May 5, 2025

Tough news for your online shopping habit: The longstanding “de minimis” rule — which allowed packages < $800 coming from China and Hong Kong to skip out on tariffs — just ended. 

This means: That new stair runner from Temu or that dupe bag from Shein is now subject to at least 145% in tariffs as part of President Trump's trade war with China.

And now: Retailers are canceling orders from China, and scrambling to re-work their supply chains. Canceled orders = emptier US ports. And, emptier ports could = emptier shelves in a matter of weeks.

Here's what you should know…

🎁 Start thinking about the holidays. If the kid in your life has these goodies on their wish list, Santa needs to make a game plan.

🥤Maybe skip the new Stanley color. Your emotional support thermos is just the tip of the Made in China iceberg. From kitchenware to patio sets, here’s how much of your home is imported.

✈️ You should plan that trip. These destinations suddenly got a whole lot cheaper.

Going Private

You know about stocks and bonds. But have you met private equity, interval funds, real estate holdings, and shares in private companies?

Until recently, these private assets were reserved for financial VIPs — banks, hedge funds, ultra-wealthy investors. But thanks to fintech platforms and ETFs, the door is opening for individual investors too.

The upside: High-growth companies (especially in the AI world) are raising enough money behind the scenes that they may never need to go the IPO route. The private market is a way for you to get in early.

The tradeoffs: It’s harder to access your money when you need it. Transparency is low. There's less regulation. And these assets are more complex than your average index fund.

If you're not investing in private assets, get read-in, talk with a financial advisor, and consider whether you have the bandwidth to test these waters.

— "Adding ‘Private Equity Mogul’ to My Email Signature,” Anna Davies, writer

Read More

• What Are the Fastest Growing Private Companies You Can Invest In?

• The Biggest Risk of Private Market Investing? FOMO.

• Wait, How Do the Super-Rich Manage Their Money?

AI seems more confident than a newly elected frat president. Doesn’t mean it’s right. Here are 7 ways to make sure your GPT is telling the truth.

Warren Buffett — 94, billionaire, and loyal McDonald’s guy — says he’s stepping down as Berkshire Hathaway’s chair at year’s end. Here are 6 of his smartest money tips for anyone on a McMuffin budget (we strongly cosign #3).

Planning a renovation with an eye toward resale value? This one bathroom update could be the difference between “sold” and “stuck on Zillow.”

10 financial podcasts to keep tabs on WTF is going on with the economy (and your money). #8 is a Skimm Money fave. 

At this point, friendship should come with a payment plan. What happens when you can't afford to hang out with your friends anymore?

Saving for a down payment or a new car? Don’t stash that cash in a sock drawer — put it here instead.

New month-long challenge just dropped: How to increase your credit score by up to 160 points in 30 days.

Think ChatGPT is free? Your electric bill isn’t so sure.

‎‎

TOGETHER WITH FABRIC BY GERBER LIFE

College comes with more than just a tuition bill (think: housing, books, and meal plans). So it’s no wonder parents are stressed. Thankfully, a kid’s investment account from Fabric by Gerber Life can help parents plan for the future while their kids are still young. Perks include making penalty-free withdrawals at any time for current child-related expenses — like tutoring and after-school activities. Plus, Fabric will match your first contribution up to $50^† through the end of the month. Try it free for 30 days.

Your Fair Share

Do you actually know how much your partner makes? Like, really know? 

One study found that more than a third of couples misjudged their partner’s salary — by more than $25,000. 

Money isn’t just math, it’s emotional. When one person carries the mental load of sticking to a budget and goal-setting, it creates stress, mismatched expectations, and bad surprises — like missed payments or silent credit card debt.

Being honest about your income, spending habits, and financial goals lets you share the planning and problem-solving so you won’t be lying awake, alone, worried about your 401(k). All month, we’re giving you the tools and advice you need to share the load — financial, physical, emotional — with your partner.  Don’t Wait, here. 

Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently.

We can't stop talking about Gap's glow-up. A lot of new styles are on sale for up to 50% off right now, including this pitch-perfect T-shirt.

The Home Depot is also running some steep sales right now, with a ton of deals for under $20. It's a great time to stock up on deeply unsexy but necessary products.

Head here for more of the best sales to shop this weekend. If you were looking for a sign to get a new phone case, this is it.