According to Betty Lin-Fisher, holiday spending is anticipated to rise this year.

The National Retail Federation indicates that consumers are expected to spend between $979.5 billion and $989 billion during November and December, a notable increase from last year’s $955.6 billion in the same period.

Here’s a closer look at the anticipated holiday sales trends.

More consumers owe more on car loans

Many Americans are finding themselves upside down on their car loans, with the average amount owed reaching a record high, based on a recent survey by Edmunds, a car comparison platform.

Between July and September, 24.2% of individuals trading in their vehicles owed more on their loans than their cars were worth. This is an increase from 23.9% in the previous quarter and up from 18.5% a year earlier, reported Medora Lee.

Auto loans make up about 25% of consumer credit outside of mortgages, as stated by the Federal Reserve, and can offer insights into borrowers’ financial situations and overall household financial health.

Controversial candle resurfaces on eBay

On eBay, a candle from Bath & Body Works, which the retailer recently stopped selling due to backlash over its snowflake design resembling Klan hoods, has made an appearance.

The retailer issued an apology for creating the “Snowed In” three-wick candle, which was part of its holiday candle collection, reports Mike Snider.

This decision followed criticism from online users, who pointed out that the design, intended to represent a folded snowflake, resembled the hoods worn by members of the white supremacist group. Some labeled it the “Klandle” or “KKKandle.”

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Every weekday, The Daily Money brings you the latest in consumer and financial news from YSL News, simplifying complex events and explaining how various issues, from Federal Reserve rate adjustments to bankruptcy matters, affect you.