Your Money: Climate and Your Home Hunt

Like many of you, we're asking existential questions about real estate as we witness the horrific fires in California

View in browser|nytimes.com January 13, 2025 By Ron Lieber Hi everyone — Like many of you, we're asking existential questions about real estate as we witness the horrific fires in California. This isn't just a story about what will happen to the insurance industry (and your home or renter's policy). It's about how and when we consider weather, zoning, taxes, politics, construction and the neighbors we will lean on if our community is under threat. So, a question for you as we think about how best to guide you in the coming weeks and months: If you've shopped for a new place to live recently — or have developed a checklist to assess your current residence — what questions have you asked and what resources or tools have you turned to? Please drop us an email at yourmoney_newsletter@nytimes.com if you have thoughts. Have a good week. Loren Elliott for The New York Times DealBook Newsletter L.A. Wildfires Lay Bare an Insurance Crisis Even before the latest blazes, California officials warned that an emergency state insurance fund was in trouble, while private insurers dropped coverage. By Andrew Ross Sorkin, Ravi Mattu, Bernhard Warner, Sarah Kessler, Michael J. de la Merced, Lauren Hirsch and Benjamin Weiser Strategies After a Great Run for Stocks, Be Ready for Something Different Sizzling returns may well continue, but our columnist suggests that it would be wise to prepare for the next storm. By Jeff Sommer Can Low Unemployment Last Under Trump? Hiring has slowed, but joblessness remains at levels defying economic norms. Big policy changes under a new administration could test that resilience. By Talmon Joseph Smith Job Market Finished 2024 on a Strong Note A December gain of 256,000 blew past forecasts, and unemployment fell to 4.2 percent. But markets recoiled as interest rate cuts seemed more distant. By Lydia DePillis Stocks and Bonds Rattled as Odds of Fed Rate Cut Recede Stronger-than-expected data on the labor market has added to clues that the economy continues to run at a solid pace, amplifying fears about stubborn inflation. By Joe Rennison The Fed Is in No Rush to Cut Rates Fed officials have signaled that it will take more than one weak report to convince them that the labor market is deteriorating. By Ben Casselman 30-Year Mortgage Rate Climbs to 6.93%, the Highest Since July Borrowing costs have been rising for months, tracking yields on government bonds. The move threatens to push more buyers and sellers to the sidelines. By Danielle Kaye How Unauthorized Immigrants Help Finance Social Security Benefits Undocumented workers often pay taxes that help fund programs like Social Security — even if they can't collect from them in the future. By Tara Siegel Bernard Now on the College Course Menu: Personal Finance More universities and colleges nationwide are offering courses to teach students how to manage their own money. By Ann Carrns Republicans Can Slow but Not Stop Electric Vehicles, Experts Say More car buyers are expected to eventually pick battery-powered cars and trucks as prices fall and technology improves, even if Biden-era incentives disappear. By Jack Ewing Frugal Traveler Want to Score Cheap Travel This Year? Here's When to Buy. Mark your calendar to take advantage of sales, slow periods and the best travel deals. By Elaine Glusac How are we doing? We'd love your feedback on this newsletter. Please email thoughts and suggestions to yourmoney_newsletter@nytimes.com. Like this email? Forward it to your friends, and let them know they can sign up Your Money. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Your Money from The New York Times. To stop receiving Your Money, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018