The Daily Money: Rents rise; Social Security planning; Costco shopping tips

Good morning, it's Nathan hoping you and your loved ones are safe from Hurricane Ida.

My colleagues at USA TODAY have detailed coverage of the storm here.

💰 The Daily Money is USA TODAY's Monday-through-Friday-morning roundup of all things personal finance, business and tech. If this email was forwarded to you or if you found it online, you can subscribe for free here!

On to our ... 

💡 INSIGHT OF THE DAY: The pandemic temporarily caused many Americans to move in with loved ones or friends, trying to save on housing costs. But now many are looking to get their own place, and that's one factor driving up rents. The national median rent is up 11.4% from a year ago to $1,244.

⌚ WHAT TO WATCH FOR: I'm working on a story as we speak about how Hurricane Ida will affect gas prices. Look for that soon at USATODAY.com/Money. Let's just say they're going ⬆️.

📰 And here are more stories you won't want to miss:

1. Sometimes, being on your own in retirement can work to your advantage. Claiming Social Security is easier when you're single.

2. Can you get a replacement gift card if you lose one? Don't count on it.

3. Need to keep your smartphone alive? Here are tips on how to preserve your battery life.

4. Look for the "death star" at Costco: Shopping expert Kelly Tyko has tips on how to save at the wholesale club.

5. Yuck: Someone packed raw chicken into their suitcase on the airplane, TSA says.

They're calling it ... wait for it ... a personal fowl.

--@NathanBomey