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The growth of data centers is just one reason

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• U.S. residential electricity prices are expected to keep climbing in 2026, averaging about 18.02/kWh, up from 17.29/kWh in 2025, according to the latest U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecast.

• Demand is rising fastest where data centers and other large loads are clustering (notably ERCOT/Texas and PJM), tightening regional power markets and nudging bills higher.

• The biggest pressure on bills isnt just fuelits the grid. Utilities are pouring money into transmission, reliability, and storm/fire hardening, costs that often flow through to customers over time.

After two years of inflationary increases, U.S. households should brace for another step up in electricity prices in 2026though the pain will vary widely by region.

The U.S. Energy Information Administrations December 2025 Short-Term Energy Outlook pegs the average U.S. residential price at 18.02 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2026, up from 17.29 cents in 2025.

In higher-cost areas, the forecast shows prices staying elevated and rising further: New England averages about 30.01/kWh in 2026 (vs. 28.97 in 2025), while the Pacific region averages 24.88 (vs. 24.40).

Thats the headline: rates are rising again. The more important story is why.

Supply and demand

A surge in big electricity users is colliding with a grid built for a different era. For most of the 2010s, U.S. power demand was relatively flat. Thats changing quickly.

EIA says power-sector generation growth in 20252026 is being driven primarily by increasing demand from large customers, including data centers, concentrated in regions run by ERCOT and PJM.

In PJM, the data-center boom is no longer an abstract trend lineits reshaping market rules and reliability planning. In December, Reuters reported federal regulators pushing PJM to clarify how very large loads, including AI-driven data centers, connect to the grid, amid concerns about reliability and rising costs.

Fuel costs can still move bills

Even as renewables grow, natural gas often sets the marginal price of electricity in many markets. EIAs latest outlook has Henry Hub natural gas averaging about $4.01/MMBtu in 2026, higher than $3.56 in 2025.

Fuel isnt the whole billdelivery charges matter a lotbut gas-price swings can lift wholesale power prices, and those increases can filter into retail rates depending on how utilities and regulators structure fuel and purchased-power pass-throughs.

The grid buildout shows up in your monthly statement

The fastest-growing slice of many power bills is the wires side: transmission and distribution spending, plus resilience work to keep the lights on during more frequent extreme weather.

A recent FERC winter reliability assessment noted thousands of new transmission projects and pointed to storm and fire hardening and system reliability as the biggest drivers of projected transmission line mileage.

At the same time, FERCs transmission planning and cost-allocation rule (Order No. 1920) is designed to push more long-term regional transmission planningimportant for reliability and new generation, but also a reminder that big builds come with big price tags that must be allocated and paid.

What it means for households in 2026

The national forecast implies another year of upward pressure, not a sudden spike everywhere. But the regional spread is the tell: places already paying morelike New England and the Pacificare projected to remain high, while fast-growth regions facing large-load connections and reliability upgrades could see added upward pressure even if their starting point is lower.

For consumers, the drivers to watch in 2026 wont just be fuel headlines. Theyll be local rate cases, grid upgrade riders, storm-hardening plans, and where the next wave of data centers landsbecause increasingly, the bill is about paying for a more crowded, more complicated, and more resilient electric system.

The national average price for regular has dropped for four straight weeks

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The nations average price of gasoline has fallen 5.7 cents over the last week and stands at $2.79 per gallon, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 12 million individual price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.

• The national average is down 26.4 cents from a month ago and is 21.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

• The national average price of diesel has fallen 4.3 cents in the last week and stands at $3.575 per gallon.

Ho ho ho! Americans hitting the road for the holidays are getting a significant gift in the form of falling fuel prices. The average price of regular fell for a fourth straight week.

According to GasBuddy, market conditions remain favorable for motorists, with ample oil supplies and strong refinery output keeping downward pressure on prices across much of the country.

For a fourth straight week, the national average price of gasoline has declined, as conditions remain ripe for some of the lowest seasonal gas prices in five years, Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said in the GasBuddy blog.

He noted that rising oil production in the U.S., Canada, and among OPEC+ members, combined with refineries operating near peak seasonal levels, has helped suppress prices. In some of the nations least expensive states, more than 125 stations are now offering gasoline for under $2 per gallon.

Even diesel prices have dipped

While gasoline prices have continued to trend lower, diesel has also provided modest relief for consumers and businesses, though it remains more expensive than a year ago due to tighter inventories.

Oil markets, however, have shown renewed volatility. Prices drifted lower early last week before rebounding amid escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Actions by the U.S. government to block crude carriers from Venezuela have slowed exports from the South American nation, raising concerns about potential supply disruptions.

Venezuela holds the worlds largest proven oil reserves but has struggled with years of corruption and deteriorating infrastructure, leading to a sharp decline in production. As a result, any additional disruption to exports can have outsized effects on market sentiment.

Early this week, West Texas Intermediate crude rose to $57.95 per barrel and Brent crude climbed to $61.91 per barrel, both higher than levels seen at the start of last week. Analysts say markets are beginning to factor in the risk of tighter global supplies.

Supplies remain ample for now

Despite geopolitical uncertainty, U.S. fuel supplies remain relatively healthy. The Energy Information Administrations latest Weekly Petroleum Status Report showed crude oil inventories declined by 1.3 million barrels but are still only about 4% below seasonal averages.

Gasoline inventories rose by nearly 5 million barrels and remain close to typical levels for this time of year, while distillate supplies, which include diesel, are tighter but improving.

Refineries are running at nearly 95% capacity, one of the strongest seasonal rates in years, helping ensure steady fuel availability. Gasoline demand also increased notably last week, signaling continued consumer activity even as prices fall.

What drivers are paying

Across the country, the most common price motorists are encountering at the pump is $2.69 per gallon, with the median price matching that level. The gap between the cheapest and most expensive stations remains wide: the bottom 10% of stations average $2.19 per gallon, while the top 10% average just over $4.

Regional differences are pronounced. Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Colorado currently boast the lowest average gas prices, while Hawaii, California, and Washington remain the most expensive. Several Midwestern and Western states posted the steepest weekly declines, led by Ohio and Washington.

Diesel prices show a similar pattern, with Oklahoma, Colorado, and Texas among the least expensive states, and Hawaii and California at the top of the price range.

The pill has the same ingredient as the injection version

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The FDA has approved the first pill version of Wegovy, expanding access to one of the most popular and effective weight-loss medications in the U.S.

• The once-daily tablet offers a needle-free alternative to the injectable drug that has helped millions lose weight and reduce obesity-related health risks.

• Experts say the approval could significantly reshape the obesity treatment market, making GLP-1 medications easier for patients to start and maintain.

In a decision that could change how obesity is treated in the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a pill form of Wegovy, the popular weight-loss drug previously available only as a weekly injection.

The new oral medication contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient used in injectable Wegovy, and works by mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. By slowing digestion and increasing feelings of fullness, the drug helps patients eat less and lose weight over time.

Novo Nordisk, the drugs manufacturer, said the pill was shown in clinical trials to produce significant weight loss when combined with diet and exercise. While average weight loss was slightly lower than that seen with the injectable version, researchers found the pill to be highly effective and well tolerated, with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea remaining the most common side effects.

Removing a significant obstacle

Health experts say the pill format could remove a major psychological and practical barrier for many patients who are reluctant to self-inject medication.

Obesity affects more than 40% of U.S. adults and is linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and certain cancers. Demand for GLP-1 medications like Wegovy has surged in recent years, fueling shortages, high prices, and intense debate over insurance coverage.

The pill version of Wegovy is expected to face similar coverage challenges. Many insurers still limit reimbursement for weight-loss drugs, although employer plans and Medicare policymakers are increasingly reevaluating those restrictions as evidence grows that treating obesity can lower long-term health costs.

Novo Nordisk said it plans to launch the oral Wegovy within the next few months, with pricing details to be announced closer to release. Analysts predict the pill could dramatically expand the market, intensifying competition with rival drugmakers racing to develop their own oral obesity treatments.

Your paycheck might cover your tuition in 2026

• A bunch of retail/food jobs will pay for college (sometimes even a full bachelors), and many work for part-timers after a short waiting period

• Two types: tuition-free partner degrees (Starbucks/Walmart/Target/Amazon/Chipotle) vs tuition reimbursement (McDonalds/Kroger/UPS) where you pay first, then get paid back

• Watch the fine print: hours + tenure requirements, passing grades, and tuition help over $5,250/year can be taxable

Did you know there are many retail and food-service jobs that will actually pick up a big chunk of your college tuition?

A growing number of big brands now offer education benefits that range from a few thousand dollars a year in tuition reimbursement to fully paid bachelors degrees at partner schools. Some are part-time friendly and some kick in after just a few months on the job. And a few can realistically get you through a degree with little to no student debt.

Heres a handy breakdown of who offers what right now.

First, how these tuition jobs usually work

Most programs fall into these two buckets:

• Debt-free degree programs. Companies partner with specific schools (often online) and pay 100% of tuition and sometimes even your books and fees. You usually have to choose from an approved list of majors and schools. Starbucks, Walmart, Target, Amazon and Chipotle fall in this camp.
• Traditional tuition reimbursement. This is when you enroll at an accredited school, you pay upfront, and then the employer reimburses you up to a certain dollar amount per year (for example, $3,500$5,250). McDonalds, Kroger and UPS are all examples of reimbursement programs.

Most require the following:

• A minimum number of hours per week
• A waiting period (90 days to a few months)
• Passing grades and staying employed through the term

And theres one more wrinkle: in many cases, tuition help over $5,250 a year can be taxable income, so youll want to confirm with HR or a tax pro how that might affect you.

The coffee and food service jobs that help pay for school:

Starbucks

Starbucks is one of the most aggressive players.

• What they offer: Youll get 100% upfront tuition at Arizona State University through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan. Its an online degree and it must be your first bachelors degree. No reimbursement paperwork required which is awesome and no you must stay X years after graduating clause attached.
• Who qualifies: All U.S. partners who are benefits-eligible, which typically means averaging at least 20 hours a week and hitting about 240 hours over three consecutive months.
• What you can study: 150+ online majors at ASU, from business and engineering to social sciences.

Pro tip: If youre okay with going to an online school and want a straightforward path, Starbucks is one of the few food-service jobs where my job pays for my bachelors is literally true for a most workers.

Chipotle

Chipotles benefits offer a solid mix of tuition-free options and reimbursement.

• What they offer: Up to $5,250 per year in tuition assistance, plus some completely debt-free degree options for select programs through Guild Education.
• Who qualifies: Both part-time and full-time workers who average at least 15 hours a week. Also, you must for at least four months to qualify.
• What you can study: A wide range of programs in their Guild catalog, including undergrad and even some graduate options. If you choose a program outside of Guild, you qualify for up to $5,250 in reimbursement.

Pro tip: If youre already enrolled somewhere and dont want to switch schools, Chipotles reimbursement for programs outside of Guild can be a huge benefit.

McDonalds

McDonalds Archways to Opportunity program also offers college help, especially for crew and shift managers.

• What they offer: Tuition assistance that can cover eligible course costs not already paid by scholarships or grants, with some workers reporting up to $5,250 per year.
• Who qualifies: Eligibility rules vary by franchise and role, but the program is designed for both crew members and managers. In some cases, workplace training can also translate into college credit.

Pro tip: Because many McDonalds locations are franchised, ask about the exact Archways benefits at the specific store where youre applying. Two locations a mile apart may not offer identical support.

Big-box and grocery jobs that pay for school:

Walmart (including Sams Club)

Walmarts Live Better U program has gone from kinda cheap to seriously generous in the past few years.

• What they offer: 100% of tuition and books for eligible associates in more than 200 degree and certificate programs through partner schools. The old $1 a day fee is gone and no longer part of the program.
• Who qualifies: Around 1.5 million part-time and full-time U.S. associates are eligible once they meet the programs service requirements.

Target

Targets education benefit, now branded Dream to Be, is another retail job path that can lead to a free college degree.

• What they offer: 100% tuition paid for select programs, plus access to roughly 250500 tuition-free or partially funded programs across 40+ colleges and universities via Guild. Many workers can also get up to $5,250 a year in tuition reimbursement.
• Who qualifies: U.S. part-time and full-time team members at stores, distribution centers and contact centers, subject to hours and tenure rules.

Kroger (and Kroger family brands)

If youre near a Kroger-owned store (Kroger, Ralphs, King Soopers, Fred Meyer, etc.), its worth asking about their continuing-education benefit.

• What they offer: Up to $3,500 per year and as much as $21,000 total in tuition reimbursement over your career. It can apply to everything from GED courses through doctoral programs, as long as theyre approved.
• Who qualifies: Both part-time and full-time associates; most recipients so far have been hourly workers.

Pro tip: If youre planning to stay with a company for several years while you finish school, a lifetime max benefit like Krogers can quietly add up to a huge tuition discount.

Warehouse and delivery jobs that help fund college:

While these 2 companies are not brick & mortar retail jobs, theyre the kinds of hourly jobs that a lot of students would consider.

Amazon

Amazons Career Choice program is a major education benefit in the warehouse and logistics job space.

• What they offer: Pre-paid tuition and reimbursement of books and fees up to an annual maximum. In many cases, Amazon now funds full college tuition as well as GED, ESL and certificate programs, with no lifetime cap as long as you remain eligible.
• Who qualifies: Hourly employees in eligible roles after 90 days of employment.

UPS

If youre okay with a physical job and odd hours, UPSs Earn & Learn is one of the more generous classic tuition reimbursement packages.

• What they offer: Up to $5,250 per calendar year in tuition assistance, with a lifetime cap around $25,000 for most part-time employees.
• Who qualifies: Both management and non-management workers at participating locations qualify, including most part-timers. Be aware that some locations require you to stay through a work-through date after the term to receive reimbursement.

Pro tip: UPS and Amazon jobs can be easier to schedule around classes if youre willing to work early mornings, nights or weekends. When youre comparing offers, look at both the hourly wage and the annual tuition number together.

Discover careers where you can have money and peace of mind

• New data shows its possible to earn a strong salary in 2026 without constant pressure or burnout.

• Jobs with predictable schedules, clear expectations, and fewer emergencies tend to be both calmer and more sustainable.

• From science and tech to trades and history, low-stress, high-paying careers arent limited to one path.

If youve ever wondered whether its possible to make good money without feeling like youre in survival mode every day, youre not alone.

The idea of a cushy career isnt just about a fancy title its about sustainable satisfaction.

Resume Genius has put together a list of 10 jobs to watch in 2026 that combine solid salaries with relatively low stress, so youre better set up for work-life balance without sacrificing financial success.

High pay doesnt have to come at the cost of your mental health, Eva Chan, Career Expert at Resume Genius, said in a news release.

Theres a growing misconception that if a job pays well, stress is simply part of the deal. In reality, careers with structure, stability, and fewer high-pressure surprises tend to be far more sustainable, and just as financially rewarding.

The methodology

To compile this list, Resume Genius looked at employment data that blends median pay with indicators of lower daily pressure and manageable workloads.

That means jobs where stressors like life-or-death decisions, nonstop deadlines, or unpredictable hours are minimal, and where the work (often analytical, research-based, or project-oriented) lets you focus without constant disruption.

While low stress doesnt mean zero stress every job has its hard days these roles consistently score better than average in maintaining steady rhythms and predictable expectations.

The top 10 list

Here are roles expected to offer above-average pay in 2026 while generally avoiding chronic stress:

1. Astronomer Study stars and galaxies in research settings with flexible timelines.

   1. Median annual pay: $132,170

   2. Median hourly pay: $63.54

   3. Top 10% of earners: $191,880

2. Actuary Use statistics to analyze financial risk for companies often with predictable workflow.

   1. Median annual pay: $125,770

   2. Median hourly pay: $60.47

   3. Top 10% of earners: $206,430

3. Computer Systems Analyst Improve business tech systems in a structured environment.

   1. Median annual pay: $103,790

   2. Median hourly pay: $49.90

   3. Top 10% of earners: $149,360

4. Cartographer & Photogrammetrist Map the world with geospatial tools in stable settings.

   1. Median annual pay: $78,380

   2. Median hourly pay: $37.68

   3. Top 10% of earners: $115,840

5. Historian Research and teach about the past with focused, independent work.

   1. Median annual pay: $74,050

   2. Median hourly pay: $35.60

   3. Top 10% of earners: $116,640

6. Forensic Science Technician Analyze evidence in labs without the rush of emergency scenes.

   1. Median annual pay: $67,440

   2. Median hourly pay: $32.43

   3. Top 10% of earners: $101,390

7. Rail Car Repairer Skilled mechanical work with routine schedules.

   1. Median annual pay: $65,680

   2. Median hourly pay: $31.58

   3. Top 10% of earners: $92,000

8. Taper Apply finishes (like drywall taper) in construction with methodical, calm tasks.

   1. Median annual pay: $64,700

   2. Median hourly pay: $31.11

   3. Top 10% of earners: $100,840

9. Archivist Preserve records and artifacts in quiet, organized spaces.

   1. Median annual pay: $61,570

   2. Median hourly pay: $29.60

   3. Top 10% annual pay: $97,680

10. Pump Operator Monitor and control industrial pumping systems with little crisis pressure.

    1. Median annual pay: $60,020

    2. Median hourly pay: $28.86

    3. Top 10% annual pay: $85,990