Money Matters - Average Summer Costs Survey

Inflation recently hit a 3-year high and prices show no signs of coming down: how are Americans planning on affording summer fun?

A new survey on average summer costs and homeowner concerns found:

• 47% of homeowners plan to primarily “enjoy their mortgage” in summer 2026
• 54% worry about summer affordability
• 70% are cutting costs in 2026– a 30% increase from 2025

Monthly costs have marked increases, particularly around electricity: the average national electric bill increased $78 year over year. 39% worry about affording AC-driven electric bills this summer, 23% worry about affording water. 

Take a look at the full report linked above for more information.

Fun Freetime - Best Cities for Outdoor Parties

Planning an unforgettable outdoor party for the 4th of July this year? It takes more than just a big backyard. While we love a spacious green lawn, there is a lot more to consider, like reliable weather, local party resources, and access to parks when space is limited. As Americans prepare to celebrate the country's 250th birthday with record-breaking outdoor bashes, LawnStarter ranked 2026’s Best Cities for Outdoor Parties, comparing the 500 largest U.S. cities across 16 key factors. We looked at yard size, park access, climate, air quality, and the availability of outdoor venues, rental equipment facilities, and party supplies.

Here’s a look at the 10 cities that rose to the top. New York Los Angeles Chicago San Diego Miami Washington Atlanta Boston Seattle San Francisco   Key Insights: No surprises here, the country’s biggest metros dominate the top 10. These cities may be crowded, but their scale means endless rooftops, outdoor venues, and public spaces ready to host an outdoor party. In most of these metros, yard space is limited except in Atlanta (No. 7), where hosts enjoy more breathing room. Boston (No. 8) and San Francisco (No. 10) have walkable access to parks, and Boston also gets a nod for better air quality and lower grass allergen levels. Warm weather, a near year-round pool culture, and abundant sunshine in Florida make it easy to imagine backyard gatherings. Cities like Jacksonville (No. 17), West Palm Beach (No. 29), North Port (No. 136), and Hollywood (No. 299) rise above some of their Florida neighbors with better park access. Still, outside of Miami (No. 5) and West Palm Beach, most Florida cities come up short on rooftop venues, rental facilities, and party supply stores. Sunbelt struggles: Texas and Arizona didn’t shine. Nearly 80% of their ranked cities landed in the bottom half, many of them suburbs like Glendale, AZ (No. 495), Chandler, AZ (No. 494), Pasadena, TX (No. 473), and Irving, TX (No. 470), where smaller yards and limited access to rooftop venues, party supply stores, and rental facilities brought down overall scores. Check out the whole story and ranking here: https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/studies/best-cities-outdoor-parties/ Other helpful links: Key Insights Methodology More from LawnStarter:  How to Protect Your Lawn During Outdoor Events 250 Years of Lawn Care: How America Grew Its Greatest Obsession U.S. Cities Going Green: 2025’s Most Sustainable Cities 2025’s Leading Cities for Quality of Life How to Get a Lawn Like King of the Hill’s Hank Hill Best BBQ Cities in America America’s Dirtiest Cities

Healthy Habits - The Real Cost of Alcohol This Alcohol Awareness Week (6th-12th July)

This Alcohol Awareness Week (6th-12th July), Mental Health Expert Noel McDermott looks at how alcohol is costing us more than just money. Alcohol is a drug and one that creates physical dependency and drinking too much creates health problems. Everyone knows that and maybe tells themselves they will stop if they have negative health consequences. But, are we truly aware of the cost of alcohol? It’s a complex drug where the negative consequences can and do affect us even if we are abstinent from it. 

Noel comments: “The consequences of alcohol use and misuse are multi-factorial, in the public health lingo and affect families, workplaces, and neighbourhoods. While alcohol is a common part of social life, its broader impacts are often underestimated”.

Alcohol consumption during the World Cup

Right now, during the World cup consumption of alcohol will have skyrocketed. Where can you watch footie these days? In pubs mostly. It’s not an accident. Figures produced contemporaneously to this one show consumption of alcohol in pubs increasingly up to 157%*. There are immediate and negative consequences to people from this binge behaviour - accidents, violence in the pubs and streets and domestic violence skyrocketing. The most negatively consequential way of drinking alcohol is to binge large amounts at events. Police up and down the country are swamped by the increase in intimate partner violence during these events fuelled but not excused by alcohol consumption. There is a direct one to one relationship in alcohol and violence globally** due to reduction of inhibition in the person drinking. Also, alcohol affects and distorts for example facial recognition whereby a smile becomes a snarl. Many high streets on a Friday night are almost literal war zones at closing time. 

The economic cost of alcohol related problems

Alcohol related problems are estimated to cost the NHS £3.5billion per year***. That’s coming out of your pocket if you drink or not. Some people complain about the amount of tax on alcohol, it’s arguably not enough. In the criminal justice field alcohol is part of 50% of all violent crime, about a third of child abuse crimes, estimates say alcohol costs the public purse in criminality between £11-21billion annually****.

As a specific health issue for the individual which is generally how we measure if our behaviour is harmful or not, it’s useful to know that currently the world guidelines on safe levels of alcohol use is zero. The World Health Organization stated that “Alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-producing substance and has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer decades ago – this is the highest risk group, which also includes asbestos, radiation and tobacco. Alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer, including the most common cancer types, such as bowel cancer and female breast cancer. Ethanol (alcohol) causes cancer through biological mechanisms as the compound breaks down in the body, which means that any beverage containing alcohol, regardless of its price and quality, poses a risk of developing cancer.” 

There is medically no level of safe alcohol use*****. Ireland, yes, you got that right, Ireland has now put warnings on alcohol similar to cigarettes******. It’s clear now we need to ask, is alcohol costing us more than money? What do you think? Is it?.

Mental health expert Noel McDermott is a psychotherapist and dramatherapist with over 30 years’ work within the health, social care, education, and criminal justice fields. His company Mental Health Works provides unique mental health services for the public and other organisations. Mental Health Works offers in situ health care and will source, identify and co-ordinate personalised teams to meet your needs – https://www.mentalhealthworks.net/ 

Editor’s Notes:

• *https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/world-cup-2026-to-bring-uk-shoppers-together-at-home-and-in-pubs/ 

• **https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8729263/
• ***https://www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/resource/alcohol-related-harm-and-drinking-behaviour-1
• **** https://news.npcc.police.uk/releases/in-focus-alcohol-harm
• *****https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/04-01-2023-no-level-of-alcohol-consumption-is-safe-for-our-health
• ​****** https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2465lndrnno
• 
  

Fun Freetime - Nickelodeon Extreme Tennis: Next!

Nickelodeon Extreme Tennis: Next! is now officially available as a physical edition on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch™ and PC.

Following its digital launch in May, players can now pick up Nickelodeon Extreme Tennis: Next! in stores and enjoy the colorful arcade tennis experience in a physical format. Developed by Old Skull Games and published by Gameloft, the game combines fast-paced gameplay, local multiplayer fun and a roster of 15 iconic Nickelodeon fan-favorite characters, each featuring unique abilities across vibrant courts and easy-to-learn matches designed for players of all ages—whether playing solo or competing with friends and family.

Game Details 

• Title: Nickelodeon Extreme Tennis: Next! 

• Developer: Old Skull Games 

• Publisher: Gameloft 

• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC (Steam) 

• Digital Release Date: May 28th, 2026 

• Physical Release Date: July 1st, 2026 

• Price: €29.99 / $29.99 

• Genre: Arcade Sports / Party Game 

• Rating: PEGI 3 / ESRB Everyone 

Money Matters - Car Buying Regrets

Lemon Law Experts surveyed people who purchased a car within the past 5 years about their experience and asked a variety of questions, including what their top regrets were, what they prioritized at the time of their purchase, what they wish they had prioritized, unexpected costs that came with their purchase, and more.


Highlights:

• The average American with car buying regrets overspent about $4,700 but 1 in 4 people didn't negotiate at all when buying!
• 25% said they have regrets because maintenance/repair costs were higher than expected.
• 21% said they regret their purchase because monthly payments are too high.
• Missing features and paying too much are the most common car-buying regrets among Americans.
• 33% of Americans wish they had prioritized fuel efficiency when buying their most recent car (and nearly 2 in 5 did prioritize fuel efficiency).
• Nearly 1 in 4 Americans have considered selling or trading their car sooner than planned due to regret.

Music Minute - T. Graham Brown Live Wire Celebrates America's 250th Birthday

Grand Ole Opry member and Grammy-nominated country music favorite T. Graham Brown is celebrating America's 250th birthday all month long on "Live Wire," his popular SiriusXM program on Prime Country (Channel 58), with patriotic music, unforgettable stories, and one of country music's most recognizable voices.

This month's featured guest is Aaron Tippin, who joins Brown for an entertaining conversation filled with memories from the road, stories behind the songs, and reflections on the music that helped define a generation. Throughout July, Brown also spotlights music from Charlie Daniels, Jimmy Fortune, Darryl Worley, The Oak Ridge Boys, Lee Greenwood, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and his own award-winning catalog.

"We're celebrating America's 250th birthday this month on Live Wire,” shares Brown. “Get ready for fireworks and fantastic music! I'm sitting down with Aaron Tippin for some unforgettable stories and tunes. Also, I'll be playing songs from Charlie Daniels, Jimmy Fortune, Darryl Worley, The Oak Ridge Boys, Lee Greenwood, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and me! Don't miss out on the stories and music—tune in and let's celebrate summer together. It's Live Wire, SiriusXM Prime Country, Channel 58."

July Broadcast Schedule:

• Thursday, July 2 — 1:00 a.m. ET & 3:00 p.m. ET

• Sunday, July 5 — 11:00 a.m. ET

• Tuesday, July 7 — 12:00 a.m. ET & 11:00 p.m. ET

• Thursday, July 9 — 3:00 a.m. ET

• Saturday, July 18 — 2:00 p.m. ET

• Sunday, July 19 — 6:00 p.m. ET

• Monday, July 20 — 12:00 p.m. ET

The July edition follows an eventful June for Brown. During CMA Fest, he greeted fans alongside Mike Rogers and Jimmy Fortune during a signing at the Gaither Music booth before joining the pair for a special concert hosted by Gaither Music Group at the Museum of Christian & Gospel Music in downtown Nashville.

Brown also made several appearances on the Grand Ole Opry stage throughout the month, including a memorable duet with fellow Opry member Tanya Tucker, bringing together two of country music's most enduring voices for a special performance.

Now in its acclaimed run on SiriusXM, "Live Wire" continues to celebrate the artists, songs, and stories that have shaped country music. Each episode offers listeners an intimate look inside the lives of country music's biggest stars while preserving the rich history and traditions of the genre.

"Live Wire with T. Graham Brown" airs exclusively on SiriusXM Prime Country (Channel 58).

For more information, visit tgrahambrown.com

Upcoming Tour Dates:

July 4 — Russellville, Ala. / Sloss Lake 4th of July Celebration

August 7 — Elizabeth, Ind. / Caesars Event Center at Caesars Southern Indiana

August 15 — Pearland, Texas / 4th Annual Classic Country Dinner & Show

September 11 — Newberry, S.C. / Newberry Opera House

October 9 — Branson, Mo. / Clay Cooper Theatre (RFD-TV Presents The Malpass Brothers featuring T. Graham Brown)

October 17 — Dadeville, Ala. / Martin's at Lake Martin

Connect with T. Graham Brown:

Website: tgrahambrown.com

Facebook: facebook.com/TGrahamBrownMusic

Instagram: instagram.com/tgrahambrownmusic

X: x.com/tgrahambrown

YouTube: youtube.com/@TGrahamBrownOfficial

Spotify: spotify.com/artist/2Jq7hV4Y8y0J4u2J4R6n4R

About T. Graham Brown:

Grand Ole Opry member T. Graham Brown has earned a place among country music's most distinctive voices with chart-topping hits including "Hell and High Water," "Don't Go to Strangers," "Darlene," and "I Tell It Like It Used to Be." His unmistakable blend of country, soul, and gospel has earned him Grammy nominations, multiple industry awards, and a loyal following spanning more than four decades. In addition to touring and recording, Brown hosts the popular SiriusXM program "Live Wire," where he welcomes many of country music's biggest names for conversations, stories, and performances celebrating the music and the artists who continue to define it.

Money Matters - Credit Card Delinquincy Report

With the number of delinquent credit card accounts decreasing by as much as over 41% in some cities over the past year, the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its new report on the Cities Where Credit Card Delinquency Is Decreasing the Most, to highlight where people are struggling the least. You can check out some key findings below.   
 

Increasing the Most	Increasing the Least
1. St. Louis, MO 2. San Bernardino, CA 3. Madison, WI 4. Cincinnati, OH 5. Boston, MA 6. Minneapolis, MN 7. Anchorage, AK 8. Omaha, NE 9. Jersey City, NJ 10. Fort Wayne, IN	91. Lincoln, NE 92. Boise, ID 93. Chandler, AZ 94. Durham, NC 95. Chesapeake, VA 96. Chula Vista, CA 97. Garland, TX 98. Gilbert, AZ 99. Wichita, KS 100. Winston-Salem, NC

For the full report and to see where your city ranks, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/cities-where-credit-card-delinquency-is-decreasing-most/136688


“If you miss a credit card payment, don’t panic! Your issuer won’t report you as delinquent to the credit bureaus until you’re 30 days late. You’ll still have to deal with any late fee or penalty rate consequences your issuer decides to implement, but if you can manage to get current before 30 days are up, you can avoid a big credit score hit. In addition, if you’re unable to make payment due to financial difficulty, you can always ask if your issuer has a hardship plan that may allow you to skip payments, avoid fees or get a lower interest rate temporarily.”
---
“Credit card delinquency is decreasing the most in St. Louis, MO, as the city’s residents were delinquent on over 41% less credit card tradelines in Q1 2026 than Q1 2025. St. Louis’s declining delinquency rate may have less to do with reduced access to credit and more to do with residents' ability to effectively manage their existing balance, as they had the 27th least credit card debt in Q1 2026.”
 
- John Kiernan, WalletHub Editor

House & Home - Home Ownership, Stress, and Why People Think It Is Worth It In 2026

Buying a home is often called the “American dream,” but for many families in 2026, it’s also becoming a major source of everyday stress.

 

As per the Hippo’s Homeowner Anxiety Report , although most homeowners find great pleasure in owning homes, the stress involved cannot be overlooked.

The study emphasizes the basic truth which has always been known by many parents – a home can bring you comfort but also a lot of things on your to-do list.

 

Takeaway from the report for families:

 

Homeownership in 2026 has its own pros and cons. For many families, the basic equation of emotion is stress versus security, pride, and stability.

In spite of all the costs being incurred and a lot of things on the to-do list, most homeowners believe that it is all worth it.

  

Fun Freetime - Most Relaxing Summer Vacation Spots

Day-to-day life can be stressful. Between the responsibilities we juggle in our work lives and our personal lives, it’s only natural to seek time to unwind away from it all.

Sudoku Bliss recently analyzed more than 9.5 million Airbnb reviews in U.S. cities to uncover the most relaxing vacation spots in the U.S. for summer vacations.

Key findings from the report:

• Sonoma, CA, and Santa Fe, NM, are home to the most relaxing Airbnb rentals in the U.S., according to visitor reviews.
• 43% of Airbnb rentals across the U.S. are considered a relaxing stay.
• Quiet, cozy, and peaceful are the top relaxation-related keywords mentioned among Airbnb reviews across the U.S.
• Bar Harbor, ME, and Sedona, AZ, are home to the most relaxing Airbnb rentals for larger groups.
• Asheville, NC, and Sedona, AZ, are the most relaxing vacation spots with the best value.

So whether you’re relaxing in your Airbnb rental on vacation or are unwinding at home after work, it’s important to use those small moments for a mental escape.

Caring Causes - beek

Premium comfort footwear brand, beek, is celebrating the season with its Summer Sale, offering 25% off fan-favorite sandals and sneakers so you can strut in the sun accordingly.  Running through July 6th, the promotion gives shoppers the opportunity to shop handmade premium leather sandals, sneakers, ballet flats, and more that are designed to mold to your feet making every step as comfortable as it is stylish. Get 25% off the Petey Ballet Flat, just worn by Katherine Schwarzenegger. Additional celebrity fans of the brand include Brie Larson, Emma Roberts, Julia Roberts, Lily Aldridge, Margot Robbie, Naomi Watts, and more. For every pair of shoes sold, beek donates the equivalent of one day of meals to kids. Since founding the brand over 10 years ago they have donated over one million meals to children across the United States.  The Summer Sale is available to shop now on beekshop.com through July 6th.

About beek: beek is a California-based footwear brand redefining everyday luxury through thoughtfully crafted leather sandals designed for all-day wear. Founded by Birgit Klett and Kenna Florie, the brand is rooted in the belief that comfort and style should go hand in hand, each pair is made from buttery-soft leather and constructed with a focus on longevity, wearability, and timeless design. With a commitment to responsible production and giving back, beek donates the equivalent of a day’s worth of meals to a child in need for every pair of shoes sold.