If current financial trends continue, the American middle class may find certain once-affordable items slipping out of reach. In the next five years, the costs of housing, healthcare, and transportation could surpass the average Alaskan’s household budget. Though this trend is troubling, there are things that can help, like solid financial planning and changes to…
No matter where you live, you’ve surely heard this line on your local news station: “The cost of living is rising.” The bad news for Floridians? The cost of living in Florida is 3.81 points higher than the national average. Many Floridians aren’t financially breezing by on their salaried jobs, though some cities are more…
Many Americans would consider themselves lucky to make $100,000 a year, which is about 25% above the median household income. However, $100k might not go very far in certain parts of the United States. A SmartAsset study revealed where a $100,000 salary stretches the furthest among the biggest cities in America. Falling Short To see…
You’d think making a decent paycheck would mean you’re doing fine, right? But a lot of middle-class Arizonans are stuck living paycheck to paycheck, and it’s not always because of low wages. Sometimes, it’s the everyday stuff we all do that slowly drains our money without us realizing it. Such habits feel normal because “everyone…
Being responsible with money is more crucial than ever in times of turbulent economic change. But what exactly does it mean to be financially literate in New Jersey? Looking at factors like savings account balances, credit scores, and financial education can give some perspective on personal financial literacy, but they don’t necessarily show the whole…
Living in a rich California county comes with perks. Your kids probably have access to higher-quality schools, it’s likely above average for safety, and you probably get to take advantage of better infrastructure. Some Californians are happy to pay the higher taxes and cost of living that come with living in a wealthy county. Others,…
If you’re someone who can’t make it out of Target without a cart full of things you didn’t plan on buying, you’re not alone. But even seasoned Florida Target fans might be missing out on some of the store’s best-kept secrets. Whether you shop once a week or only when your friend drags you in…
Many Alabama residents equate a trip to the car dealership with a trip to the dentist. You have to do it sometimes, but it’s not going to be fun. If you want to make your time at the dealership less stressful, it’s helpful to know about some tips and strategies to get the best possible…
Millennials don’t shop like their parents do, and some products are suffering because of it. On one hand, it’s hard to blame the generation born between 1981 and 1996—they grew up during big tech changes, a rough economy, and sky-high student loans. From stuff their parents swore by to things that once felt like a…
Grabbing a snack from CVS feels good. You’re running errands, picking up a prescription, and there it is—the grocery aisle calling your name with chips, candy, and frozen foods. But here’s the thing: Convenience often comes with a catch. That quick CVS food run can sneakily lead to overspending, stale snacks, and poor nutritional choices….
