The U.S. has experienced an unprecedented wealth boom. Yet, few Americans — including millionaires— feel confident about their financial standing. Only 12% of Americans consider themselves wealthy, according to a new report by Edelman Financial Engines. Despite their high net worth, just 33% of millionaires said the same, the report found. Edelman Financial Engines polled more than … Read more
The Federal Reserve slashed interest rates by a half percentage point, or 50 basis points, on Wednesday, its first rate cut since March 2020. Even before the Fed rate cut, some homeowners had already taken advantage of recent declines in mortgage rates to refinance. Refinance activity increased to 46.7% of total applications during the week … Read more
Consumers may feel their medical bills are unyielding, inflexible, set in stone. But that’s not always true: A new study shows patients can often reap financial benefits by disputing charges that seem erroneous or by negotiating for financial relief. Of consumers who don’t reach out to question a medical bill, 86% said it’s because they … Read more
Moyo Studio | E+ | Getty Images The Federal Reserve announced a half percentage point, or 50 basis points, interest rate cut at the end of its two-day meeting Wednesday. And, naturally, some Americans will want to make the most of the central bank’s first rate cut since the early days of the Covid pandemic. … Read more
US President Joe Biden looks on before speaking ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, September 12, 2024. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds | AFP | Getty Images A federal judge has extended a temporary restraining order against the Biden administration’s latest student loan forgiveness … Read more
For months, economists have wrestled with the disconnect between how well the economy is doing and how badly people feel about their financial standing. Now, evidence suggests that the so-called vibecession, or that prolonged period of negative sentiment about the economy, appears to be ending, according to Michael Pearce, deputy chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics. As inflation cools … Read more
Coupons have come a long way from Sunday circulars. And for consumers stretching to make ends meet, they are as indispensable as ever. Now, with online codes, browser extensions and money-saving apps, there are more ways to find significant discounts at any time — but how good the deals are still depends on the day. … Read more
Molly Richardson, 35, regularly contributes to her 401(k) plan, but the structural engineer said she isn’t too worried about retirement yet. “It’s always something I felt like I could wait until I’m 50 to figure out,” she said. Like many other working adults, Richardson has more pressing expenses for now, she said, such as the … Read more
Owning isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. For many reasons — including affordability — more Americans are choosing to rent everything from cars and apartments to clothing and furniture these days, according to a report by Intuit Credit Karma. Far beyond the traditional tuxedo, the rental industry has expanded in recent years to … Read more
The Good Brigade | Digitalvision | Getty Images Mortgage rates are falling Mortgage rates have already started to come down from recent highs, largely due to the prospect of a Federal Reserve-induced economic slowdown. The average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 6.35% on August 29 from 6.46% a week ago, the lowest … Read more
