Our Scans · (FS.6.06) Personal Finance · Weekly Summary

• [New] The next 3-5 years will transform personal finance beyond recognition. AI Goldrush
• [New] Lower advisory costs for employees By 2026, AI-driven financial tools will be a key part of nearly every retirement plan in the U.S. Auto-Portability Simplifies Job Changes Changing jobs no longer means leaving old 401 (k) s behind. Pension Deductions
• [New] Major US non-bank lender Newrez will allow borrowers to include certain crypto holdings when applying for a mortgage starting in February. Crypto Briefing
• [New] While some housing economists do expect 30-year mortgage rates to dip below 6% in 2026, the trade group sees a growing economy and stubborn inflation, and therefore expects mortgage rates to hold at 6.4% for the entire year. / USA Bankrate.com
• [New] Given the direction of travel, a reasonable expectation is that mortgage rates in 2026 will be a little lower, and a little less volatile. Yahoo Finance UK
• [New] Measures of hiring, wage growth, and unemployment will help shape expectations around the pace and scope of further policy easing in 2026, particularly as officials continue to balance cooling inflation against signs of softening labour conditions. Default
• [New] Emerging markets offer high growth potential, especially in Asia-Pacific, where rising urbanization, wage growth and nutrition outreach programs converge. ReAnIn
• [New] Recent policy shifts have added to the opportunity: fiscal stimulus is aimed at bolstering domestic demand, and the Bank of Japan has moved further away from long-standing zero rates as inflation and wage growth broaden. Blackstone
• [New] With immigration pathways still constrained and global competition for workers intensifying, companies in 2026 will face rising wage pressures and a smaller pool of specialized talent. Built In
• A huge number of people are set to remortgage in 2026 and mortgage rates edging down will help to reduce the pressure many households are under. The Money Pages
• Looking ahead, Deloitte expects per capita spending to remain weak, citing soft labour markets, low confidence, and mortgage renewals at higher interest rates, alongside slightly negative population growth. HRD Canada
• Mortgage rates will average around 6.3% in 2026, while household incomes will rise 3.6% and home prices will grow by 2.2%. Yahoo Life
• 2026 will bring a fresh wave of activity, especially if mortgage rates continue to ease. Yahoo Finance UK
• 2026 U.S. Social Security reforms and aging demographics (1 in 5 retirees by 2030) demand optimized retirement income strategies. Ainvest
• Mortgage rates are unlikely to return to their pandemic lows in 2026, but they could still deliver some relief to borrowers. Bankrate.com
• Americans receiving either retirement benefits or SSI checks from the SSA in 2026 will see their monthly allotment 2.8% more than in 2025 thanks to the cost of living adjustment, or COLA. The US Sun
• While 32% of respondents believe mortgage rates will meaningfully drop in 2026, 74% indicated they would need rates to fall to 5% or lower to consider buying a new home. Scotsman Guide
• Salary sacrifice will still be one of the strongest employer and employee value drivers in 2026. Pensions Age
• Mortgage rates are a critical driver of housing activity and are widely expected to hover in the low to mid 6% range through much of 2026. Bellco Credit Union
• The White House and states will spar over who gets to govern the booming technology, while AI companies wage a fierce lobbying campaign to crush regulations, armed with the narrative that a patchwork of state laws will smother innovation and hobble the US in the AI arms race against China. MIT Technology Review
• By 2026, over 20 states will likely mandate employer access to retirement savings plans. / USA Pension Deductions
• Expect cash balance plans to remain central to retirement trends 2026, especially for business owners wanting higher pre-retirement savings. Pension Deductions

Last updated: 19 January 2026