#6 Daily Financial News Round Up - Nov 6,2021
What news caught my attention?
Many individuals fall behind on their dental care. Unexpected costs is the primary reason. Even with dental insurance, these unexpected costs are high. Services like dental crown, root canal and extractions result in costs that add upto $1000 or more despite having insurance. Most American Households struggle to meet unexpected expenses of $400. (Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/20/heres-why-so-many-americans-cant-handle-a-400-unexpected-expense.html). So, being able to pay an amount >= $1000 is definitely out of question. Enter CareCredit in a cape. CareCredit provides financing options (monthly installment type of credit) to increase affordability. An added benefit is consumption smoothing.
There is huge labor shortage. Employers are easing their usual requirements to attract workers. Background check is not required. This is a HUGE relaxation. Ain’t this a good time to be a worker?! Of course, this will have unintended consequences. The question is not if, but when! Let’s wait and watch for those consequences to unfold.
ESG investing is having its money FINALLY in the financial markets. If you want to invest in funds led by woman leaders, ‘gender-lens’ funds are the answer for you. About $4.9 billion has flowed into this category through Sept 30, up from $2.9 billion in the same period an year ago. There are not just funds headed by women, but there are also gender-lens advisory firms. When advisory firms crop up, that's when you know the market considers this to be a serious business. GOOD NEWS for women in finance, eh!
My Takeaways:
Always have a rainy day fund for medical expenses. Specifically for dental care. Put aside 5% of your income towards the dental fund. Be prepared for unanticipated dental expenses.
It’s a good time to be a woman worker! No matter which field you are in. Take advantage of it, sister!