Happy Tuesday, all!

Today’s reminder: your mindset matters more than you think. 🧘

When things go sideways, it’s easy to spiral: cue the overthinking, the frustration, the “why me?” energy. And hey, acknowledging that things are tough? Totally fair. Living in that space? Not very helpful.

Instead, try shifting the lens. Focus on what’s next — a new opportunity, greater balance, a happier life. The way you think doesn’t just impact your mood; it shapes your decisions, your habits, and ultimately, your outcomes.

So keep showing up. Stay grounded. And when things get a little rocky (because they will), don’t let a temporary event turn into a permanent mindset.

AIRLINES

Bye, Bye, Spirit 👋

Pour one out for the bright yellow planes… Spirit Airlines has officially shut down after failing to secure a bailout. After 34 years of operation, the budget airline had too many financial struggles to overcome.

So what happens now? In terms of their actual planes — that’s not our business! But, unfortunately, without Spirit in operation, we’re likely to see costs soar in the airline industry. Get ready for higher fares, people.

The appeal of Spirit wasn’t just that their tickets were cheap; they also kept other airlines in check. It’s like when an Aldi opens in your neighborhood. They bring lower prices in-store, but also force other grocery stores to lower prices too. Having a super cheap option on the market helped hold airfare prices down across the board.

Without that pressure, we may see ticket prices climb even higher, especially on routes where Spirit was a main player. Fewer budget options → less competition → more expensive tickets. Even if you never personally flew on Spirit Airlines, its existence was a benefit to you as a traveler.

In the short term, other airlines have stepped in and launched “rescue fares” for travelers who are stuck without an operating return flight after Spirit closed its doors. But over the long term, many travelers may be saying goodbye to those $39 flights for good. 💔

🎧 Want cheap travel help? Check out the HTM interview w/ Kyle from Thrifty Traveler.

CARS

To EV or Not to EV? 🚙

For years, buying an electric car followed a pretty clear trend: the more you pay, the further you go. If you spent enough, range anxiety went away. But as EVs become more and more popular, that rule has started to disappear, benefiting all potential EV buyers.

Thanks to improvements in battery technology, there are multiple EVs under $40k that can go 300+ miles on a single charge. That kind of distance used to be reserved for ultra-expensive luxury models! With price and range no longer being as tightly linked, more drivers have access to EVs that actually make sense for them.

And in a world where gas prices are unpredictable, EVs are looking more appealing. Not only is charging at home a cheaper alternative to gas, but maintenance is diminished too (no oil changes needed!). Over time, it can make the total cost of ownership competitive with similar ICE models.

But before you go all in on an EV, there are a few trade-offs you’ll have to make: 

• Insurance and maintenance can cost more.

• Repairs can be a headache with EVs having specialized parts.

• Road trips or long-range driving take careful planning and additional time

• Depreciation hits even harder for many models.

• Home charging can be a headache to set up.

While EV prices are starting to come down, the MSRP often won’t be as cheap as gas cars. If you’re shopping for a new car and wondering if it makes sense to go electric, make sure you compare what you would spend over the next 5-10 years on gas, insurance, maintenance, etc. to see if it’s worth it.

The right choice for you depends on your lifestyle! If you mostly drive locally and can charge at home, an EV could be a great fit. But if you love road trips and want maximum flexibility, a gas car may still win. Don’t forget about the middle-ground choice: hybrids.

Whatever you choose, we’re just glad to see more options! As tech progresses, I’m sure we’ll see more affordable EVs, longer-range EVs, and quicker charging options. As always, the main way to save money is to buy a used car, not a new one.

TOGETHER WITH DAFFY*

Small Habits, Big Potential 📈

Want to give smarter, not harder?

Daffy makes charitable giving ridiculously easy. You can contribute cash, stock, or crypto, take the tax deduction when you contribute, then donate to your favorite U.S. charities whenever the timing feels right.

Daffy can also help you maximize deductions, potentially avoid capital gains taxes on appreciated assets, and keep all your donation receipts organized in one place. We’re all for making it easier to be generous!

LIFESTYLE

An Unaffordability Crisis 😓

If your budget feels like it’s continuously getting squeezed tighter, you’re not alone. Right now, 55% of Americans say their finances are getting worse, and rising costs are the culprit.

While inflation has cooled some, that means prices are rising more slowly, not declining. 31% of Americans claim that high prices are their biggest financial problem, making affordability the top concern for the fifth year in a row! And it’s not just in one category; it’s everything. Housing, groceries, healthcare, and even energy prices, too.

That’s why income growth from yearly raises, promotions, or switching jobs can feel a bit underwhelming. It can feel as though you’re treading water, not getting ahead. When your expenses are rising just as fast as your pay, your extra income seems to disappear before you really get a chance to enjoy it.

The stress is showing across the country:

• 🧓 62% of people worry about having enough for retirement.

• 🏥 60% of people worry about covering major medical costs.

• 🗓️ 41% of people are concerned about paying monthly bills.

So What Can You Do?

Unfortunately, none of us can magically make prices come back down. We can, however, adjust expectations and make reasonable tweaks. Staying on top of your budget can prevent a tighter squeeze from imploding into a catastrophe.

Start with the following steps:

• 🏠 Go over your fixed expenses. Things like insurance, rent, transportation, etc. will always have a hard line item in your budget. If you can negotiate any of these down or eliminate unnecessary ones, you give yourself a bit more breathing room off the bat.

• 🔧 Tighten any leaks. Small, frequent spending that doesn’t feel like much in the moment tends to add up. It can become a significant percentage of your discretionary spending. Finding those leaks and plugging them can help ensure you’re not going over your limit.

• 📈 Prioritize income growth. This isn’t always possible in the short-term, but if you’re in a position to negotiate your pay, swing a promotion, find a better job, or incorporate a side hustle, that can help outpace rising costs.

• Update your budget. A plan from 2021 won’t cut it in a 2026 economy. It’s important to review your budget and expenses regularly to ensure you’re still on the right track and hitting the benchmarks you’d like to hit.

Money feels harder right now because, for many people, it is. The goal isn’t to be perfect, it’s to stay flexible, make small adjustments, and keep moving forward… even if progress is slower than you’d like. You’ve got this! 🤝

ICYMI!

Your Weekly Update…

Keep Your Data Safe! 🔒
More people are using AI for money advice, but many are sharing way too much in the process. Names, account numbers, exact purchases, and financial documents should stay far away from the chat box!

Apple Ups the Cost 💻
The Mac Mini’s starting price climbed to $799 from $599 after Apple said demand skyrocketed thanks to its popularity as an affordable machine for running AI tools. The cheapest Mac ever is quickly vaulting its way higher…

Hold Your Horses! 🐎
Prediction platforms might cover everything from elections to weather, but horse racing is off-limits. Due to industry rules and track owner control, the Kentucky Derby is sticking with traditional betting.

Treat yourself with kindness today. Don’t let negative thoughts keep you down!

Best friends out! 🍻