Monday Night Finance- Volume 149

Published
Monday Night Finance Banner image of a football field with the words "monday night finance"

Trump Rejects 401(k) Housing Plan, Says Retirement Accounts Are “Doing Too Well”

Have you ever noticed how every proposed fix for housing affordability seems to come with a tradeoff somewhere else in your financial life? With home prices high and mortgage rates still painful, it’s understandable that policymakers are searching for creative ways to help buyers get a foot in the door. Especially since when people feel like they’re doing well financially, they’re more likely to reelect incumbents. As it turns out, not all of their proposed solutions are created equal. A recent proposal could help people own a home… but at the cost of a safe and secure retirement.This article goes into the recent proposal to allow people to withdraw money from their 401(k) accounts to buy a home as well as the politics surrounding the proposal.

Trump pointed to robust stock market gains as a reason for his skepticism. The S&P 500 rose 16.39% last year, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed more than 20%, bolstering retirement balances and reinforcing Trump’s view that 401(k)s are currently outperforming housing investments.

~Financial Freedom Countdown

The article explains that President Trump has publicly rejected a proposal that would have allowed Americans to withdraw money from their 401(k) accounts to help buy homes. While the idea was meant to help first-time buyers overcome down payment hurdles, Trump said he isn’t a fan. He argued that tapping into 401(k)s now could undermine long-term financial security, especially when stock market returns have been strong. Instead, the article outlines how Trump is pursuing other housing-focused strategies, including limiting large institutional investors from buying single-family homes and pressuring mortgage markets in hopes of lowering rates. The administration has also pushed federal housing agencies to intervene more aggressively, while Trump continues urging the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates. At the same time, the article notes skepticism from economists who say increasing housing supply through construction and zoning reform is needed to truly lower prices. In short, while housing affordability is a top political priority, Trump appears reluctant to solve it by asking families to raid retirement savings.

15 jobs that pay $25 per that actually mean it when they say ‘no experience necessary’

Have you ever scrolled past job listings promising “no experience necessary,” only to feel deflated once you read the fine print? For many people who just want a solid paycheck and a realistic path forward, the job market can feel misleading and discouraging. There’s a growing gap between what employers advertise and what they actually expect, especially when so many roles quietly require degrees, certifications, or years of background knowledge. If you are looking for a fresh start, you’ll definitely want to check out this article that highlights jobs that pay well and don’t require previous work experience.

These roles aren’t all easy. Many are physical, some are stressful, and almost all require you to show up on time and stick with training. But if you’re willing to work, you can step into a real career instead of another dead-end “entry-level” posting.

~Katy Willis, Wealthy Single Mommy

The article highlights a group of jobs that actually live up to the promise of “no experience necessary” while paying around $25 an hour or more once training is complete. These roles span government work, transportation, public safety, and the skilled trades, and they all share one thing in common: structured, paid training. Some government jobs such as postal workers, correctional officers, bus drivers, and firefighters require only a high school diploma and teach them everything they need on the job. The article also emphasizes apprenticeships in trades such as construction equipment operation, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, metalwork, and industrial maintenance. These fields are designed specifically to turn beginners into skilled workers over time. While many of these jobs are physically demanding, involve odd hours, or require working in tough conditions, the payoff is stability, benefits, and a clear path to higher pay without student debt. In summary, if you’re willing to commit to training and consistency, there are real careers that will invest in you from day one and reward you with a livable wage and long-term opportunity.

AI Can Be A Great Therapist For Many Of Your Problems

Have you ever had a problem that started out practical but slowly took over your thoughts, emotions, and sleep? Many everyday challenges like money, health scares, car trouble, or career uncertainty aren’t just logistical puzzles. They create anxiety because they introduce uncertainty and a loss of control. While traditional therapy isn’t always accessible or feels like the right fit for everyone, people still need reassurance, perspective, and a way to think clearly when their mind starts spiraling. In moments like that, having someone (or someTHING) patient, nonjudgmental, and always available to help you reason through fear can make a surprising difference.

My refusal to quit trying to fix the car and my refusal to overspend on a replacement left me mentally exhausted.

~Sam Dogen, Financial Samurai

This article explains how Sam Dogen (aka The Financial Samurai) used ChatGPT to serve as a sounding board. While he doesn’t recommend AI as a replacement for licensed professionals, he talked about how ChatGPT can be a tool for calming anxiety and creating clear action plans. He shared how ongoing car troubles triggered his worst case thinking and stoked financial stress and safety fears. By leaning on AI, he gained detailed explanations that no mechanic had fully provided and replaced panic with realistic expectations. AI helped him understand technical issues and help him understand which of his concerns were unlikely fears and which were real risks. Perhaps most importantly, it offered consistent reassurance without judgment and answered the same questions repeatedly. The article highlights how this kind of support can be especially valuable when friends lack empathy, professionals are rushed, or you don’t feel comfortable opening up.