“America’s middle class shrinking” is a common phrase Americans hear. But it is true? According to Pew Research Center, the number of people 18 years and older in middle-class households shrunk by 11% between 1971 and 2021. So, just how much money must you make in Virginia to be considered middle class? Defining the Middle…
According to the National Library of Medicine, Americans tend to live shorter lives and grapple with more health issues compared to people in high-income countries. On top of that, Americans in certain states have an even higher chance of being unhealthy. Forbes used 21 metrics to determine the most and least healthy states in America,…
Some things are so ingrained in American culture that we view them as part of life rather than social norms unique to our country. Combining experience and science, we put together this list of social rules that West Virginians don’t usually speak about even though they’re expected of us. 1: Setting Boundaries Having ample personal…
Here’s a sobering statistic: Consumer debt in the U.S. increased by 4.4% between 2022 and 2023. The total amount of debt Americans owe? $17.1 trillion. While the majority of that $17.1 trillion is tied to mortgages, $1.07 trillion is in credit card debt, which is traditionally considered among the worst kind of debt. That represents…
Sometimes, it’s hard to believe American and British English are the same language, especially considering the differences in word use and idiomatic expressions. These are some of the most popular terms in the United Kingdom (UK) that confuse and amuse Virginians—and Americans as a whole. 1: Making a Point The only way an American wants…
Some things are just so American. The irony, though, is that so many Floridians—and Americans as a whole—are clueless about them. During my over a decade of traveling and living abroad, I’ve learned a lot about not only other cultures but also my own. These are some of the things that are classically American. How…
Wisdom comes with age. But so do creaking joints, reduced hearing abilities, and body aches. Regardless of where you fall on the 50+ age scale, it’s never too soon to learn about tricks that can help make your life easier as you age. We researched life hacks for older folks in Florida that we believe…
Some Virginia residents choose to relocate to a different state upon retiring, while others set sail for another country. U.S. News & World Report ranked the best countries for retirement based on various factors, including friendliness and a pleasant lifestyle. The United States didn’t make it on the list, so travel-loving Virginians might find a…
Whether you were a teenager rocking out with your friends in Charleston or an activist marching for justice in Huntington, the 1960s was a time of massive change in West Virginia. And music was at the heart of much of it. From anthems of social change to feel-good hits that lit up every radio, we…
Americans held $17.1 trillion in debt in 2023, a 4.4% increase from the year prior. While over 11 trillion of that amount is in the form of a mortgage, which is largely viewed as a good kind of debt, the average credit card debt Americans hold increased by 17.4%. Experts at Experian believe credit card…
