Happy Financial Literacy Month! This week's reading list includes new inflation data as well as commentary on its causes and future Fed actions, more information surfacing about what was going on as SVB was failing and what has happened since, and other interesting tidbits.

Economics

• The inflation measure followed by the Federal Reserve was released today and came in lower in February than in January. (CNN) (NYT)
• Apricitas includes some good data summaries in their treatment of supply and demand as contributors to the inflation we are experiencing today.
• BankRate weighs in on the Fed and the prospects for additional rate increases.

Investing

• This article provides a good recap of market situation around the world, beginning with banks. (Reuters)
• The median house price in the showed the first year-over-year decline in over a decade. (CNN) But East and West Coasts tell two different stories. (WSJ-subscription may be required)

SVB follow-up

• The blame game continues as regulators face Congress. (NYT)
• More info about behind the scenes (lobbying) activities that were taking place as SVB was going under. (Forbes)
• In the mean time, Citizens Bank is buying up remaining pieces (deposits and loans) of SVB. (CNBC)

Cryptocurrencies

• The Feds increasing pressure in the crypto world—next up is Binance and its founder. (CNBC)

Budgeting

• Why are young people not driving as much as previous generations? Looks like the trend is driven by financial consideration. (Brookings)
• An important part of any budgeting exercise is accounting for taxes. NPR provides a breakdown of the highest and lowest states for tax burden (property, income and sales taxes combined.)

Managing Credit

• Apple launches its own version of BNPL. (Reuters)

Behavioral Finance

• A little historical review shows that human (investing) behavior hasn’t really changed over the years. (Investoramnesia)

About the Author

Beth Tallman

Beth Tallman entered the working world armed with an MBA in finance and thoroughly enjoyed her first career working in manufacturing and telecommunications, including a stint overseas. She took advantage of an involuntary separation to try teaching high school math, something she had always dreamed of doing. When fate stepped in once again, Beth jumped on the opportunity to combine her passion for numbers, money, and education to develop curriculum and teach personal finance at Oberlin College. Beth now spends her time writing on personal finance and financial education, conducts student workshops, and develops finance curricula and educational content. She is also the Treasurer of Ohio Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy.