While there's no shortage of budgeting applications available, current user rates suggest that many consumers find it difficult to choose the right one. Recent studies found that while around 45% of consumers use spreadsheets and calculators, only around 21% use budgeting applications.
As we step into a new year, it's a great time to reset, refocus, and look ahead with optimism. We hope the weeks ahead bring you and your loved ones good health, meaningful moments together, and plenty of reasons to feel hopeful about what's next.
The holiday season is here, bringing friends and family together to celebrate. Here's wishing you a festive season and a prosperous New Year.
Rising costs continue to make news as we close out the year, with everything from insurance premiums to groceries putting pressure on household budgets. Some food costs have even spiked significantly compared to last year. The job market has shown mixed signals as well, with unemployment edging higher even as monthly job gains continue.
The holiday season is jam-packed with parties, shopping, cooking, gift-giving, and obligations. With all this going on, you might assume that the festive season is the worst time to buy or sell real estate.
The festive season is upon us! Unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when many of us find ourselves buried in credit card debt. While we all want to capture the perfect Instagram-worthy moments with family and friends, overspending can quickly dampen our holiday spirit.
Our four-legged loved ones are always there to share in the merriment, and the holiday season is no exception. Unfortunately, their enthusiasm can sometimes lead to mischief and mayhem.
It's tempting to go through open enrollment quickly, especially if you plan on keeping the same coverage for 2026. But it's also a great opportunity to take a closer look at any benefits you overlooked in previous years. Some could save you money. So, before you complete your benefits enrollment, carve out some extra time to review the year's finances and look for new savings.
The holiday season is quickly approaching, which means it’s time for big meals, family get-togethers, and festive decorations. During all the happy chaos, however, we also need to remember that it’s a season for giving.
November is a month for reflection and gratitude—and a great time to protect what matters most. In this issue, we're sharing tips to help keep your personal information secure, insights on rising health insurance costs for 2026, and a look at how technology is reshaping the job market. We'll also honor the history and meaning behind Veterans Day.
Many of us are planning to spend less on gifts this year, as inflation and tariffs have affected prices. If you're determined to stick to a budget but don't want to disappoint anyone on your gift list, consider these strategies.
The current decrease in interest rates is making headlines this month, although it's partially driven by less positive factors such as fewer employment opportunities. Even before the Federal Reserve announced a quarter-point rate cut, demand for mortgage refinancing rose. In addition to rate-term refinancing, over 10% of refinancing applicants decided to switch to an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to talk about something that affects every homebuyer: protecting your personal information during one of the biggest financial transactions of your life.
A few years ago, we witnessed the Great Resignation, when record numbers of people quit their jobs. Next, the Great Reshuffle saw millions of workers find new career opportunities. Now, we have...Job-Hugging?
Those hoping that inflation would continue to wane were disappointed when June's Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in at 0.3%, putting the 12-month inflation rate at 2.7%. This resulted in pressure being put on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell to cut interest rates, even though economists warned this could accelerate inflation and cause stock markets to falter. Ultimately, Powell did not cut rates, which left mortgage rates flat. However, homeowners may be in for some attractive tax savings because of provisions within H.R. 1, aka the Big Beautiful Bill.
While Americans haven't lost interest in the traditional summer vacation, fewer are planning to fly to exotic locales this year. Instead, road trips are becoming more popular, especially as fuel prices are easing and more of us are charging our vehicles.
It's time for many Americans to decide on their vacation destinations, although fewer are headed to expensive, exotic destinations than in 2024. Consumers are concerned about continued economic volatility and possible overseas conflicts. However, would-be homebuyers are enjoying an increasing number of properties to choose from, as more sellers are entering the market and even lowering their asking prices.
Earlier this year, a national investment firm conducted a survey they dubbed "The Great Decide". Over 2,000 respondents shared their financial concerns and plans for 2025 and beyond.
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