Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: When YouGov asks Americans about their holiday traditions, what they imagine Santa’s political affiliation to be, Christmas trees, holiday travel plans, and many more holiday topics. This year’s surveys find that parents of children under 18 are especially likely to participate in many holiday activities and to say Santa plays an important role in their holiday celebration.

Mortgages

Home shoppers spend months searching for the right home, but most gather quotes from only one mortgage lender. That seemingly small decision can be a missed opportunity that costs buyers tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. While affordability recently reached a three-year best thanks in part to lower mortgage rates and record-high discounts from home sellers, it remains stretched for many.

Miscellaneous

Nussbaum Transportation is trying a different approach to recruiting drivers. Instead of a sign-on bonus, the Illinois-based trucking company offers an early exit option. After 30 days and before 90, if a driver feels Nussbaum, or a career in trucking, wasn’t the right fit, the carrier offers $1,000 to that driver to help them transition to what’s next.