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The Daily Money: Auto theft soars; Windows 11 coming; gas prices rising


Good morning, it's Nathan wishing you a happy Tuesday ahead.

Sometimes, criminals are masterminds. Other times, we make it easy for them.

🚗 Such is often the case these days with our cars. Vehicle theft has been spiking for the last several years as drivers are leaving their key fobs in the car, allowing thieves to open the door handle and use the push-start button to simply drive off.

But since the pandemic started, vehicle theft has increased at a rate unseen in the last 30 years, according to data provided to me by the National Insurance Crime Bureau. One big reason: People have been leaving their cars unattended for long stretches of time.

💰 The Daily Money is Paste BN'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: Microsoft will begin upgrading eligible computers to Windows 11 on Oct. 5. But the free upgrade will take time. Not every computer will get it right away due to factors such as "hardware eligibility, reliability metrics, age of device and other factors that impact the upgrade experience," Aaron Woodman, general manager for Windows Marketing, said in a blog post. Each eligible computer is expected to receive an offer to upgrade by mid-2022, our Brett Molina reports.

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

1. Will the delta variant reverse America's economic recovery? It's too soon to tell.

2. Can you ask for a salary adjustment to cover the cost of remote working expenses? Our human resources expert has answers.

3. The Golden Arches could be closed up again: McDonald's has given instructions to franchises in areas hit hard by the delta variant on closing their indoor dining until things improve.

4. Refinancing your mortgage isn't the only way to save cash on your monthly bill. Here are four other moves to try first.

5. Hurricane Ida will have an effect at the pump: Expect the national average price of gas to jump 5 to 15 cents per gallon.

6. Ready for an e-boost? Best Buy is now selling electric bikes, scooters and mopeds online with the products launching in select stores soon.

🚴 I've tried an e-bike a number of times and I always feel like a Tour de France rider when I'm zipping past people on regular bikes.

--@NathanBomey