Couples are having micro weddings as average cost now over $30,000

Couples are having micro weddings as average cost now over ,000

Vanessa Acosta marries Sam Roberts in their backyard in Pasadena, California, on May 25, 2024. Courtesy: Vanessa Acosta Last year, Vanessa Acosta and Sam Roberts found their dream venue for a black-tie wedding. But a series of family events made the couple reconsider their plans: “We don’t need to do this big thing where we’re … Read more

Why consumers are spending so much this summer

Why consumers are spending so much this summer

Taylor Swift fans queue outside Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland, on June 6, 2024. Her fans, known as Swifties, had made the superstar $200 million in Eras merchandise sales as of November 2023. Jeff J Mitchell | Getty Images News | Getty Images The price of ‘funflation’ Some ticket prices have surged in recent months, … Read more

Here are the best private and public colleges for financial aid

Here are the best private and public colleges for financial aid

Ongoing problems with the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid have delayed financial aid award letters — and have even prevented many high school seniors and their families from applying for aid at all. As of June 14, only 45% of high school graduates have completed the FAFSA, according to the National College Attainment Network. A year ago … Read more

The pitfalls of this viral savings challenge

The pitfalls of this viral savings challenge

TikTok is chock-full of tips for building wealth. The latest money-saving trend taking over is the “no-spend month,” which encourages TikTok users to cut out all non-essential purchases for a set period. But, in this case, even the best intentions can backfire. Here is what you should know before swearing off unnecessary spending. The no-spend rules The … Read more

Student loan forgiveness program for public servants may soon expand

Student loan forgiveness program for public servants may soon expand

Lourdes Balduque | Moment | Getty Images The U.S. Department of Education may extend the eligibility of a popular student loan forgiveness program to early childhood educators. The agency on Thursday announced that it was issuing a request for information on potentially broadening the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to include workers in early childhood … Read more

Why competition in the housing market is cooling off

Why competition in the housing market is cooling off

Goodboy Picture Company | E+ | Getty Images More homeowners are listing their homes for sale — but properties are taking longer to sell as potential buyers face high prices and interest rates. New listings from home sellers jumped in May, up 13% from a year ago, according to the latest market report by Zillow. … Read more

Here’s what’s wrong with TikTok’s viral money hacks

Here’s what’s wrong with TikTok’s viral money hacks

From cash stuffing to loud budgeting, TikTok is chock-full of ways to build wealth — and more people are taking notice. Financial TikTok, also known as #FinTok, is now one of the most popular sources for financial information, tips and advice, particularly among Generation Z. With less access to professional advisors and a preference for obtaining … Read more

Gens Zs are traveling this summer and going into debt to pay for trips

Gens Zs are traveling this summer and going into debt to pay for trips

Move over family travelers. Gen Zs are set to make the biggest splash this summer, with surveys showing they are upping their vacation plans and spending more than older travelers. No longer satisfied with road trips to their parents’ homes, Gens Z are planning international trips at higher rates than other generations, according to a … Read more

Global debt has grown to $315 trillion in 2024

Global debt has grown to 5 trillion in 2024

The world is mired in $315 trillion of debt, according to a report from the Institute of International Finance. This global debt wave has been the biggest, fastest and most wide-ranging rise in debt since World War II, coinciding with the Covid-19 pandemic. “This increase marks the second consecutive quarterly rise and was primarily driven by emerging markets, … Read more

How to effectively use credit cards for summer travel

How to effectively use credit cards for summer travel

Klaus Vedfelt | Digitalvision | Getty Images If you plan to spend money on travel as the days get longer, sunnier and warmer, be careful: It could leave you with high-interest debt you will still be paying off through the fall and winter. Almost half (45%) of Americans plan to take a summer trip requiring … Read more