The Money Section | Is Gen-Z too financially optimistic?

͏Also, see why more people are having car issues. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ [The Charlotte Observer]( June 29, 2023 • Issue #39 [The Money Section] This week, we’re looking at why advisors are warning Gen-Z may be too financially optimistic, why the rise in AI is unlikely to follow in the footsteps of the late 90s tech bubble, and why car brands have been heading in reverse since 2021. Social Security’s COLA is falling behind. [COLA]( Rangely García for Money As inflation continues to decline, so are expectations for next year’s Social Security cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA). Advocacy group Senior Citizens League predicts a 2.7% raise in 2024 – the lowest increase in three years. Rising household expenses have outpaced the COLA, causing concerns among retirees who may struggle to cover essential costs. [Read more.]( 🤑 Is Gen-Z too optimistic? Generation Z is confident about retiring at 60 and living until 100, but experts beg to differ. Gen-Z’s $1.2 million estimate for a 40-year retirement is the lowest among generations surveyed, while [advisors warn of potential oversights.]( 💸 More Americans affected by NIIT. More people are owing the net investment income tax (NIIT) due to inflation and higher yields. This tax is a 3.8% surtax on investment income for higher earners. It applies when adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds $200,000 for most single filers or $250,000 for most married couples. [Here’s what you need to know.]( Don’t burst my bubble. [Bubble]( Andrea Chronopoulos for Money The stock market is booming due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), with companies like Nvidia and C3 AI seeing their stocks soar by over 200% and 250% respectively. Despite concerns of a potential bubble, many experts say AI stocks are unlikely to suffer the same fate as the dot-com bubble in the late 90s. [Here’s why.]( 📈 Wait, there’s more than stocks? Amid the hype surrounding an AI-driven bull market, it's important to consider the solid returns offered by fixed-income investments like bonds and cash. With rising interest rates, these lower-risk options are worth exploring – especially for those with short-term goals or a need to preserve capital. [Here’s what you need to know.]( 📉 Families are finally getting a break. Households are finding relief as the number of people that live paycheck to paycheck decreased from 61% to 57% in May. Easing inflation has contributed to improved buying power for workers, with the consumer price index declining to 4% annually in May. However, household finances have been strained by high costs, leading to [reliance on credit cards and personal loans.]( Car brands going in reverse. [Cars]( Money; Getty Images According to a study by J.D. Power, new vehicle quality has been declining since 2021, with customers reporting more problems with their cars. Basic parts like cupholders, horns, and door handles are among the areas of concern. [See which brands ranked highest for quality.]( 🆚 Auto Dealers vs FTC. Democratic lawmakers are urging the FTC to implement consumer protections for car buyers, while auto dealers argue that the rules would increase costs. The proposed rules aim to ban fees and deceptive advertising, require accurate pricing disclosures, and provide strong regulatory safeguards. [Read more.]( 🚘 Honk twice if you can’t get a car. High demand and limited supply continue to drive up prices for used cars, creating challenges for car shoppers. The shortage of lease returns, trade-ins, and rental cars has contributed to the scarcity of available vehicles. Additionally, higher interest rates have increased borrowing costs for all auto loans. [Here’s how you could save.]( Smart Money Move Get ahead of your upcoming move by reserving a move date [Moving] [Move]Moving is exciting, but it’s not necessarily fun. Moving companies can handle the packing, loading, and unloading of your belongings so you can focus on other aspects of your move instead of risking injury. Considering 65% of all household moves in the U.S. happen during summer, reserving ahead could secure you a move date, early booking discounts, and a much larger selection of movers to choose from. [View Money’s Best Moving Companies list to find companies with military discounts, free storage, and auto transportation.]( Stories we're reading this week - [Here's How Much Money Americans Think They Need to Retire Comfortably]( - [How to Find Affordable Homeowners Insurance in a Tough Market]( - [Even with inflation, pricing can be a puzzle for small businesses]( - [What State Has the Highest Gas Prices? Surprise, for Once It’s Not California]( - [Affirmative action, student debt rulings loom at US Supreme Court]( - [Spider-Verse Artists Say Working on the Sequel Was ‘Death by a Thousand Paper Cuts’]( The Money Section is written in partnership with Money Research Collective This email was sent to {EMAIL} because you are signed up to receive marketing emails or newsletters from The Charlotte Observer. If you no longer wish to receive emails of this type, you may [unsubscribe]( or [update your email preferences](. We are unable to monitor replies to this email. Please [contact customer service]( if you have any questions or concerns. [Privacy Policy]( | [Terms of Service]( | [View in Browser]( Copyright © 2023 The Charlotte Observer. All Rights Reserved. 9140 Research Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262