Consumers are still spending big even as inflation soars. Here’s why
It’s Not Over Till It’s Over The good news is that when this rough patch is over, we can look back on it as another history lesson and use it as a guide for […]
The 10 worst stock market crashes in history
I was a college intern at a local investment firm when I first learned what a “stock market crash” was. It was 2001 and the market was already on the decline. After the tragic events […]
10 things you really should rent, not buy
Check out a formal dress for prom night, some power tools for your big home renovation, or camping gear for your next vacation. Cut down on expensive purchases and waste by renting instead of buying. […]
Even guests are overspending on weddings
More than half of Americans who’ve participated in a bridal party say they’ve felt pressure to spend above what they could afford, according to the latest LendingTree survey of more than 2,100 consumers. “Weddings cost […]
Do you know how many credit card fees you’re actually paying?
Credit cards offer many benefits and conveniences to both consumers and businesses — but they also often come with several fees. Although these fees may be small, they can add up over time. As such, […]
Can you really afford to be a homeowner right now?
Buying your first home is a milestone that’s often wrought with emotion. You may feel excited, exhilarated and exhausted all at once — and for good reason. The purchase of a home constitutes one […]
You don’t have to pay for your credit report. Do this instead
TransUnion is one of the “Big 3” credit bureaus that compile your credit history – which has a big impact on your credit score. This week, the federal Consumer Finance Protection Bureau sued TransUnion for “deceitful digital […]
Here’s where people pay the most for car insurance
To legally drive in most states, you need to have car insurance, with the minimum amount determined by your state of residence. We should really refer to “car insurance minimum coverages,” in plural, because requirements […]
The shocking ways money problems can affect your health
It’s often thought that having money solves all problems and leads to happiness. While that’s not necessarily true, being financially secure can create a sense of well-being. Being able to afford essential expenses and have additional […]
Can you really afford to be a homeowner right now?
Buying your first home is a milestone that’s often wrought with emotion. You may feel excited, exhilarated and exhausted all at once — and for good reason. The purchase of a home constitutes one […]
Does your 401(k) miss President Trump?
U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, Republican of Ohio, tweeted this analysis of the stock market earlier this month. Your 401k misses President Trump. — Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) May 9, 2022 Jordan is implying that […]
Why are people buying whisky that was buried in a bog for 2 years?
While NFT-themed spirits drops are still relatively novel, they’re definitely trending. And no question about it, they’re getting weirder. Perhaps noting the success of selling fart symphonies and war nymphs NFTs, the latest spirits […]
New US homes come at a new record-high price
New single-family homes built and sold in the U.S. are growing increasingly pricey. While in 2002, the average price of such a home was $228,700, that had increased to $391,900 in 2020. Meanwhile, consumer […]
How to find the best contractor for your home project
You’re ready to make home improvements. When looking for a trustworthy pro, it’s a good idea to get referrals, check references, get bids, and nail down your financing. Let’s drill down to the […]
The world’s most expensive real estate market
Big cities like Hong Kong or San Francisco are well-known for their expensive real estate markets. But there are also a lot of housing markets you wouldn’t necessarily expect among the least affordable – that […]
How to overcome inflation anxiety & sensibly adjust your financial plan
A survey from Bankrate found 40% of US adults are feeling stressed or negatively affected in terms of their mental health as a result of money concerns. With prices rising at the fastest rate […]
Inflation is at a 4-decade high. Here’s what that means for you
Consumer prices in the United States continued to rise in February and March of 2022 after inflation had hit a 40-year high in January. The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) was up 8.5 […]
10 reasons everyone should have a credit card. Even you
Credit cards are a fantastic resource to help you handle your finances better. Here are ten reasons why everyone should have a credit card. Reason 1: Easy Way to Build Credit Credit cards are […]
Mortgage rates are at a 13-year high. Here’s why
Mortgage rates in the United States continued their steep climb last week, adding to the woes of would-be home buyers that are already facing historically high prices and steep competition in the tight housing market. According […]
You’re probably managing your checking account all wrong
Managing a checking account may sound like a tedious task, but please keep reading, because it’s well worth a bit of time to get your financial health on track. Think about it: Your checking […]
15 ways any investor can forecast the stock market
Using technical analysis to research stocks is a common strategy to profit from short-term movements in security prices. While some stock analysis tools are fundamental in nature, technical stock indicators typically seek patterns in […]
Are we in another housing market bubble? Will it burst again?
The housing market is out of control in many areas of the country, with record-high home prices and record-low inventories. Prices had been steadily increasing since 2012, but they’ve accelerated since the onset of the COVID-19 […]
Credit card skimmers: What they are & how to avoid them
Credit card skimmers are devices that are added to card readers to allow the theft of credit card data. They can come in several forms, but they all try to appear like legitimate credit […]
Can a financial advisor make you happier?
Money can’t buy happiness directly, but it seems like paying a financial advisor sure can help. A new survey found people with more than $1.2 million in household assets report higher levels of happiness […]
Just how much home does $1,500 get you across the US?
A RentCafe analysis of Yardi Matrix data has revealed the U.S. city where renters get the most space on average for a monthly outlay of $1,500. You will find more infographics at Statista Wichita, Kansas offers […]
Why crypto’s demise could be exaggerated
The stock market’s recent volatility has been accompanied by a similar path for digital currencies like Bitcoin (BTC), as the Fed’s anticipated rate hikes have put pressure on growth-based assets. Since reaching an all-time […]
Are your finances in murky waters? Watch out for loan sharks!
A loan shark is a person who lends money at an unlawfully high rate of interest or who threatens violence to collect debt payments. Loan sharks are predators who make extortionate extensions of credit […]
How to face your money issues head on
Americans would rather clean out their closets than clean up their finances. A rather humorous survey revealed all the grueling chores Americans would prefer doing over getting their finances in order. Pollsters from Lincoln […]
Here’s how to get out from under your payday loan
Payday loans are short-term consumer lending products that can carry high fees, especially when measured as an annual percentage rate of interest. A $100 payday loan with a $15 borrowing fee and 14-day repayment […]
Your 27-point retirement checklist
It’s never too early to start thinking about retirement. In fact, the more you do now, the easier retirement will be. Retirement can be a daunting prospect if you don’t have a plan. […]