HB Financial Resources

06/02/2026

Knowing how policies work can help people get the right coverage for their needs. Policies have different features, benefits, and ways of paying for things.

06/01/2026

The timeline for normal shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains an important focus for global markets.

Recent prediction market activity suggests uncertainty around how quickly traffic through the strait could return to typical levels, even if broader diplomatic progress continues.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global energy shipments, so changes in shipping activity can affect oil markets, fuel prices, transportation costs, and broader inflation trends.

Traders recently placed a 38% probability on traffic returning to normal by July 1, with higher odds for a later timeline.

While these numbers can change quickly, they offer a snapshot of how markets are weighing geopolitical risk, energy supply, and timing.

For households and businesses, the broader takeaway is that global shipping routes can significantly affect everyday costs, especially when energy markets are already under pressure.

Despite reports Iran could return the passageway to normal traffic flows within a month of a peace deal, Kalshi traders thought that was unlikely.

05/20/2026

Energy costs were a major driver of the latest inflation data, with higher gas, electricity, and fuel prices showing up across household budgets.

In April, the Consumer Price Index rose at an annual rate of 3.8%, marking the fastest pace in nearly three years. Higher energy prices accounted for about 40% of the total increase.

Gasoline prices were up more than 28% from a year earlier, while overall energy costs — including gas, heating oil, and electricity—rose nearly 18%.

The impact may extend beyond the pump. Higher fuel costs can influence transportation, airfares, grocery prices, and other everyday expenses as businesses absorb or pass along higher operating costs.

For households, these trends highlight how energy prices can ripple through the broader economy and affect purchasing power over time.

CPI gas price index has surged 28% from a year ago, while overall energy costs are up nearly 18%, new inflation data shows.

05/19/2026

The Senate has confirmed a new Federal Reserve chair, marking a leadership change at the central bank during a closely watched period for monetary policy.

The confirmation vote was 54-45, making it one of the closest votes for a Fed chair in the modern era.

The transition comes as policymakers continue to weigh inflation, interest rates, labor market conditions, and broader economic uncertainty.

The new chair previously served on the Federal Reserve Board and has been involved in monetary policy discussions during periods of significant economic stress.

As leadership changes, markets and policymakers will continue watching how the Fed approaches its dual mandate: supporting maximum employment while seeking price stability.

In the most divisive vote ever for a Fed chair, Warsh, 56, won confirmation to take over for Jerome Powell.

05/06/2026

Recent survey data suggests many households are feeling increased financial pressure.

About 55% of Americans say their financial situation is getting worse, reflecting a steady rise in concern over the past several years.

Affordability remains a key factor, with higher costs across essentials like housing, healthcare, and everyday expenses continuing to shape how people experience their finances.

At the same time, concerns extend beyond the short term. Many individuals report increased anxiety around long-term goals, including saving for retirement and managing future expenses.

While experiences can vary widely, these trends highlight how broader economic conditions can influence both day-to-day budgeting and longer-term financial outlooks.

The impact of higher energy prices and fears about covering monthly bill is taking a toll on public sentiment, a new Gallup poll finds.

05/04/2026

Preparations are underway for the next phase of lunar exploration.

The core stage of the Space Launch System rocket for the Artemis III mission has arrived at Kennedy Space Center, where final assembly will take place.

The component measures over 200 feet long and will be integrated with additional sections before launch.

Artemis III is expected to test key capabilities, including rendezvous and docking systems that support future missions involving human spaceflight.

This milestone follows the recent Artemis II mission and represents another step in ongoing efforts to advance deep space exploration.

The Artemis II astronauts may have just returned from a successful mission to the moon, but NASA engineers are already preparing for the upcoming Artemis III launch.

04/27/2026

Working from a café, airport, or shared space has become part of everyday life for many, but it can also entail additional privacy and security risks.

Public Wi-Fi networks, especially those without passwords, may leave data vulnerable. Even in secured networks, not all data is fully encrypted, which can expose sensitive information.

To help reduce risk, experts suggest a few simple precautions:
➡️Use a mobile hotspot instead of public Wi-Fi when possible
➡️Consider a VPN to help protect data
➡️Be mindful of your surroundings to avoid “shoulder surfing.”
➡️Position your screen carefully or use a privacy filter

It’s also a good idea to avoid discussing sensitive information in public spaces, where conversations may be overheard.

Small adjustments like these can help make working outside the home more secure while staying connected on the go. 💻

Digital nomads often work from cafes, co-working spaces or airports, thanks to reliable internet and the rise of remote work.

04/22/2026

A large number of student loan borrowers are currently waiting for updates on repayment options and debt relief programs.

Recent filings show that more than 643,000 borrowers have pending requests, including over 550,000 applications for income-driven repayment and nearly 90,000 requests related to public service forgiveness programs.

These programs are designed to help make monthly payments more manageable or reduce balances over time, particularly for those working in qualifying fields.

While some progress has been made in processing applications, a backlog remains, and additional requests could continue to add to the queue.

At the same time, many borrowers report that monthly payments are impacting their ability to cover everyday expenses, highlighting the role these programs can play in overall financial stability.

More than 643,000 federal student loan borrowers are waiting for the Trump administration to forgive their debt or enroll them in a repayment plan.

04/20/2026

Recent global developments are beginning to show up in key areas of the U.S. economy, with energy costs leading the impact.

Fuel prices have risen, with the national average reaching around $4.10 per gallon, increasing costs for households and businesses. Broader inflation data has also reflected some upward pressure, particularly in energy-related categories.

Despite these shifts, overall economic growth is still expected to continue, though at a slower pace. Some forecasts suggest growth may ease slightly while remaining positive.

Consumer activity has shown mixed signals. Spending has remained relatively steady, even as sentiment surveys reflect lower confidence.

Looking ahead, factors like energy prices, inflation trends, and central bank decisions may continue to influence the economic outlook.

The Iran war is starting to show up in the U.S. economy in ways both obvious and not so much.

04/15/2026

The cost of raising a child in the U.S. continues to rise, reaching a new milestone in recent estimates.

A new analysis puts the total cost at approximately $303,000 through age 18, or about $16,800 per year on average.

These figures include everyday expenses like housing, food, and childcare, but do not account for college costs, which can add significantly more over time.

Costs can also vary widely depending on location. Some states saw notable increases, while others experienced slower growth in certain child-related expenses.

While the overall total has increased, some categories, such as early childcare, have shown signs of stabilizing in recent data.

As costs evolve, these trends offer a broader view of how family-related expenses are changing.

Raising a child through age 18 is most expensive in Hawaii, where a family would spend an estimated $412,661 in 2026, LendingTree found.