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By Lauren Young, Digital Special Projects Editor

Dear Reuters On the Money readers,

It’s the end of the year, and I’m going to keep this issue short and sweet because I suspect you’re ready to collapse from the collective exhaustion of non-stop parties, shopping for gifts, stamping and sending holiday cards while packing for a much-needed vacation. 

(Or maybe that’s just how I’m feeling right now…)

I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for reading Reuters On the Money. I especially appreciate your thoughtful questions, comments and messages – they help this personal finance newsletter stay personal.

Please keep ‘em coming at onthemoney@thomsonreuters.com. 

Also, you’ve also given me and my Reuters colleagues a terrific gift: We now have more than 100,000 subscribers to this newsletter! 

Finally, I want to thank my spectacular editor Mark Porter. Mark is fun, he is smart, he loves theater and he makes my copy sing. I dedicate this edition of On the Money to him.

I wish you and everyone you love a happy, healthy and fiscally fit 2024!

This photo makes me happy! But, in case you’re wondering, it’s at the Borderless museum in Tokyo. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

I am pleased to report that our most-read story for the year is about money and happiness. 

“Money can’t buy us happiness, but it’s a tool that can give us security and safety and a sense of control over lives,” says Marc Schulz, co-author of “The Good Life” and a psychology professor at Pennsylvania’s Bryn Mawr College. “At the end of the day, life is really about our connections with others. It’s our relationships that keep us happy.”

Some key takeaways include why we should value experiences over things and the importance of work friendships.

Another one of the most popular personal finance stories for 2023 is this profile of Ndamukong Suh, and his interest in teaching kids about money and financial literacy. 

Suh’s main advice for kids?

“Keep it simple: Spend only what you need, and save the rest,” he said. “Learn to create and grow generational wealth, which is what I’m trying to do for my twin baby boys. And don’t be afraid to ask for help, or seek mentorship. Like my mom always taught me, ‘Don’t be afraid to ask questions – and there are no stupid questions.’ “

Real estate needs lower rates, soft landing. The S&P 500 Real Estate index enjoyed a huge bounce in the fourth quarter, but it still needs a lower rate environment to soar next year.

New York City’s Times Square is ready to rock 2024. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

With U.S. credit card balances at record levels and defaults rising, more shoppers than ever are tapping buy now, pay later services on key shopping days to stretch their budgets.

While short-term, interest-free loans are a tool for cash-strapped shoppers, consumer advocates are raising red flags about the months-long loans with rates that can top out at a whopping 36%.

Unless you can pay off the balance quickly, high interest rates can make these newfangled layaway plans very expensive.

Have you purchased anything via buy now, pay later? Tell me what you bought and if it cost you more or less than you bargained for. 

Write to me at onthemoney@thomsonreuters.com.

It was a B-I-G year for Tay Tay. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

From Taylor Swift to U.S.-China relations, my Reuters colleagues break down the biggest stories of the year. Read all of our coverage here.

And be sure to check out Breakingviews for big and bold predictions on the year ahead.

Do you need to pay off holiday debt? Will insurance cover your weight loss drugs? Send your money questions to onthemoney@thomsonreuters.com, and I’ll tap my extensive source network and braintrust for expert advice.

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