This week was full of economic news, from CPI and retail sales to central bank interest rate meetings. In case you missed it, we’ve included the link to Visual Capitalist’s map displaying the status of personal finance education in each state. And the final article might be useful for discussion with your students about romantic involvements and the important of how critical it is that couples learn how to talk about money.

Economics

• Seeking Alpha does a good job of summarizing and interpreting the announcement and press conference Wednesday from this week’s FOMC meeting. Note the “dovish” tone.
• Here is CNBC’s summary of the press release and a snippet of the press conference.
• While the Fed may be sounding more dovish, rates won’t drop fast are far or soon. The Atlantic explains the costs of higher rates, but then explains the longer run benefit. 
• Prior to the start of the FOMC meetings this week, Jeanna Smialek of the NYT explains what options the committee was likely discussing.
• November CPI was released during the FOMC meetings.  Consumer prices increased just 0.1% for the month, 3.1% year-over-year. (BLS)  Lower gasoline prices kept the overall index low, but rents and used car prices have been very “sticky.” (MarketWatch)
• Retail sales increased in November, although the expectation was another small contraction as happened in October. (Yahoo Finance)
• The European Central Bank also met this week and decided to keep rates where they are. (Reuters) The Bank of England is expected to do the same. (CNBC)
• While wealth increased for many in the US during the pandemic, poorer Black and Hispanic families did not experience the same increase. (Pew Research)

Financial Literacy/Advocacy

• Visual Capitalist put together a map of the US with personal finance requirements by state.

Personal Finance

• The Modern Love section of the New York Times has a project examining the intersection of love and money.  They published this list of questions couples should be discussing to get better at talking about money before taking the “next step,” whatever that might be, in their relationship.  

About the Author

Beth Tallman

Beth Tallman entered the working world armed with an MBA in finance and thoroughly enjoyed her first career working in manufacturing and telecommunications, including a stint overseas. She took advantage of an involuntary separation to try teaching high school math, something she had always dreamed of doing. When fate stepped in once again, Beth jumped on the opportunity to combine her passion for numbers, money, and education to develop curriculum and teach personal finance at Oberlin College. Beth now spends her time writing on personal finance and financial education, conducts student workshops, and develops finance curricula and educational content. She is also the Treasurer of Ohio Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy.