VectorMine // Shutterstock

As the new year approaches, think about 2026 like one big game of chess.

In any chess match, you’re not just looking at where the pieces on the board are currently. You are trying to envision where they will be a few moves from now, to help you make better decisions.

The same goes for your finances. If you know what the chessboard is going to look like next year — whether we’re talking about inflation, or credit scores, or interest rates, or housing prices — then you can be more thoughtful about plotting your next move.

“By 2026, the U.S. economy is expected to look more stable and predictable,” says Constantine Tsantes, a planner with VLP Financial Advisors in Vienna, Va. “Overall growth is expected to be steady, not booming. For consumers, that means focusing on stronger credit, planning major borrowing carefully, and taking advantage of a more balanced financial environment.”

To be honest, macroeconomic data tends to make anyone’s eyes glaze over. But the reality is that the data impacts us all at a deeply personal level: what interest we’ll be getting on our savings, how much inflation will be driving up our costs, or whether the housing market is favoring buyers or sellers.

That in mind, Current shares insights about what the economic landscape may look like in 2026.

Inflation: This is a figure that’s top-of-mind for most consumers, since we encounter it frequently at the grocery store. Current inflation projections for 2026’s first quarter are 3.0%, according to the Survey of Professional Forecasters compiled by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. That’s up significantly from the previous estimate of 2.6%, indicating that higher prices are proving pretty stubborn.

The good news is that inflation is expected to moderate by the end of 2026, down to 2.6%. One way to cope with this trend is to ensure that your cash savings are, at the very least, outpacing these inflation numbers. You’ll want to look for a savings account that offers a high-yield, such as 4% APY or above.

Credit scores: Recent data shows that FICO scores dropped to an average of 715 in 2025, down a couple of points from the previous year. That’s the second year in a row of declines, after many years of credit scores ticking up.

One reason for that is student loans, since payments are now being reported again to agencies after years of pandemic-related pauses. With household budgets squeezed, credit scores could continue to face pressures in 2026. In fact, the American consumer is looking pretty “fragile,” according to recent comments from JPMorgan Chase’s head of consumer banking, M

zedspider // Shutterstock

Anyone who drives a car understands the sting of having to fill up their tank and pulling into the gas station, only to discover that gas prices have skyrocketed. Paying extra for gas means you have less to spend on other things, which, over time, can really put a crimp in your budget.

Cheap Insurance explored some of the reasons behind major changes in gas prices, and compiled a list of the cheapest gas stations in every state using data from Gas Buddy.

Gas prices fluctuate based on several factors, including the cost of the key ingredient, crude oil, as well as the available supply and demand for gasoline. If the price of oil rises, a major refinery goes offline, or more drivers are hitting the road, for example, then the cost will increase.

In the first half of 2022, a unique confluence of events led to a surge in gas prices. The increased demand stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and a slowdown in oil production all contributed to a national all-time high of $4.93 per gallon on average in June 2022.

Seasons also affect gas prices. Demand tends to drop in winter, but the cost also falls because gas stations switch to a different blend of gasoline that’s optimal for lower temperatures—and has cheaper ingredients.

Location also matters. The South and Midwest tend to have the lowest gas prices, while the West, including Hawai’i, has the highest. Californians, in particular, pay more for gas on average than any other state. That’s because of its high state excise taxes; its isolation from the country’s major pipelines, which causes supply issues; and its requirements that mandate a more environmentally friendly blend of gas that costs more to produce and adds to the price per gallon.

No matter where you live, read on to see if you can get a deal on gas near you.

Alabama
#1. Chevron (4426 Higgins Rd, Mobile): $2.09
#2. Buc-ee’s (6900 Buc-ee’s Blvd (along Coosa Ave), Leeds): $2.16
#2. Speedway (1617 Finley Blvd, Birmingham): $2.16

Alaska
#1. Airport Gas & Oil (4480 Dale Rd, Fairbanks): $2.98
#2. Costco (48 College Rd, Fairbanks): $3.09
#3. Turner’s Corner (8238 E Turner Rd, Palmer): $3.24

Arizona
#1. ARCO (802 W Speedway Blvd, Tucson): $2.13
#2. Costco (1650 E Tucson Marketplace Blvd, Tucson): $2.15
#3. Shell (405 W Speedway Blvd, Tucson): $2.19

Arkansas
#1. Brookshire’s (1310 Constitution Ave, Ashdown): $2.06
#1. Sam’s Club (1250 S Amity Rd, Conway): $2.06
#1. Sam’s Club (7700 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith): $2.06

California
#1. Fast Stop (11113 Black Marble Way, Redding): $2.99
#2. Maverik (2590 North St, Anderson): $3.09
#3. Fastrip (13710 Calimesa Blvd, Yucaipa): $3.15

Colorado
#1. Shell (7273 E Evans Ave, Denver): $1.65
#2. Murphy Express (4990 E Evans Ave, De

Joe A. Kunzler // Shutterstock

The U.S. leads the world in private aviation, with the largest and fastest-growing market, projected to reach $40.05 billion by 2029. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that Air Force One, America’s most famous non-commercial jet, ranks among the most advanced and secure non-combat aircraft ever built.

While one might assume that America’s fascination with private aviation began with the presidential plane, history tells a different story. Long before Air Force One became a symbol of power in the sky, oil tycoons and major news organizations were already embracing private aircraft as a practical way to cross the country faster than trains.

So how did Air Force One evolve into a three-story, nuclear-hardened flying fortress? And how much did the private aviation industry shape what the president flies today? In this article, jet rental platform Jettly examines the history of Air Force One.

A Brief History of Private Aviation in the U.S.

By the late 1930s, business executives were crisscrossing the nation in the Twin Beech (the first American airplane designed specifically for business travel) while the President was still relying on trains and ships to get around.

Unlike today, those early private aviation customers weren’t chasing luxury or status. They were corporations and industrial titans looking for a competitive edge. Before Air Force One, with all its bells and whistles, was a concept, airplanes were practical business tools that moved people and information faster than any steam engine ever could.

The landscape began to change between 1945 and 1960, when the U.S. government found itself with a massive surplus of military transport aircraft (such as the C-47). This helped start the first air charter companies. For the first time, a group of people could pool their money to rent a plane for a specific trip, rather than owning the entire aircraft and hangar.

Air Force One: Not Just a Plane

Technically, “Air Force One” isn’t a single plane; it is the radio call sign for any U.S. Air Force aircraft carrying the president. However, the lineage of the “Flying White House” spans over 80 years of aviation history, evolving from basic military transports to today’s airborne command centers reportedly “hardened” to withstand the electromagnetic pulse from a nuclear detonation.

The first sitting president to fly privately was Franklin D. Roosevelt, who took a Boeing 314 Clipper flying boat (the Dixie Clipper) to the Casablanca Conference in 1943.

Several planes later, the presidential flight got the Air Force One moniker during Dwight D. Eisenhower’s term. The reason? A simple confusion: His plane (Columbine II) and a commercial Eastern Airlines flight had the same tail number (8610), and they needed a way to tell them apa

Pixel-Shot // Shutterstock

When the flu hits, your body needs more than just rest. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in helping your immune system fight off the virus and recover faster. Eating the right foods can reduce symptoms like fatigue, congestion, and sore throat, while avoiding certain foods can prevent aggravating your condition.

Flu symptoms often include fever, chills, body aches, and digestive upset. These symptoms can cause dehydration and loss of appetite, making it tempting to skip meals or eat whatever is easiest. However, selecting nourishing foods that are gentle on your stomach and packed with nutrients can make a big difference in how you feel. In this article, telehealth platform Doctronic shares what to eat, and what to avoid, when you have the flu.

Key Takeaways

• Flu symptoms can be eased by choosing the right foods that support hydration, immune function, and comfort.
• Hydrating liquids like broth, electrolyte drinks, and herbal teas help replace fluids lost during fever and congestion.
• Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as citrus fruits and leafy greens, support the immune response.
• Avoid heavy, greasy, and sugary foods that can worsen inflammation and digestive discomfort. 

5 Foods to Eat When You Have the Flu

1. Warm Broth and Soups

Chicken broth or vegetable broth is a classic flu remedy for good reason. Warm liquids soothe a sore throat, loosen mucus, and keep you hydrated. Broth is easy to digest and provides electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which are essential when you have a fever and might be sweating more than usual.

Try a simple homemade chicken soup with carrots, celery, and garlic. The steam can also help clear nasal congestion, making breathing easier.

2. Citrus Fruits and Vitamin C-Rich Foods

Oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, and kiwi are packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system. While vitamin C won’t cure the flu, it can help reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.

If you find whole fruits hard to eat, try fresh-squeezed juices or smoothies that combine citrus with other nutrient-dense ingredients like spinach or ginger.

3. Ginger and Herbal Teas

Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Drinking ginger tea can help relieve nausea, soothe a sore throat, and reduce inflammation. Herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint also provide comfort and hydration without caffeine, which can dehydrate you.

4. Leafy Greens and Vegetables

Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and folate, which support immune function and tissue repair. Steamed or lightly cooked vegetables are easier to digest when your appetite is low.

Adding a handful of greens to soups or smoothies can boost your nutrient intake without overwhelming your system.

5. Yogurt and Probiotic Foods