Author: Paul Davidson, USA TODAY

Inflation slowed to 7.1% in November as falling gas prices were offset by rising food, rent costs. It’s the smallest annual increase since late 2021.

The most recent jobs report showed that payrolls stayed strong at 263,000. Unemployment held at 3.7%, according to the Labor Department.

Fed Chair Powell signaled rate hikes will likely slow next month but rates will likely rise further than thought to fight “much too high” inflation

In January 2023, recipients of Social Security checks will get their biggest hike in 40 years because of high inflation.

Amid recession fears, more firms leave open jobs unfilled, shrinking the workforce without layoffs. But that’s further stressing burned-out workers.

Despite the market rally, most economists still forecast a mild recession next year as the Fed continues to raise interest rates to curb inflation.

Hurricane Ian totaled my car while I was on vacation, creating a distinctive set of challenges. Here’s what happened. And, it also was my birthday.

Bosses are using cross-training and automation to reverse sagging worker productivity. Success could tame rising inflation and higher interest rates.

An economic report showed growth of 2.6% in Q3, a rebound from the first half of 2022. But inflation, Fed rate hikes will likely spur recession.