Inflation has been brutal over the past few years. After decades of running below 3%, starting early 2021, inflation increased rapidly as the economy opened back up after the COVID-19 lockdowns. It peaked at 9.1% in June 2022 and then declined to its current level of 3.2%.
Personal Finance
Get ready for sneaky new credit card fees
Credit card issuers are very good at getting money out of people. There are all sorts of levers they will use to make up for reduced late fees.
Well Into Adulthood and Still Getting Money From Their Parents
Parents have always supported their children into adulthood, from funding weddings to buying a home. Now the financial umbilical cord extends much later into adulthood.Parental support is continuing later in life because younger people now take longer to reach many...
Tooth Fairy Inflation Is Real: It’s Leaving $100 Bills and Louis Vuitton Bracelets
When her daughter was about to lose her first baby tooth, Kokoa Lawson went to work researching ideas. She wanted to make the tooth fairy experience magical and extra special for her only child. She gave her daughter a $100 bill decorated with glitter and tiny...
America Has Never Had So Many 65-Year-Olds. They’re Redefining the Milestone.
More Americans are turning 65 this year than any prior time in history.Today’s 65-year-olds are redefining a milestone long associated with retirement parties and the end of productive years. They are wealthier and by many measures, healthier, and expected to live...
Where Your Social Security Benefits Get Most Bang For The Buck
If you’re relocating for retirement, does it make sense to see to what extent your Social Security benefits will support your lifestyle? Yes, because there are number of factors to weigh.Some 11 states tax Social Security benefits to some degree. Most states, however,...
These Families Are Shutting Down the Bank of Mom and Dad
Parents are cutting the financial cord with their adult kids later than ever. They hope it isn’t awkward.The parents have been paying the monthly phone bill and covering rent for far longer than in prior generations. Some are helping their children with down payments...
Introduction to Estate Planning
What is estate planning? Simply stated, estate planning is a method for determining how to distribute your property during your life and at your death. It is the process of developing and implementing a master plan that facilitates the distribution of your property...
10 Years and Counting: Points to Consider as You Approach Retirement
If you're a decade or so away from retirement, you've probably spent at least some time thinking about this major life change. How will you manage the transition? Will you travel, take up a new sport or hobby, or spend more time with friends and family? Should you...
5 Money Mistakes That Keep You Poor
Navigating the complicated financial landscape in the United States is challenging, especially considering the varying costs of a comfortable lifestyle.Recent statistics from GOBankingRates reveal a median income of approximately $53,000 for comfortable living,...