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Inflation is Cooling—But the Fed Remains Cautious
Seattle, WA | December 27, 2024

The latest data from the Commerce Department paints a promising picture for inflation, but the Federal Reserve isn’t letting its guard down just yet. In November, prices rose by only 0.1%, bringing annual inflation to 2.4%, which is just slightly above the Fed’s target of 2%. Core inflation, which excludes the volatile categories of food and energy, remains at a steady 2.8% annually.


What’s Behind the Numbers?

Several key factors are influencing these trends:

  1. Decline in Goods Prices

    • Goods prices dropped by 0.4% year-over-year, reflecting reduced costs for many consumer products. Supply chain improvements and shifting consumer demand have contributed to this decrease.

  2. Rising Services Costs

    • Services inflation remains elevated, up 3.8% compared to last year. This category includes areas like healthcare, education, and entertainment, which tend to be less influenced by short-term market fluctuations.

  3. Housing Inflation Eases

    • Housing, a historically "sticky" category in terms of price adjustments, showed signs of slowing with just 0.2% growth for the month. This deceleration could ease pressure on renters and prospective homebuyers alike.

  4. Modest Increases in Food and Energy

    • Both food and energy prices rose by 0.2% in November. However, energy prices are still down 4% year-over-year, offering some relief for consumers at the gas pump and in utility bills.


Income, Spending, and Savings

While inflation is easing, other economic indicators reflect a mixed bag:

  • Personal Income rose by 0.3%, but this fell short of forecasts.

  • Consumer Spending increased by 0.4%, also missing expectations. This suggests consumers are cautious amid economic uncertainty.

  • Personal Savings Rate dipped slightly to 4.4%, indicating that households may be stretching their budgets to keep up with rising costs in essential categories.


The Fed’s Cautious Path Forward

Despite these positive signs, the Federal Reserve remains vigilant. After lowering interest rates to a range of 4.25%-4.5%, Chair Jerome Powell likened the Fed’s strategy to “driving on a foggy night”—a slow and deliberate approach to ensure the economy stays on course.

Powell’s caution reflects lingering uncertainties, such as labor market dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and the potential for unexpected shocks that could reignite inflationary pressures. The Fed’s commitment to data-driven decision-making suggests further rate adjustments will be gradual.


What’s Next?

As inflation cools, markets and consumers are navigating a landscape of cautious optimism. Lower inflation rates are easing some of the pressure on households and businesses, but core categories like services and housing remain areas to watch. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve’s measured approach signals confidence but not complacency.


The takeaway? Progress is being made, but uncertainty lingers. While the road ahead looks less turbulent, potential bumps remain as markets adjust and policymakers continue to steer the economy toward stability.


Join the Conversation and Watch the Video

What are your thoughts on these developments? Are we moving toward economic stability, or is there still turbulence ahead? Share your insights and let’s discuss how these trends could impact consumers, businesses, and brands navigating this dynamic environment.






Inflation is Cooling—But the Fed Remains Cautious

Inflation is Cooling—But the Fed Remains Cautious

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Navigating the Financial Hangover of the Holidays

Seattle, WA | 12/26/24


The holiday season often brings joy and generosity, but it can also lead to financial strain. This year, 36% of Americans incurred holiday debt, averaging $1,181 per person, according to LendingTree. While this is an increase from $1,028 in 2023, it's notably lower than 2022's $1,549. With inflation still a significant factor, 44% of borrowers didn't anticipate the debt they accrued. Parents, millennials, and earners in the $30K-$50K range were among those most impacted.


To regain control of your finances, consider these proactive steps:

  1. Lower Your Costs: Explore 0% balance transfer cards or consolidation loans to reduce interest rates. Transferring your balance to a card with a 0% introductory APR period can enable you to pay down debt faster, as your payments go toward reducing the principal instead of accruing interest.


  2. Tackle Debt Systematically: Focus on high-interest balances using the avalanche method, or start with small debts for quick wins using the snowball method. The snowball method involves paying off the smallest debt first while making minimum payments on others, creating momentum.


  3. Build a Buffer: Setting aside savings can help avoid future reliance on credit. Creating a budget tracker to control expenses can result in substantial savings.


  4. Celebrate Progress: Break down debt into smaller goals and acknowledge milestones to stay motivated. Rewarding yourself as you achieve milestones, such as paying off a credit card, is essential for staying motivated.



Financial experts emphasize the importance of not feeling guilty for incurring debt during the holiday season, highlighting that a significant number of Americans experience this. Traditional budgeting advice often exacerbates stress and fails to address the realities of life, as many people cannot avoid debt due to necessary expenditures or to enjoy life enhancements. Instead, view debt as a tool rather than a source of shame, and focus on practical approaches like planning for some debt, keeping a spending diary for awareness, and exploring different financial strategies like savings automation or balance-transfer cards.



Remember, being debt-free offers security and comfort. By taking these steps, you can navigate the financial aftermath of the holidays and set a solid foundation for the future.


Watch the companion video here:



Navigating the Financial Hangover of the Holidays

Navigating the Financial Hangover of the Holidays

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Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2024 Recap
Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2024 Recap

December 4, 2024 | Seattle, WA


With Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2024 now behind us, the dust has settled, and the shopping numbers are in. These twin events once again dominated the retail landscape, offering shoppers incredible deals both in-store and online. As the data shows, they continue to be iconic moments in retail, shaping how brands and consumers interact year after year.


This blog provides a comprehensive review of the 2024 shopping season, including key insights into anticipated trends, actual post-shopping data, and tips that can still help you plan for the year ahead.


A Look Back at Black Friday 2023

The numbers from Black Friday 2023 highlight shifting consumer behaviors and economic challenges:

  • $9.8 billion was spent online during Black Friday.

  • 76.2 million people shopped in stores.

  • 90.6 million people shopped online.


While the number of shoppers hit record highs, spending increased by only 2.5% year-over-year, failing to keep pace with inflation. Factors such as less appealing deals, a more spread-out shopping season, and cautious spending habits influenced these trends.


Black Friday 2024 in Numbers

The momentum continues in 2024 with strong sales growth:

  • $75 billion: Overall Black Friday sales in 2024 (a 5% increase from 2023).

  • $10.7-$11 billion: Total U.S. online sales during Black Friday, a 10.2% increase compared to 2023.

  • $74.4 billion: Global online sales, up 5% year-over-year.


However, in-store sales declined by 8%, indicating the growing dominance of e-commerce. On average, shoppers spent $674 during Black Friday, with participation reaching approximately 152 million Americans.


When Are Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2024?

  • Black Friday 2024: Friday, November 29 (the day after Thanksgiving), traditionally kicks off the holiday shopping season with doorbuster deals and in-store excitement.

  • Cyber Monday 2024: Monday, December 2, offering online shoppers discounts from the comfort of their homes.


Key Trends for 2024

  1. Early Access Deals: Many retailers now launch sales as early as November, allowing shoppers to spread out their spending and avoid the rush.

  2. Sustainability on the Rise: Eco-conscious shopping gains traction, with brands promoting environmentally friendly products.

  3. Tech-Forward Shopping: Innovations like augmented reality (AR), personalized AI recommendations, and enhanced online experiences will shape shopping in 2024.

  4. Luxury Meets Discounts: High-end retailers are participating more, particularly on Cyber Monday.

  5. Mobile Commerce Dominance: Mobile shopping accounted for 57.6% of online sales, reflecting a significant shift in consumer behavior.

  6. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL): Flexible payment options like BNPL are gaining popularity, especially for high-ticket items.


Top-Selling Categories in 2024

  1. Electronics: TVs, laptops, gaming consoles, and smart home devices remain top choices.

  2. Apparel: Both luxury and fast fashion brands are offering significant markdowns.

  3. Toys: A perennial favorite among holiday shoppers.

  4. Home Goods: Kitchen appliances, furniture, and decor are prominently featured.

  5. Travel Deals: Airlines, hotels, and travel platforms offer enticing discounts for 2025 getaways.

  6. Digital Subscriptions: Cyber Monday is ideal for scoring deals on streaming services and software.


Tips for Black Friday and Cyber Monday Success

  1. Make a Shopping List: Decide what you need beforehand to avoid impulse purchases. Categorize items by priority.

  2. Set a Budget: Stick to a spending limit to enjoy savings without regrets.

  3. Research Early: Use price trackers and compare prices across retailers.

  4. Sign Up for Notifications: Subscribe to newsletters and download retailer apps for early access to deals.

  5. Plan for Cyber Monday: Bookmark websites and set reminders for flash sales.


Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday: Which Is Better?

  • Black Friday: Best for in-store shopping, large appliances, and tech items. Doorbuster deals are often exclusive to physical stores.

  • Cyber Monday: Ideal for online shopping, smaller electronics, and digital products. A better choice for avoiding crowds.

Check out the recap of the Black Friday presentation aired from episode 2 of Showroom here:






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