How to Protect Your Bag from Inflation, AI & Student Loans in 2026

In this episode of Brown Ambition, host Mandi Woodruff-Santos dives into the pressing financial trends of 2026, focusing on inflation, interest rates, the job market, and student loans. Mandi emphasizes the importance of understanding these trends and how they impact personal finances, encouraging listeners to adopt manageable habits to protect their financial well-being. She highlights the significance of tracking spending, conducting inflation audits, and being proactive about budgeting to navigate the economic landscape effectively.

Mandi also discusses the challenges posed by rising interest rates and the cooling job market, particularly due to AI-driven layoffs. She advocates for a 'career resilience hour' where listeners can research industry trends and network to enhance their job security. Additionally, she addresses the looming issue of student loan wage garnishment, urging listeners to stay informed about their loan status and take proactive steps to manage their debt. By the end of the episode, listeners are equipped with actionable strategies to take control of their finances amidst these economic challenges.

WHAT WE GET INTO

• Introduction and Overview of 2026 Financial Goals
• Understanding Inflation and Its Impact
• Interest Rates: What to Expect in 2026
• The Job Market and AI: Navigating Changes
• Student Loans: Preparing for Wage Garnishment
• Conclusion and Actionable Steps for Financial Control

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• "We want to get that money in what I love about the success of that episode is how simplistic a lot of what I discussed in that episode truly is."
• "You do control how you budget, how you save, how you prepare for your career and how you respond when the economy starts acting up."
• "Lifestyle creep is the biggest killer of wealth, okay?"
• "If you are lucky enough to see an increase in your income for 2026, look at how you are using those extra resources."
• "We have to bring it back to what those goals and that vision for ourselves in 2026 want and how can we actually feed those goals."

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