Good morning crew! 👏

Hope your weekend is off to a great start. What a week we had in money land.

Some really good stories to cover, everything from Donald Trump’s outburts to where inflation rates are headed. Lets dive into it.

Top Stories Last Week

📈 Inflation Edged Higher Than Expected — The latest report showed prices rising slightly more than economists forecast, suggesting inflation pressures aren’t easing as quickly as hoped. Some categories like services and housing continue to show persistent cost increases. Why it matters: If inflation stays sticky, interest rates may remain elevated, which affects mortgages, car loans, and credit card rates — keeping borrowing expensive for households.

📉 Major Retailers Warn About Slower Spending — Several large retailers noted that shoppers are becoming more selective, focusing on essentials and cutting back on discretionary purchases. Companies are seeing more price sensitivity and cautious buying behavior. Why it matters: When consumers pull back, it’s often a sign that household budgets are tightening — and it can signal slower economic growth ahead.

🛢️ Oil Prices Climbed Again This Week — Energy prices moved higher due to supply concerns and global demand trends. Even modest increases can ripple through transportation and production costs. Why it matters: Higher oil prices often lead to more expensive gas and shipping costs, which quietly push up prices on everyday goods like groceries and travel.

‼️ Credit Card Debt Hit Another Record — Total credit card balances continued to rise as more households rely on borrowing to manage expenses. Delinquencies have also started inching higher in some groups. Why it matters: With many cards charging over 20% interest, carrying a balance becomes costly quickly, making it harder for people to get ahead financially.

Economic Calendar Ahead

Corporate Earnings💰

  • Monday

  • Tuesday

  • Wednesday

  • Thursday

  • Friday

Economic Reports 🚨

  • US GDP Q4 (Monday), Inflation Report (Tuesday, Jobless Claims (Wednesday), and US ISM Index (Friday)

Stats & More Stats

23.59% — That’s the average credit card interest rate as of the month of January. I hope no one reading this newsletter is paying credit card interest, let alone at 23.59%. If so, we need to talk, immediately.

Money Insights & Advice

❝

“Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.”

- Warren Buffet

Weekly Arbitrage

A curated look at market inefficiencies, corporate loss-leaders, and pricing anomalies. We track these deals not just for the savings, but as real-time indicators of the shifting economic landscape.

The $1 Anti-Valentine’s Hedge

If today is for the romantics spending $150 on a prix-fixe menu, tomorrow is for the economists. To celebrate Singles Awareness Day (Feb 15), Wendy’s is liquidating inventory at a massive loss to acquire a permanent spot on your home screen.

By offering the Dave’s Single for just $1, Wendy's is effectively subsidizing your Sunday lunch to gain an edge in the 2026 data wars. In an era where "food inflation" dominates the headlines, an 80%+ price drop on a core asset is a loud signal of just how aggressive the QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) battle for market share has become.

The Play: Skip the leftovers tomorrow. Open the Wendy's app on Sunday, Feb 15, and snag the $1 Dave’s Single (available with any additional purchase). It’s a low-cost way to observe corporate desperation in real-time.

That’s all folks. If you enjoy our weekly brief, please consider forwarding us to a friend.

— The Monkey Budget Team