No matter where you are along your career and life journey, I am sure you routinely glance at the financial news. Here is just a sample of recent macroeconomic headlines:

• Interest rates coming down
• 227,000 jobs added in November
• Unemployment at historic low levels
• Veteran unemployment rate even lower at 2.8%
• 2024 wage growth has risen 4%
• Stock market reaches record heights, again!

Some of these topics may be of utmost relevance to your professional and financial situation: If you’re the market for a new car or home, or you’re carrying credit card debt, you’ll want to track interest rates. If you’re planning on full retirement, the value of your 401(k) or Thrift Savings Plan may be top of mind. 

[RELATED: 5 Money Moves to Make When Interest Rates Are Falling]

Some topics, on the other hand, might be skip-able: If already in your retirement years, then wage growth may be a headline you see, but just skim. However, that news could have major consequences for transitioning servicemembers, military spouses with a career on the move, or veterans in the civilian world seeking advancement or making a career pivot.

One headline you may have missed: The challenges recent college graduates are having to secure employment. More than half of those grads are underemployed, according to a report by the Burning Glass Institute, with jobs that don’t require the degree they’ve earned. Even worse, per the report, 88% of those grads will “remain in roles far below their qualifications” after five years. 

Finding the right fit is tough, and the competition is keen.

[FEB. 26: MOAA’s Virtual Career Fair and Hiring Event featuring Early Career Professional Employment]

MOAA knows each of you, and your family members, have unique circumstances. Whether you are age 22 or 102, seeking employment or in your golden years, be sure to take advantage of MOAA’s Ask the Experts to answer your earned military/veteran benefits or financial education questions. You can also check out our upcoming events to help you and your family members attain your personal and professional goals and aspirations. Here’s what’s on tap for January:

• Finding Your Dream Job, a three-part weekly series beginning Jan. 8 designed to help you take your next step toward professional success.
  
  
• 10 Ways to Shift Your Military Mindset to a Civilian Job Search, a special Jan. 16 webinar that will guide your career transition approach.
  
  
• MOAA’s Virtual Workshop for Early Career Professional Positions, a Jan. 29 interactive event that will get your career path (or your family member’s path) off on a strong start thanks to our expert guidance.

Need more? Visit MOAA’s Transition and Career Center for links to must-read articles, member-exclusive benefits and publications, and other resources. For the latest updates, follow MOAA on LinkedIn and subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter.