Investor's Playbook

📖Today’s Agenda

• Stock Market : Stocks Rise as Jobs Growth Cools More Than Expected

• Entrepreneurship : TOP 3 AI TOOLS OF THE WEEK

• Personal Finance : The 5 Fastest Ways to Reduce Your Monthly Bills Now

📈Stock Market

Stocks Rise as Jobs Growth Cools More Than Expected

Stocks rose Friday as investors weighed a cooling in jobs growth that could reinforce hopes that the Federal Reserve is done with its rate-hiking campaign.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) gained about 0.7%, or more than 200 points, while the S&P 500 (^GSPC) added nearly 1%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) gained roughly 1.4%. It was the best weekly performance for all indexes in 2023.

The US economy added 150,000 jobs in October, undershooting the 180,000 reading expected, with auto industry strikes a factor, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said. The unemployment rate ticked higher to 3.9%.

The health of the labor market is a key input for Fed policymakers, and the signs of a slowing economy should support the case for the central bank to hold off from another rate hike this year.

Tech stocks recouped earlier losses after disappointing results from Apple (AAPL). While Apple's earnings beat estimates in its quarterly report after the bell, the iPhone maker was cautious in its outlook for growth, saying it expects sales of iPads and wearables to "decelerate significantly."

Investors are weighing what that could mean about the resilience of consumer, and whether the series of disappointing earnings this season might feed into the Fed's assessment of how its tightening is dampening the economy.

🎯Entrepreneurship

TOP 3 AI TOOLS OF THE WEEK

1. IngestAI

TEXT TO DATA / TEXT TO CHATBOT

Through automating the process of extracting, analysing, and creating text, IngestAI streamlines the process of building and maintaining knowledge bases for any use. With IngestAI, you can quickly upload, classify, and format nearly any knowledge base, allowing for instant and accurate responses based on queries made on the WebChat.

2. Artefacts

TEXT TO 3D

With its extensive range of capabilities, Artefacts can be used for a variety of purposes – from 3D modelling and animation to graphic design or gaming. It offers a range of advantages, including significant time savings when compared to traditional methods of design, and access to powerful AI-powered tools. Artefacts lets you rapidly create the perfect 3D object for your projects with unmatched accuracy and precision.

3. AISEO

SEO ENHANCER AI

AISEO is the perfect tool for marketing and communication professionals, copywriters, and social media managers to level up their SEO capabilities and outperform the competition. It helps them to not only quickly achieve higher online visibility but also glean better insights into their industry, their competitors, target audiences, and more. AISEO can help users to remain competitive and stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

💸Personal Finance

The 5 Fastest Ways to Reduce Your Monthly Bills Now

If you're constantly left with little extra money after paying your bills every month, you may be looking for ways to improve your finances. If you don't make some changes, it will be challenging to continue to afford everyday life if costs continue to climb.

The good news is you can make changes to change your financial situation for the better. Here are a few of the fastest ways to reduce your monthly expenses so you can feel less financial stress.

1. Cancel services you're no longer using

Many of us are spending money on services we don't use enough or at all. If you're not paying close attention to your spending habits, you could be wasting money on unnecessary expenses, too. You can use one of the best budgeting apps to monitor your spending to take a closer look at your spending habits. If you can find one or more expenses you're not using and cancel these services, you can free up some of your money for other purposes.

2. Shop at discount grocery stores

You may be overspending on everyday essentials by shopping at the wrong stores. It's no secret that the price tags at most grocery stores nationwide are high. But that doesn't mean you can't lower your grocery spending. Shopping at discount retailers can help.

Since life has been busy in recent months, I've been shopping at the more conveniently located grocer in my area. But I know that I'm overspending. This weekend, I did a smaller grocery haul at a discount grocer instead of going to the more convenient store in town. I compared the prices after I finished shopping and saved almost $15 by shopping with the discount retailer.

If you're looking to spend less on your monthly bills, you may want to try this, too. It can be helpful to review each store's sales flier before loading up your cart so you don't miss the best deals. Over time, shopping at discount grocers can result in significant savings.

3. Negotiate your bills

Not all bills can be negotiated, but some can. If you have home internet, cable, or a mobile phone bill, these are some bills you may be able to lower just by asking. It's worthwhile to contact each company to ask if they will work with you on the price.

You may be able to get your biller to extend a promotional rate without changing your plan or switching to a cheaper plan that has similar offerings. Saving even $25 or $50 a month by negotiating your bills can make a big difference and help you boost your bank account balance.

4. Switch to budget billing

Some utility companies offer budget billing to customers. With this payment method, you'll pay a set amount each month throughout the year based on your prior average energy usage. This can be a good option for those with exceptionally high seasonal energy bills, like high electricity bills in the summer due to using air conditioning. Your monthly bills may fluctuate slightly if your usage changes, but this is a good solution that can make your monthly bills more predictable.

In conclusion, managing and reducing your monthly bills requires careful planning, smart decision-making, and a proactive approach to your finances. By implementing the strategies discussed in this article, such as budgeting, renegotiating contracts, exploring discounts, and adopting energy-efficient practices, you can significantly alleviate the financial burden and achieve long-term savings. It is essential to remain vigilant, stay informed about your expenses, and continually reassess your spending habits to adapt to changing circumstances. Remember, small changes can lead to substantial savings over time, providing you with the financial freedom to pursue your goals and dreams. By taking control of your monthly bills, you not only enhance your financial well-being but also create a more secure and stable future for yourself and your family.