This Week’s Money Map:

• The Trump trades: What’s lighting up the market post-election?

• Skip the sticker shock: Did you know used EVs have a tax credit and sharply declining prices?

• Psychology of Money - Part II: Why you’re sabotaging your wealth (and how to stop now!)

• BIG credit card bonuses — Earn $1,500 in free travel!

• Retirement roadmap: How Al Pacino went broke and what you can learn from it

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The Trump trades: What’s lighting up the market post-election? 👌

Markets are on a wild ride after former President Donald Trump’s election victory last week, and if you’ve been watching your portfolio, you’re seeing some big moves! Wednesday marked the biggest one-day rally in two years, sending waves through key sectors. So, what’s driving these shifts?

Stocks in Motion
The S&P 500 jumped about 3.5% since the election. Banks and financial stocks are on fire, riding high on the expectation of less regulations. Energy stocks (think "Drill, baby, drill!") are also jumping as Trump’s policies lean toward oil and gas. On the flip side, dips in clean energy and solar stocks reflect the uncertainty around renewable energy initiatives. 

Crypto in the Spotlight
Trump has shown surprising support for alternative currencies, even speaking at crypto conferences. As a result, Bitcoin has surged nearly 29% since the election, drawing attention from investors who see crypto as a hedge against traditional markets. If you’re considering crypto, MoneyGeek’s crypto investment analysis can help you decide how much crypto belongs in your portfolio.

Interest Rates and Dollar Power
Interest rates are steady, but the U.S. Dollar Index jumped about 2.5%. A stronger dollar benefits U.S. consumers by making imports cheaper. For more on how these shifts impact your financial plans, dive into MoneyGeek’s guide to annuity and interest rate trends.

Want to stay ahead in this shifting market? Let MoneyGeek’s investment tips help keep your portfolio growing!

Skip the sticker shock: Did you know used EVs have a tax credit and sharply declining prices?🚘

Thinking about going electric? Skip the shiny new EV (electric vehicle) and opt for a gently used one. The used EV market is booming thanks to more competition and price cuts, so you can score a fantastic deal without the steep depreciation.

Even with the $7,500 federal tax credit on new EVs, used models often make more financial sense. New EVs can lose up to 50% of their value in the first year alone — so that $50,000 Tesla Model 3? It might be worth around $30,000 after 12 months.

And here’s a hidden gem: buying a two- to three-year-old EV under $25,000 may qualify for an additional $4,000 federal tax credit. With EV batteries built to last 15 years or more, a lightly used model has plenty of life left, plus lower maintenance and insurance costs.

Ready to go green for less green? Check out MoneyGeek’s EV buying guide for everything you need to know before you buy.

Psychology of Money - Part II: Why you’re sabotaging your wealth (and how to stop now!)💵

This is part two in a five-part series about what you can learn from the book, The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel.

Housel argues that wealth is largely about what you don’t see — meaning it’s not about the possessions on display but the financial security quietly built through restraint and patient decisions. People often sabotage their wealth by succumbing to short-term desires like lifestyle inflation, emotional spending or trying to "keep up with the Joneses," all of which can erode potential savings and investments over time.

Let’s get real — your financial success is often less about what you know and more about your behaviors. And we all have triggers — maybe yours is retail therapy after a long week or that FOMO feeling when friends splurge on fancy meals out. Here’s how to get on top of them:

• Identify Emotional Triggers: Notice when you’re most likely to spend impulsively — is it after a stressful day or when you see others making big buys? Recognizing these moments is the first step.

• Track Your Spending: Record every purchase for a month. Note why you bought each item, especially impulse buys. You can refer to MoneyGeek’s budgeting guide for details.

• Spot Your Financial Patterns: Identify spending trends, like dining out or online shopping at night. Knowing your patterns shows you where to save.

• Practice Mindful Spending: Pause before each non-essential buy. Ask yourself, “Do I need this?” Try waiting 24 hours before deciding.

• Start Small: Focus on one habit, like limiting takeout to once a week. Small wins can make a big difference.

• Celebrate Progress: Each small win — like hitting a spending goal or resisting an impulse — keeps you motivated.

Celebrate each win, no matter how small, and watch those small wins turn into big gains. Check out MoneyGeek's guide to better financial habits for more money wisdom.

BIG credit card bonuses — Earn $1,500 in free travel! ✈️

Dreaming of traveling on someone else’s dime? The holiday season is prime time for scoring major credit card sign-up bonuses that can have you jet-setting, relaxing in luxury hotels — all without breaking a sweat.

Our top picks are cards with bonuses so rich it’s like finding treasure in your wallet:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred — Earn 60,000 points with a $4,000 spend in the first three months. That’s a solid $900 in travel rewards through Chase Ultimate Rewards and up to 5x points on travel booked through Chase and 3x on dining.

• Capital One Venture Rewards — Get 75,000 bonus miles (worth $750 in travel) for spending $4,000 in three months. A great all around card that gives you 2x points on all spend.

• American Express Gold Card — Perfect for foodies, offering 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in six months. Dining and grocery spend earns 4x points.

• Citi Strata Premier Card — Rack up 60,000 bonus points with a $4,000 spend in three months. You can earn up to 10x on hotels booked through Citi and 3x on dining and groceries.

For Small Biz Owners:

• Chase Ink Business Preferred — Earn a whopping 90,000 points after spending $8,000 in three months and 3x points on travel.

• Capital One Venture X — Premium rewards for high-spending businesses, plus 150,000 miles after spending $30,000 in three months.

To put these points in perspective, you can fly one way from Los Angeles to Paris in January for 15,000 points in economy or as low as 67,000 points in business class.

Ready to cash in? Check out MoneyGeek’s guide to travel credit cards and top rewards and bonus offers to start planning your dream trip!

Retirement roadmap: How Al Pacino went broke and what you can learn from it 😯

When you think of Al Pacino, you most likely picture Hollywood glam, not a dwindling bank balance. But even legends like Pacino aren’t immune to money missteps, and he’s shared his story to help others learn. Here’s the scoop:

Living Large, Spending Big
Pacino’s love for lavish homes and luxury vacations eventually took its toll. The lesson? Even millions can vanish quickly if you’re not careful.

Trust, but Verify
Pacino trusted his accountant blindly … and it backfired. Turns out his finances weren’t handled with care. You don’t have to be a money expert, but you should know where your cash is going. Regularly check in with anyone who manages your money.

Lifestyle Creep Alert
As Pacino’s fame grew, so did his expenses. But rising income doesn’t mean you should spend more. Avoid lifestyle inflation to protect your future wealth.

The takeaway: Pay attention to your finances, no matter how big or small. Want more financial smarts? Check out MoneyGeek’s guide to financial planning and practical steps to improve financial health.

Weekly Nugget of Financial Wisdom

"Behavior trumps intelligence. Financial success is less about what you know and more about how you behave." — Morgan Housel

Smart Cents gives you actionable tips or behaviors to avoid to help you reach your financial happy place. Thanks for being a part of our community.

The MoneyGeek Team

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