| |  | | March 18, 2026 | | | | | | | | The Energy Price Spike You're Not Hearing as Much About | | | By Lindsay VanSomeren
With war in the Middle East pushing oil and gas prices back into the spotlight, you might not be thinking a ton about your electric bill. But since 2022, electricity prices have risen twice as fast as inflation — in some states, more than four times as fast. And they're expected to keep climbing, with another ~6% increase projected over each of the next two years. One reason why? You guessed it: AI. | | | | | | | | | | Can Debt Consolidation Break the High-Interest Debt Cycle? | | | By Dawn Papandrea
Credit card debt is personal. No matter why you have it, it tends to weigh on you like a dark secret. It can be exhausting, stifling, even isolating.
But the reality is that plenty of people are in the same boat: Forty-seven percent of Americans who use credit cards carry a balance, and less than half of those people have a plan to pay it down, according to Bankrate's latest annual survey of U.S. adults. Worse, more than one in five of them thinks they'll never be rid of credit card debt.
This is when some kind of debt consolidation may offer a path forward. Whether it's through a home equity loan, a personal loan, or some other type of refinancing, consolidation can help neutralize the very features that make credit card debt such a slippery slope. | | | | | | | | | | 👀 Consolidate at Even Lower Rates This Week | | | If you're struggling under the weight of multiple high-interest debts, consolidating into a new loan could help free you faster.
A personal loan, home equity loan, or student loan refinancing can potentially lower your interest rate and monthly payment. And for one week (March 17-23), SoFi is taking 0.50% off rates1 on select loans.
One loan, one payment, and one plan to get back on track.
- Personal loan: Borrow $5-$100K with no fees required.2
- Home equity loan: Tap into your home's value — up to $750K or 85% of your equity. Your current mortgage rate doesn't change.3
- Student loan refi: Consolidate student loan balances (federal and/or private) and get flexible payment options. No prepayment or late fees.4
| Plus, you can stack these savings with other SoFi discounts. The offer ends 3/23/26 (11:59 PM PT). | | | | | | | | | | | Informed investment decisions start with informed investors. Here's what's making headlines:
🎫 A week after the Justice Department settled its claims against Live Nation (LYV) and its Ticketmaster subsidiary, their antitrust trial resumed in a New York federal court. Three dozen states and Washington, D.C. are pressing forward with claims that the live concert promoter has used threats, retaliation and other tactics to control virtually every aspect of the industry. (AP)
🏠 A bill seeking to ban institutional investors like Blackstone (BX) and Invitation Homes (INVH) from buying up single-family homes contains a loophole some housing experts and lobbyists say could make the prohibition almost meaningless. (Barron's)
🌎 Nvidia (NVDA) is taking its AI chips to space, with a new processing module designed for orbital data centers and autonomous space operations, the company announced this week. In theory, orbital data centers would use solar energy for power, avoiding the enormous cooling solutions necessary to operate on Earth. (Yahoo Finance) | | | | | | | | | Basis Point | | | | | A unit of measure used with interest rates. There are 100 basis points in 1 percentage point, and like the term percentage point, basis point is used to describe the difference between two percentages. For example, if an interest rate falls from 6.00% to 5.50%, the difference is 50 basis points, even though it fell 8.3% (0.50/6.00 x 100).
When the Federal Reserve's policy committee meets, they typically weigh changing benchmark interest rates in 25-basis-point increments. Lenders also use the term when changing their rates, as SoFi has on select loans this week. | | | | | |  | | Since the Middle East war began, the price of Brent crude oil has gone crazy — but who is 'Brent'? (CNN) | | | | | | | | | | | Intel, insights, and inspo for your money. | | On the Money cuts through the noise of day‑to‑day financial news to bring you a more thoughtful point of view on what's important in this moment — and how it impacts your bottom line. We value your trust above all. | | | | | | | | | | Did you find today's newsletter valuable? | | | | |
| | | | INVESTMENTS AND DIGITAL ASSETS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED ‑ ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED ‑ MAY LOSE VALUE | | 1Borrow Better Week Rate Drop: Additional terms and conditions apply. Limited time 0.50% rate drop for new Personal Loan, Student Loan Refinancing, Private Student Loan, and Home Equity Loan applications started between 3/17/26 — 3/23/26 and is subject to lender approval. Promotion does not include Home Loan purchase, refinance, or HELOC applications. To receive the discount, you must start a loan application with SoFi between 3/17/26 and 3/23/26 at 11:59PM PST and meet SoFi's underwriting criteria.
2Personal Loans: Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., and meet SoFi's underwriting requirements. SoFi Personal Loans can be used for any lawful personal, family, or household purposes and may not be used for post-secondary education expenses. Minimum loan amount is $5,000. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. The average of SoFi Personal Loans funded in 2024 was around $33K. Information current as of 3/17/26. SoFi Personal Loans originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). See SoFi.com/legal for state-specific license details.
3Home Equity Loans: SoFi Bank, N.A. NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC), offers loans directly or we may assist you in obtaining a loan from Spring EQ, a state licensed lender, NMLS #1464945.
All loan terms, fees, and rates may vary based upon your individual financial and personal circumstances and state.
You should consider and discuss with your loan officer whether a Cash Out Refinance, Home Equity Loan or a Home Equity Line of Credit is appropriate. Please note that the SoFi member discount does not apply to Home Equity Loans or Lines of Credit not originated by SoFi Bank. Terms and conditions will apply. Before you apply, please note that not all products are offered in all states, and all loans are subject to eligibility restrictions and limitations, including requirements related to loan applicant's credit, income, property, and a minimum loan amount. Lowest rates are reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Products, rates, benefits, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria. Information current as of 3/17/26.
In the event SoFi serves as broker to Spring EQ for your loan, SoFi will be paid a fee. Equal Housing Lender.
4Student Loan Refinancing: Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY TERMS AND DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME. To qualify for refinancing, you must fulfill all SoFi eligibility requirements. SoFi only refinances student loans totaling at least $5,000 that you used to fund tuition at an eligible Title IV accredited school where you were enrolled at least 50% time. Loans currently being used to fund education for actively enrolled students are not eligible for refinancing. For more detail, see SoFi.com/eligibility. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. You may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance.
Notice: SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FORFEIT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Information current as of 3/17/26 and subject to change. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). | | SoFi Checking and Savings accounts are offered by SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.
SoFi Credit Cards are issued by SoFi Bank, N.A. pursuant to license by Mastercard® International Incorporated.
Sofi Crypto products and services are offered by SoFi Bank, N.A.
Loans originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Equal Housing Lender.
Brokerage products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.
Advisory services are offered through SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information as of March 2026 and is subject to change. Screen images simulated. [3729904]
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