Tipping used to be a feel-good gesture. But in 2025, many Tennesseans feel pressured to tip in situations where it was previously unnecessary, and in amounts that are hard to swallow. According to USA TODAY, the average tip Americans leave across the country is 18%. Nevertheless, residents in several states, including Tennessee, leave well below…
Did you know Disney owns seven of the world’s ten most-visited theme parks, and Universal owns the other three? While there’s more to Florida’s theme parks than Disney World and Universal Studios, it doesn’t take an economics expert to know that lower competition means theme parks like Disney and Universal can set high entrance prices…
While many Americans are feeling the effects of the rising cost of living, some households are thriving. To determine the states that high earners are moving to the most, SmartAsset examined the inflow and outflow of tax filers who made at least $200,000 in each state. They subtracted the outflow from the inflow to determine…
When you think of the ultra-wealthy, images of Los Angeles and New York City probably come to mind rather than cities in Wyoming. But the truth surprises many: Multi-billionaire Elon Musk lives in a small house in Texas, and Warren Buffett lives in the same Omaha, Nebraska, home he purchased in 1958. For these reasons,…
Car insurance is one of those necessary expenses that feel like a monthly burden—especially for Louisianians, who have one of the highest car insurance premiums in the nation. But what if you could pay less without cutting corners on coverage? The good news is, you can. By making smarter choices and taking advantage of some…
The United States is often celebrated for its economic successes throughout history. But every state has its own economy to deal with, including Alabama. A state’s financial stability depends, in part, on the counties within its borders. With so many factors in play across the many counties in each state, including lawmaking and geography, there…
If you inwardly cringe when the cashier tells you the final amount of your grocery haul, you’re not alone. With inflation driving up the costs of many foods, it’s more important than ever to know about ways you can save money on your grocery bill. Sometimes, that means taking a hard look at your current…
Are you finding it hard to keep up with the Joneses? If so, it could be that you’re earning a lower-than-average salary for Oregon. Alternatively, perhaps the shiny things in your neighbors’ driveways are masking their own financial struggles. Regardless of what your neighbors are up to, many Americans are facing a harsh truth: even…
Over the last few years, the cost of living in America has undoubtedly risen. When looking at data from cities all around the world, cities in the U.S. aren’t alone in terms of rising costs of living. Some of the most populated cities in the world are known for their high property values and marked-up…
It’s no surprise that the value of the U.S. dollar has more and less value, depending on the city and state. Understanding what $100 is truly worth in each state can help you budget for out-of-state trips and play a factor in determining where to move to if relocating is in your plans. Coffee may…
