Market Performance: December 05, 2023.

November's 9% return on the S&P500 was strong, but past Novembers have seen even higher returns.

Historical data suggests that December is likely to deliver a positive return, with a 77.3% chance of success.

The US stock market's performance this year is puzzling given global turmoil, but it may be influenced by investors seeking shelter from crises. It won't work.

November’s 9% return on the S&P500 was stellar, but there have been even higher returns in past Novembers. And there’s a good chance that December will deliver a positive return based on history – the odds favor a positive return.

Ways to Save Money This Holiday Season (Without Disappointing Anyone)

It’s not so cheerful when money is tight.

This year has been hard—financially, emotionally and, for some, physically. So, the holidays and all the cheerful “requirements” that come with it, from gift-giving for dozens of people to taking time off work, can just add another layer of stress in a season meant for joy and relaxation. Exhausted Americans are saying enough to the holiday extras.

Some companies are looking to ease the financial burden of the holidays, acknowledging the difficult times we live in. For example, shipping services are trying to counteract the dip in spending by cutting shipping costs for businesses.

Here are a few additional tips to save money this holiday season, both in and out of the office.

Struggling with overspending? The envelope budgeting method could help

Setting up a budget is an important part of managing your money. You can figure out how much you earn, record all your major monthly expenses, and then make a plan for how to allocate your after-tax income to ensure those bills are covered—including an emergency fund.

“A budget ensures you’re going to be able to do fun things that you want to do, while working toward more serious financial goals,” says Julie Everett, a certified financial planner with Financial Finesse.

But the hard part might be sticking to the budget you make. And if you regularly overspend, you might not reach those financial goals you’ve set.

The envelope budgeting system is one way to track your money each month, and it may help you curb overspending because it limits what you have available.

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