 event, Business Insider reported.

Related: Top analyst strongly resets General Motors target before earnings

Barra painted a bigger picture at the same event. She described a future in which your car takes you to work while you “catch up on work, send emails, or watch an episode of your favorite show,” Business Insider reported.

GM also said it would bring Google’s Gemini AI assistant into its vehicles as soon as 2026, so drivers can send messages and plan routes by voice, according to Business Insider.

Mary Barra’s 2028 promise follows a costly robotaxi retreat

GM’s road to this point has not been smooth. The company pulled the plug on its Cruise robotaxi business in December 2024 after investing more than $10 billion in it.

More Automotive:

• Tesla rival appears to have a demand problem
• Cars are getting older: AutoZone earnings reveal how drivers cope
• Volkswagen’s newest EV runs Chinese chips and starts near $19,000

Instead of chasing driverless taxis, GM turned toward technology it can sell to people who own their cars. Its hands-free Super Cruise system, launched in 2017, was available on 23 models and about 600,000 miles of highway as of October 2025, TechCrunch reported.

Barra has also grown more careful about timelines. “I’m done making predictions,” she told Fortune in an interview published on Oct. 2.

In the same interview, she still pointed to 2028 for eyes-off highway driving on the Escalade IQ. “And that will be the start of then getting to full autonomy,” Barra said, Fortune reported.

Barra quit making predictions, then set a date anyway

I find the tension here useful for investors. A CEO who says she is done making predictions is still putting a model year on eyes-off driving, which tells me GM is confident about the hardware and the timeline.

The competitive field explains why that date matters:

• Mercedes-Benz offers Drive Pilot, the only commercially available eyes-off system in the U.S., limited to certain mapped highways in California and Nevada, according to TechCrunch.
• Stellantis put its own Level 3 launch on hold, TechCrunch reported.
• Tesla and Waymo are pursuing driverless approaches, with Waymo focused on robotaxis rather than cars you buy.

If you are shopping for a car with driver assistance before 2028, it helps to know what you are actually getting:

• Hands-free systems such as Super Cruise let you take your hands off the wheel on approved roads, but you still have to watch the road.
• Eyes-off systems such as Drive Pilot let you look away in limited conditions, and the car will ask you to take over when it reaches its limits.
• Coverage matters. Check whether a system’s approved roads include the highways you drive most.

A system that works on unmapped highways would give GM a selling point over Mercedes. It would also give Cadillac a reason for buyers to pay luxury prices for an EV at a time when EV demand has cooled.

GM stock and Cadillac buyers face a 2028 waiting game

GM shares were around $82.37 when GuruFocus reported Barra’s comments on Oct. 12. For shareholders, the bigger payoff is software: features like Super Cruise create subscription revenue that keeps flowing after the car is sold.

For drivers, the practical message is patience. Nothing changes until the 2028 Escalade IQ arrives, and the first version will only work on highways.

The broader EV backdrop has also shifted. Automakers once expected 40% to 50% of their vehicles to be electric by 2030, but the Trump administration unwound key EV incentives and rules, and buyers have adopted EVs more slowly than expected, Fortune reported.

Barra still says EVs are the destination. “We still think EVs are the endgame,” she told Fortune, and eyes-off driving is now one of GM’s strongest arguments for getting buyers there.

Related: Waymo is bringing driverless taxis to a fourth country

In an Oct. 7 research note seen by TheStreet, Bank of America surveyed 117 advertisers and agencies and found that 44% were spending above their third-quarter plans, while 35% were tracking in line and 15% were below plan.

Google Search led current incremental budget gains, while Meta Platforms (META) also showed healthy third-quarter spending.

However, Alphabet (GOOGL) faces an interesting tension because of the forward-looking outcome.

ChatGPT was selected by 26% of respondents as the platform that might get the most rise in advertising spending over the next 12 months, surpassing Google Search at 19% and YouTube at 11%.

This result does not imply that Google is losing advertising. That judgment would be premature, as shown by Alphabet’s most recent results.

Google Search and other revenue rose 17% to $63.27 billion in the second quarter, while total Google advertising revenue reached $81.63 billion. Alphabet said the Search increase was driven partly by higher advertiser spending and improvements in ad formats and delivery.

Instead, the BofA poll poses a more pertinent question for investors: What happens to the next dollar spent on advertising?

Read more: Zuckerberg says Meta’s AI bet only fails if all AI fails

Google still has the strongest advertiser signals

When Bank of America asked which platform was seeing the largest percentage rise in expenditure compared to prior allocations, Google Search came in first.

Search was selected by 30% of respondents, which is twice as many as Facebook’s 15%. YouTube and ChatGPT both got 9%.

When asked where artificial intelligence was increasing return on ad expenditure fast enough to draw in additional revenue, Google also took the lead. Google Search was selected by 33% of respondents, while Facebook and ChatGPT were selected by 15% and 6%, respectively.

The forecast for the fourth quarter is still positive. In contrast to 39% who anticipate a decrease or stagnation in spending, 47% anticipate a rise in search expenditures starting in the third quarter.

Bank of America predicts that Google Search will rise by around 14% year over year in the third quarter, which is just less than Wall Street’s 15% prediction. However, the poll indicates that there may be a tiny upside.

Thus, ChatGPT is not opposing a weak incumbent. While Google Search continues to be sizable, expanding, and successful, it is attempting to draw in advertising.

This increases the significance of ChatGPT’s forward-looking performance.

ChatGPT is turning advertiser interest into spending

OpenAI has developed the infrastructure needed to convert advertiser interest into active campaigns.

More companies may now purchase and manage ChatGPT advertisements directly thanks to OpenAI’s May introduction of a beta self-service advertisements Manager, cost-per-click bidding, and additional measurement capabilities.

The commercial effort has already reached meaningful scale. OpenAI said in August that ChatGPT Ads had reached $1 billion in annualized revenue run rate less than 200 days after launch and was being used by tens of thousands of advertisers.

That helps explain the BofA survey.

According to the bank, 28% of respondents now use ChatGPT for advertising, and 43% want to start doing so over the next 12 months.

More Artificial Intelligence:

• AI’s biggest business opportunity may not look like AI
• AI racks are outgrowing old power: 2 chipmakers have a strategy
• BofA splits software into winners and losers as AI agents arrive

Spending is still rather low. Just 11% spend more than 5% of their advertising expenditures on ChatGPT, compared to 21% who only devote 1% to 5%.

Where that future money comes from may matter most for Alphabet.

Google Search was most often mentioned by respondents who could pinpoint a source for future ChatGPT expenditure (15%), followed by conventional advertising (10%) and Facebook (8%). Half said the question didn’t apply or weren’t sure.

That does not yet indicate a significant shift in the budget.

It is proof that when marketers consider supporting ChatGPT projects, Search is coming up.

Meta remains strong as ChatGPT joins the ad fight

Meta provides another reminder that the digital-ad market is still growing rather than simply shifting from one winner to another.

Meta reported $59.36 billion in second-quarter advertising revenue, up 27% from a year earlier. Ad impressions rose 14% and the average price per ad increased 12%.

For Meta in the third quarter, the Bank of America poll was equally positive. According to 33% of respondents, Meta expenditure exceeded original projections.

Sequential spending on Instagram was forceful. In the second quarter, 38% of respondents said their budgets had increased, while 16% said they had decreased.

There were fewer encouraging signs for the fourth quarter. Thirty-eight percent of Facebook’s respondents anticipate increased expenditure, while 51% anticipate a decrease or stagnation in budgets. Instagram does a little better, but it still lags behind Google Search.

The difference is important to investors.

Google and Meta still dominate large, expanding advertising companies. According to the Bank of America report, ChatGPT has not dismantled that hierarchy.

ChatGPT is now fighting for advertiser funds, which is a shift.

Google Search remains the strongest current platform in BofA’s survey. However, ChatGPT ranked highest among marketers when asked where they anticipate the most growth over the next 12 months.

Because of this, the fight is more about where the next dollar will go than it is about where advertising funds are today.

Related: Bank of America sees a buyer problem for gold

Why we love this deal

Lighting up your outdoor space makes it easier to use during the longer nights, while also offering peace of mind. Solar lights are a no-brainer, charging during the day and staying lit all night, but motion sensor lights make them even more versatile. Equipping your house with motion sensor lights helps deter burglars while also offering easy lighting when you get home late, walk the dog before bed, or just want to spend some time outside. 

We’ve found an even more versatile option that offers lighting that can be hung anywhere around your home. The Peuhop Solar Motion Sensor Lantern 4-Pack offers 120-degree motion detection and a wide range of lighting to keep your home lit at night. This four-pack is on sale for just $30 right now at Walmart. 

Peuhop Motion-Sensor Solar Lantern 4-Pack, $30 (was $36) at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

These lights feature three modes and 322 square feet of lighting coverage, making them great for your backyard, front porch, or even using them in a pinch, like an emergency or for camping. The modes include motion-bright, motion sensor, and constant glow, and the lanterns are compatible with all standard bulbs, including E26 base bulbs up to 60W bulbs. 

They come with a setup kit to screw them into fence posts or walls, but the built-in holes also allow them to be strung up with cord or tent rope if needed. They’re storm resistant, IP65 waterproof rated, frost resistant, heat resistant, and sunproof. The 120-degree motion sensor activates when movement is sensed within up to eight meters, offering a wide range of lighting and protection. 

Related: Amazon’s 8-pack of waterproof solar lights that stay lit for up to 15 hours is just $37

The efficient 1,800 mAh battery charges during the day and then offers light in the evening, automatically turning off again once it senses sunlight. The large solar panel on the front of the lanterns offers a wide area for solar power, and the lights can produce up to 600 lumens of brightness per lantern. 

Details to know

• Modes: These lights feature a sensor mode, glow mode, and motion-bright.
• Motion sensor: The 120-degree sensor is triggered up to 8 meters away. 
• Weather-resistant: The IP65 waterproof rating, frost resistance, and storm resistance make them good for year-round use. 

One shopper wrote, “I love these lights. I have no street lights, and these light up my front yard like I had a street light. I bought four. They have motion detectors, and three different brightness options. I definitely would recommend these to anyone who needs light in their yard or driveway.”

Another buyer wrote, “I love the appearance of these bright small porch lights.”

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The Peuhop Solar Motion Sensor Lantern 4-Pack keeps your house lit up when you need it, and saves energy through the solar design. They’re super easy to place almost anywhere and light up a huge space, all for just $30.

Honestly, I don’t know why everyone is so surprised. I’m much more Main Street than Wall Street, and I knew the CPI year-over-year headline number of 3.7% was going to be higher than the 3.6% consensus. 

That’s because every time I pay a bill or make a purchase, the price is always higher than expected. I’m getting whiplash checking out gas prices in my town. Plus, I finally turned the heat on (very low) because life in New England is turning its usual chilly self, and those outside temperatures are only going to keep dropping. 

Now, I know I have no power over the Fed’s monetary policy decisions. I just cover what the U.S. central bank does and what its esteemed economists and policymakers say.

For example, the Fed’s Beige Book, released Oct. 14, was a bit “meh” overall, except for this ominous quote: “Firms in several Districts cited persistent uncertainty around energy and tariffs and expect that prices will increase further in the coming months.”

Inflation fuels tough price pressures across the economy

Now, over the past year of energy spikes, tariffs, the Iran war, and the hyperscaling of AI demand, everything in my life costs more, whether writing an insurance check, fueling my Honda Fit, or stocking my closet with new clothes due to the 60 pounds I’ve lost on a GLP-1 drug. (That’s another huge expense, BTW — literally nothing fits. My jeans are drooping down into dangerous territory. Even my shoes are flapping.) 

So with my dwindling savings, new penny-pinching skills, and decimated monthly budget, I’m leaning Team Lower End of the K-Shaped Economy. 

More Fed:

• J.P. Morgan sees Fed rate hikes going out with a bang this year
• October Fed rate hike hinges on two looming economic reports

Perfect example: There I was late last week just two days before hosting a birthday brunch for beloved family members and staring into an empty refrigerator. The kitchen shelves were just as sad. So, frankly, was my wallet. 

I scribbled out the ingredients for the casually elegant brunch menu, looked at the Whole Foods app and quickly realized it would cost the equivalent of the GDP of a small country. Then I checked the same ingredients on the app for my beloved local supermarket — Hannaford, a division of Ahold Delhaize, the multinational retail holding company based in the Netherlands. 

Those prices were still pretty gnarly. But I grabbed the car keys and headed into the store’s parking lot, grumbling, until I realized there was an Aldi across the street from Hannaford.

I banged a U-turn, as we say in New England, and made my food retailing debut at the no-frills German discount supermarket, which industry experts say is literally eating the lunch of other supermarket industry leaders. 

I filled the shopping cart with everything on the list, hit the register, and started to pull four $20 bills out of my wallet. The total: $35.69. 

I was giddily gobsmacked. That was less than half at the other two stores I researched. (And brunch was absolutely delish, according to the glowing reviews.)

Inflation creeps its way into Election Day

Monetary policy has two congressional mandates: maximum employment and price stability.

Fiscal policy is a tossup, most likely spewing political rhetoric or pork-barrel spending. 

So whether the Fed hikes the benchmark Federal Funds Rate a quarter point to raise short-term interest rates on Oct. 27-28, Dec. 8-9, or both, the increase will have very little immediate impact on my day-to-day life. 

The October meeting creates significant political and economic timing issues because a rate hike six days before Election Day might put the Fed’s independence under additional scrutiny. 

The December meeting will offer a fresh look at job rates, inflation, and economic growth.

Related: Fed’s Waller does ‘about-face’ on interest-rate outlook as inflation surges

But, if over the long term, the rate hike or hikes relieve the price pressures that millions of American households, consumers, and families are paying, then it’s worthwhile. 

Within days of the October Federal Open Market Committee meeting, many of these Americans will vote in the divisive midterm elections on Nov. 3. 

There will be important local issues on the ballots: roads, schools, fire, police, and other community priorities from State Houses to our own houses. 

There will also be 435 congressional seats, and 35 U.S. Senate seats on the ballot. 

Americans will vote with their inflation-laden wallets in 2026

My Spidey Sense: Many of my fellow American voters are not going to think about the bull market, the Mag 7, or corporate earnings when they mark their ballots. 

They are going to think about their wallets and the inverse correlation of high inflation and the quality of their lives. 

They didn’t need to know the September CPI was up 3.7% year over year, or that gasoline prices soared 9.1% from the previous month and are up 34.2% from the previous year. 

They know the foreboding feeling in their gut, the one that taints their bank accounts and shrinks their retirement portfolios. 

That’s how they’ll vote.

Oh, and after I cast my ballot at the high-school gym, if you’re looking for me, I’ll be heading over to Aldi after deleting the Whole Foods app from my phone. 

Bye, Felicia.

Related: J.P. Morgan sees Fed rate hikes going out with a bang this year

Why we love this deal

The design of the classic backpack hasn’t changed much over the decades, and it doesn’t need to, because it’s practically perfect in every way. When you have heavy books, a laptop, and other larger gear to haul around, the backpack makes it easier by evenly distributing the weight across your shoulders. The versatile bag is an ideal companion when heading to school or the office, but it’s also convenient when traveling through the airport. Because backpacks are such a practical accessory, we suggest going with a trusted brand with unmatched quality and premium materials, so you can use it for years without needing to replace it.

Investing in a premium backpack may sound expensive, but that’s not the case with the iconic Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Pack, which is currently 60% off at REI, bringing the original $90 price tag to just $36. Thanks to this deep discount, you could get one for yourself and one as an early holiday gift for a loved one, and still pay less than the original cost. 

Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Pack, $36 (was $90) at REI

Why do shoppers love it?

With a 24-liter carrying capacity, this classic backpack has enough space to pack a day’s worth of supplies. The roomy interior has a padded floating sleeve to safely stow your laptop and ample space for your hoodie or fleece jacket when a chilly fall morning turns into a warm day. The sleek exterior has three handy pockets, including expandable water bottle pockets and a front storage sleeve for items you want quick access to, like keys or a smartphone. If you want to use this backpack as a carry-on bag on your next flight, it will meet most airlines’ size requirements, measuring 18 inches long, 12.25 inches wide, and 6.5 inches deep.

Related: Hoka’s ‘supportive’ $190 waterproof hiking boots are 50% off at REI

Herschel’s backpacks have an iconic style that’s easy to recognize, and this one is no different. It’s constructed from a water-resistant recycled polyester and features the signature diamond detail at the top center. The material is durable and reinforced at the bottom, so even with frequent use, it won’t quickly show signs of wear and tear. One reviewer raved about the brand’s superior performance: “I can honestly say that the durability, quality, and style offerings of this bag are perfect for me. This is my third bag across 16 years!”

Details to know 

• Dimensions: 18 inches long, 12.25 inches wide, and 6.5 inches deep.
• Material: 100% recycled 600-denier polyester.
• Can it be used as a carry-on? Yes.
• Average shopper rating: 4.3 out of five stars.

Overall, shoppers have great things to say about this attractive and durable backpack. One shopper wrote, “It has places for devices, pockets for organization, and plenty of room for everything else. Comfy, simple, and stylish: what more could you want?”

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The Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Pack is a practical backpack that delivers on style and performance, and you can add it to your shopping cart for only $36 at REI.

The company has been struggling to significantly boost its sales as customers grow more cautious about their spending. Kroger revealed in its latest earnings report that its identical sales (excluding fuel) increased 0.2% year over year in the second quarter of 2026.

According to a Numerator report, shoppers have been gradually shifting their spending elsewhere, with more than $12 billion in CPG (consumer packaged goods) spending moving from Kroger to Walmart, Costco, and Amazon over the past year.

On an earnings call in September, Kroger CEO Greg Foran said customers continue to be “disciplined” with their spending in stores amid economic pressures such as “reductions in SNAP benefits” and “higher fuel prices.” He emphasized that “customers have choices, and it is up to us to provide them with that choice.”

Kroger plans thousands of corporate layoffs

Amid its efforts to win over customers during a period of economic uncertainty, Kroger has decided to shrink its corporate workforce, a move it claims will help make its in-store pricing more affordable.

According to a recent Bloomberg report, Foran sent a memo to employees revealing Kroger’s plan to cut roughly 3,000 corporate jobs across multiple departments over the next three years. It currently has 8,200 corporate employees, making this round of layoffs one of the largest in the company’s history.

“Simplifying means making faster decisions and deploying more resources where they matter most,” wrote Foran in the memo.

Related: Kroger loses $12 billion as customer behavior takes a turn

He said the company has too many layers and too much overhead. Foran revealed that Kroger will reduce duplicative work and use technologies such as artificial intelligence to streamline its workflow.

In the memo, he also said the job cuts will help the company put more resources toward reducing prices in its stores, enhancing the customer shopping experience, and investing in frontline employees. 

Kroger plans to share more details in the next few months about which roles will be affected by the layoffs.

Kroger looks to regain its competitive edge

Kroger’s upcoming job cuts come after it laid off nearly 1,000 corporate employees last year to cut costs, a move executed under the leadership of Ronald Sargent, who served as the company’s interim CEO in 2025.

Foran became Kroger’s CEO on Feb. 9, and during a March earnings call, he said his plan for the company is to double down on offering lower prices to shoppers. 

To help push this initiative, he said he will continue to remove unproductive costs from the business, modernize workflow, invest in everyday value, improve promotions, and ensure that customers notice the changes in stores. 

“The savings we generate will be reinvested directly into lower prices and better service for our customers,” said Foran on the call in March. “That’s how we will fund our growth. Customers want convenience and are increasingly shopping online to buy food. We have the assets to meet that demand, and e-commerce is a key focus area for us.”

Foran later announced in a May Bloomberg report that he was cutting prices on thousands of items in Kroger’s stores. 

Kroger faces mounting pressure as shoppers feel the squeeze

Kroger’s sales growth has “lagged food retail peers” over the past three years, Morgan Stanley equity analyst Simeon Gutman and co-authors wrote in an Oct. 13 analyst note obtained by TheStreet.

The analysts said Kroger must “improve everyday value by redirecting existing special promotional spending, generating efficiencies and earning incremental gross profit to fund continued reinvestment.”

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• BJ’s Wholesale customers will face a significant store change
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To accomplish this, they said, “aggressive, creative and surgical efficiencies across sourcing, distribution, promotional spending and overhead are needed, without compromising the customer experience.”

They emphasized that Kroger’s recent move to cut 3,000 corporate jobs in three years is “a first step, with savings earmarked for lower prices and frontline investment.”

Kroger’s renewed focus on lowering prices comes as consumers continue to feel the strain of economic pressures. 

Recent University of Michigan Survey of Consumers data found that consumer sentiment fell 1.8 index points from September in preliminary results for October. 

“Overall, sentiment for lower-income consumers and those with smaller stock portfolios dropped steeply this month, groups that have fewer resources to weather increases in prices,” said Joanne Hsu, a University of Michigan economist and director of the Surveys of Consumers, in a statement. 

“Frustration over cost-of-living continues to mount, as consumers across the political spectrum believe that the trajectory of the economy has weakened since the beginning of the year,” she continued.

Related: Kroger tests a significant change in store hours for customers

Why we love this deal

Fall and plaid flannel go hand in hand. From cozy throw blankets to equally cozy button-down shirts, it’s a fall staple that everyone can turn to year after year. As a fan of the casual button-down, I’m a firm believer that everyone should own at least a few in their closet. For fall, a plaid flannel button-down shirt is a must, as you can wear it during practically any kind of weather that the autumn months can (and will) throw your way, and still look comfortable and stylish. 

The Chyrii Plaid Flannel Shirt at Amazon is one of the more affordable options I’ve seen lately, and it’s on sale for as low as $20. You can usually get it for $27 at full price, but a limited-time deal marks down the price by 26%. Out of the 37 colors available, the black colorway will get you the best deal, but the prices vary based on the size and color.

Chyrii Plaid Flannel Shirt, From $20 (was $27) at Amazon

Why do shoppers love it?

With fall weather being so unpredictable, a flannel shirt is the perfect layer to get you through the season. This button-down option from Amazon is made of lightweight material that shoppers say is “soft and cozy,” so it’s great to pair with a T-shirt or a tank top during a warmer fall day. During those extra warm days, it’s lightweight enough to tie around your waist, too. And when it’s chillier out, you can easily layer it with a jacket or a hoodie for extra warmth. 

Even though red and warm-toned plaid is widely favored during the fall and winter, a black plaid colorway is even more versatile. It can be worn with a variety of colors and outfits, giving you a cozy and casual fall look. It would pair well with a pair of jeans or even a skirt. 

Related: Hoka’s ‘supportive’ $190 waterproof hiking boots are 50% off at REI

Details to know

• Sizes: From small to XX-large.
• Material: Polyester.
• Colors: 37 options, with prices varying based on size and color.

According to Amazon shoppers, this is a flannel “that keep[s] you coming back for more.” One reviewer said they were so impressed with the quality and comfort that they ended up buying multiple shirts. They shared that the shirt earned its staple status due to its comfortable fabric, relaxed fit, and its ability to hold up well in the wash without pilling or fading. The standout feature, though, was its versatility. “I can easily dress them up with jeans and boots or keep it casual with leggings and sneakers. They work great as layering pieces, too, making them suitable for all seasons,” they said.

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The Chyrii Plaid Flannel Shirt is on sale for $20, and it’s a great layering piece that you can wear throughout the fall season or even all year long.

According to the latest monthly numbers from the Canadian government’s statistics agency, the number of Canadian trips to the U.S. was down by 29% compared to two years ago in September 2024, Forbes reported.

Despite a small 7% bump from last year, the number of trips is still down from 2024 levels by 31% for car border crossings and 19% for air travel.

These travel numbers have significantly influenced how airlines plan their schedules for the coming year.

By the end of October, national airline Air Canada will phase out its routes from Montréal to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International (MSP) and Detroit Metro Airport (DTW), as well as from Toronto to Indianapolis International (IND).

WestJet cuts flights from Canada to Atlanta, Nashville, and Chicago

WestJet, which is Air Canada’s main competitor and the second-largest airline in the country by passengers carried, has also cut 10 flights to the U.S. from several Canadian hubs.

As first reported by aviation website Simple Flying, Edmonton International Airport (YEG) in the west of the country has taken the biggest brunt of the cuts, with axed flights to Nashville International Airport (BNA), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

Flights to these cities were periodically phased out throughout 2026, with the final Edmonton-Chicago route running until the end of October.

Related: Air Canada exits entire market

WestJet’s Executive VP and Chief Commercial Officer John Weatherill had previously presented flight cuts as “difficult decisions” that need to be made so the airline remains economically viable for the future.

The cancellation of routes out of Edmonton is in line with airlines’ wider strategy of shelving flights from smaller regional cities to prioritize routes from major hubs, through which travelers from other places can transfer.

WestJet also axed flights to Nashville and Boston from Vancouver

This year, WestJet has also suspended service to Nashville, Boston Logan International (BOS), Nashville, and Lihue Airport (LIH) in Hawaii from Vancouver International (YVR), as well as a route between Winnipeg International (YWG) and Nashville.

As part of its network shake-up, WestJet has also added new international destinations such as Merida in Mexico and São Paulo in Brazil from Calgary, along with Belize City from Calgary.

More Travel News:

• Airline to launch unusual new flight to Cayman Islands from the U.S.
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The move is part of the airline’s efforts to pivot away from destinations seeing lower demand — throughout 2025 and 2026, this has meant the United States — and toward places where Canadians are increasingly looking to travel.

“We saw a notable decline in transborder travel demand throughout 2025,” Julia Kaiser, WestJet’s media relations adviser, has previously said of the cuts.

“As a result, we made timely decisions to modify our network to stay aligned with where Canadians want to go.”

Related: WestJet permanently exits 13 markets

Dell Technologies (DELL) ranked first in three-year vendor spending intentions, ahead of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and Pure Storage (PSTG). Dell sells PCs, servers, storage systems, and other technology infrastructure to businesses and cloud providers. 

Morgan Stanley (MS) analyst Erik Woodring found a less obvious reason behind the stronger spending plans. Higher equipment prices and purchases moved forward from 2027 are providing more of the near-term lift than a fresh jump in on-premise AI demand.

More than 70% of CIOs expect server, storage, or PC budgets to flatten or decline by 2028. Morgan Stanley also found little quarter-to-quarter change in the share of AI workloads companies expect to run on their own hardware. 

That concern is already showing up elsewhere on Wall Street.

Dell shares were down about 11% in Oct. 14’s midday trading, with HPE down roughly 7.7% and NetApp (NTAP) about 6.9%. Barclays downgraded all three companies to Equal Weight from Overweight, citing higher valuations and a lack of a meaningful enterprise AI growth inflection.

Higher prices are pulling hardware purchases forward

CIOs are paying substantially more for the same types of equipment than they were a year ago.

Also read: Delta CEO delivers curt 10-word response to Elon Musk’s attack

Morgan Stanley’s survey shows both the price pressure and how companies are responding:

• Storage arrays: Prices are up about 15% from a year earlier; 40% of CIOs have moved some planned 2027 storage purchases into 2026.
• Traditional servers: Prices are up about 14%; 43% of CIOs are pulling some 2027 server spending forward.
• PCs: Prices are up about 10%; 32% of CIOs are buying some equipment earlier than originally planned.

The price increases reported for storage, servers, and PCs were roughly twice as large as those recorded in Morgan Stanley’s first-quarter survey. The share of CIOs moving 2027 purchases into 2026 also rose from the bank’s second-quarter survey.

Memory is one reason servers and storage systems are getting more expensive. Those products use large amounts of DRAM and NAND, and AI data centers are taking up more memory-production capacity.

TrendForce expects conventional DRAM contract prices to rise another 10% to 15% in the fourth quarter, with NAND Flash prices climbing 15% to 20%. Enterprise SSD prices could rise even faster.

Buying equipment earlier can help hardware vendors generate more revenue in 2026. Some of those orders, however, would otherwise have landed in 2027.

That creates a risk once the early purchases run their course. Morgan Stanley said 75% to 83% of CIOs are already making some pull-forward adjustment to their 2026 hardware budgets because of higher prices, longer lead times, or supply-chain uncertainty.

Dell leads CIO plans, and storage looks strongest

Dell recorded a 31% three-year net spending intention, the highest among hardware vendors in Morgan Stanley’s survey and four percentage points above its first-quarter reading.

The next strongest vendors were:

• HPE: 28%
• Pure Storage: 22%
• NetApp: 18%

Net spending intention measures the percentage of CIOs expecting to spend more with a vendor minus the percentage expecting to spend less.

IBM (IBM) and HP Inc. (HPQ) both fell to 13%. Logitech (LOGI) was the only vendor with a negative reading, at minus 2%.

Dell also ranked first when CIOs were asked which storage provider was best positioned to capture new growth areas, including AI-optimized systems, cloud, and flash storage. Thirty-five percent selected Dell, up from 26% in Morgan Stanley’s previous survey. HPE ranked second at 25%.

Dell’s latest earnings show that stronger hardware demand is already reaching its financial results.

Fiscal second-quarter revenue rose 58% from a year earlier to $47 billion. Storage revenue increased 26%, and traditional server and networking revenue more than doubled.

Morgan Stanley still rates Dell Equal-weight. Woodring’s most recent Dell recommendation carries a $511 price target, so the survey’s strong spending results do not represent a rating upgrade.

Storage also has the strongest category-level outlook in the survey.

CIOs expect storage spending to grow 4.3% in 2027, ahead of PCs at 3.6% and servers at 3.3%.

AI provides a clearer boost to storage capacity than to computing capacity. A net 60% of CIOs expect their need for all-flash storage to increase over the next 12 months because of AI workloads, compared with 48% expecting an increase in compute capacity.

Related: How much DELL stock does founder & CEO Michael Dell actually own?

Most AI workloads are still staying in the cloud

Morgan Stanley’s survey shows why the bank is waiting for stronger evidence of an enterprise AI hardware boom.

CIOs expect about 29% of AI inference workloads to run on-premise or on devices over the next 12 months. About 71% would remain in the cloud.

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The 29% estimate is only slightly above the 27% recorded in Morgan Stanley’s second-quarter survey.

Companies are also moving only a limited share of existing cloud workloads back into their own data centers.

About 43% of CIOs expect to move some workloads on-premise because of generative AI, but those respondents expect to repatriate an average of just 9% of workloads. A year earlier, the survey showed an average of 10%.

Security and privacy ranked as the most common reason for moving AI workloads back in-house, followed by data sovereignty and token costs.

Those modest changes are important because hardware stocks are already trading well above their historical valuation.

Morgan Stanley said its IT hardware group trades at about 22 times next-12-month earnings, roughly two standard deviations above its historical average. The bank said it needs to see more AI-driven spending to support those valuations.

The survey also shows when today’s spending boost could begin to fade. By 2028, 75% of CIOs expect PC budgets to flatten or decline, compared with 72% for servers and 68% for storage.

If enterprise AI hardware demand stays near current levels, purchases moved into 2026 could leave fewer server, storage, and PC orders for later years.

Related: JPMorgan resets Apple stock price target amid iPhone panic

Back then, the chip giant paid shareholders an annual dividend of $0.20 per share. So, you would have earned $117.6 million in annual dividends, for a yield of just 1.17%. 

Ten years later, that stake is worth $273,588.57 if we adjust for dividend reinvestments. Notably, with every cent of dividend reinvested, you would own 766 shares today. 

In October 2026, the company pays shareholders an annual dividend of $2.60 per share, which translates to $1991 in annual dividends. So, the yield-on-cost has increased to almost 20% over the last 10 years. 

The Broadcom (AVGO) stock price has risen 2,637% cumulatively, or at a compound annual growth rate of 39.21%. 

Also Read: Broadcom CEO echoes Warren Buffett with warning for investors

Over this period, the $10,000 position held about 30% more shares than the original purchase due to dividend reinvestments.

If we do not reinvest dividends, the yield-at-cost falls to 14.9%, given the annual dividend will be around $1,493. 

Broadcom dividend key ratios

Payout ratios below are calculated from figures Broadcom reported for the third quarter.

• Quarterly dividend: $0.65 per share
• Annual dividend: $2.60 per share
• Dividend yield in 2026: 0.73%
• 10-year yield on cost: 19.4% with reinvestment, 14.9% without
• Annual dividend expense: $12.4 billion
• Estimated FCF in fiscal 2026: $49 billion
• Dividend payout ratio: around 25%

Broadcom is generating enough cash to continue its dividend hikes.

Given consensus estimates compiled from TIKR, analysts tracking the tech stock project free cash flow to grow from $26.91 billion in fiscal 2025 (ended in October) to $$49 billion in 2026 and $197 billion in 2030. 

At a 25% payout ratio, the company’s annual dividend could surpass $10 per share by 2030.

It means the yield-on-cost could eventually surpass 80% even without a dividend reinvestment plan. 

The cash behind Broadcom’s payout

Valued at a market cap of $1.70 trillion, Broadcom is among the world’s largest semiconductor companies.

Despite its massive size, Broadcom continues to grow at an enviable pace. 

In fiscal Q3, it reported record revenue of $29.6 billion, up 86% year over year. Artificial intelligence chip sales more than tripled to $16.7 billion. 

Its operating margin stood at 68%, while free cash flow surged to a record $13.7 billion.

The company paid $3.1 billion in dividends during the quarter, less than a quarter of its free cash flow.

What Hock Tan says about Broadcom’s cash

The key question for investors is what comes next.

At the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference on Sept. 8, Broadcom CEO Hock Tan said Broadcom will end October with a record amount of cash, stating:

“So we’re going to generate a lot of cash.”

The board could raise the dividend or buy back stock using this cash pile.

Paying down debt makes less sense to Tan because the company took on the debt when interest rates were much lower. CFO Amie Thuener put the weighted average coupon at 4%.

How much of FCF would go to dividends is “still a long way off,” Tan said without committing to anything.

“Well, give me three months,” he told the audience.

The board usually settles capital allocation at its December meeting, and Broadcom reports fourth quarter results on Dec. 9.

Is Broadcom stock still a good buy?

Investing in quality dividend stocks allows you to generate a recurring income stream and long-term capital gains. 

Moreover, the best dividend stocks like Broadcom consistently increase dividends each year. 

“Going back to 1960, 85% of the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Index can be attributed to reinvested dividends and the power of compounding,” according to a Hartford Funds report,

More Dividend Stocks:

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So, let’s see if AVGO stock is still a good buy. 

If Broadcom trades at 20x forward FCF, below its current 22.5x multiple, it could more than double in the next three years. 

Of the 29 analysts covering Broadcom stock, 27 recommend “Buy,” and two recommend “Hold.” The average Broadcom price target is $519, suggesting 45% upside from current levels. 

However, the yield-on-cost shows how Broadcom has performed in the past decade. The tech giant will not be able to replicate that performance going forward. 

Broadcom also relies on six custom-chip customers, indicating heavy customer-concentration risk. 

Basically, Broadcom remains a top buy for investors who remain bullish on the AI trade. 

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Why we love this deal

Most people want a good dining set, a nice pantry, and comfortable seating. However, you don’t necessarily have to stick to a rigid view of what those things look like. Sometimes a more out-of-the-box idea can be more fun and interesting. That’s where Amazon’s giant bean bag lounge chair comes in. It’s a fun and cozy seating option that probably doesn’t look or feel much like anything else in your home. And at over half off, this is a deal we can really get into.

When you apply Amazon’s exclusive on-page coupon, you can make the Maxyoyo Giant Bean Bag Lounge Chair and Ottoman yours for only $158. It usually costs $332, so getting it for an additional 52% off is a big win. You’ll realize exactly how big when you sink back into this cozy chair and put your feet up.

Maxyoyo Giant Pumpkin Bean Bag Lounge Chair and Ottoman, $158 (was $332) at Amazon

Why do shoppers love it?

This comfy pumpkin chair offers a one-of-a-kind seating experience. Not only is it well made, but it adds aesthetic appeal to your space, and it’s very comfortable, according to buyers. The boneless construction of the chair means it can be sent to you in a relatively small box that ships free for Prime members. Once opened, the chair and ottoman expand quickly thanks to the premium supportive shredded foam within. Although it’s listed as a bean bag chair, it’s actually filled with memory foam for a softer experience, and you don’t run the risk of beads going everywhere if the fabric wears over time. It’s soft enough for you to sink in, but still offers enough support that you feel stable. The outer upholstery on both the chair and the ottoman is a sturdy corduroy fabric that feels soft to the touch.

Visually, the chair will likely be the centerpiece of almost any room it’s in. The pumpkin-shaped design is a relatively modern silhouette, while the corduroy upholstery adds a retro-chic touch. The shape of the chair itself is one of the biggest reasons it’s seemingly so comfortable. The ergonomic design of the sloping sides and thick backrest allows you to lean back into it, succumbing to the overwhelming coziness. The fact that you can prop your feet up on the ottoman makes the chair the perfect spot for lounging, reading a book, or even napping. It can even be used as a small side table if you wish. This set would be just as useful in a living room as it would be in a dorm room. 

The overall dimensions of the chair measure 41.3 inches long by 41.3 inches wide by 31.5 inches high. The ottoman measures 20.5 inches long by 20.5 inches wide by 12.6 inches high. The chair comes in seven color variants, and you can buy it either with or without the ottoman. 

Related: Walmart is selling a $360 set of natural wood accent chairs for 58% off

Amazon reviewers had plenty of positive things to say about this chair and footrest combo. One described it as “so worth it” before claiming, “It’s so comfortable…The shape has held up really well.” The same shopper praised the set’s “thick material,” adding that they “would highly recommend.”

Shop more deals 

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If a cozy corner spot for relaxing sounds good to you, then the Maxyoyo Giant Lounge Chair and Ottoman is a great choice. You’ll only spend $158 if you buy ASAP. You can get this pumpkin just in time for Halloween!

Now, a new $99 ring could reduce the number of times you grab for your phone.

Hardware startup Natura is preparing to launch Interface, an AI-powered smart ring, according to TechCrunch. By pressing the ring, users can speak a request, capture a thought, or instruct an AI agent to complete a task without opening a phone app.

The pitch does much more than just measure your heart rate. According to Natura, a person may ask the ring to email meeting notes to a coworker, turn off a television, set an alarm, or reorder shampoo while taking a shower.

At $99, Interface also enters the smart-ring market far below Samsung’s $399.99 Galaxy Ring.

Because of this, Interface is an intriguing test of a larger consumer technology concept: whether AI can ultimately make a wearable useful for purposes other than body monitoring.

Natura wants the Interface ring to become a shortcut to AI

The interface was created with a basic annoyance in mind.

Typically, using AI on a phone still requires pulling it out, unlocking it, launching an app, and then speaking or typing into it.

Natura wants to eliminate a number of those stages.

The ring is expected to connect with agents and services, including ChatGPT, Claude, Grok Bot, Meta’s Muse, and Instinct, according to TechCrunch. Users can even assign different jobs to different agents.

Examples from daily life help people grasp the notion.

One may ask the ring to start recording the exercise while they were jogging. A user might request the schedule for the day after waking up. The ring might take notes during a discussion and then request that an AI agent arrange or send them.

Natura’s app, an iPhone Live Activity, or linked headphones may all get responses.

Additionally, the ring can communicate with computers and other gadgets. Carlo Edoardo Ferraris, the creator of Natura, told TechCrunch that he eventually anticipates AI agents doing more activities that now involve screen navigation, such as texting, accessing files, and completing forms. That is the product’s true goal, according to TechCrunch.

The interface aims to do more than just fit a wristwatch on a finger. It is attempting to use the finger as a starting point for software instructions.

The $99 price comes with a subscription

At its eye-catching price, it won’t be hard for Interface to get attention.

Samsung currently lists its Galaxy Ring at $399.99, four times Natura’s launch price.

Natura claims that many of the components used in well-known smart rings are also included in Interface, but the firm intends to keep the initial price cheap to promote adoption.

But that $99 amount does not represent the whole long-term expense.

After a free period of three to six months, Natura intends to charge users $9 per month, TechCrunch reported.

As a result, Interface becomes more of a hardware-plus-subscription offering rather than an exceptionally low-cost smart ring.

Customers’ acceptance of that model will likely rely on how often they access its AI features.

If the ring prevents someone from reaching for a phone dozens of times a day, $9 a month would seem acceptable. Yet the subscription becomes harder to defend if it turns into another gadget that mostly counts steps and sporadically responds to inquiries.

Interface still does the normal smart-ring jobs

Natura is not giving up on health monitoring.

Interface measures heart rate, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, sleep stages, movement, step count, and changes in skin temperature, according to TechCrunch.

The company says battery life should range from six to 12 days, depending on usage, with a full recharge taking about 100 minutes.

These capabilities are important because health monitoring encourages users to use the gadget constantly, even when they are not interacting with an AI assistant.

That could be essential to Natura’s plan.

If the user doesn’t have to remember to turn on an AI gadget before requesting assistance, it becomes considerably more convenient.

The biggest test is whether consumers actually stop reaching for phones

Natura expects preorders to begin in November, with shipments targeted for December or January, according to TechCrunch.

This will allow the business to gauge consumer interest in a physical interface specifically designed for AI agents.

The familiar annoyance that the technology aims to solve makes it seem appealing. Even though the majority of people currently have AI assistants on their phones, using them still requires interacting with a screen.

Interface is betting that removing the screen makes the assistant more useful. The $99 launch price makes that experiment relatively inexpensive.

The harder test comes after the novelty wears off and the $9 monthly charge begins.

For Natura, success will not be measured simply by how many rings it sells. It will be whether users start leaving their phones in their pockets.

Related: Apple’s $1,999 foldable iPhone creates strange twist for Samsung

The late Charlie Munger, Berkshire Hathaway’s longtime vice chairman who died in November 2023 at age 99, had a blunt explanation for why the early grind matters so much.

“The first $100,000 is a b****, but you gotta do it. I don’t care what you have to do — if it means walking everywhere and not eating anything that wasn’t purchased with a coupon, find a way to get your hands on $100,000. After that, you can ease off the gas a little bit.”

Munger made the remark at a Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder meeting in the late 1990s, according to published accounts of his comments.

He returned to the same idea at the 1999 meeting, arguing that people who build wealth relatively quickly tend to think rationally, seize opportunities, and spend substantially less than they earn.

Also read: Warren Buffett explained how he’d turn $10,000 into $30 billion if he were starting over

The first $100,000 is worth nearly $200,000 today

Munger’s target carries a different price tag today. Using the U.S. Consumer Price Index as a guide, $100,000 in 1995 had purchasing power equivalent to roughly $210,000 in 2025 dollars. The comparable figure for 1998 was about $197,000. The exact 2026 equivalent depends on the latest inflation data.

The milestone remains significant. U.S. median household income reached $87,460 in 2025, according to the Census Bureau.

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That means an inflation-adjusted $200,000 savings target represents more than two years of median household income before taxes and living expenses.

For households covering rent or mortgage payments, food, transportation, and debt, setting aside that much money can take years. Munger’s point was not that everyone should live on coupons forever. It was that building an initial pool of capital creates a foundation for future growth.

Related: Charlie Munger’s net worth: The late Berkshire Hathaway vice chair’s wealth at the time of his death

The math behind the wealth-building snowball

Consider someone who saves and invests $10,000 annually, contributing at the end of each year. Without investment returns, reaching $100,000 takes 10 years.

With a hypothetical 4% annual return, the target arrives in about nine years. At 7%, it takes roughly eight years. These estimates assume consistent contributions and steady returns, with no taxes or fees. Actual investment results fluctuate, and losses are possible.

The more powerful effect becomes clear after the money is invested. A $100,000 portfolio earning 7% annually would grow to about $197,000 after 10 years, $387,000 after 20 years, and $761,000 after 30 years, assuming no additional contributions or withdrawals.

Those figures illustrate compound growth, not a guaranteed market outcome.

The same principle applies to a larger starting balance. At a hypothetical 7% return, $200,000 would generate $14,000 in gains during the first year. That is twice the $7,000 gain on $100,000 at the same rate.

Also read: What is Howard Buffett’s net worth in 2026? The new Berkshire chair’s wealth & shares

Why Munger’s advice still matters

The first $100,000 does not make someone rich overnight. Its value lies in what comes next. Early on, progress depends heavily on saving, earning more, and controlling expenses. As the balance grows, investment returns can account for a larger share of the gains.

Munger’s advice also leaves room for reality. Extreme frugality is not practical for everyone, and investment returns are never guaranteed. Income, housing costs, debt, and unexpected expenses all affect how quickly someone can build savings.

Still, the central lesson holds. The first major pool of capital is often the hardest to accumulate because the money has little time to compound and every dollar saved matters. Once that foundation is in place, time and consistent investing can do more of the work.

“Ease off the gas” was never a promise that the hard work ends at $100,000. It was a reminder that building wealth becomes a different game when investment gains start adding meaningful dollars of their own.

Related: Broadcom CEO echoes Warren Buffett with warning for investors

The boxy French car arrived in 1948 with a canvas roof, a tiny engine and one job. It had to carry rural families, and as the legend goes, a basket of eggs across a plowed field without breaking a single one.

It became the car for people who could not otherwise afford a car. That is exactly the buyer Europe’s electric-vehicle market has struggled to reach.

Battery-powered cars have stayed expensive for many households, even as governments push drivers away from gasoline. Chinese automakers have moved quickly to fill the gap with cheaper models, and European brands have been playing catch-up.

Now Citroën wants to run the old playbook with a plug. The Stellantis (STLA) brand unveiled an all-electric version of the 2CV at the Paris Motor Show on Monday, Oct. 12, and it is aiming for a price of about €15,000, or roughly $17,000.

The catch is timing. What Citroën showed in Paris is a concept car, and the production version is not due until the end of 2028.

Citroën’s electric 2CV concept by the numbers

The concept “previews a production car due by 2028,” Citroën said, according to InsideEVs. The timing lines up with the original car’s 80th anniversary.

The retro styling grabs the attention, but the numbers matter more. Here is what Citroën has disclosed so far, per InsideEVs:

• Length: 3.76 meters, or about 148 inches, a little shorter than the original 2CV
• Target weight: about 1,000 kilograms, or roughly 2,205 pounds
• Target price: about €15,000
• Timing: a production model due by the end of 2028
• Still unknown: battery size, driving range, charging speed and power output

The weight target is the detail I would watch most closely. A lighter car can run on a smaller battery, and the battery is the single biggest cost in most EVs.

The production car will be designed to meet Europe’s planned rules for small electric cars, Citroën said. The European Commission has proposed a new category for EVs up to 4.2 meters long that would freeze regulatory requirements for ten years, InsideEVs reported.

Related: Stellantis makes a decision some Ram pickup fans will hate

In Citroën’s own lineup, the new car would slot between the tiny Ami and the C3 hatchback, InsideEVs reported. The brand could also offer it as a small van, according to IndexBox, which would open a second market among delivery businesses and tradespeople.

The 2CV became an icon because of what it enabled people to do rather than what it contained, and that spirit has returned, Citroën CEO Xavier Chardon said at the unveiling, according to IndexBox.

Why cheap Chinese EVs have Europe’s carmakers on edge

Chinese brands such as BYD (BYDDY) and MG have expanded across Europe with lower-priced electric models, Gulf News reported. The European Union has answered with tariffs on some Chinese EV imports, but the price pressure has not gone away.

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Stellantis is playing both sides of that fight. The company holds a 21% stake in Chinese EV maker Leapmotor, according to Gulf News.

European rivals are chasing the same buyer. Renault’s Twingo E-Tech starts at €19,490 in France before incentives, InsideEVs reported, while the Dacia Spring and Volkswagen’s ID. Polo are also aimed at the budget end of the market.

The show floor tells the story. Chinese brands are set to have a strong presence in Paris this year, IndexBox reported, which puts Citroën’s nostalgia play right next to the competition it is trying to beat.

My take on the €15,000 price tag and what could go wrong

On paper, Citroën’s target undercuts the Twingo by €4,490, or about 23%. That is a meaningful gap in a segment where buyers compare monthly payments, not horsepower.

I would treat that number carefully, though. It is still unclear whether the €15,000 figure includes government incentives, which reach up to €5,700 in France, according to IInsideEVs.

There are three other reasons for caution:

• The calendar. The end of 2028 is more than two years away, and Chinese rivals will keep cutting prices in the meantime.
• The spec sheet. Without range or battery figures, nobody can judge yet whether the car works beyond city errands.
• The factory. Citroën says it wants to build the car in Europe, but it has not named a plant. Gulf News reported that Stellantis’ Pomigliano d’Arco plant near Naples has been mentioned as a possible site.

In my view, the brand’s smartest move is the one it made decades ago. The 2CV sold because it was honest about what it was, and a small, light, cheap EV does not need to pretend to be anything else.

Stellantis bets a famous badge can win budget EV buyers

For Stellantis shareholders, the concept is a signal rather than a sales forecast. The company has not published a volume target or a confirmed price structure for the production car.

It does show a strategy. Stellantis is betting that a famous badge, a light body and a small battery can close the price gap with Chinese rivals without relying only on tariffs.

That matters because the cheapest end of the EV market is where Chinese brands have the biggest cost advantage. If a European-built car can compete there, it weakens the argument that only imports can deliver an EV at this price.

The nostalgia factor helps, too. A recognizable shape can do some of the marketing work that a new nameplate would have to pay for, and the 2CV’s story about affordable freedom fits the pitch neatly.

For drivers, the message is simpler. If you need an affordable EV now, the electric 2CV will not help you until late 2028 at the earliest, so your current choices still come down to models like the Dacia Spring and the Twingo.

The bigger question is whether Europe’s carmakers can build a profitable car at this price on home soil. Citroën has now put a date and a number on that answer, and the industry will be watching to see if it holds.

Related: Jeep, Ram parent Stellantis announces $70 billion change

Miss that date and the IRS imposes an excise tax on any amount that should have been withdrawn but was not, a penalty that the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 reduced from 50% to 25%.

A single missed distribution from a six-figure retirement account can still trigger a four-figure tax bill on top of the ordinary income taxes owed once the distribution is eventually taken.

Also Read: Fidelity flags the RMD trap that quietly raises your taxes

The Dec. 31 deadline has a steep penalty for late withdrawals

The IRS requires anyone who has reached age 73 to take an RMD from their traditional individual retirement account (IRA), Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA, Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRA, 401(k), or 403(b) plan by Dec. 31 of each year. 

The only exception applies to retirees taking their first RMD, who may delay that initial withdrawal until April 1 of the following year.

Delaying that first distribution creates a trap that catches many first-time filers off guard. 

A retiree who turns 73 in 2026 and waits until April 1, 2027, must still complete a second RMD by Dec. 31, 2027, stacking two taxable withdrawals into a single calendar year, the IRS noted.

Missing the deadline means the IRS applies the 25% excise tax to the portion of the RMD that was not withdrawn. 

Account holders who discover the error and correct it within two years can reduce that penalty to 10% by filing Form 5329 with their federal tax return for the year in which the full RMD was required, the IRS stated.

SECURE 2.0 raised the starting age and eliminated RMDs on Roth employer accounts

The age at which RMDs begin has shifted several times over the past several years as Congress expanded the window in which retirees can let tax-deferred savings compound. 

The original SECURE Act of 2019 raised the starting age from 70½ to 72 for people born on or after July 1, 1949, and the SECURE 2.0 Act pushed it further to 73 for anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1951, the IRS outlined.

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Account holders born after Dec. 31, 1959, will not face their first RMD until they reach age 75 under the same law, giving younger retirees an even longer runway. 

The 2022 law also eliminated required minimum distributions on Roth 401(k) plans and Roth 403(b) plans while the original account holder is alive, removing a discrepancy that had long frustrated savers who already paid taxes on those contributions, the IRS FAQ page confirmed. 

Roth IRAs have never required distributions during the owner’s lifetime, and that rule remains unchanged.

Retirees holding both traditional and Roth employer accounts only need to calculate RMDs on the traditional balances, since Roth employer plan balances can remain invested without generating a required withdrawal.

How to calculate the correct withdrawal and avoid common mistakes

Each year’s RMD is calculated by dividing the account balance as of Dec. 31 of the prior year by a life expectancy factor published in one of three tables in IRS Publication 590-B.

Most account holders use Table III, known as the Uniform Lifetime Table, while beneficiaries typically use Table I for single life expectancy, the IRS stated.

At age 73, the Uniform Lifetime Table assigns a divisor of 26.5, meaning a retiree with a $500,000 traditional IRA balance as of December 31, 2025, would owe a 2026 required minimum distribution of roughly $18,868, Publication 590-B shows. 

That divisor shrinks each year as the account holder ages, pushing the required withdrawal percentage steadily higher over time.

Aaron Gaines, President and Founder of Gaines Capital Management, urged retirees to treat the RMD calculation as one component of a full-year income strategy instead of handling it as a standalone tax chore.

<strong>Tax preparation tells you what already happened. Tax planning asks what we can still do before it happens</strong>.

For people with multiple traditional IRAs, the IRS allows them to calculate the RMD for each account separately, then withdraw the combined total from just one IRA, the IRS FAQ noted. 

That flexibility does not extend to 401(k) plans from different employers, which must each produce their withdrawal.

How to complete your 2026 withdrawal without triggering the excise tax

Gaines recommended that retirees evaluate their full income picture, including Social Security, pensions, and investment gains, before deciding when and how to take the distribution. 

Retirees who are charitably inclined can direct up to $111,000 per person through a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) starting at age 70½, which satisfies the RMD and does not count toward adjusted gross income, Fidelity noted.

Retirees who have not yet started the withdrawal process should avoid waiting until the final weeks of December, since the process may take several weeks to complete, The Motley Fool noted.

Every account holder bears sole responsibility for ensuring the full required amount leaves each qualifying plan by the end of the calendar year, even when a custodian offers to calculate the figure or send reminders on the account holder’s behalf, the IRS FAQ stated.

Related: Retirees with $500K IRAs face a tax trap at age 73

Caroline Woods Joining me now is Dave Ellison, portfolio manager at Hennessy Funds. Dave, welcome to the desk. Great to have you.

Dave Ellison Good afternoon.

Caroline Woods All right. So stocks doing a whole lot of nothing right now following bank earnings. But we’ve officially heard from JP Morgan Goldman Sachs Citi Wells Fargo. What’s your biggest takeaway from these results. What are the banks telling us about the economy.

Dave Ellison Well I think the takeaway is that, the credit conditions are still very good in most cases, that the non-performing numbers are actually flat or down from a year ago. And so I think that tells you that, you know, they’re doing a good job managing credit and that the economy is not as case shaped as maybe people think it is, that there’s plenty of people at the bottom, but they’re making their they’re paying their bills.

Dave Ellison So.

Caroline Woods So even though JP Morgan missed on both the top and bottom line, we saw some mixed results from some of the others. The banks aren’t showing any signs of cracks in the economy that Wall Street’s ignoring.

Dave Ellison And I believe, you know, when you talk about myths, somebody predicted something that they were wrong, not the bank, right? I mean, so it’s this idea that they missed my number. Well, your number was wrong. So let’s get over the this missed stuff.

Caroline Woods Okay. Well, that could be why JP morgan’s higher. Actually, today we’re seeing kind of a split in terms of how they’re performing. Which of the four is most attractive to you at these levels right now?

Dave Ellison I think right now, if I look look at the big four, I think I think Citigroup has the most upside because they have the most to get better. They’re the they’re suboptimal on return on equity and assets. And that will improve. And that’s their goal obviously. JP Morgan is just you know, best in class. So you sort of have to own that because they’re doing everything right.

Dave Ellison And the other two are kind of in the middle. So I think you’re you know I think Citi has the best upside based on valuation.

Caroline Woods Would you say bank stocks overall are a buy here. Or can banks be healthy and their stocks maybe just aren’t attractive?

Dave Ellison Well, I think you that’s a good point I think. And that can happen. And it has happened in this sector before because it just doesn’t grow fast enough to compete with what’s happening in the rest of the economy. But generally, what it’s telling you is that the rest of the economy is in good shape, that we don’t have the nonperformance, that we have loan growth, that we have liquidity to support the growth of the rest of the economy, that we that is really more important.

Caroline Woods We’ve seen stocks continue to rise, not necessarily financial stocks. They took a bit of a breather in September. But you know the overall market thanks to tech rise despite a whole bunch of headwinds whether it be rising rates, oil geopolitical concerns midterm elections coming up. Does that concern you at all? Do you think the market is getting ahead of itself, or do you think this is a market that can power higher?

Dave Ellison Well, I think that, you know, as I said, a long time, the only problem with the market is the price, because earnings are fine. There’s plenty of access to capital, there’s plenty of new ideas, there’s plenty of new companies that are trying to change the narrative around how the world works. And that’s AI, that space, all these kind of things.

Dave Ellison So there’s plenty of that. The questions people are worried about the price. And my view is that, you know, that’s somebody’s opinion, not fact. But at the end of the day, there’s enough earnings, I think, in the system to keep keep the market from going down in any big way. So you sort of have to continue to play the game.

Caroline Woods So continue to play the games. Mean game means you continue putting money to work at these prices.

Dave Ellison I would, I would think so. I think there’s enough profit. And again, I think the banks are telling you that the economy is strong enough to support the earnings, which then will, you know, keep the yen. I think stocks will rise as earnings rise. That’s historic is what’s happened. And earnings are good right now. And I don’t see any reason why that’s going to stop.

Dave Ellison So again bull markets can be very challenging. It’s not it’s not fun to be chasing something you know and always trying to figure out what’s happening. So there’s a lot of stuff happening in the economy now whether it be AI or fintech or whatever. And it’s just confusing to people. And so it’s it’s, it’s you’re making money, but it’s not fun.

Caroline Woods So where would you be most confident putting money to work to make more money? What areas of the market look most attractive to you right now?

Dave Ellison You know, I think I think that’s hard to know. I think you you because again stocks you know, you may be in a great industry. The stocks just don’t work this year. They don’t work next year. So you got to say to yourself which companies are trying to get better. Which companies have a lot to get better? Which companies are innovating.

Dave Ellison Which companies are investing? So my view too is that if I, if JP Morgan came out next week and said, you know what, we’re not going to make any money next year because we’re going to take all of that profit and invest it in the business for the long term. But the stock go up or down, in my view, if you look at what Amazon did the last 30 years, that worked out pretty good.

Dave Ellison They invested all that money. And you look at some of these other companies that they’re investing a ton of money in their business to try to be competitive and stay competitive and stay ahead. That’s what you want. I think that’s what you’re seeing in the economy now. That’s why Wall Street is so strong, because people are looking to borrow money or raise capital to invest.

Dave Ellison And that’s why you look at the Max seven. They’ve gone from having all this cash to now people are worried about cash flow. Well they’re investing the money finally.

Caroline Woods

Dave Ellison After all these years they’re saying yeah I’ve got $100 billion in cash. Why don’t I spend it on new products and services. And so that’s why the economy is as strong as it is.

Caroline Woods So which names do you like.

Dave Ellison Well I think, you know, the bigger banks make sense to me. I think, you know, the, the, you know, the, the large tech companies, they’re investing and I think that’s that’s where you want to invest. You want to invest where the companies are investing. If they’re worried about profits and worried about making the Wall Street number, that’s not I don’t think, what you want.

Dave Ellison It’s never really work for long term either. The guys that chase profits and chase escalating area, well, we’ve had 510 years of up earnings. I don’t really care. What are you investing in. That’s why you look at know look at JP Morgan. What are you investing your your all your profits in. Are you paying all you’re paying dividends and doing stock buybacks.

Dave Ellison That doesn’t help grow the company. It just helps existing shareholders. So what I want is companies. We’re investing in AI. We’re investing in cybersecurity. We’re investing in new branches. We’re investing in deposit gathering systems. We’re investing in loan making systems. That’s what you want to hear. So those are the companies that I gravitate toward. And luckily a lot of companies are doing that now.

Caroline Woods So what I’m hearing is you like tech stocks. You like financial stocks. What areas of the market are you avoiding other than, you know, people who aren’t making a compelling case for investing?

Dave Ellison I, I don’t I don’t really I’m not sort of, you know, I’m a I’m a cautious bear, so I’m not really I’m, you know, I’m a cautious bull. I don’t necessarily think of what can what’s wrong. Right. You know, so I sit there and say, well, what’s what’s not a buy. And then of course the next year they do something spectacular, you know.

Dave Ellison So I think that, you know, where there’s a lot of competition and the companies aren’t investing. That’s when you want to stay out of that. So it’s a I think companies if most companies can do well, if they just pay attention to what’s happening. And so when you talk to managements like, are you really paying attention? You’re just worried about like me making money, me making a dividend, me making money on the stock buyback.

Dave Ellison That’s why Wall Street loves buybacks. That’s how they make money. That’s why they promote it.

Caroline Woods So I’m a retail investor listening to what you’re saying though. And I’m saying okay, so what’s the takeaway for me. What is it. What should they be doing at this juncture? I.

Dave Ellison I, I think a well thought out group of companies makes sense. You’re not going to necessarily double or triple your money, but that’s that’s luck in some degree because the timing is right. But I think that you’ve got to look at America as being the place where the investment is happening. The access to capital is happening and the momentum is there.

Dave Ellison And I think to be bearish is difficult because there’s so many good things happening even outside of this room. This is not where America is. It’s out. It’s outside, and outside is pretty good.

Caroline Woods Speaking of bearish, I don’t know if you saw, but Paul Tudor Jones was on CNBC this morning. He says 2027 will be a very challenging year for stocks and plans to be short all year. What’s your view on that.

Dave Ellison Well you know I he he’s you know probably a lot smarter than I am. And so that’s that you’ll give that is sort of a starting thing. And he’s looked he’s obviously looked at. He wouldn’t be saying that if he didn’t like do some research around it. But the end of the day he’s it sounds like he’s calling price.

Dave Ellison He says the problem with the market is the price, not the market. Right.

Caroline Woods Yeah. He did say well are you sure that you’re, there’s just very little of value. So.

Dave Ellison Right, right. But I think, I think that’s, that’s fine. But again if you had been able to hang on to your house in 2010 or 2008 and not get foreclosed on, you’d be fine today.

Caroline Woods Well, he actually was comparing the eye investment boom to the.com bubble. Do you think that’s a fair comparison?

Dave Ellison I, I think the, the companies that are borrowing the money that are raising the capital are a much stronger set of companies with much higher profitability. And I think they’re also smarter. They they’re, they’re they’re better managed and they have an understanding of what they’re trying to do. So and it’s amazing I mean, there’s a tremendous amount of caution out there.

Dave Ellison Everybody’s worried about it. I everybody’s worried about the price of the stock market is we’re about rising rates. They’re worried about the federal deficit. Right. This is this is wall to worry. Right. So that to me is good because that means the banks you know, the banks are worried about all this stuff. And Jay and Jamie Diamond would say that, you know, in spades.

Dave Ellison Like we got we’re we’re all right.

Caroline Woods Yeah.

Dave Ellison But that’s what banks should do. That’s what their job is to worry and not make that big mistake. So the fact that they’re concerned about all these things is actually bullish not bearish, because they’re actually thinking about what can go wrong.

Caroline Woods You raised an interesting comparison in your notes though about anthropic and OpenAI being the subprime mortgages of 2006. So are you suggesting that the companies could trigger the next financial crisis? Are you looking at this? Oh, my bubble burst.

Dave Ellison Well, I think the issue is you, those companies, as I say, you sort of gone from, you know, the mag seven to the Hail Marys. Right. And you but you need those companies to be successful because you’ve got all of this, this debt and these, these, you know, unilateral payments around this Ferris wheel that are going on. And I don’t think anybody really understands the full extent of it.

Dave Ellison We all think we do. But it’s like it just sounds complicated. Right. And nobody likes complicated stuff. Right? That’s what messes you up when it gets complicated, especially in the financial markets. And we saw that in 2008. You got way too complicated too quick. And it’s like it blew up on us. So but I think here if they’re successful they’re able to generate the revenues and therefore generate the cash flow to pay those, pay for those deals, pay for the debt, then we’re fine.

Dave Ellison But if they fall back, then that whole sort of Ferris wheel kind of like start to get start to get clunky.

Caroline Woods So we have anthropic potentially in November, OpenAI probably not until next year. Is this kind of a wait and see approach.

Dave Ellison See. Right. Well, that’s why the market reacted when anthropic came out and said their revenues were lower. Remember it was 70 to 50. It’s like, well that’s a big you know, that’s like whoa whoa whoa. And then of course it turned out it wasn’t the case. So I’m not really sure. I haven’t looked up that lately, but but if anthropic gets into trouble and they don’t generate the revenues or OpenAI or even SpaceX, for example, because they need tons of capital, you know, it’s going to be a problem for the market.

Dave Ellison So we should be cheering on these companies to to be successful.

Caroline Woods If the AI trade stumbles, can the overall market still hold up?

Dave Ellison It may not, but it’s not going to. I don’t think it’s going to affect the economy that much. I think there’s enough else going on in the world. And these companies aren’t, they’re not going to go away.

Caroline Woods

Dave Ellison Right. You know I think what was the big story Amazon went up and they went down 90% and came back. So it’s not like these companies are going to disappear. It’s like you can’t make money every day in the stock market. You got to sort it. There’s got to be a period of sort of digestion and and understanding.

Dave Ellison But right now I think the market is because profits are so good. It’s just hard for the market to go down.

Caroline Woods The S&P 500 bull market turned four yesterday. Do you think that it turns five.

Dave Ellison And be at the well again if profits hold up it probably will. I’m not saying the market’s going to go up 30% or 40% next year. But again it’s you know, profits are everything. And that’s what has been the case for the history of the market. And that that requires investment. It requires growth. And I think that we’re in a pretty significant investment cycle in the entire economy.

Dave Ellison Is everybody sort of just jumping on board? They’re saying, well, if you’re doing it, I’m going to do it because I don’t want to fall behind. And I think there’s enough money available on Wall Street that they can fund it, or they can raise equity or raise debt.

Caroline Woods So if you were my portfolio manager thinking a little bit shorter term, how would you have me positioned into a year end?

Dave Ellison I would I guess I would make sure that year over year you can sleep at night, you know, because there’s you’re going to get your your risk, your risk and fear level down to the point where you don’t care what happens because you longer term you’re okay. So I think that’s what I would say. If you’re nervous about what you own and you’re worried about losing money because this guy is right and this is going to be tough, then sell something and get to a point where you don’t care where you can say, look, I’m okay losing 10 or 20% on my way to getting a double in a couple in 3 or 4

Dave Ellison years.

Caroline Woods What if I’m just exposed to the S&P 500? I’m concerned. Okay. Is that too much tech exposure? Some are saying that I shouldn’t be that exposed to tech given how far it’s run. Should I be making a move into year end?

Dave Ellison Not necessarily. I think again, the S&P 500 is 500 companies now. Yes, it’s weighted with the market cap at the upper end. But if you’ve got 500 names in there and if you believe, you know, the economy is generally getting better and they can use AI to get more profitable or other things, then then you stay with it.

Dave Ellison But again, it’s your level of comfort. If you’re nervous, get below that nervous threshold and you’ll be fine.

Caroline Woods So if I gave you $10,000 today and said I’m willing to be risky, what’s the first thing you’d buy?

Dave Ellison Well, I think I buy the S&P 500. I take, you know, 50% of it put there put 20% in cash is that gives me a cushion and that’s me. I mean, that’s personally how I do it because I like to be able to say, you know, if something gets beat up, I’m willing to buy, but I don’t want to sell something to buy something.

Dave Ellison And the rest I would, you know, buy some individual stocks that I think.

Caroline Woods Are I want to know those individual stocks. Give me a few I.

Dave Ellison Think I think we’ve mentioned Citicorp.

Caroline Woods Yeah.

Dave Ellison We’ve mentioned JP Morgan.

Caroline Woods What about on the tech front. Memory stocks are getting beat up right now. Would you buy any of those dips?

Dave Ellison I think well you know, I think the memory stocks are fine. It’s just a matter of the market just is worrying about you. The other thing, too, is I think that there are companies that have a tremendous amount of excess profits now. And the question is what are they doing with them now we talking about investing. But if you look at Amazon, for example, you know, they went from selling books at a loss, trying to make it up on volume to being the largest cloud provider in the in the world.

Dave Ellison So the company took those profits that it eventually had and continue to move the company forward in the directions that they felt right. And they bought, you know, the the grocery store and all this stuff. Right? So the point being is that if you look at a micron, for example, they’re they’re spending a ton of money. I mean, they’re making a ton of money.

Dave Ellison The question is, what are they doing with that? They’re just going to buy back stock and pay a dividend. That doesn’t help me.

Caroline Woods Okay. So you wouldn’t buy micron would you buy Amazon.

Dave Ellison Well Amazon I think is a perfect example. They’re making a lot of profits there. They potentially could benefit mightily from AI and robotics because they have they’re moving a lot of stuff around. And then you look at Nvidia where they’ve they’ve they were a chip company and now they’ve invested in all these other businesses and they’re trying to vertically integrate and all these different ways.

Dave Ellison And so they’re basically it’s happening a lot faster than Amazon did it because the profits are so much higher. So if the company is just sitting there saying, I’m going to make this and that’s what I’m going to do, and they’re not going to try to move the company in a vertically or horizontal position in terms of trying to expand their business.

Dave Ellison That’s what that’s what. That’s why Amazon can be a, you know, a 20 year bull market stock because they went from A to B to C to D to eat up. And they’re going to continue to grow. They’re going to continue to to do that because that’s in the management as opposed to other companies. Just sit and do the same thing over and over again.

Caroline Woods Okay. All right. I think it’s a great time to pivot for our rapid fire this or that. Quick questions, quick answers. No hedging. Be ready.

Dave Ellison Okay.

Caroline Woods Stocks by year end higher or lower.

Dave Ellison A higher.

Caroline Woods Bull markets fifth birthday. Likely or unlikely?

Dave Ellison Likely. But the returns may be muted. Muted means we’re not going to go at 50%.

Caroline Woods Could we go up 10%?

Dave Ellison Probably. Yeah okay.

Caroline Woods Bank stocks or tech stocks for the next 12 months.

Dave Ellison I think tech stocks.

Caroline Woods AI infrastructure, AI software.

Dave Ellison Infrastructure.

Caroline Woods Memory cell up healthy shakeout or warning sign.

Dave Ellison I think it’s, shakeout.

Caroline Woods One memory stock you’d buy on a dip.

Dave Ellison I don’t know one well enough to pick one.

Caroline Woods Name ASML or TSMC ahead of earnings this week.

Dave Ellison I’m not sure.

Caroline Woods Nvidia or Amazon.

Dave Ellison Amazon.

Caroline Woods JPMorgan or Goldman Sachs.

Dave Ellison JP Morgan.

Caroline Woods City or Wells Fargo.

Dave Ellison City.

Caroline Woods Big banks or regionals from here.

Dave Ellison I think the bigger banks.

Caroline Woods Bigger threat to stocks, inflation or rising yields.

Dave Ellison Inflation.

Caroline Woods Ten year Treasury 6% or 4% first.

Dave Ellison Oh, say 6%.

Caroline Woods I trade more upside or downside risk from here.

Dave Ellison Downside risk, depending on what happens with the two big things, the OpenAI and anthropic.

Caroline Woods True or false. The next 20% market downturn will be triggered by AI.

Dave Ellison I don’t think so. Yeah. So there’s something else out there. People are too afraid of AI. There’s too much negativity around AI to have that be the reason it’s going to be something else.

Caroline Woods Next market correction, buying opportunity or start of something worse.

Dave Ellison Well, it’s always always depends why the market goes down. But I would I would think it would be a buying opportunity.

Caroline Woods Midterms market mover or just noise.

Dave Ellison It’s noise now. It will be noise.

Caroline Woods Then finish these sentences. The most valuable magnificent seven stock is

Dave Ellison Probably Apple.

Caroline Woods The most overlooked opportunity outside of AI is.

Dave Ellison Defense related spending.

Caroline Woods The biggest risk to this bull market that investors are ignoring is.

Dave Ellison Ignoring.

Caroline Woods Or just the biggest risk to this bull market is.

Dave Ellison The biggest risk is the the fed. The fed decides to do something extreme.

Caroline Woods Like hike many times.

Dave Ellison Hike many times, or lower, or do something that they don’t telegraph enough in. The market gets surprised by.

Caroline Woods The first sign this bull market is in real trouble will be.

Dave Ellison When you start getting redemptions, out of the index funds. Because if your value in different on the way up, you’re going to be value in price and different on the way down.

Caroline Woods If I could only buy one stock for 2027, it would be.

Dave Ellison I’d probably say Amazon. Still surprisingly.

Caroline Woods All right. We’ll leave it there. Thanks so much for playing along and for all your insights. That’s Dave Ellison, portfolio manager at Hennessy Funds. If you enjoyed this street talk, check out our full interview with Adam Turnquist He has an S&P 8000 price target by year end, and breaks down the charts that are most compelling to him at these levels.

Why we love this deal

Spending more time in the great outdoors is one of the best things about autumn. Few things are more enjoyable than leaning back in your patio sofa and enjoying a nice drink under your backyard gazebo. The only thing that can make that experience even more enjoyable is the knowledge that you got a great deal on the said patio set. If you’re on the hunt for a set to occupy your space, we’ve got you covered. Walmart offers discounts so good that you’ll want to act fast before prices or stock changes. 

Anyone who prefers a modular setup should consider the Tappio Wicker Sectional Patio Set, which can be had for just $110 for the five-piece set. Two of the variants are already out of stock, with only two remaining, so time is of the essence if this sounds like your kind of deal.

Tappio Wicker Sectional Patio Set, $110 (was $370) at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

It’s rare to find a patio set like this at such a low price point, so it’s no surprise that some options are sold out already. It’s well constructed, adaptable, and lovely to look at. The set includes a loveseat, a chaise lounge, and a moderately-sized coffee table. The loveseat and chaise can be pushed together to create a full-sized sectional, or used as separates. The powder-coated steel frames are rustproof and corrosion resistant, making them perfect for year-round outdoor use. Instead of leaving the steel frames exposed, each piece is wrapped in rattan wicker to elevate the appearance and durability. The wicker is weatherproof and fade resistant, further bolstering their credibility as furniture fit for exposure to the elements. 

The dark-toned wicker is a lovely contrast to the creamy hue of the cushions. Furthermore, the rugged natural fibers of the wicker add depth, alongside the cool modern look of the stainless steel and glass table. You have your choice of either black or brown wicker, though either would look exceptional in any backyard. 

The loveseat and chaise lounger have soft cushions that are thick enough to deliver comfort while still providing ample support to your legs and back. The cushions each have a zipper enclosure, which lets you remove the cover for proper care. The covers are machine washable and can be tumble dried on the low heat setting. They’re also water resistant, so you don’t have to worry if the set is exposed to the elements, although it’s suggested to cover it or bring it into a shed during the winter months when it won’t get much use. The coffee table measures 16.93 inches long by 14.96 inches wide by 11.81 inches high, making it ideal for afternoon tea or a few small snacks. You can quickly clean the glass tabletop with basic soap and water after every use.

Related: Walmart slashed the price of its $600 7-piece wicker patio set to just $380

Walmart customers were very satisfied with the set. One praised its “absolutely amazing quality,” before sharing, “I’m using it as office furniture at work, and I receive so many compliments.”

Shop more deals 

• Serwall 3-Piece Patio Furniture Set, $194 (was $330) at Walmart
• Alpha Joy 3-Piece Outdoor Patio Set, $340 (was $460) at Walmart
• Lofka 5-Piece Patio Furniture Set, $191 (was $380) at Walmart

If you choose to buy the Tappio Wicker Sectional Patio Set, you’re getting far more than just a bargain. You’re getting a whole new vibe for your patio. The fact that you can have it for just $110 is just a nice added bonus. Whether you choose to configure the seating as a sectional or individual pieces, you’re sure to enjoy lounging in it for years to come.

Why we love this deal

Desks can be difficult to keep tidy when you need frequently used items nearby. Often, they end up with smaller items taking up the desktop, pens falling off the back of the desk, or losing items you need. Finding an easy and affordable way to keep everything put away while still keeping them nearby might seem difficult, but Walmart has a fantastic desktop organizer that might be exactly what you’re looking for. 

The Deli Mesh Desk Organizer is ideal, with eight compartments and a sliding drawer, this organizer still manages to be compact. This organizer is on sale for just $12 at Walmart, offering a 40% discount. 

Deli Mesh Desk Organizer, $12 (was $20) at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

This desk organizer offers a small but mighty option that holds tons of smaller items like whiteboard markers, staplers, highlighters, clips, and notepads, helping keep your desktop and your drawers tidy. It’s also a great option for the bathroom countertop to hold small makeup items like brushes and lipstick, and it can also hold crafting items. It measures 8.7 inches wide, 4.3 inches deep, and 4.1 inches tall, taking up minimal space on your desk, while also offering a lot of compartmental space. The unit is made from a sturdy metal mesh that prevents dust buildup and is easy to clean. It also allows you to more easily see your items.

Related: Amazon’s 3-drawer multi-storage organizer can help tidy desk clutter for $40

The lower portion includes a sliding drawer that measures 5 inches wide and 2.2 inches tall, offering room for smaller notepads, glue sticks, or eyeshadow palettes, while the upper space has eight compartments. The three front compartments work for super small items like paperclips, Post-it notes, or sewing supplies, while the back compartment is larger, offering space for large notepads or business cards. The sides offer two pencil holders that are split into four quadrants, offering room for pens, scissors, and markers. It also features rounded corners for safety and non-skid feet on the bottom to prevent it from sliding around or scratching up your desk.

Details to know

• Size: This smaller organizer measures 8.7 inches wide, 4.3 inches deep, and 4.1 inches tall.
• Compartments: This has four flat compartments on the top, a bottom drawer, and four side pencil holders.
• Mesh metal: The material keeps dust from building up and offers an easy-to-clean option.

One reviewer wrote, “I now have all the bits and pieces from drawers and boxes sitting in front of me at my desk. No more trying to remember where I put things; they are easy to see and access. Gone are cups, small boxes, and piles of stuff that were a stressful mess.”

“I love it. This is always handy on a desk to keep things organized. It also keeps pens, pencils, paper clips, etc. close at hand. I would recommend this.”

Shop more deals

• Marbrasse 4-Tier Desk Organizer, $20 (was $26) at Walmart
• Bexikou 3-Pack Magnetic Pencil Holder, $12 (was $16) at Walmart
• Livhil 4-Tier Desktop Organizer, $30 (was $40) at Walmart

The Deli Mesh Desk Organizer offers convenience and storage in a small package to help tidy up your desk or counter. Originally $20, this organizer is on sale for just $12 right now, saving shoppers 40% off. 

I’ve taken that bait several times. In fact, two of my five streaming subscriptions are currently discounted. I’ll probably try canceling them again when those offers expire.

So, while signing up for a subscription can take just seconds, canceling one can sometimes feel like a part-time job.

Also read: Netflix faces unexpected challenge as streaming prices soar

From streaming services and gym memberships to food delivery and online shopping subscriptions, consumers have grown accustomed to recurring charges that can be much harder to stop than to start.

Some companies require customers to call a representative, navigate multiple cancellation screens, or repeatedly reject discounts before they can finally end a subscription.

And with Americans juggling multiple subscriptions, even a few unwanted charges can add up quickly.

Now, a new consumer protection rule is taking aim at these practices, potentially saving consumers millions of dollars and countless hours of frustration.

New York City’s Click-to-Cancel rule, which took effect October 1, requires businesses to make ending a subscription as easy as signing up for one.

Companies that violate the rule can face penalties starting at $525 per violation and may also be required to reimburse customers who were charged after trying to cancel.

The financial impact could be substantial.

An estimate from the Roosevelt Institute, cited by New York City’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), suggests the rule could save adult consumers in the city up to $162.5 million and at least 600,000 hours annually.

And while the new regulation applies to New York City, the problems it addresses extend far beyond the city’s borders.

Subscription complaints have become a growing consumer problem

The frustration behind unwanted subscriptions is not limited to a handful of companies.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), complaints involving recurring subscriptions and negative-option marketing practices have increased considerably.

In 2024, the agency received an average of nearly 70 consumer complaints per day, compared with 42 in 2021.

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These complaints involve practices such as automatic renewals, confusing enrollment terms, and consumers being charged for services they thought they had canceled.

New York City’s consumer protection department received more than 100 complaints related to difficulties canceling subscriptions in 2025 alone.

During the city’s rulemaking process, one consumer described having to cancel a credit card to avoid further subscription charges after experiencing difficulties ending a service.

The problem has also resulted in major enforcement actions against nationally recognized businesses.

Amazon, Equinox and other major brands have faced subscription settlements

Over the past five years, federal and state regulators have pursued companies over subscription practices that allegedly made it difficult for consumers to stop recurring payments.

Some of these cases have resulted in substantial financial penalties, while others have required businesses to change how they enroll and retain customers.

Here are five prominent examples involving national brands.

Sources: Federal Trade Commission and New York Attorney General. 

The largest of these cases is Amazon.

In September 2025, Amazon agreed to a $2.5 billion settlement with the FTC over allegations that it enrolled consumers in Prime without proper consent and made canceling memberships unnecessarily difficult.

The agreement included a $1 billion civil penalty and $1.5 billion in consumer refunds.

In September 2026, the FTC announced expanded refund arrangements that increased the maximum consumer payment to $200 from $51.

What the new Click-to-Cancel rule changes for consumers

The biggest change is that consumers should not have to go through a complicated process to stop paying for something they no longer want.

Under New York City’s new rule, businesses offering covered automatic-renewal or continuous-service subscriptions must follow several requirements.

• Easy cancellations: Businesses must make canceling as easy as signing up, using the same channel. Even customers who enrolled in person must have an online cancellation option, such as a website or email.
• Clear subscription costs: Companies must disclose recurring prices, billing frequency, and cancellation deadlines or changes.
• Advance renewal reminders: Certain subscriptions with initial terms of at least one year and renewal terms of six months or longer require advance notice before the cancellation deadline.
• Price increase notifications: Companies must give customers advance notice of material subscription changes at least 5 days and no more than 30 days before the changes take effect.
• Free-trial protections: Free trials lasting more than a month must include advance notice before the first recurring payment, within the timeframe specified by the rule.
• No unreasonable cancellation barriers: Businesses cannot hang up on customers trying to cancel, provide misleading instructions, or unreasonably delay cancellation requests.

Importantly, companies may still offer customers discounts or incentives to stay subscribed, but those offers cannot obstruct or unreasonably delay cancellation.

The rule also addresses unsolicited merchandise sent as part of subscription arrangements.

When businesses ship products without obtaining the consumer’s affirmative consent, those items are treated as unconditional gifts under the regulation.

That means consumers cannot be forced to pay for the items or cover the cost of returning them.

The most significant provision concerns what happens when a business fails to properly process a cancellation.

Under Section 5-110.2 of New York City’s new regulation, businesses found in violation of the rule are liable for subscription charges imposed after a consumer’s first cancellation attempt.

However, the rule does not automatically guarantee a refund simply because someone chooses to cancel a subscription. Nor does it automatically eliminate otherwise lawful contractual obligations.

Subscription cancellation protections are expanding nationwide

New York City is not alone in cracking down on difficult subscription cancellations.

According to a September 2026 analysis by law firm Skadden, approximately 30 states have adopted some form of automatic-renewal or click-to-cancel legislation.

In 2026 alone, new or amended subscription laws took effect in states including Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland and Virginia.

These laws vary in requirements, including how much advance notice companies must provide before subscriptions renew.

For example, New York requires certain renewal notices 15 to 45 days before the cancellation deadline, while Florida requires them 30 to 60 days in advance, according to Skadden.

The growing number of state rules has become especially significant after a federal appeals court struck down the FTC’s nationwide Click-to-Cancel rule in July 2025 on procedural grounds.

For consumers, subscription cancellation protections still depend considerably on where they live.

New York City’s new regulation goes a step further than existing state law in certain respects, including requiring an online cancellation option even for subscriptions purchased in person.

That could make it easier for customers to end gym memberships and other recurring services without having to return to the location where they signed up.

How consumers can report difficult subscription cancellations

New York City consumers who encounter subscription problems can now submit complaints through the city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.

The city’s official Click-to-Cancel website allows consumers to report businesses that make cancellations difficult, delay requests, fail to disclose subscription terms, or continue sending unwanted products.

The department reviews complaints and may work with businesses and consumers to resolve disputes.

Consumers should consider keeping records of their cancellation attempts, including confirmation emails, screenshots, customer service communications, and billing statements.

These records can help establish when a cancellation was first requested and whether any additional charges were incurred.

As the FTC’s nationwide Click-to-Cancel rule was struck down by a federal appeals court in July 2025, state and local protections are particularly important.

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Bank of America’s October survey put a specific number on when that threat becomes a real problem.

The October Global Fund Manager Survey, which polled more than 300 investment professionals, found that the 10-year Treasury yield would need to reach 5.9% before managers shift meaningfully out of stocks and into bonds, CNBC reported.

The survey described that level as “nearly 6%.” With the 10-year yield tracking around 4.64% heading into the fourth quarter, the gap between current levels and that threshold is more than a full percentage point.

That distance is doing a lot of work in how institutional money is positioned right now, and the survey captures both where managers are willing to sit and what they are actually worried about.

Also read: Michael Burry doubles down on his stock market stand

The Treasury yield number that would force a real rotation out of stocks

Treasury yields and stock valuations pull against each other in a direct way. As yields rise, the discount rate applied to future corporate earnings goes up. That makes those earnings worth less in today’s terms and puts pressure on stock prices.

The question portfolio managers are always working through is the yield level at which bonds begin to look more attractive than equities. For the managers in BofA’s survey, that level is 5.9%.

Getting from 4.64% to 5.9% would require one of the larger yield surges in recent memory. That kind of move does not typically happen without a visible catalyst, whether that is an inflation surprise, a significant fiscal shock, or a breakdown in demand at Treasury auctions.

Survey respondents are clearly not expecting any of those things soon, which is the underlying reason they are comfortable staying long equities at current levels.

The survey also found that 76% of managers expect the Federal Reserve to hold rates steady at its October meeting.

A Fed on hold reduces the likelihood of near-term upward pressure on yields from the policy side. That expectation is reinforcing the sense among managers that 5.9% remains a distant scenario heading into year-end.

Where institutional money is concentrating risk right now

Technology allocations in the survey reached their highest point since August 2020. That reading covers roughly six years of fund manager surveys, and the driver behind it is not hard to identify: The artificial intelligence buildout has pulled institutional capital into tech at a pace that has steadily reset the upper end of what normal positioning looks like.

Consumer-facing companies have seen the opposite, with discretionary allocations hitting their lowest level since July 2008.

Within tech, the concentration has landed hardest in one place. Long semiconductors ranked as the most crowded trade in the entire survey.

Crowded trades tend to unwind quickly and in ways that look disproportionate to the news that triggers the selling. A single missed quarter from a major chip company, or a delay in a widely anticipated product rollout, can move the sector more than the underlying news would seem to justify.

July 2008 was a period of severe financial stress, and surveyed managers apparently see enough pressure on the consumer right now to put their positioning in that same historical neighborhood. Managers were also adding to bonds, utilities, Japan, and the United Kingdom, while cutting U.S. banks and domestic equities broadly.

The 2 scenarios managers flagged as the biggest threats

The survey‘s risk section produced two answers: a disorderly surge in bond yields, and an AI bubble.

On the yield side, the word “disorderly” matters. When yields rise over several months, portfolio managers have time to reprice positions and rotate gradually.

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What surveyed managers are worried about is something faster — a fiscal credibility shock or an inflation surprise that pushes yields sharply higher before institutional money has room to adjust.

That scenario is where the 5.9% threshold stops being a distant reference point and becomes an active problem.

The AI bubble concern shows up clearly in the positioning data. When long semiconductors is the most crowded trade in the entire survey, the underlying thesis does not have to be wrong for the trade to go badly.

Valuations in that space already price in a substantial amount of future growth. A regulatory development that slows data center buildout, or a slowdown in enterprise AI spending, could be enough to trigger a meaningful unwind.

Both risks are connected in a way that amplifies each one. A disorderly yield move would hit technology valuations hard, given how much of the AI trade depends on long-duration growth expectations.

A sharp semiconductor sell-off could generate enough volatility to feed back into the bond market. Managers are not predicting that sequence, but naming both risks at the top of the list makes it clear they understand how entangled the two have become.

What the 5.9% threshold means for individual investors

The 5.9% figure is not a forecast, and the survey is not a guide for individual portfolio decisions. What it offers is a clear picture of how the largest pools of institutional capital are thinking about Treasury yields and equity risk right now.

For investors watching yields and trying to understand when that movement starts to hurt stock returns, the survey provides a concrete reference point.

The professionals managing hundreds of billions of dollars have put a number on it. Everything below 5.9%, in the current consensus view, is something equity portfolios can absorb without a major repositioning.

A portion of institutional money is not waiting for 5.9% to start adjusting. Managers are quietly adding to bonds, utilities, and international markets while keeping core equity positions intact. Whether yields reach that level before year-end is something the Fed, the Treasury market, and incoming economic data will answer.

The survey’s signal, for now, is that the rally has more room than the yield conversation might suggest.

Related: Jim Cramer sends strong warning to stock market investors

Fidelity’s analysis estimates how a 22% Social Security benefit cut could affect a typical retirement portfolio, potentially reducing its value by six figures over a decade and forcing retirees to reconsider how much they can safely withdraw each year.

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) maps the damage across all 50 states, with no region escaping the projected shortfall.

The 2026 Social Security Trustees Report moved the trust fund depletion date forward by three months, to late 2032. For anyone within six years of that deadline, the numbers below are a reality check to run before any claims decisions.

Also Read: Fidelity uncovers the hidden threat to generational wealth

Fidelity estimates a $161,000 portfolio drag over one decade

The 2026 Trustees Report projected that continuing revenue would cover only about 78% of scheduled retirement payments once the fund is exhausted. Under current law, that gap would force an automatic 22% benefit reduction affecting every recipient if Congress does not intervene. 

Social Security replaces between 35% and 40% of an average worker’s annual pre-retirement earnings, making it a critical source of income, Fidelity noted. 

Applied to the current $2,071 average monthly benefit, a 22% cut would reduce a two-beneficiary couple’s annual Social Security income by roughly $10,935.

Fidelity modeled the impact of that annual shortfall on a $500,000 investment portfolio that served as the couple’s only other source of retirement income. Fidelity determined that compensating for lost benefits would require withdrawing an additional 2% per year from the portfolio, in addition to planned spending.

After accounting for inflation-adjusted withdrawal increases and an assumed 7% annual return, Fidelity calculated the combined drag at about $161,000. Without the benefit cut, that same portfolio would have grown to roughly $984,000 compared with only about $822,000 under the reduced scenario. 

Social Security’s funding crisis reaches every corner of the country

The financial damage extends beyond individual portfolios into the broader national economy, according to the CRFB’s “No State Spared” report. 

Applying a 24% across-the-board reduction to current benefits, the CRFB’s illustrative cut would pull an estimated $345 billion from retirees’ hands in a single year, the nonpartisan budget watchdog projected.

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Average monthly cuts would surpass $500 in 29 states, with Connecticut, New Jersey, and New Hampshire facing the steepest reductions. The CRFB found that Connecticut would absorb the steepest per-person reduction at $556 each month, followed by New Jersey at $554 and New Hampshire at $553.

Several factors accelerated the depletion timeline, including a lower assumed fertility rate, reduced immigration projections, and the revenue impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, according to the Social Security Administration. 

More than 63 million Americans receive benefits through the retirement program, including retirees, surviving spouses, and their dependents. 

In 47 states, more than 15% of the population would be directly affected, with Maine at 22.9%, the largest share. Aggregate benefit cuts would exceed 1% of gross domestic product in 40 states, compounding the pressure on local economies, the CRFB warned.

Retirement expert stresses that preparation remains strongest strategy

Congress has reached a deal to keep Social Security funded every time the program has approached a solvency deadline. The most significant precedent came in 1983, when a bipartisan compromise gradually raised the full retirement age from 65 to 67, Fidelity recounted.

Chris Orestis, president of Retirement Genius, told GOBanking Rates that pre-retirees must take the projected shortfall seriously without making hasty decisions, noting its potential impact on household budgets.

<strong>The program will not disappear within 10 years, and planning for retirement as if it could be gone is an unnecessary exercise</strong>.

The House and Senate introduced two bipartisan bills in 2026 to restructure the process for debating Social Security reform: the Bipartisan Social Security Commission Act in June and the PROMISE Act in July. 

Other proposals target specific policy levers, from removing the $184,500 payroll tax wage cap to enrolling newly hired government workers, Fidelity outlined.

3 steps pre-retirees can take before the 2032 deadline

The six-year window before projected depletion still leaves time to prepare, and Fidelity stressed that making claiming decisions with incomplete information could end up costing retirees significantly. 

Each of the following steps should be considered with the advice of a qualified financial professional who can develop a Social Security claiming strategy tailored to the household’s overall retirement income plan.

1. Delay claiming: Wait to claim Social Security benefits until age 70 rather than age 67. This can increase monthly benefits by approximately 24%, assuming the standard 8% annual delayed retirement credit applies, the SSA confirmed. The increase could help offset some or all of a potential benefit reduction, although the actual outcome would depend on the size and timing of any cuts.
2. Make catch-up contributions: In 2026, eligible workers aged 60 through 63 can contribute up to $11,250 in catch-up contributions to a qualifying workplace retirement plan, in addition to the standard $24,500 contribution limit. Taking advantage of these higher limits can help strengthen retirement savings before Social Security benefits begin.
3. Access guaranteed-income products: Fidelity also recommends considering deferred-income or fixed immediate annuities to help establish a predictable income floor. A stronger income floor could reduce reliance on Social Security and help households cover essential expenses, including housing and healthcare, if benefits are reduced.

Fidelity’s analysis highlights that households relying heavily on Social Security may face the greatest financial strain from benefit cuts.

Reviewing retirement spending assumptions and stress-testing withdrawal strategies now can help pre-retirees identify potential shortfalls and adjust their plans before retirement.

Related: Fidelity names the move that saves family wealth

Why we love this deal

While the snow isn’t here yet, the cold, rainy weather a lot of people have been experiencing due to the hurricane has been enough to pull out the winter clothes. A solid pair of waterproof boots can make all the difference during cold-weather errands, rainy-day school pickups, and really any type of outdoor activity. Taller boots that keep the puddles and snow out help to keep your feet dry and warm, and we’ve found a fantastically cozy pair of winter boots at Walmart that you’ll want to add to your wardrobe staples.

The Northblanc Waterproof Snow Boots are on sale for just $25. They’re taller than normal ankle boots without being too bulky, have a comfortable and warm fur lining, and are easy to fasten — even with gloves on. This deal saves shoppers 38% off the original price of $40.

Northblanc Waterproof Snow Boots, $25 (was $40) at Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?

These super warm shoes feature a faux fur lining that wraps the feet completely, keeping you warm while walking through snow. The inside has a soft black-colored fur, while the top features a puff of gray fur that keeps in warmth and prevents outside debris and weather from falling in. The outside of the boot is made from panels of Oxford cloth, creating a waterproof layer that keeps you dry through snowstorms and rain puddles. They reach your lower shin, allowing you to walk normally while preventing snow from being kicked inside the shoes, and keep your ankles warm while wearing leggings or jeans that don’t reach the ground. This also means they’re tall enough to tuck your pants into, preventing your clothes from getting wet while walking. 

Related: Amazon’s indoor-outdoor boot slippers are just $21 and perfect for fall

Designed for wet conditions, the rubber soles offer a sturdy and non-slip option to keep you safe. The enhanced traction prevents slipping on snowy surfaces, making them a great option to throw on to walk the dog while staying comfortable enough to wear for long periods, as the faux-fur inners feel like slippers. The hook-and-loop closure makes them easy to put on and take off, even with cold hands or gloves, and allows you to adjust the closure size depending on whether you tuck your pants in or wear thin or thick socks. Choose from three colors, including black, red, and blue. 

Details to know

• Sizes: These are available in sizes 5 through 10.5.
• Color: Choose from black, blue, or red. 
• Non-slip sole: The rubber sole prevents slipping on snowy surfaces. 

One reviewer wrote, “The fit is perfect, plus you have plenty of room for socks. I wore them out in the wet snow, and my feet stayed nice, warm, and dry.”

Another buyer wrote, “These are exactly as advertised. The fit is great, and they’re warm, waterproof, and of great value.”

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The Northblanc Waterproof Snow Boots offer warmth and protection from wet, cold weather, keeping your feet dry with a waterproof outer and fur-lined inner. The closure is easy to adjust, and they’re a super affordable option at just $25.

That ritual broke on Monday, October 12, 2026, at Six Flags Over Georgia near Atlanta. A rider died on the Goliath roller coaster and several others were hurt, CNBC reported, citing Cobb County officials.

Police identified him as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, The Associated Press reported. He managed technology at an Atlanta charter school where he had once taught, the AP said. Police said early interviews suggest he was thrown from his seat. How that happened is still unclear.

By Monday night, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (FUN) had shut down nine similar coasters at six parks. On Tuesday, October 13, CNBC reported that the stock fell as much as 16% to its lowest level since December 2009.

Also read: Six Flags permanently closes iconic ride after scary allegations

The closures hit in the middle of Halloween, the last big stretch of the company’s core operating season. The paused rides include these, AP reported:

• A separate Goliath at Magic Mountain in California
• Raging Bull at Great America in Illinois
• Nitro at Great Adventure in New Jersey
• Fury 325 and Thunder Striker at Carowinds in North Carolina
• Behemoth and Leviathan at Canada’s Wonderland in Ontario

Heavy debt makes every setback hit the stock harder

Formed by the 2024 Cedar Fair merger, Six Flags calls itself North America’s largest regional park operator. Before Tuesday, the market valued its stock at about $1.2 billion, according to StockAnalysis.

Its net debt was roughly four times that, at $4.9 billion as of June, according to the company’s second-quarter release. When debt dwarfs a company’s market value, a small dent in profit can move the stock a lot.

That helps explain why shares lost nearly a sixth of their value before anyone could size the damage. The stock had already fallen more than 50% over the past year, CNBC reported.

The real fear is thinner crowds. Season pass sales rose 7% this season on a same-park basis, the release showed. CEO John Reilly has promised “a stronger, more predictable business.”

Six Flags started selling 2027 passes on Friday, August 7, 2026, including this fall’s Halloween events, according to a press release. Plenty of families have already paid. Whether they keep coming back, keep buying food and renew next year gets decided at kitchen tables.

Insurance covers the lawsuits, not the empty seats

Florida personal injury attorney Mark Lopez-Trigo sees this risk from the plaintiff’s side. His firm, Padron & Lopez-Trigo, represents a guest suing Universal over a fall at Epic Universe.

In a written interview with TheStreet, Lopez-Trigo said a ride death usually brings wrongful death and injury claims, plus manufacturer claims if something malfunctioned.

Big operators carry layered insurance, he said, but also self-insured retentions “often in the millions of dollars per occurrence.” That portion comes straight out of earnings.

“The insurance tower protects the balance sheet from a catastrophic single-verdict scenario,” he said. “It does not, however, protect from the reputational damage that follows a fatality.”

Six Flags’ 10-K filing says park incidents could “reduce attendance, increase insurance premiums and/or retention levels.” Higher retention would leave more everyday claims, like a slip in a wet queue, on its own books.

Monday’s incident came less than two weeks after Magic Mountain retired its X2 coaster amid brain injury lawsuits, AP reported. Insurers will have plenty to raise at renewal time.

Georgia’s inspection records now carry real weight

Many riders assume Washington inspects coasters. Fixed-site rides have sat outside the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s reach since 1981, Lopez-Trigo said, leaving “no federal cop on the beat.”

Georgia’s insurance commissioner, whose office oversees ride inspections, is reviewing the incident, AP reported. Where inspections are robust, Lopez-Trigo said, “a documented regulatory violation can serve as powerful evidence of negligence.”

For shareholders, Goliath’s inspection file now matters more than any earnings model.

For families, he added, “a theme park ticket is not a contract that signs away your right to sue for serious negligence.”

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The stock now sits at Wall Street’s most bearish target

Before Monday, 14 analysts rated Six Flags a consensus Buy with an average target of $20.69, according to StockAnalysis. The lone bear, Mizuho’s Benjamin Chaiken, cut the stock to Sell with a $10 target in August, as the same data show.

At roughly $10, shares are now worth less than they were in 2020, when the pandemic nearly emptied the parks, CNN reported. The bear case arrived sooner than expected.

Truist’s Patrick Scholes still rated it Buy with a $22 target in September, StockAnalysis data show.

The next test comes Thursday, November 5, 2026, when Six Flags reports third-quarter results, the company has said. Investors will want reopening dates and a read on October crowds.

A roller coaster sells the feeling of danger, and it only works while riders trust that the danger is make-believe. In an industry that leaves coaster oversight to the states, that trust never appears on a balance sheet. This week showed how fast it can be marked down.

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Gina, a 56-year-old retiree, wrote to Suze Orman’s Women & Money podcast after her former employer’s benefits department recommended rolling her $1.6 million pretax 401(k) into a Roth 401(k) and then into a Roth IRA. The recommendation came from a benefits professional at her old workplace.

Orman had a response. The personal finance commentator has built a reputation for blunt, direct advice, and her answer to Gina was no exception.

Also read: Suze Orman flashes a 401(k) warning on saving for retirement

The tax trap inside a $1.6 million Roth conversion

The problem Orman identified is that moving money from a pretax retirement account into a Roth account is a conversion, not a simple rollover. Pretax 401(k) contributions have not yet been taxed. Roth accounts are funded with after-tax dollars. Converting a large balance makes the full amount taxable as ordinary income in the year it moves.

“With the utmost of respect to your benefits person at the place that you used to work, are you crazy? Really? I don’t know how else to say it,” Orman said. She called the plan “absolutely crazy.”

Converting $1.6 million in a single tax year would generally push a retiree into a significantly higher bracket. Higher reported income in that year could also trigger increased taxes on Social Security benefits and raise Medicare premiums through the income-related monthly adjustment amount, or IRMAA.

The exact impact depends on filing status, other income, deductions and the timing of the conversion. Orman said the caller would “owe income taxes at that point in time for that year’s income tax.” For a retiree no longer drawing a salary, that bill could be difficult to absorb.

The $100,000 move Orman says makes far more sense

Rather than converting the entire balance at once, Orman suggested moving $100,000 from the pretax 401(k) into a Roth IRA and paying the taxes on that amount alone.

Spreading conversions across multiple years gives the retiree more control over which bracket she lands in each year. It also helps manage taxable income in retirement, particularly before required minimum distributions begin, which currently start at age 73 for most retirement account holders.

The staged approach also preserves options. If tax law changes or income shifts in a given year, converting less that year costs nothing. Converting too much in a single year cannot be undone.

There is also a Roth IRA five-year rule to keep in mind. Tax-free qualified withdrawals generally require that the account has been open for at least five years from the first contribution. A retiree who opens a Roth IRA at 56 would need to wait until at least 61 before those five years are up.

The costly mix-up between a rollover and a conversion

What a benefits administrator calls a rollover may not be one. The two transactions share enough surface-level similarity that the distinction gets lost in casual conversation, and both involve moving retirement money from one account to another. But when a pretax 401(k) balance moves into a traditional IRA, the money stays inside the same tax-deferred system, and no income is recognized in that year. The IRS does not send a bill.

Moving that same money into a Roth IRA or Roth 401(k) is a Roth conversion. The converted amount is generally taxable as income in that year. Moving a Roth 401(k) into a Roth IRA is a rollover between two Roth accounts and generally carries no immediate tax, either, provided it is handled correctly.

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The confusion between the two is common enough that it can cost retirees significantly before anyone realizes the mistake. Benefits departments and plan administrators sometimes use the terms without distinguishing between them, which is part of what Orman was flagging.

Moving money between two tax-deferred accounts carries the least risk of an unintended tax bill. A Roth conversion is a different calculation. Done in pieces across several years, the tax cost stays manageable. Done all at once with a seven-figure balance, the math rarely works in the retiree’s favor.

What to confirm before any retirement money moves

Before any money moves, a retiree needs to know exactly what they agreed to. The paperwork for a rollover and the paperwork for a conversion can look similar at the start. One results in no immediate tax owed; the other adds the full converted amount to that year’s taxable income. Benefits administrators do not always flag that difference clearly, which is part of what Orman was pointing to.

A tax projection showing the estimated bill for the conversion amount should come before any money moves. Converting in stages across several tax years can help retirees stay within a manageable bracket and plan around the income thresholds that affect Medicare premiums and Social Security taxation.

The tax bill on a conversion should come from cash held outside the retirement account, not from the converted amount itself. When money is withheld from the transfer to cover taxes, the balance entering the Roth shrinks. That smaller balance is the one that grows tax-free, and a smaller starting point means less to show for the conversion over time.

Employer benefits departments can be a useful starting point, but they are not always positioned to give personalized tax advice. A seven-figure retirement account deserves input from a qualified tax professional or fee-only financial planner who can look at the full income picture before a large balance moves.

Why a benefits department is not a tax adviser

Orman’s response to Gina is a reminder that not all retirement advice carries the same weight. A benefits administrator can point to plan options. Assessing the tax consequences of those options for a specific retiree’s situation is a different kind of work.

A Roth IRA can be a powerful tool in retirement, particularly for retirees who expect to be in a higher bracket later or who want to leave tax-free assets to heirs. But the benefits of the account depend entirely on when and how the conversion happens, and what it costs in the year it does.

The retirees who come out ahead on a Roth conversion are usually the ones who treated it as a multi-year project. Converting what fits inside a given bracket each year keeps the annual tax cost predictable. A bad year, whether from a property sale, a larger Social Security benefit, or a required distribution that overlaps, can be absorbed without wrecking the whole plan. Moving a seven-figure balance into a Roth in a single year rarely survives contact with the actual tax math.`

Related: Suze Orman flags the Medicare gap retirees are missing

Regional security risks escalated further after Saudi air defenses intercepted several Houthi missiles over Riyadh. That attack suspended operations at King Khalid International Airport, damaged homes, and caused casualties, including one death and 11 injuries on Oct. 13, as the BBC reported, prompting carriers across the region to reassess operations.

Wizz Air confirmed it is pulling back from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai until March 2027, a spokesperson told Aletihad, citing extended airspace restrictions tied to the U.S.-Iran war that force longer routings and make the flights commercially unviable. 

The decision halts more than a decade of regional growth for the airline, which became the first commercial carrier to operate at Dubai World Central in October 2013 before expanding through Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and launching flights to Riyadh in late 2022. 

Wizz Air cancels winter flights to Abu Dhabi and Dubai 

Founded in 2003 and operationally based in Budapest, Wizz Air is Europe’s third-largest low-cost carrier, serving about 200 destinations across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. 

Fares are often low but exclude extras like checked bags and seat selection. The airline runs an all-Airbus fleet and often uses secondary airports to keep costs down. 

Wizz Air has confirmed it has delayed the planned restart of its Abu Dhabi and Dubai routes until March 2027. 

“Wizz Air confirms that it has postponed the planned restart of its Abu Dhabi and Dubai routes, cancelling all flights to and from both destinations for the winter season, from October 25, 2026, to March 27, 2027,” Aletihad reported. 

Last month, the carrier announced that it was resuming flights to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, alongside routes to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and Amman in Jordan. Then, earlier this month, Wizz Air announced it plans to delay the launch of some routes to Abu Dhabi until January, following security updates from Europe’s aviation regulator, according to The National. 

“Regional airspace restrictions extended on September 30 require significantly longer routings to these destinations, increasing flight times and costs and making both A321neo and A321XLR operations commercially unviable under current conditions,” the airline said in a statement to The National.

The carrier suspended its European-operated flights to the Middle East in February following conflicts in the region. The Middle East services include around 12 routes and 49 weekly flights to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan during the winter season, connecting the Middle East with nine European cities. 

“We regret the disruption to travel plans and will continue to monitor developments, reassessing operations as safety guidance and operating conditions evolve,” Wizz Air said.

Other airlines also adjust schedules for Middle East flights 

Wizz Air is not the only carrier adjusting its Middle East operations.

I recently reported on Delta Air Lines confirming on Oct. 12 that it has postponed its much-anticipated nonstop flight from Atlanta to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, until March 2027. The service was originally scheduled to launch on Oct. 23, 2026. 

Several international airlines have suspended, postponed, or modified flights to the UAE and Saudi Arabia amid regional security concerns and airspace restrictions. The affected routes and suspension periods vary by airline.

• Delta Air Lines: Postponed the Oct. 23 launch of its inaugural Atlanta-Riyadh route until March 2027.
• Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia: Extended cancellations between the UAE and Riyadh through at least Oct. 15 (with Etihad suspending all Abu Dhabi–Riyadh flights through Oct. 18).
• KLM: Its Amsterdam-Riyadh flights are suspended until Oct. 24. 
• Air France: It planned to restart Riyadh flights on Oct. 27. That date is now in doubt. 
• British Airways: Planned to restart Riyadh flights on Nov. 3, though that restart schedule is now  in question. 
• Lufthansa: Delayed its Riyadh restart to Oct. 15.  
• Air India: Suspended Riyadh flights until Oct. 15.  
• Cathay Pacific:  Suspended Dubai and Riyadh flights until Jan. 31, 2027.
• Gulf Air: Canceled all Riyadh flights from Oct. 12 until midnight on Oct. 17. 
• Singapore Airlines: Its Singapore–Dubai flights are canceled until Dec. 1.  
• IndiGo: Canceled flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah until Oct. 17.  
• Turkish Airlines: Canceled all four scheduled Riyadh departures on Oct. 8.   
• Philippine Airlines: Canceled its Manila-Riyadh flight on Oct. 8.  
• Air Canada: Its Dubai flights are suspended until the end of March 2027. 
• ITA Airways: Resumed Rome-Riyadh but suspended Dubai flights until Oct. 24.  
• Finnair: Suspended Helsinki-Dubai flights through March 27, 2027.
  • Sources: TheStreet, The National, Gulf News, The New Arab, Aerospace Global News 

Dates change quickly, so check each airline’s advisory before booking.

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