Good morning Reader!

Question: I've been experimenting with AI (specifically LLMs like Claude and ChatGPT) to analyze my finances. Is that something you'd like me to write more about? If so, what would you want to learn?

We're seeing interest rates creep up a few basis points over the last week or so. 12-month CDs that used to be 4.10% APY and now are in the 4.15% or 4.20% range.

🔒 If you use Vanguard, they recently added a way to stop unauthorized ACATS transfers (previously you had to call in). ACATS scams are rare, but they do happen, and this feature prevents unauthorized transfers unless you remove the lock first.

​This post includes instructions for other brokers too - everyone should turn this on if it's available.

🚨🚨 Did the IRS penalize you from 2020 - 2023? If so, you can get it refunded. You can do it yourself (IRS instructions) or work with PenaltyBack (no up-front fee, they only charge a 25% success fee). Deadline is this Friday... July 10th, so act fast.

💲 Best Bank Rates (as of 7/8):

💰 High Yield Savings - 3.80% APY + $400 from SoFi​

🏛️ Short Term Treasury - VBIL 3.59%, SGOV 3.56%

📀 Certificates of Deposit (see all 40k+ rates)

🔍 We list nationwide rates, CD Valet has local rates which can be higher so click through to double check for your state.

• Best: 9% from Southland FCU (9mo Anniversary Special - click All CDs)
• 6 months: 4.21% from Rising Bank​
• 12 months: 4.19% from OMB Bank (13mo)
• 60 Months: 4.15% from Sallie mae Bank​

💵 Bank Bonuses - $450 US Bank, $400 Sofi, $500 Bank of America, $400 BMO, $1200 Raisin & more​

​(View this email as a webpage)​

🚗 Real Ways I've Reduced Our Insurance Bill

I happily pay insurance and hope to never need it.

But that doesn't mean I don't try to get it as low as possible while still being protected.

Here are 7 ways I've lowered our bill (not theoretical, actual things I've done that have worked):

​👉 7 Real Ways I've Lowered Our Insurance Bill​

👛 Prediction markets are being manipulated

This paper explains how manipulation is happening in prediction markets right now.

Polymarket introduced a bet where you would get $1 if the price of bitcoin was above a certain number. If Bitcoin is above $62,000 at settlement, you receive $1. If it's even one cent below, you receive nothing. This happens every 5 minutes.

They introduced it in February this year and researchers see a lot of manipulation.

Remember the old adage, if you can't spot the sucker at the table...

🗞️ Money Stuff I Found Interesting

Here are some interesting articles you may have missed:

• ⭐ We Crunched the Data: There’s a Grocery Price Emergency in America [New York Times]
• ​The World Now Has 3,302 Billionaires and They’re Getting Richer [Swissinfo.ch]
• ​This Simple White Line Is America’s Greatest Unsung Innovation [The Wall Street Journal]
• ​How much money does happiness cost in 2026? [The Hustle]

💵 Good Deals If You Need Them

• You can get Monarch Money for 50% off​
• Try Origin, a personal AI financial advisor, only $1​
• ​TradeUP will give you up to 50 shares of NVDA ($200/share) based on your deposit amount.
• Reminder: Teens can work out for free at Planet Fitness this summer.​

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

Talk to you soon!

Jim

PS. The summer tends to be a chaotic season for us all, with trips and camps and everything. Have any fun plans this summer?

​(see archive of previous emails)​