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A Note From Kelly Anne

Inflation is bad news for everyone. The most recent Consumer Price Index report showed inflation cooled a bit, but prices remain significantly higher than they were a year ago. In a bid to help their residents, 17 states are stepping up to offset increased costs for their residents—we dig into it below. 

Have a great week.

Best,

Kelly Anne

Senior Staff Writer

Consumer Finance

Here’s what else you should know
this week:

The Inflation Reduction Act Is Now Law

While its name claims it will tame soaring inflation, estimates show that the bill likely won’t do much to pull down the inflation rate. But it remains a significant piece of legislation that accomplishes some initiatives that have been mired in congressional debate for decades.

Wells Fargo has released a true high rewards card that offers 3X points on everyday purchases, which can really add up. The new Wells Fargo Autograph^SM Card is a great choice for earning rewards as the costs of essentials rise with inflation.

This includes earning unlimited 3X points per dollar at restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X point per dollar on other purchases. The points don’t expire as long as your account remains open. 

In addition to earning 3X points across many of the categories where consumers spend most, Autograph offers other benefits to make your summer even sweeter, including cell phone protection, zero liability protection, access to My Wells Fargo Deals and travel benefits.

Identity theft is an enormous problem that’s only getting worse. In 2021, 42 million U.S. adult victims lost $52 billion to identity fraud—way up from about 17 million victims and nearly $17 billion in total losses during 2017, according to Javelin Research.

One way to fight back is by freezing your credit, to protect yourself from ID theft by preventing unauthorized parties from accessing your credit reports. Freezing your credit can be a meaningful way to guard your credit files.