Good morning. New York City will consider a proposal permitting cats to live in corner stores, which is ordinarily a health violation punishable by a fine of up to $350. While a third of the city’s bodegas are thought to be flouting the rules, it’s a smart money-saving move — the fines for having rodents in your store can be as high as $600 or even $2,000.
Momentum is going strong in the U.S. stock market.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average recently crossed the 50,000 milestone, notching fresh new highs as investors continue to bet on America’s growth. But according to President Donald Trump, the rally may only be getting started.
In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump credited his sweeping tariffs for the market’s strength and laid out an ambitious target for the years ahead.
“Record Stock Market and National Security, driven by our Great TARIFFS,” he wrote. “I am predicting 100,000 on the DOW by the end of my Term.”
Given that Trump’s term ends in January 2029, that projection implies the Dow would go up 99% in less than three years.
If you share that optimism, here’s a look at a few simple ways to position yourself for America’s growth in 2026 — and beyond.
Trivia
Americans are expected to spend a record $29.1 billion on Valentine's Day this year. How much is the average person shelling out on gifts?
A $99
B $150
C $200
D $250
Scroll for the answer
■ Sponsored by Fisher Investments
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Auto
“Often, the first tactic is to deny the claim and hope the consumer goes away.”
That statement comes from Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, shedding some light on how car manufacturers deal with warranty claims after a Pennsylvania couple had theirs wrongly denied.
As CBS News reports, Jamie and Debbie Rekasie’s 2019 Kia Optima came with a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. But when the engine failed at 80,000 miles, the couple says the automaker insisted the car was not properly maintained and rejected their warranty claim. The Rekasies, on the other hand, believe their vehicle was properly maintained, and they have the receipts to prove it.
This story points to a worrying development, as many car owners likely don’t realize their warranty claims can be denied over things like insufficient documentation, or that consumer protection laws are on their side. Here’s what you need to know about your rights under federal warranty law and how you can challenge a denied warranty claim for your vehicle.s
Investing
When 23-year-old Jackson from New York called into The Ramsey Show, he wasn’t asking how to spend his inheritance. He was asking what not to do with it.
A few months earlier, he and his brothers had sold their parents’ home, leaving him with about $450,000. He had no debt, had just graduated from college, earned about $75,000 a year and was renting with his brother while planning a future move from Long Island to New York City.
Yet instead of feeling empowered, he felt stuck.
“I’m just wondering what to do with it,” Jackson told the cohosts. “I have all of that money … just sitting in a CD right now.”
Large inheritances at a young age are both rare and risky. Without experience managing six-figure sums, many people either spend recklessly or worry about making the “wrong” move, resulting in no move at all.
More Moneywise
Investing: ‘My retirement is completely in bitcoin’: After bitcoin crashed 50%, holders face serious risks. What this downturn reveals for crypto investors
Employment: Single mom says six-figure dream job was ‘ripped away’ over tiny background check error: ‘I just cried and screamed.’ How to protect yourself
Real estate: Buyers finally catch a break as experts say many US housing markets will cool in 2026. See if prices in your city may fall
Banking: JPMorgan hints at why it shut down Trump’s bank accounts after getting smacked with a $5B lawsuit. Is ‘debanking’ against the law in America?
■ Trivia Answer
Americans are expected to spend a record $29.1 billion on Valentine's Day this year. How much is the average person shelling out on gifts?
A) $200
Shutterstock
The National Retail Federation puts the average at $199.78 per person celebrating — a new record. And it's not just for partners anymore: Americans will spend an estimated $2.1 billion on Valentine's gifts for their pets alone.