BUSINESS

Jay-Z is the world’s wealthiest musician, with an estimated net worth of $2.8 billion.

Your monthly energy spending has gradually become one of the single fastest-growing line items in your household budget over the past several months. Your electric bill climbed noticeably higher without you changing a single daily habit, while gas station receipts tell an increasingly painful financial story. The heating season may be winding down, but natural gas prices remain stubbornly elevated and are still keeping your utility bills uncomfortably high. Each of those costs would be manageable on its own, but all three are rising at the exact same time during this challenging spring. This convergence is driven by a volatile mix of geopolitical conflict, aging grid infrastructure, and surging electricity demand from commercial data center operations. If you feel like your energy spending is draining your savings account, recent federal data from multiple government agencies fully confirms your instincts. Financial adviser Katharine George of Wealthstream Advisors recently outlined practical strategies on Yahoo Finance to help you build a buffer against rising costs. The real question is not whether energy prices will keep climbing but whether you are positioned well enough to absorb the ongoing financial pressure.Gasoline prices surged past $3.90 as Middle East conflict disrupts global oil supplyThe national average price for regular gasoline reached $3.91 per gallon as of March 20, 2026, according to AAA’s weekly Fuel Gauge Report. That figure represents an increase of more than 30% since the start of the year, when prices hovered comfortably below three dollars per gallon.The primary driver is the ongoing military conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran that has destabilized the entire Middle East region. Related: Costco members get good news on rising gas pricesIran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has halted roughly 20% of global oil supply, sending crude oil prices sharply higher worldwide. WTI crude oil surged above $98 per barrel in mid-March 2026, representing a staggering increase of more than 57% since early January alone.California already tops $5 per gallon while some states remain closer to $3Your personal experience at the pump depends heavily on your specific zip code, because regional price differences across the country are enormous right now. California currently leads the nation at $5.36 per gallon, while Kansas sits at a comparatively low $3.04 per gallon, per AAA data from March 12.More Oil and Gas:Energy giant sends blunt $20 billion message on dividend growth147-year-old oil giant just raised dividend 4% in 2026Top energy stocks to buy amid Venezuela chaosThe spread between the most and least expensive states has ballooned to $2.33 per gallon, driven by fuel taxes and supply chain constraints. If you live in a high-cost state like California, Washington, or Hawaii, the monthly pressure on your transportation budget is significantly more intense.Electricity bills climbed 21% in five years with no sign of slowing down soonGasoline may grab the front-page headlines, but your electric bill has been rising for years. The national average residential electricity rate reached 18.05 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2026, according to Electric Choice, sourcing EIA data.That represents a 21% increase from 14.92 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2022, making electricity one of the fastest-growing household expenses across the nation. The U.S. Energy Information Administration confirms that monthly electricity bills have been outpacing inflation since 2022 and expects these increases to continue through 2026. The average monthly residential electricity bill rose from approximately $121 in 2021 to an estimated $156 in 2025, representing a nearly 30% jump in spending.Data centers, grid upgrades, and tariffs are three forces pushing your rates higherThree structural forces are pushing your electricity rates upward at the same time, and none of them are likely to resolve anytime soon. Data centers now account for roughly 4% of total U.S. electricity consumption, and their demand is expected to more than double by 2030. These facilities operate around the clock and consume electricity at a scale that directly competes with your residential usage on the same grid. Much of the American electrical grid was originally built in the mid-twentieth century and now operates well past its originally intended functional lifespan. Utilities plan to spend up to $1.4 trillion on infrastructure upgrades from 2025 to 2030, and those costs pass directly to you as ratepayer. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association estimates that up to four million households experienced utility disconnections in 2025, nearly 500,000 more than the previous year.A financial adviser says cash reserves are your first and most important line of defenseKatharine George, a financial adviser at Wealthstream Advisors, told Yahoo Finance that accessible cash is the single most important tool you need now. She recommends thinking well beyond this month and carefully considering your spending needs over the next six months to two full years ahead.Having enough accessible cash prevents you from selling investments during a downturn just to cover rising day-to-day expenses when costs spike suddenly. Your cash reserve does not need to sit in a zero-interest checking account that earns nothing for you while consumer prices continue climbing rapidly. Money market funds, treasury bills, and online savings accounts all offer competitive yields without locking your money away for an extended period of time.Your emergency fund target probably needs a serious upgrade right nowMost financial planners recommend keeping three to six months of living expenses in reserve, but that old target may not stretch far enough. When your energy spending jumps 20% to 30% in a single quarter, your previous emergency fund calculations no longer reflect your actual monthly costs.Recalculate your monthly essential spending across gas, utilities, groceries, and insurance to make sure your reserve amount reflects what you actually spend today. If you carry high-interest credit card debt alongside thin cash reserves, prioritize paying that balance down before you attempt to expand your savings further.Portfolio diversification protects you when energy price shocks rattle the broader stock marketRising energy costs do not just drain your checking account directly, because they also rattle the broader stock market and shake your investment portfolio. George stressed that having a diversified portfolio in place before turmoil strikes is critical, not after the scary headlines have already started appearing online.She specifically noted that the assets people assume will benefit from a conflict often do not move in the direction that investors typically expect. Overexposure to U.S. large-cap technology stocks has been a common portfolio vulnerability heading into the historic volatility surge that defined early 2026 trading.

Diversifying your investments can help protect your finances during periods of energy-driven market volatility.voronaman/Shutterstock

True diversification means owning different asset typesHolding stocks from different countries is helpful, but genuine diversification also means owning fundamentally different types of assets within your overall investment portfolio. International and emerging market equities have actually outperformed the U.S. market in both the final months of 2025 and the early weeks of 2026.Related: Do single people with few assets need a will?Bonds, real estate investment trusts, commodities, and Treasury securities all respond differently during energy-driven inflation cycles that push consumer prices higher broadly. A portfolio combining multiple asset classes meaningfully reduces the chance that one single economic shock drags down your entire accumulated net worth over the years.Tax-loss harvesting turns a market downturn into immediate savings on your tax billIf the market drops significantly, George pointed out that investors in higher tax brackets can take advantage of a strategy called tax-loss harvesting. The approach involves selling investments that have declined in value and then using those realized losses to directly offset your capital gains tax obligations.You can offset up to $3,000 in ordinary income per year with realized capital losses under current IRS rules for individual tax filers annually. Losses that exceed the annual limit carry forward to future tax years, effectively giving you a multi-year tax benefit from one carefully timed decision.The IRS wash-sale rule limits how aggressively you can harvest investment losses The IRS prohibits you from repurchasing the same security or a substantially identical one within 30 days of selling it at a recognized loss. If you violate the wash-sale rule, the IRS will disallow the loss deduction entirely, meaning you forfeit the tax benefit you were counting on.A common workaround involves selling one index fund and promptly buying a different fund that tracks a slightly different index covering the same space. Consider speaking with a qualified tax professional or licensed financial adviser before executing any harvesting strategy to make sure you follow all applicable rules.Reacting emotionally to rising costs could end up costing you moreThe biggest mistake you can make right now is panic-selling your investments or making drastic financial changes based purely on alarming daily news headlines. George specifically warned against trying to predict which assets will perform best based on current events, because those speculative bets very rarely pay off.By the time a breaking headline reaches your phone screen, financial markets have typically already priced in the information you believe gives you an edge. Instead, George recommends sticking firmly to your existing financial plan, or building one immediately if you do not currently have a written plan in place.A plan that includes adequate cash reserves, a diversified portfolio, and regular rebalancing can weather almost any short-term shock the economy delivers to you. Rebalancing your accounts periodically ensures that your target allocations stay exactly where they should be, even as volatile market movements shift your portfolio around.Practical steps you can take to reduce your exposure to rising energy costsYou do not need a financial adviser to start protecting yourself from rising energy costs right now, though professional guidance can certainly help you. Several straightforward moves can reduce your immediate exposure to price increases and build longer-term resilience against the continued climb in household energy spending.Immediate actions worth considering this weekAudit your current monthly energy spending across gasoline, electricity, and heating to establish an accurate updated baseline for your household financial planning.Recalculate your emergency fund target based on your current actual costs, not the numbers from one or two years ago that may be outdated.Move excess cash sitting idle into a high-yield savings account or money market fund that earns competitive returns while keeping your funds fully liquid.Review your investment portfolio for excessive concentration in any single sector, geographic region, or asset class that leaves you overexposed during energy shocks.Look into your utility provider’s time-of-use rate plans, which charge lower rates during off-peak hours and can meaningfully reduce your total monthly electric bill.If you own your home, check whether your state currently offers energy-efficiency tax credits or rebates for insulation upgrades and smart thermostat installations today.None of these steps require any extreme sacrifice from you, but each one reduces the cumulative financial pressure that rising energy costs create over time. Your most effective financial defense right now is not a single dramatic action but rather a series of small, consistent, and well-informed practical adjustments.Related: Jim Cramer sounds the alarm on energy stocks

The Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher sent a clear message about moving to the minor leagues after hearing boos from fans.

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealSpring is a great time for biking, but it can be difficult to lug a full-sized bike to the trail if you don’t have the necessary equipment or a car that’s big enough. Whether you’re looking for something for the family to use or something easy for you to grab to meet up with friends for a weekend ride, we’ve found an affordable bike option at Walmart.The Marknig 26-Inch Folding Mountain Bike is part of Walmart’s Flash sales, offering a full mountain bike with Shimano gears and a compact frame for just $170. Shoppers save $20 on this deal and can enjoy free shipping. It’s one of the lowest-priced bikes we’ve seen yet!Marknig 26-Inch Folding Mountain Bike, $170 (was $190) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at WalmartWhy do shoppers love it?This foldable and adjustable bike features a durable, triangular high-carbon steel frame and a full suspension with front fork and rear shocks that can hold up to long rides and bumpy trails. The dual-disc brakes offer great stopping power in all conditions, and the anti-slip tires help prevent slipping and sliding. The Shimano gears offer 21 speeds with smooth shifting, allowing you to easily ride up the steepest hills or down the longest slopes. It rides well on gravel, slopes, ceramic tiles, streets, and more.Related: REI is selling a $3,199 electric bike for 40% off that offers a ‘5-star experience’The folding design makes it easier to store your bike when not in use and also makes it easier to bring it to the trails without a truck or bike rack. The folded size of the bike measures 33.8 inches tall and 27.8 inches long, and the full bike weighs 40 pounds. The 26-inch wheel size is recommended for people between 5 feet and 3 inches tall and 6 feet tall, and it has a max weight capacity of 300 pounds. It’s perfect for casual rides around the park, mountain trail rides, off-road commuting, and the whole family can use it. This bike comes in five colors, but black is the best price at $170, while white, pink, and purple are going for $220.Pros and cons of a folding mountain bikeProsCompact frame: The ability to fold this bike makes it more accessible for people who want to trail ride but don’t have the car capacity for a full bike.Shimano 21-speed gears: Shimano is a leading manufacturer of high-quality bike parts, and 21 speeds offer tons of help on super steep terrain and long stretches.Full suspension: The full suspension offers a smoother ride on bumpy trails.Cons Features: When compared to a bike that costs thousands of dollars, this bike is not super high-end, but it still does the job for fun rides. Weight: Some reviewers have stated that lifting the 40-pound bike into the car was a bit difficult.One reviewer said, “This bicycle is such a hit in my family, I’m having to get another one.” Another shopper said, “I love this bike! It’s easy to assemble and rides great.”Shop more dealsHykolity 29-Inch Mountain Bike, $189 (was $260) at WalmartUbesgoo 26-Inch Folding Mountain Bike, $200 (was $320) at WalmartLuxuriaz 4-Digit Bike Lock, $27 (was $31) at WalmartWhether you want to exercise more and love to bike around the neighborhood park, or you’re going on a weekend trip and need a bike that can travel, the Marknig 26-Inch Folding Mountain Bike is a great choice. The price point is super affordable for a mountain bike, and the 21-speed Shimano gears offer ease of use on steep terrain. Shoppers can get this bike for just $170 at Walmart.

Samsung just ended one of mobile’s most persistent frustrations. The Galaxy S26 series can now send files directly to iPhones, iPads, and Macs using Apple’s AirDrop protocol through Quick Share. No third-party apps. No cloud links. No QR codes. Just tap, select, and send.The rollout of native AirDrop compatibility began March 23 in South Korea. The United States is set to follow, with Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan also in the expansion roadmap. Samsung has not specified exact dates for regions outside Korea.How to enable AirDrop file sharing on Galaxy S26AirDrop support for Quick Share is not turned on by default. Galaxy S26 owners need to activate it manually. Here is the full setup process.On your Galaxy S26: Go to Settings > Connected devices > Quick Share and toggle on “Share with Apple devices.”On the iPhone: Open Control Center, long-press the AirDrop icon, and set it to “Everyone.” This allows the Galaxy to detect it.To send a file: Open Gallery or Files, select what you want to share, tap Share > Quick Share, and nearby Apple devices will appear automatically.Technical requirement: Your Galaxy S26 must have Google Play Services version 26.11 or newer, Android Authority notes. If the toggle does not appear, check for a Play Services update in Settings > Apps > Google Play Services.Samsung also notes that the device may temporarily disconnect from Wi-Fi networks while searching for or transferring to Apple devices. This is something worth knowing before you use it in the middle of a video call.AirDrop support on Samsung Galaxy: what works and what doesn’tAirDrop support works on the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra. That’s it for now — older Galaxy devices, including the S25 series, foldables, and A-series phones, are not yet supported. Samsung has confirmed additional devices will follow, but it has not yet shared a device list or a timeline for that expansion.More Tech Stocks:Morgan Stanley sets jaw-dropping Micron price target after eventNvidia’s China chip problem isn’t what most investors thinkQuantum Computing makes $110 million move nobody saw comingThe reverse direction works, too. iPhones can AirDrop files to the Galaxy S26, and Samsung receives them through Quick Share. That bidirectional capability is what separates this from the earlier Pixel implementation, which initially only supported receiving from Apple devices. Both users need to have their respective sharing settings open for discovery to work.How AirDrop compatibility on Quick Share came to existGoogle introduced AirDrop compatibility on Quick Share with the Pixel 10 in late 2025. It expanded to the Pixel 9 series more recently. The development was driven in part by EU regulations that required Apple to implement Wi-Fi Aware technology in iOS’s native file-sharing feature, opening the door for Android manufacturers to build compatible implementations.Samsung is now the largest Android manufacturer to add AirDrop support, and it will not be the last. Other companies including Nothing and Qualcomm have already confirmed compatibility. Google’s Android VP Eric Kay stated in February that AirDrop support would expand to “a lot more devices” across Android in 2026. The standard is becoming universal rather than exclusive.Why this matters for consumersSharing files between an iPhone and an Android phone has been unnecessarily complicated for years. The standard workarounds involved emailing files to yourself, using Google Drive or iCloud links, or downloading third-party apps that both people needed to have installed. All of that friction has now gone away for Galaxy S26 owners and anyone they interact with on iPhone.

Samsung is now the largest Android manufacturer to add AirDrop support.Cros/GettyImages

Mixed-device households, offices, and social situations are the obvious beneficiaries. Think of the parent trying to share a child’s birthday video with grandparents on different phones, or colleagues passing a presentation file across platforms before a meeting. The use case is simple, and the demand has always been there. The only thing missing was the technical bridge.For Apple, the development is a quiet erosion of one of the ecosystem advantages that made iPhones stickier for users who also owned other Apple products. AirDrop was not the reason most people bought an iPhone, but it was a feature that made staying in the Apple ecosystem feel frictionless. That frictionlessness now works across the Android divide, too.The bigger picture here is a broader shift toward interoperability across mobile platforms. RCS messaging between iPhone and Android arrived in 2024. AirDrop compatibility is now here for Galaxy. The walls between the two ecosystems are coming down piece by piece, driven by a combination of regulatory pressure in Europe and competitive pressure from manufacturers who want to remove reasons to switch. For consumers, that is a straightforward win.Related: Apple just got a brutal iPhone 18 warning

Recent wild movements in the bond markets may have created an opportunity.

The Philadelphia Phillies offered a surprising update on Daniel Robert after a second straight collapse on the mound.

TSA workers have gone without pay for more than five weeks as the partial shutdown stretches on.

Tello Mobile (Team Clark’s Review) has always been one of our top picks for light data users. Recently, Tello unveiled a new lineup of prepaid plans that offer more high-speed data for a lower monthly price. 

Below, I’ll share the details of Tello Mobile’s newest plans. I’ll include what you’ll get for the price as well as how the new plans compare to other affordable prepaid options on the same network.

Tello Mobile’s New Cell Phone Plans

Previously, Tello Mobile offered six high-speed data plans ranging from 1GB to unlimited (50GB). Now, there are only four options to choose from. 

Despite narrowing the selection, Tello’s new plans offer better value with lower monthly prices for more high-speed data.

2GB for $10

10GB for $15 (previously $19, or 5GB for $14) 

20GB for $20 (previously 15GB for $24)

Unlimited (50GB) for $25

The plan prices above include unlimited minutes. For a slight discount, you can combine the 2GB, 10GB or 20GB plan with 300 minutes or no minutes.

Each of Tello’s plans includes unlimited texting and free international calls to 60+ countries. Tello Mobile is a prepaid service provider, and you can cancel your service at any time.

Tello Mobile: An Affordable T-Mobile MVNO

If you aren’t familiar with Tello Mobile, it’s a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that utilizes T-Mobile’s network towers.

Plans now start as low as $10/month with unlimited talk, text and 2GB of high-speed data, making it one of the cheapest monthly cell phone plans available. Tello Mobile also offers excellent pricing on other plans for light data users, specifically its 10GB and 20GB plans.

Compared to T-Mobile itself, Tello Mobile offers significantly lower prices. T-Mobile’s postpaid plans start at $50/month for one line with autopay.

Compared to other prepaid service providers that use T-Mobile’s service towers, Tello Mobile’s pricing is now more competitive than ever. This is especially true for light data users who use less than 20GB of mobile data per month. Here are a few comparable plans from other affordable providers on T-Mobile’s network:

Mint Mobile (Review): The cheapest plan includes 5GB of high-speed data for as low as $15/month when prepaid annually. The same price now includes double the data with Tello Mobile’s 10GB plan. Mint also offers a 20GB plan for as low as $25/month when prepaid annually, the same price as Tello Mobile’s monthly unlimited plan.

US Mobile (Review): You can find the same deal at US Mobile for light data users as Tello Mobile’s 2GB plan: $10/month. However, if you prepay for a year with US Mobile, the same plan costs $96 ($8/month). Other light-data plans are pricer at US Mobile, including 5GB for $15, 10GB for $20 or 20GB for $35.

Ultra Mobile (Review): Monthly plans range from $19 for 4GB of high-speed data to $59 for Ultra Unlimited+. Annually, the same plans are available for $13/month to $41/month. Annually, Ultra Mobile’s 12GB plan costs $240 upfront, which works out to be the same monthly price as Tello Mobile’s 20GB plan.

For more options, check out all of our top picks for the best cell phone plans available now.

Additionally, you can use our new Cell Phone Plan Finder to quickly compare plans that will meet your needs.

If you do decide to switch, be sure to read our full Tello Mobile review first. Also, check out our step-by-step guide to changing cell phone service providers.

Are you thinking about switching to Tello Mobile? Let us know in our Clark.com Community!
The post New Tello Mobile Plans Include High-Speed Data From $10 appeared first on Clark Howard.

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealWhile we don’t hibernate like our fuzzy forest friends during winter, it can feel that way when the cold and dreary days keep us indoors for days on end. As the spring grows warmer by the day, it’s the perfect time to get up and active again. After a prolonged period of sedentary behavior, it can feel overwhelming to get back into a productive routine, whether you want to start exercising at the gym, take daily walks around the neighborhood after dinner, or stay better connected with friends. With a savvy smartwatch, all these tasks can be streamlined into one tiny wrist-sized package.Thanks to one limited-time Flash deal at Walmart, you don’t need to break the bank to get a smartwatch with the bells and whistles. The bestselling Tikland P98 Smartwatch has a massive markdown of 89% off. This brings the regular $190 price tag down to just $22 for the smartwatch with a black band. There is also a more feminine pink style available, and it’s on sale for just a buck more at $23. The wearable tech is also compatible with most Apple and Android devices, so there are options for everyone. With such significant savings, you could buy up to eight smartwatches for yourself, friends, and family, and still pay less than what you’d pay for one originally.Tikland P98 Smartwatch, $22 (was $190) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at WalmartWhy do shoppers love it?Equipped with a large 1.96-inch touchscreen display, this smartwatch is easy to view and navigate. This spacious screen looks like one on a higher-end watch brand. According to shoppers, this smartwatch doesn’t just have a comparable appearance to the name brands. “It’s a great substitute for the Apple Watch,” one shopper who praised the smartwatch said, because “it functions very similarly.” This is even more impressive when you consider Apple Watches retail for $249 or more.So what exactly can this smartwatch do? By pairing it with the Bluetooth on your phone, you’ll have the ability to take phone calls, get real-time message alerts, and see social media notifications. The fitness tracking is where this smartwatch really shines. When you hit the gym, this smartwatch has numerous sports modes to track your workouts, including running, cycling, basketball, yoga, and more, so you can see your progress over time to improve your performance.Related: Amazon is selling a $79 10-inch Android tablet for $62, and it has ‘plenty of storage’More than 1,500 shoppers have given this smartwatch a perfect five-star rating, so you can feel confident in its quality and functionality. One shopper, who “loves the convenience” of this smartwatch, reported, “I love that I don’t have to search for my phone whenever it’s ringing, I can see who is calling right on my watch, and answer or ignore the call.”Details to know Screen size: 1.96-inch display.Compatibility: The smartwatch is compatible with devices operating on (or higher than) Android 5.0 and Apple iOS 9.0.Is it a waterproof smartwatch?: Yes.Designed for everyday life, this smartwatch is waterproof and has a long-lasting battery. Thanks to its IP68 waterproof rating, this wearable device is suitable for water sports, swimming, rain, and extra-sweaty gym sessions. Its long-lasting battery runs for seven days on a single charge, or up to 30 days in standby mode. When it’s time to recharge, it takes just two hours to fully power up.Shop more dealsTikland Slim Fitness Tracker, $23 (was $130) at WalmartTikland Thin Face Smartwatch and Fitness Tracker, $26 (was $190) at WalmartTikland Sports Smartwatch, $30 (was $160) at WalmartWalmart’s Flash deals only last until the end of the week — if they don’t sell out before then. Don’t miss your chance to score the Tikland P98 Smartwatch for just $22 with these limited-time savings.