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Welcome back to Monday, Money readers!
My 19-year-old daughter recently applied for her first job. She’s been running her own pet-sitting business for a year but wanted more cash because iced bubble teas don’t grow on trees. So when a “student ambassador” role opened up at her community college, she jumped at the chance.
My advice? Don’t be afraid to show off — without exaggerating — when writing your resumé, and don’t dress like a total weirdo for the interview. I guess my nuggets of wisdom were on the mark, because she just found out she got the job!
In today’s Daily Money, we’ve got tips for securing a new position in today’s tough market. What advice have you given loved ones on the job hunt? Hit “reply” and let us know. — Kat Peach Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe to get Daily Money delivered to your inbox for free. |
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Finding a new job is nerve-wracking in any circumstances, but the hunt is especially anxiety-inducing in an uncertain economic landscape... which pretty much sums up 2026 so far.
According to a Gallup poll released in December, only about a third of Americans say right now is a good time to look for a new job. That’s a 44% drop year over year. And according to a report from Handshake, a career network for college students, the average number of applicants per job posting on the platform has risen 26% since last year.
So what can you do to give your application a boost? Ideas from experts we spoke to include creating a portfolio with proof of your skills, focusing on your niche, and growing your LinkedIn — and real-world — networks. It’s all about making yourself and your accomplishments stand out in a crowded pool of applicants.
Yes, job hunting in 2026 isn’t going to be a particularly fun experience. But then again, when has it been? By preparing ahead and focusing on your strengths and experiences, you can give yourself the advantage — whether you’re applying for your dream job, changing careers or looking for a gig to fill the gaps. — KP |
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Advertisement: Authored by The Motley Fool. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Money does not offer advisory services and is not a client of The Motley Fool. |
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Where Have All the Cheap, Small 'Starter Homes' Gone? |
A common refrain in discussions about the housing affordability crisis is that nobody’s building starter homes anymore. But a new article in the Washington Post points out that the smaller square footage and sparser amenities that characterize what’s typically been described as a “starter home” don’t really mesh with the open-floor-plan, granite-topped vision American homeowners — even first-timers — aspire to today.
Consider these two stats: More than half of the new homes built today have four or more bedrooms. That’s up from about 20% back in the '70s — and it’s happening even as the average family size is shrinking. Similarly, 2 in 5 homes back then had a single full bathroom. By 2022, that figure had dipped to an infinitesimal 3%.
People shopping for homes today don’t want to cook in a kitchen walled off from the rest of the house or make their kids share a bathroom (the horror!). Plus, zoning requirements in many places require larger lots. It’s easier and often more profitable for builders to go big instead of putting more, smaller homes onto a plot of land.
But more rooms and fancy finishes add to the total cost, frustrating people who actively want smaller homes. These buyers face fierce competition, especially in markets where much of the “starter home” housing stock has been torn down or renovated beyond recognition.
There’s no silver bullet for this issue yet, but the Post reports that more locations are at least relaxing their requirements to allow smaller lot sizes. Now builders have to figure out: If you build it, will they come? — Martha C. White |
In the newsroom, our editors are talking about... |
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The new year has arrived, and with it a brand-new calendar of Social Security payment dates for 2026. In January, beneficiaries can expect larger checks well as a slightly adjusted schedule to accommodate weekends and a federal holiday.
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What to Watch for This Week |
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| Season four of The Traitors, a reality competition show, begins airing Thursday. Celebs like Donna Kelce, Stephen Colletti and Dorinda Medley will face off for a prize of up to $250,000. |
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| On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is scheduled to release its December jobs report, which will provide an updated picture of unemployment in America — and a clue as to what the Federal Reserve's next move is. |
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This issue of Daily Money was written by associate editor Kat Peach and writer Martha C. White. It was edited by managing editor Julia Glum. Questions? Comments? Concerns? Please email [email protected] with any feedback. |
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