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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.

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

Why resting well could be the secret sauce for your fitness and health goals

• Most Americans say eating well and exercising helps them sleep better and better sleep supports health goals.

• A recent AASM survey shows the power of combined lifestyle habits rather than isolated resolutions.

• Simple habits like a consistent bedtime and unplugging before bed can improve your sleep.

Its that time of year again a fresh start, fresh goals, and fresh intentions. For many, that means planning to eat better, get moving more often, and generally feel healthier.

But while most of us focus on diet and exercise as the cornerstones of health, theres a third pillar that often gets left behind: sleep.

According to a new national survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), healthy eating and regular physical activity dont just help your body they also help your sleep, and that sleep can in turn make it easier to stick to your other goals.

When you think about changing habits, it makes sense to consider how they work together. Stuffing your plate with veggies and hitting a workout might already be on your list but the latest data suggest those moves can also make it easier to get the quality sleep your brain and body crave.

Sleep is one of three pillars of a healthy lifestyle, including eating a well-balanced diet and incorporating regular physical activity, AASM spokesperson Dr. Kin Yuen said in a news release.

When people make New Years resolutions or select their nudge word for the year, they often prioritize diet and exercise. These changes dont just support physical healththey also improve sleep.

How the sleep & health survey was done

The AASM commissioned an online survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults in June 2025 to find out how lifestyle habits relate to sleep.

The results arent perfect like any survey, they come with a margin of error of about 2 percentage points but they do give a snapshot of how people feel about their routines. Participants answered questions about their diet, physical activity, and sleep experiences.

The findings mean

A majority of respondents reported that eating a well-balanced diet helped their sleep slightly or significantly. Many also said that exercising in the morning or evening seemed to improve how well they slept.

Whats more, younger adults especially those between 25 and 34 were the most likely to notice these connections. In this group, a good diet and evening exercise were even more strongly linked with better sleep, suggesting that lifestyle habits early in life could influence how easily we rest.

What they mean

So what does all this actually mean for your New Years list?

For starters: you dont have to tackle diet, fitness, and sleep as separate goals. Changes in one area can ripple into the others. For example, eating more nutrient-rich foods and making time to move each day could help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed.

To boost your chances of success, the AASM also offers a few practical sleep strategies:

• Build a consistent bedtime routine: Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night.

• Stay active: Choose activities you enjoy and fit them into your schedule.

• Eat well: Balance fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins.

• Unplug before bed: Turn off phones, tablets, and TVs 3060 minutes before lights-out.

Think of sleep not as a separate resolution but as the fuel that helps power your other goals. Better sleep might just be the foundation that makes all your healthy habits stick in the year ahead.

Sufficient sleep significantly reduces the risk of chronic illnesses, such as obesity, heart disease, and even depression and anxiety, said Yuen. Whether youre improving your diet, increasing your activity level, or managing stress, prioritizing sleep gives you the energy and mental clarity needed to start the year strong.