The Money Section | Are we in a “Goldilocks” economy?

͏Also, student loan forgiveness is coming to 800,000 borrowers. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ [Fort Worth Star-Telegram]( July 20, 2023 • Issue #42 [The Money Section] This week, we’re looking at why Wharton professor Jeremy Siegel is seeing a "Goldilocks economy", how the unfolding strikes could affect the economy, and why 800,000 borrowers will still have their student loan debt forgiven in spite of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling. Home sales slow down. [Housing]( Money; Shutterstock The lack of affordability and rising mortgage rates have caused home sales to decline, with forecasts predicting a decrease of 7% to 16% compared to last year. However, the new construction market shows promise, with sales increasing by over 12% between April and May. [See what’s driving the growth here.]( 🏠 Mortgage rates are still high – for now. The historically wide difference between the 10-year treasury bond and mortgage rates is keeping rates high, impacting home sales and hurting first-time buyers. Though there are positive economic indicators, it’s still unclear whether mortgage spreads will narrow and rates will decrease as quickly as homebuyers would like. [Here’s what you need to know.]( 👧 Are we in a “Goldilocks” economy? Wharton professor Jeremy Siegel sees a "Goldilocks economy" with strong growth and falling inflation as a result of the Fed’s efforts to tame inflation without causing a recession. Siegel points to positive indicators such as revised GDP growth and resilient consumer spending for his optimistic outlook on the U.S. economy. [Read more.]( UPS vs the Teamsters. [UPS]( Shutterstock If UPS and the Teamsters union don't reach an agreement by the end of July, around 330,000 workers could go on strike starting August 1. The union argues for fair compensation and a share of UPS's profits, while UPS claims that part-time workers receive competitive wages and benefits. [Here’s what could happen if they go on strike.]( ⭐ SAG vs Hollywood. Hollywood's writers, represented by the Writers Guild of America (WGA), have gone on strike after failed negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The strike, which began on May 2, could have significant economic implications and disrupt TV shows and movie production. [See what the WGA is asking for here.]( 🎥 Movie extras vs AI. The recent strike by Hollywood writers and the subsequent involvement of TV and film actors has brought attention to the struggles faced by background actors. These lower-paid performers face threats to their livelihoods due to changes in the industry, including diminished residual payments and the potential encroachment of artificial intelligence. [Read more.]( Student loan forgiveness coming to 800,000 borrowers. [Forgive]( Shutterstock The US Education Department is set to forgive the student loan debt of over 800,000 borrowers due to counting errors in certain payments. These borrowers, who have been in repayment for at least two decades, will have their remaining balances discharged. [Here’s what you need to know.]( 💵 Some companies are helping employees pay off student loans. Adidas has announced that it will offer student loan assistance benefits to its employees, contributing up to $100 monthly towards loan payments. The move comes as companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of such benefits in attracting and retaining quality talent. [Read more.]( 🎓 Community college is making a comeback. Community colleges are gaining popularity as an affordable alternative to expensive four-year institutions. These offer lower tuition fees compared to universities, making education more accessible for many. Despite concerns about graduation rates and credit transferability, community colleges [are stepping up their game to support students.]( Smart Money Move Being strategic with your travel plans can pay off [Chain] [Travel]Ready to make good on all those travel promises you made? Make it easier on yourself with a travel credit card. Just by using the card for eligible everyday purchases, you can earn points or miles that can be redeemed for free flights, hotel stays, and more. No two cards are alike, either – some provide bonus points on any travel spending, while others grant bonus points at eligible hotels, grocery stores, restaurants, or gas stations. With so many cards that cater to specific travel needs, you’re sure to find one that best suits your lifestyle and preferences. [Pack your bags and head to Money’s Best Travel Credit Cards list to find the best option for you.]( Stories we're reading this week - [Would You Let AI Manage Your Portfolio? 41% of Investors Are Open to It — or Already Trying It]( - [Everything You Need to Know About Skiplagging, the Controversial Airfare Hack]( - [Thousands of Authors Urge AI Companies to Stop Using Work Without Permission]( - [Car Dealers Have Way Too Many EVs (and That's Good for Buyers)]( - [Death Valley Approaches Global Heat Record as US Reels from Extreme Weather]( - [They Had Great Credit Scores. Then They Retired.]( - [The Best Days to Book a Flight and When To Fly]( 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 Fort Worth Star-Telegram. If you no longer wish to receive emails of this type, you may [unsubscribe]( or [update your email preferences](. 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