It’s December, so the “best of 2023” and “what to do for 2024” lists have started to appear.  On the economic front, job openings and the latest jobs report made the headlines, as well as the latest views on the Fed and their FOMC meeting next week.  And on the advocacy front, Wisconsin becomes state #24 to require a personal finance course for graduation. And “Just Because,” includes one for “Swifties.”

ICYMI-Advocacy News

• The announcement that Wisconsin became the 24^th state to require a personal finance course for high school students came directly from NGPF.
• Here is a read-out and commentary on the latest Champlain College state-by-state "report card" on financial education. (NYT)

Personal Finance

• Here is WAPO’s Michelle Singletary’s list of eight money moves to make in 2024 for better financial health. 

Economics

• The November jobs report came in slightly above expectations at 199,000 with a drop in unemployment to 3.7% and labor force participation climbed as a large number of people (re)entered the workforce. (CNBC) (BLS report with all data)
• A Wealth of Common Sense provides a great analysis of how much the Fed does or doesn’t influence the economy and inflation.
• The number of job openings in the US dropped over 600,000 this past month to the lowest level in 2 ½ years. (CNBC)
• I always find this chart fascinating.  It compares GDP/capita to a measure of “happiness” around the world.  This could lead to some interesting discussions. (Ritholtz)

• ‘Tis the season of giving, and this Vox article looks at an experiment where a basic income was given directly to those in need, and giving a lump sum versus smaller payments over time seemed to lead to better results. 

Crypto

• What do Jamie Dimon and Elizabeth Warren have in common?  Their extreme distrust/dislike of crypto. (CNBC)

Career

• The appearance of “Stay-or-Pay” clauses in labor contracts rose in a tight labor market, but are they legal?(NYT)

Just Because

• The NCAA proposes a mechanism to pay college athletes directly.  How will this change college sports? (Yahoo Sports)
• It may not be so surprising that DINKs (dual income no kids) are on the rise. (Business Insider)
• Taylor Swift is Time’s person of the year! (Time)

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.