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Friday Flight - AI Toys, Homeowners Held Hostage, & Impoverished Americans

9 snips
Dec 5, 2025
Dive into this week's financial insights! Discover how Gen Z is pulling back on spending, particularly on trendy AI toys, while holiday shopping shows signs of slowdown. Learn about the growing problem of unused gift cards and the unfortunate reality for homeowners feeling trapped by low mortgage rates. Explore the debate on poverty in America and the potential benefits of geographic arbitrage for retirees. Plus, stay informed about upcoming Real ID requirements that could affect your travel plans!
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ADVICE

Know Return Policies Before Buying

  • Check return policies before buying during sales so you can return unwanted purchases promptly.
  • Use return windows and retailer credit perks, like Target's card, to extend return time when needed.
INSIGHT

Tread Carefully With AI Toys

  • AI toys are expanding rapidly but may be inappropriate for very young children due to unpredictable interactions.
  • Matt and Joel advise caution while the technology's risks and effects on kids remain unclear.
ADVICE

Turn Unused Gift Cards Into Value

  • Gather unused gift cards and either use, sell, or donate them to avoid losing value to expiry or closures.
  • Buy discounted gift cards at stores like Costco or Target only if you will actually use them.
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