With 2018 right around the corner, what could the f we have two reports. Diana olick on the state of real estate. But first, Steve Liesman, on where the economy may go next. A look ahead is this weeks reporter 2018 could be a year of big change for monetary and fiscal polha first, growth in the u. S. Could average 2. 5 to maybe as much as 3 as the u. S. Gets a lift from overseas growth, better domestic demand and stimulus from a tax improvement from the past several years. The question is whether those gains can last or if theyre second, the u. S. Budget deficit is likely to rise next year and will need better growth to bring in more revenue to pay the tax and finally the fed is likely to hike Interest Rates three times, as new chairman Jerome Powell takes the along the lines of his predecessor janet yellen. If growth really takes off the fed coul 2017 saw a big slowdown in the housing market. Not in prices but in home sales because there was nothing to buy. Sales slow more. Sales could become even more sluggish as the supply situation warsens. Yes, Home Builders will continue to increase production. But slowly and mostly in the moveup market, not the entry level where millennial demand is highest. That could squeeze wouldbe buyers back onto the sidelines. Prices pushed higher. All that demand without much supply will keep the heat on home prices and affordability will become a much bigger issue. Especially now that the republican tax plan wipes out valuable deductions for property taxes, and mortgag mortgage reform. The biggest move in 2018 could be in the mortgage market. And the fannie mae and freddie mac. Talk is finally heating up in congress to reform the system and private investors seem not only ready, but eager, to get as for mortgage rates, most predict they will move higher. But most predicted that for the past two. Our thanks there to diana olick and Steve Liesman. Here with some money moves to get the new year off to a smart start is personal finance expert stacy tisdale. I mean the smart part of this is coming into play, because theres so much unknown about what were moving into for 2018. Lets take, first, the new tax reform law. How shall we plan ahead for what will affect how much we pay to the government . This is the year that its more important than ever that people sit down with an accountant or a financial professional. E the way you do the standard deduction was doubled. Itemizing might not be right for you anymore. We saw all of this chaos around and were still not quite sure how that works. And, in fact, unless your real estate was actually assessed in 2017, all of that prepaying might be for naught. And people have time. So many people are worried about this affecting them right now. This is 2018, this is going to happen when you pay your taxes in spring of 2019. So you have the time to really see how it plays out, but talk to a professional this year. Theres no way around that. We just heard from Steve Liesman that Interest Rates are expected to rise. What does that mean for us in terms of how much we pay on credit cards, and mortgages, and auto loans . Interest rates are still so low, but t. So that means people in an adjustable rate mortgage, for example, might want to consider moving to a fixed rate. Whats really of concern when you look at the Overall Economic trends t. Credit card debt has gotten so high, but if you look at the things that people are putting on their credit cards, its health care, its just covering their cost of living. But w dollars in Credit Card Debt. We have to get this you mentioned that health care is one of the things that people put on their credit cards. Some of this happens because the unexpected happens. There are emergencies. How do we prepare for natural disasters and emergencies, whether th wildfires, or whether its a medical emergency . When it comes to weather related emergencies, you have to be clear on your insurance coverage. So i urge everybody, in the first couple of months of the year, give yourself a timetable, review your insurance coverage. But most important, make sure that you have access to your carriers contact information. You want to have an emergency kit, so if you have to run out of y you want to have like 500 in cash in your house. Because how many hurricanes did we see knock out atms . Knock out banks for awhile. So, a lot of Financial Experts are saying 500. You dont want to throw yourself out of balance, but keep finally, as were heading parents economy. How do we plan ahead for a changing world . Get real with the fact that the infrastructure of the economy has changed. You can go to school. You can get a john. You can work hard. You can save for retirement. And it still doesnt add up anymore, unfortunately. Because we have child care. All of these expenses in addition to paying for our own retirement andn ca honestly, see what your life really costs. Do what it takes to make it work. It all starts with goals, connecting with your priorities, but just be open to changing the way you do things and grappling with it headon, instead of sticking your head in the sand. Act. Stacy, thank you so much. Happy new year. Happy new year. Alwa such a pleasure to speak with you. Up next were on the money from gold rush to green rush. Why this deserted California Gold mining town has high hopes. And later, an app that can help you land an airfare deal for your next trip. Sounds w and a look at how the stock Liberty Mutual stood with me when this guy got a flat tire in the middle of the night. Hold on dad. Liberty did what . Yeah, Liberty Mutual 24hour roadside assistance helped him to fix his flat so he could get home safely. My dad says our insurance doesnt have that. Dont worry i know what a lug wrench is, dad. Is this a lug wrench . Maybe . Liberty stands with you™. Liberty stands with you™. Liberty mutual insurance. But when we brought our daughter home, that was it. Now i have nicoderm cq. The nicoderm cq patch with unique extended release Technology Helps prevent your urge to smoke all day. Its the best thing that ever happened to me. Every great why needs a great how. Heres a look at whats making news as we head into a new week on the money. The new year will bring a raise for millions of workers. Beginning january 1st, new laws in 18 states and 20 cities will hike the minimum wage for large businesses. Amounts vary, from 8. 30 up to 15 an hour in the federal minimum wage remains the same at 7. 25 an hour, where it. Stocks climbed during the years final week. The dow setting a record on thursday. The 71st time in 2017. The most of any year. The s p 500 and nasdaq both had strong years. Too big, too small, or maybe they just hated that gift . The United Parcel service is expecting record volume of returns this holiday season. U. P. S. Predicts it will process 1. 4 million returns to retailers on january 3rd. Thats an 8 increase apple is apologizing to iphone users. Angry that the company decided to slow down older iphones to protect battery l starting in late january, apple will cut the price of a new replacement battery by 50 bucks from 79 down to 29. Thats much cheaper than a new iphone. And come january 1st, californias Recreational Marijuana industry will be but in order to grow, distribute, and sell legal pot, businesses will need a license from the state. And so far, very few have be our jane wellsor reporter to understand how crazy big the legal Recreational Marijuana market in california might be, head ten miles off a desert highway to an old gold rush town where the official popu so that was th and i reckon well make it back into a jail. But with no door on it, right . Reporter he works for american green, a company which bought the tiny town of nipton near the nevada border for 5 million, with hopes of turnin. They brought money into the town, which we really need. Reporter there are a lot of ifs here. While medical marijuana has been legal in california for decades, legal sales of recreational pot will start j but you need a license. And at the 11th hour, the state them. Ly handed out a couple is california ready for january 1st . Now, who am i to say . I ask ten people and i get ten dianswers. Reporter califor authors believe they could collect as much as a billion dollars in pot taxes, and Everyone Wants in. Even silicon valley. Baker is a Bay Area Company which sells marketing and Customer Management Software to dozens of Cannabis Stores and expects business to everyone thinks the skys going to fall down. It doesnt. There will be challenges. There will be some supply chain issues. But we think it will catch up quickly. Repor only one business in los angeles has received a temporary license pure california, owned by a Company Called moxie, is converting this warehouse into a facility to make cannabis products for both recreational and medical retailers, and it ha so for one of the manufacturing licenses we anticipate it costs up to 75,000. And theres several other licensth. Reporter expect more than a few potholes come january. I think my biggest thing would be, and this is more like a christmas wish, that during this time of uncertainty we err on the side of understanding and forgiveness, and dont make an example of certain people. Well, they wer god it just doesnt move commerce forward. It doesnt move humanity forward. R no matter what happens, california dreaming continues in what you might call for on the money, jane wells, nipton, california. California Officials Say they will take a light touch with enforcement during the first few months, as people try up next, were on the mone has the recent cold snap made planning a warm weather getawa real tips to save money on your next flight. And later, Smart Speakers and fitness wearables were the hot holiday gifts. But what tech trends can we expect my experience with usaa has been excellent. They always refer to me as master sergeant. They really appreciate the military family, and it really shows. Weve got auto insurance, homeowners insurance. Had an accident with a vehicle, i actually called usaa before we called the police. Usaa was there handson very quick very prompt. I feel like were being handled as people that actually have a genuine need. Were the webber family and we are usaa members for life. Usaa, get your insurance quote today. Resolution 1 binge more. Join the uncarrier, and get four unlimited lines for only rty bucks each. Plus, netflix for the whole family. On us. So, they get their shows. Lets go, girl youre gonna love this bit and you get yours. Watch however you want. E. With no extra charges. Lets rock this joint all on americas best unlimited network, tmobile. Prices of the season on the only bed that adjusts on both sides to your ideal comfort your sleep number setting. And snoring . Does your bed do that . Its the lowest prices of the season on the queen c4 mattress with adjustable comfort on both sides. Now only 1199, save 400. Plus, 24 month financing available. Ends monday. Visit sleepnumber. Com for a store near you. Airlines are flying high. Even with low fuel prices, and low fares, major carriers are forecasting reporter phil lebeau has more on the industrys flight plan. Reporter the Airline Industry is soaring, as it flies thanks to Strong Demand in the worlds key markets. From the u. S. , to china, to europe, airlines are expecting. Earrecord thats one reason why global profits for carriers are forecast to top 38 billion, which would be an alltime high. One reason profits will increase, because airline fees and revenues will keep climbing high. From checked bags, to changed reservations, airlines are projected to rake in more than 57 billion in revenue from those fees. As much as passengers may complain about the fees, they ar. Finally, expect to see low Cost Carriers continue to expand in 2018. Spirit, and frontier see more u. S. , as they expand domestically. Low Cost International carriers, like norwegian air, will continue adding routes from europe to the u. S. Setting up two 2018 to become a very busy, and very profitable, year for an Airline Industry well, is there a secret formula for finding the cheapest airfare . Hopper is a travel app where you search for flights and it tells you if you should buy now or wait. Patrick surrey is chief analyst at hopper. Tell me how this works. How do you know whether you buy now or wait and get a lastminute deal . Were collecting a huge amount of data. Something like 10 billion price itineraries every single day and were looking at that over the last several years to tell you whether we think that price will go up or down. For the best price, how far in advance is really the most planning that you should do for buying your flights . It depends a little bit on where youre going. If youre flying its typically three to four weeks. But at a popular time like a vacation week, it may be six or even eight. Is there a certain time of the week or a certain time of the day where you have your best shot at getting the lowest airfare possible . So everybody has a story about buying on a tuesday. And i think maybe in the old days that used to be the case. But now youre fighting this army of computers. So statistically speaking, theres a very small advantage if you shop in the hour after midnight on tuesday. Probably because thats when airlines are kicking off these flash sales and thats one of the few things that still gets done by people. How does hopper make money . Were a travel agency. So if you book your ticket through hopper, well make a small commission from the airline. Like any other travel agency. How often are you right . So 90 of the time youre not going to do any worse following our recommendations. Youll tend to save about 10 to 15 on your ticket. Who are your users . So, were skewed obviously toward younger users. Something like 70 of our users are 35 and under. So the idea with hopper is, you tell us the trip take, and put your phone in your pocket and go play with your kids. And then well send you a notification a say hey, now is the time to buy. So you put your dates in, and the place where you want to go, and then you get an alert . Right. So it saves you that, you know, hours of Online Shopping and trying to comparison shop yourself, whic frustrating. Do you factor in all airlines . I know when you use some websites that check oairfare the are some exclusions. For instance southwest doesnt show up on a lot of those choices. Southwest is definitely an exclusion. There are some airlines that dont distribute their fares widely. We sell more than 250 airlines worldwide. Where are you going this year . So thats a good question. Were thinking about going somewhere warm right now. Its pretty cold outside. But we havent picked a destination yet. All right. Time to get on that. Happy new year to you. Thanks. Up next on the money, a look at the news for the week ahead. And the hot new tech trends for 2018 from laptops to robots well show you the latest ga make your house the center of the neighborhood . First, mix liquid gold velveeta with the onetwo kick of ro tels diced tomatoes and spicy green chilies. Then, find space for extra parking. Lots and lots of parking. one is the only number that youll ever need staying ahead isnt about waiting for a chance. Because one is. Its about the one bold choice you make that moves you forward. That you ever need the one and only Cadillac Escalade. Come in for our seasons best offers and drive out with the perfect 2017 Cadillac Escalade for you. Get this low mileage lease from around 899 per month. the center of the how canneighborhood . R house first, mix liquid gold velveeta with the onetwo kick of ro tels diced tomatoes and spicy green chilies. Then, find space for extra parking. Lots and lots of parking. Here are the stories coming up that might affect your money this week. Monday is new years day. The markets will be closed. And of course a lot of people will be home tryin tuesday Marks National personal trainer day. And what better day, really, as everybodys trying to keep their new years resio on wednesday well see how much Construction Spending there was in november. Well also get auto sale and on friday well see how many jobs were gained or lost in t this year we saw trends like Smart Speakers explode in popularity. Amazon sold 11 million echoes in 2016. And experts predict that number will double this year. And with here, what new Technology Trends will emerge . Joining us to discuss it is anthony hau of tech crunch and chris valesco of gadget. I adopted Smart Speakers this fe i can consider myself an early adopter. What are we expecting to see fo wince when i say this, but essentially making that mobile. Weve got toys like the r2d2 which is very much like blurring the line between a t robot, becau ac control it from your iphone. It has a sense of personality. Are there going to be other robots that help me accomplish something . I think that there are certain things they can do now that help look like just a Smart Speaker they can take photographs and i think maybe youre going to start to see them edge into security, for example like the curry robots can tell not just who you are, but like when this is a fun family activity, and lets snap a photo of this because youre probably going to want to capture this and youre not going to want to step out and say lets take a photo. Moms are rejing so we can actually show up in the pictures. This is a real problem. Its a thing you know. Speaking of smartphones, theyre not just for cameras anymore. We use them as personal assistants. Of course. For alarms and ordering groceries, and all of that. One problem, though, is oh, you look down and your battery is dead. Where are we going with smart charging . So whats really interesting, weve seen this come to the fore last year, but this 2018 is shaping up to be t charging break out of these traditional sort of forms. This to me is not traditional. Im still plugging mine into the wall unit. Here we have a charging pad. This is where you just what lay your phone against it . Exactly. You lay your smartphone on top of it, and it charges while you sleep. Which is great. But it does require you to sit there and be okay with not holding your phone for awhile. Theres still a wire. Exactly. What were going see this year, two companies at least received fcc approval to do fullon wireless charging. If youre sitting within a certain range of a transmitter you could be doing whatever on your phone and its pulling power over the air from this transmitter. What about laptops, chris . Are we seeing real innovations in the way were using our portable computers . I think what were seeing a lot of is slap tops sort of becoming more like our smartphones and tablets. Qualcomm and a few of its partners recently worked out a system called always connected pcs where youve got the same chip in your smartphone going into a laptop so theyre not quite as traditional machine. But they turn on almost instantly. Their battery life will last just about all day and theyll always be connected to wireless data. I dont get it. Because i use my tablet like a computer. It has the key board right there. Whats the advantage now of a new fangled laptop . A lot of people use windows, theyre very used to it. Its been part of their work and personal life for a really long time. Th gives you the flexibility to use the platform youve always been using. More importantly for people like me, i travel with a lot of like usb dongles and sd cards and i cant get that stuff into my ipad. I just bought a new television within the last month, leadup to christmas, merry christma to me, and i am amazed at the voice commands that it uses. I really dont need this to be wired to cable anymore, because if i use bluetooth, i can get everything come nothing my television, asis. No need for a roku stick. Tell me what innovations were going to see in screens hanging on the walls . Oledec image brighter and clearer. But to your point this is going to be this stick is going to become less and less relevant. I dont think its going away any time sooor streaming featur going to be built directle tele control. One of the big themes is going to be integration with Google Assistant and amazon alexa. All right, anthony, chris, so great to talk to you. Im consid officially arl thank you. And that is the show for today. Im contessa brewer. Becky will be n week. Thank you so much for joining us. Next week those holiday bills are coming. How to tackle Credit Card Debt wisely. Each week keep it right here. We are on the money. Hope you have a great one. Well see you next weeken. Good morning, america. This morning, cold lang syne. The frigid forecast. Lifethreatening wind chills. Icy conditions causing pileups on the road. The coldest new years eve forecast for many in a half century. Our weather team tracking it all. Russia investigation. The new report this morning on what might have sparked it all . What a former Trump Campaign adviser is reported to have said to an australian diplomat during a night of heavy drinking. What we know this morning. Swatting arrest. What were learning about the man in custody after the prank call police say led to an innocent mans death. I want answers. As the victims family