Good morning Reader!

Two days ago, our schools closed early because there was a big storm coming through with threat of tornados. Understandably, they didn't want school buses out there shuttling kids while warnings were in effect.

The storm ended up not being nearly as bad and some clamored to Facebook to complain about the forecast... which I found mind-boggling.

It's like paying for car insurance and then complaining you never got into an accident. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best... but you don't complain when the best happens!

We have enough negative news in the world, I'll take the win wherever I can get it.

💲 Best Bank Rates (as of 3/17/2026):

The Fed meets this week, traders expect them to hold rates steady. 99.1% chance of no change.

• High Yield Savings - 4.21% APY from Axos​
• Short Term Treasury - VBIL - 3.54%
• Certificates of Deposit (see 30k+ rates on CD Valet)
  • 🔍 We list nationwide rates, CD Valet has many local rates which may be higher so click through to double check.
  • Best: 4.15% from TBO Bank (6mo)
  • 6 months: 4.15% from TBO Bank
  • 12 months: 4.15% from Credit One Bank​
  • 60 Months: 4.00% from Sallie Mae Bank​
• Bank Bonuses - $450 US Bank, $400 Truist & BMO, $200 Barclays, $1500 Marcus​

​(View this email as a webpage)​

🛂 Blank Passport Pages

Seasoned travelers know that your passport can't expire within 6 months of entering another country but did you know that many require multiple blank pages for stamps?

Most only need 1 but several need more than one and you could be denied entry if you don't have enough:

​👉 How Many Blank Passport Pages You Need for Every Country​

📅 FTC Refund Programs

When the FTC enforces consumer protection laws and gets refunds, they aren't always great about getting the word out.

These aren't recalls or class action settlements, these are when the FTC catches someone doing something bad and collects on a fine or penalty.

See if you're owed any cash:

​👉 Check FTC Refund programs​

📱 ATMs didn't kill bank teller jobs...

... iPhones did.

This article is a great history lesson for everyone who didn't grow up in the 1950s and 60s while also establishing a good framework for how to think about AI and its potential impact on the workforce.

​👉 Why ATMs didn't kill bank teller jobs​

What did you think of today's email?​
✅ I Loved It! 🟨 It Was Okay ❌ Not My Favorite​

Talk to you soon!

Jim

PS. FYI, Oxford Economics models that if oil gets to $140/barrel for two months, it would push the EU, UK, and Japan into recession and the US would likely join too. If you're concerned, it's best to start preparing now. (it cannot hurt)

​(see archive of previous emails)​