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The federal spending bill could make it easier to save for emergencies

Dec 22, 2022
Employers that offer retirement plans would also be able to offer a separate emergency savings plan.
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The economics of holiday markets, explained  

Dec 22, 2022
Here's how holiday markets help small businesses and artisans earn up to 50% their annual sales in the last six weeks of the year.
The Downtown Holiday Market in Washington, D.C. hosts 80 artisans and small business vendors and attracts thousands of visitors in November and December.
Courtesy Downtown Holiday Market

As inflation hangs over the holidays, advertisers target feelings over products

Dec 22, 2022
Instead of displaying abundance of materials, ads are leaning into things like family time.
Some advertisers have shifted their focus away from the material this holiday season.
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When community banking means easier access to loans

Dec 22, 2022
Institutions like the NYC-based Carver Federal Savings Bank emphasize community development as a core part of their missions.
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The housing market was a roller coaster ride this year

Dec 21, 2022
Those looking to buy have spent much of 2022 adjusting and readjusting to higher mortgage rates.
This week's housing numbers weren't a good sign for the market, but there's hope a slowing of interest rate hikes could breathe life back into the sector.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

To make the most of a new Ford electric truck plant, Tennessee neighbors need sewer help

Dec 21, 2022
Ford needed a sewer line to build its $5.6 billion plant in Tennessee. But neighboring communities now have to build their own wastewater system to accommodate new residents who come for the new plant jobs.
The town of Mason has its own utility system including water and sewer. Utilities have been the most difficult hurdle to overcome in developing the West Tennessee megasite.
Blake Farmer/WPLN News

The Bank of Japan hints at end of ultra-low interest rates

Dec 21, 2022
Despite global and domestic inflation, Japan's central bank held interest rates near zero. But it's just hinted that this policy will change.
By letting interest rates go up, the Bank of Japan could make government bonds more attractive to investors.
Philip Fong/AFP via Getty Images

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Community colleges continue to see a drop in academic staffing

Dec 21, 2022
It's often hard for community colleges to recruit instructors because of competition from other job opportunities that pay more.
Community colleges often compete for faculty with four-year universities, which usually can offer higher wages, lighter teaching workloads and more full-time jobs. 
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Despite challenging economic year, U.S. Trade Ambassador sees "a lot of accomplishments"

Dec 21, 2022
From the launch of the IPEF, to defusing trade tension with the E.U., U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai has had a busy year.
"This is not a partisan position. This is about the totality of the United States economy,"  said U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai. Above, Tai in November.
Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP via Getty Images

Government report outlines web of problems impeding tribal access to federal funds

Dec 21, 2022
Among the issues were costly delays and confusing guidance from varying agencies.
The GAO's report shows how the rollout of tribal relief funding has been rocky.
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