Good morning Reader,

I'm sending this Wednesday morning but depending on when you read it, the Federal Reserve's FOMC may have announced what it'll do with interest rates (it does it at 2pm) - and that's most likely a rate cut of 25 basis points, maaaaybe a bigger 50 basis points. Savers will cringe, borrowers will rejoice.​

You may have also heard that the U.S. economy isn't doing well but that may not match up with what you see - but that's because your personal economy isn't the nation's.

If you're a soybean farmer, you're panicking. China's not buying any soybeans because of tariffs, inflation has increased your costs, and the 70% of soybeans that used to go from North Dakota to China are just sitting there.

If you make less than $175,000+ a year, your spending has kept pace with inflation. You feel a bit stuck.

But, if you are in the top 20% (or even the top 3.3%), you're doing better and spending more - you're effectively powering all the growth in consumer spending.

In other words, 80% of the nation feels meh, 20% thinks it's doing great. Something to ponder.

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​(View this email as a webpage)​

🎒 A reminder to refresh your Go Bag

A financial Go Bag is important for the very same reason a standard Go Bag is - you want something quick you can grab if you have to evacuate.

And just like you want to refresh your Go Bag, you'll want to refresh your financial one too - usually more often too.

So, as we enter the fall, take the time to review what's in yours, refresh it, and make sure you know where it is!

​👉 What to Pack in a Financial Go Bag​

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💵 Rakuten $50 Offer

Rakuten (formerly eBates) is a cashback shopping portal and for a limited time you can get $50 for joining after you spend $50 at a merchant within 90 days.

Sometimes they have credit card and bank bonuses (like they have a SoFi bonus right now), which qualify.

The sign up bonus is usually $30 so this is a pretty big bump.

​👉 Learn more about Rakuten​

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🚶‍➡️ Frugal self-care ideas

Self-care doesn’t have to mean pricey spa trips, luxury candles, or expensive wellness retreats. In fact, some of the best ways to recharge your mind and body cost little to nothing at all.

Whether you’re looking to ease stress, boost your mood, or simply carve out time for yourself, these budget-friendly self-care ideas can help you feel better without straining your wallet.

​👉 Feeling Burnt Out? These 20 Self-Care Ideas Won’t Cost You a Penny​

(if you like the article, make sure you follow us on MSN!)

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

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Talk to you soon!

Jim

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PS. A reminder that this up to $1,000 Raisin bonus expires at the end of the month. It's been refreshed each time it has expired but there's no guarantee. A nice way to juice up that yield, especially as rates slide.

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​(see archive of previous emails)​