According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 77 percent of the total value of HSA contributions in tax year 2023 went to those with incomes over $100,000, a statistic which reveals just how valuable the HSA triple tax advantage can be for building long-term wealth. This advantage represents one of the most powerful … Read more
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 20% of small businesses fail within their first year, and about half of small businesses fail within 5 years. This sobering reality check reminds us that entrepreneurship, while rewarding, comes with significant risks. Understanding these failure patterns can help aspiring business owners beat the odds. The … Read more
The real estate crowdfunding market is projected to grow from USD 10.5 billion in 2024 to USD 35.21 billion by 2034, signaling a massive shift in how we invest in property (Polaris Market Research). Think about it—you can now own a piece of prime commercial real estate for less than the cost of a nice … Read more
Credit mix accounts for 10% of your FICO Score, according to myFICO, making it one of five key factors that shape your creditworthiness. While it might seem like a small slice of the pie, smart credit mix optimization could be the difference between a good score and an excellent one. Think of it like seasoning … Read more
Extended auto warranties aren’t technically insurance at all, although they’re classified that way in some states, such as California. This industry generated $20.5 billion in 2023, according to ConsumerAffairs.com. Yet only 6.3% of people have ever bought one. I’ve wrestled with this decision myself—that glossy brochure at the dealership makes coverage sound critical. But here’s … Read more
Remember that jaw-dropping statistic from the Federal Reserve? The average student loan debt hit $37,338 in 2024. That’s enough to buy a decent car, or even put a down payment on a house in some areas! (Source: Federal Reserve) But here’s the thing—smart budgeting tips for college students can dramatically shrink that number, potentially saving … Read more
Company stock represents just 5% of 401(k) account balances on average, according to the Investment Company Institute’s research. Yet many employees wonder if they should invest more. Should you invest in your company stock? It’s tempting when you know the business inside out. But there’s more to consider than just familiarity. The decision affects both … Read more
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than half (54%) of eligible Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans in 2025. Understanding Medicare options has become increasingly critical for retirement planning—the complexity of choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, selecting supplemental coverage, and managing prescription drug plans leaves many retirees facing unexpected medical bills … Read more
The IRS requires all taxpayers to answer a digital asset question on their tax returns, marking a shift in how seriously cryptocurrency tax rules are being enforced. According to recent IRS guidance, this question must be answered by everyone who files tax forms, not just crypto investors. Whether you’re trading Bitcoin, staking Ethereum, or receiving … Read more
With 61% of business owners using personal credit cards for business expenses, the practice of mixing business and personal credit cards has become surprisingly common. Yet this seemingly harmless habit can trigger serious consequences that many entrepreneurs discover too late. From tax nightmares to legal vulnerabilities, the risks far outweigh any perceived convenience. The Tax … Read more
One in every 1,515 properties in the U.S. had a foreclosure filing in the first quarter of 2025, according to ATTOM Data Solutions. While unfortunate for the owners, these filings create opportunities for savvy investors to enter real estate through wholesaling. This accessible investment strategy allows newcomers to profit from real estate without needing substantial … Read more
According to an Experian study of their consumer credit database, the average American household’s monthly debt payments reached $1,237 in 2025—a 3.2% increase from 2024. Your monthly debt payments are used to determine your debt-to-income ratio, which in turn is an indicator of your ability to repay, so it’s one of the most important numbers … Read more
According to the 2024 Insurance Barometer Study, 42% of U.S. adults say they need more life insurance. If you’re among those considering coverage, you’ve probably encountered the classic debate: term vs whole life insurance. While both options provide valuable death benefits to protect your loved ones, they work in fundamentally different ways and serve distinct … Read more
According to the National Financial Educators Council, 47% of US adults continue to give their personal finance knowledge a grade of “C” or worse. If you’re among those feeling uncertain about your money management, a personal finance audit can transform your financial future. This comprehensive review of your finances helps identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities … Read more
After the initial meme stock craze, 70% of traders said they wouldn’t participate in meme stocks again, according to Charles Schwab’s Q1 2022 Trader Client Sentiment Report (PDF). These viral investments promise life-changing returns but often deliver devastating losses instead. Countless investors chase the next GameStop, only to discover that the problem with meme stocks … Read more
More than 75.7 million Americans volunteered in 2023, representing a remarkable 22% increase in formal volunteering over two years according to the U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps. This surge includes countless retirees discovering that volunteer work for retirees offers far more than just a way to fill time—it’s a pathway to renewed purpose, better health, … Read more
The average refund amount through April 4 was $3,116, roughly 3.5% higher than the average refund of $3,011 at that time last year according to the latest IRS data from the CPA Practice Advisor. While millions celebrate these windfalls, tax refunds are not good news for your financial health. They represent a fundamental misunderstanding of … Read more
More than half of small businesses cite uneven cash flows as a major challenge, according to the Federal Reserve’s 2024 Small Business Credit Survey. This statistic reveals a harsh reality: even profitable businesses can fail when they can’t manage their cash flow effectively. Small business cash flow management isn’t just about keeping track of money—it … Read more
According to the USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture, small farms (those with less than $10,000 in annual sales) represent 50.2% of all U.S. farms, highlighting America’s continued interest in small-scale agricultural pursuits. Whether you’re dreaming of growing your own vegetables or raising livestock, buying a homestead property represents more than just a real estate transaction—it’s … Read more
The average retail credit card currently charges a record-high 30.45 percent APR, according to recent data from Bankrate. Compare that to general credit cards averaging around 22%, and you’ll quickly see why store credit cards are usually a bad deal for most consumers, whether they’re aware of it or not. And these rates have been … Read more