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The Daily Money

ALL THE MONEY NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Mon Feb 2 2026

Daniel de Visé | Personal Finance Reporter

Good morning! It's Daniel de Visé with your Daily Money.

Most Americans have felt the weight of inflation on their budgets over the last few years, Medora Lee reports. In a few states, however, wages have increased faster than prices.

Here are 9 states that have seen "real" wage increases.

Why have gold and silver prices been falling?

Gold and silver prices plummeted after President Donald Trump named Kevin Warsh as the new chair of the Federal Reserve.

What do the gold and silver markets have against Kevin Warsh?

Tips for avoiding probate after you die

When you die, estate planners say, one of the finest gifts you can leave your heirs is a plan for avoiding probate.

Here are 7 tips for skirting probate court. Some of them take mere minutes.

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Daniel de Visé covers personal finance for USA TODAY. The Daily Money breaks down complex consumer and financial news. Subscribe here.

Americans in only these 9 states are better off financially since 2020

An affordability plan presented by House Democrats of Kansas is seen during a press conference during the first day of the legislative session on Jan. 12, 2026.

Millions of Americans' standard of living fell as inflation ate more than its share of pay raises. Only those living in these 9 states came out ahead.

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