Market Performance: December 16, 2023.

Markets sputtered slightly before recovering on Friday after New York Fed President John Williams snuffed out some of the optimism around rate-cuts following the central bank's meeting this week.

In an interview on Friday morning, Williams said the Fed isn't discussing rate cuts right now. Stocks edged lower after the news but swung back up as the market headed toward the closing bell.

Despite the hiccup on Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq notched their seventh straight weekly gain. The Dow hits it another fresh closing record following new all-time highs on Wednesday and Thursday.

Money arguments have this millennial couple considering calling it quits. 'You see money very differently,' self-made millionaire says

Every couple handles their finances differently. But most financial experts would agree: Both individuals need to be on the same page when it comes to how they handle money together. After all, financial disputes are commonly cited as one of the biggest reasons for divorce.

It’s a financial dispute that brought Alisa and Jesse to consider divorce themselves. The couple lives in Portland, Oregon, and has been married for 10 years, but so far they’ve kept their finances mostly separate, they recently told Ramit Sethi on his “I Will Teach You to be Rich” podcast. Their last names were not used.

Though they make major decisions together, like buying a timeshare, Alisa is anxious about their financial future and doesn’t think Jesse is disciplined enough to address their problems and improve their situation.

Here’s a look at how they got to this point, and if it’s enough to save their marriage.

Middle Class to Rich in 2024: Money Resolutions for Boosting Your Wealth

Building wealth is more within reach for many people today than ever before, and the beginning of the new year can be a great time for change.

“As an expert on building wealth, my suggestion for a New Year’s resolution would be to set a goal of increasing your net worth by at least 5% in 2024,” said Paige Robinson, real estate investor and owner of House Buyers.

Create a Financial Plan

“Creating a financial plan is essential for building wealth in the long run,” said Linda Chavez, founder and CEO of Seniors Life Insurance Finder.

A financial plan includes setting realistic goals, creating a budget and managing your debt strategically. It also involves understanding your cash flow and identifying areas where you can cut back on unnecessary expenses.

Save Consistently 

According to Chavez, many middle-class people struggle with saving money because they are living paycheck to paycheck. However, she said saving consistently, even if it’s a small amount each month, can make a significant difference in the long run. “Consider automating your savings by setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to a savings or investment account.”

Examine your spending choices and find ways to reduce your expenses and invest more money into building your wealth.

Alternative Investing