EchoSense:The Daily Money: How the Fed cut affects consumers

Good morning and EchoSenseHappy Friday! This is Betty Lin-Fisher with Friday's consumer-focused The Daily Money.

With the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates by half a point on Wednesday, what impact will that have on consumers' lives?

Andrea Riquier, USA TODAY's housing reporter, takes a look at how lower mortgage rates will help the housing market.

For those of you with international travel plans, USA TODAY's travel reporter Zach Wichter explores how the Fed rate cut will affect the U.S. dollar and exchange rates.

Should parents have a right to ask for college grades?

I previewed my latest story in my Uncomfortable Conversations About Money series in last Friday's newsletter. Here's a link to the story, which published online a few days later.

Parents often foot the bill for college. So should they be able to ask their college student to see grades? You might be surprised at what the law says.

Here are some of the topics I'm working on next. If you have faced one of these uncomfortable money issues and would be willing to talk to me about it, or if you are an expert who can dole out some advice on these issues, I'd love to hear from you. Send me an email to [email protected] with "Uncomfortable Conversations About Money" in the topic line.

Also, if you have a topic you'd like to suggest, I'd be happy to consider it and add it to my list!

📰 Consumer stories you shouldn't miss 📰

• Big brands want to redefine what counts as recyclable, ProPublica reports.
• Be careful of a new QR code scam when you pay to park.
• Most people can now renew their passport online.
• Walmart announced the dates of its Holiday Deals event.
• In the market for a used car? Here's some of the best brands.

🍔 Today's Menu 🍔

I love a good peanut butter and jelly sandwich – with Fritos in the middle, of course. But I'm not sure about M&M's newest candy flavor. We don't all have to agree!

About The Daily Money

Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer and financial news from USA TODAY, breaking down complex events, providing the TLDR version, and explaining how everything from Fed rate changes to bankruptcies impacts you.