This week’s list includes the much-anticipated August CPI, which came in as hot as expected due to rising gasoline prices. There was also lots of interesting company and investing news. And don’t miss our on the link to a good parents’ guide to college.

Economics

• The August CPI report came out this week. Prices rose 0.6% month-over-month, and 3.7% year-over-year. Core CPI (excluding food and fuel) was up 0.3% month-over-month and 4.3% year-over-year. Average hourly wages actually dropped 0.5%. Speculation continues over whether or not the Fed will have to raise interest rates again, and if yes, when.
  • CNBC
  • BLS Press Release
• Surge pricing has moved from Uber and Lyft to gyms, restaurants, and more. (WSJ-subscription may be required)
• For Econ geeks, here is a great explanation of why, how often, and how large inflation index revisions are. (New York Fed Liberty Street Economics)
• Whatever your political leanings, the pandemic era child-tax credit raised lots of children out of poverty. Since it has not been renewed, the 2022 Census showed a dramatic rise again in child poverty. (CNN)
• Econ teachers (and PF teachers too) may be interested in this “Town Hall with Fed Chair Jerome Powell” on September 28. (Registration is required)

Company/Investing News

• JM Smucker agrees to buy Hostess for $5.6 billion. That’s a lot of Twinkies and DingDongs! (CNBC)
• For the first time in many, many years, the Department of Justice is going after a major tech firm on monopoly charges. That company is Google. (CNBC) (APNews) (Reuters)
• When you look at this infographic from Visual Capitalist showing search engine market share, you will understand why the DOJ is going after Google.
• Apple announced its new IPhone 15, and they have finally adopted a universal charger!!! (CNN)
• The United Auto Workers is set to walk out on major US automakers Friday. (apnews.com)
• Think Advisor breaks down the analysis of whether to buy Treasury Bills or Treasury Bonds when the yield curve is inverted like it is at the moment. 
• The largest IPO in the past two years occurred this week, as chip maker ARM began trading on the Nasdaw. (CNN)

Paying for College

• Inceptia has released its 2023 Parents’ Guide for College. This would be a great thing to share with the parents of your high school students. It addresses both financial and non-financial issues.

Managing Credit

• Michelle Singletary lists some myths and facts about credit scores. You could remove her labels and use the list to quiz students! (WAPO)

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.