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

• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 2026 will bring a fresh wave of activity, especially if mortgage rates continue to ease. Yahoo Finance UK
• [New] 2026 U.S. Social Security reforms and aging demographics (1 in 5 retirees by 2030) demand optimized retirement income strategies. Ainvest
• [New] Mortgage rates are unlikely to return to their pandemic lows in 2026, but they could still deliver some relief to borrowers. Bankrate.com
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] Salary sacrifice will still be one of the strongest employer and employee value drivers in 2026. Pensions Age
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] By 2026, over 20 states will likely mandate employer access to retirement savings plans. / USA Pension Deductions
• [New] Expect cash balance plans to remain central to retirement trends 2026, especially for business owners wanting higher pre-retirement savings. Pension Deductions
• [New] Consistent with the weakening of ECOA rules, we expect the CFPB to implement various deregulatory measures in the mortgage ecosystem in 2026, at least to the extent possible given limited funding and staff. Capstone DC
• [New] The Retirement Age Increase For US Citizens has been due to the COLA changes and the individuals after reaching the full retirement age will not face the payment reduction. CPDC.ORG
• [New] Last year heralded a notable influx of UK Government funding, and commencing April, we anticipate significant increases in the minimum wage and state pension, as well as reductions in energy expenses-all achievements facilitated by a Labour Government. RS Web Solutions
• [New] Many taxpayers will see higher deductions, higher contribution limits, and new retirement rules in 2026, but they will also lose the IRS's free Direct File option. Empower
• [New] With the International Space Station scheduled for retirement around 2030, the race to build commercial replacements has reached a critical phase. FMN News
• [New] In California, the minimum wage will rise to $16.90, while salaried workers will be guaranteed $70,304 a year. Yahoo News
• [New] Washington will become the first state with a statewide minimum wage above $17 an hour. Yahoo News
• [New] Minimum wage workers in Hawaii will see the largest jump in their hourly pay. CNBC
• [New] More than 8.3 million workers are expected to benefit from minimum wage hikes in 19 states, which will collectively add an estimated $5 billion in earnings nationwide. CNBC

Last updated: 12 January 2026