According to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s January 2025 report analyzing over 246 million policies, homeowners insurance is becoming more costly and harder to obtain due to climate-related events. With average premiums increasing 8.7% faster than inflation, understanding homeowners insurance coverage has never been more important. This guide breaks down the essential protections every homeowner … Read more
Budget apps promise to revolutionize your finances, but research from the Federal Reserve shows that 73% of Americans still struggle with budgeting despite using digital tools. Instead of simplifying money management, many budget apps make budgeting harder through feature overload and unrealistic expectations. Too Many Features Create Analysis Paralysis Personal finance apps often overwhelm users … Read more
Building a successful investment strategy requires more than picking individual stocks. Creating a diversified stock portfolio stands as one of the most effective approaches to managing risk while pursuing long-term growth. Recent market volatility in 2025 has shown that diversified portfolios have generally held up better than concentrated positions, with some diversified strategies generating positive … Read more
According to the Federal Reserve’s 2024 Economic Well-Being Report, only 34% of non-retirees believe their retirement savings are on track. This sobering statistic highlights the pressing need for retirement income planning. While the majority of Americans worry about their financial preparedness for retirement, those who take a strategic approach position themselves for greater financial security … Read more
Starting in 2025, the SALT deduction cap will increase to $40,000 for eligible taxpayers, marking a significant change from the current $10,000 limit that has been in place since 2018. If you’re among the roughly 10% of taxpayers who itemize deductions rather than taking the standard deduction, this change could substantially impact your tax liability. … Read more
The franchise industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the global market surpassing $890 billion in 2024 and projected to grow nearly 10% annually in the coming years, according to Forbes. This remarkable expansion reflects franchising’s proven track record as one of the most successful business models available today. If you own a profitable business with … Read more
Foreclosure filings dropped to 322,103 U.S. properties in 2024, down 10 percent from 2023, according to recent data from ATTOM. While this represents a significant decline from the foreclosure crisis peak of nearly 2.9 million in 2010, it still means hundreds of thousands of homes become available each year through the foreclosure process. These properties … Read more
Did you know that one out of five consumers receives a meaningfully different credit score than what lenders actually use when making decisions? This surprising finding from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau highlights just how much misinformation surrounds credit and credit scoring. The reality is that credit myths are everywhere, and believing them can cost … Read more
Planning a party on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing fun or memorable moments. According to a recent poll by Everyday Health Group, parents today spend an average of nearly $314 on their child’s birthday party, so it’s clear that party costs can quickly spiral out of control. Many families feel pressure to create Instagram-worthy celebrations, … Read more
When it comes to picking winning stocks, investors face a choice between two distinctly different approaches to market analysis. As of this writing, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite closed at fresh all-time highs, driven by bullish momentum and a better-than-expected monthly jobs report—yet many investors still struggle to determine whether they should focus on … Read more
According to the Federal Reserve’s 2024 Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households, only 34% of non-retired adults believe their retirement savings are on track—a concerning statistic that highlights America’s retirement preparedness crisis. The question of how much should you save for retirement has become more pressing than ever as traditional pension plans fade … Read more
Teachers spent an average of $895 out-of-pocket on school supplies during the 2024-2025 school year, according to recent data from AdoptAClassroom.org. This figure represents nearly a 50% increase since 2015, highlighting the growing financial burden educators face. While this reality can feel overwhelming, understanding available tax deductions for teachers can help you recoup some of … Read more
According to BizBuySell’s Insight Data, which tracks U.S. business-for-sale transactions, 9,093 small businesses were sold in 2023, representing $6.5 billion in total deal value. With 33.3 million small businesses operating nationwide and many owners approaching retirement age, the market for business acquisitions continues to grow. However, buying a small business represents one of the most … Read more
Choosing where to live ranks among life’s most significant decisions. The neighborhood you select doesn’t just determine your daily surroundings—it shapes your quality of life, financial future, and overall happiness. According to the National Association of Realtors, 89% of homebuyers consider neighborhood quality the most important factor in their purchasing decision, even above the home … Read more
Your credit score can change more frequently than you might expect. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), more than 50 million consumers now have free and regular access to their credit scores, yet many people remain unclear about when these three-digit numbers actually update. Understanding how often your credit score updates can help … Read more
According to the Federal Reserve’s 2024 Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households report, 37% of Americans cannot cover a $400 emergency expense. This stark reality reveals the financial fragility many Americans face, making simple and effective budgeting methods more important than ever. Enter the 70/20/10 budget rule—a straightforward approach to money management that can help you … Read more
Global energy investment is set to exceed $3 trillion for the first time in 2024, with $2 trillion going to clean energy technologies and infrastructure, according to the International Energy Agency. This unprecedented investment surge reflects the massive shift toward renewable energy investment funds that savvy investors are using to capitalize on the clean energy … Read more
Planning for retirement involves countless financial decisions, but few are as significant as determining whether you should pay off your mortgage before you retire. According to recent data from LendingTree, more than 10.5 million housing units across the United States are owned by people 65 and older who still have mortgages, highlighting just how common … Read more
Education tax credits can provide significant financial relief for families struggling with rising college costs. Average higher-education costs for tuition, fees, and room and board have climbed over the last few decades, from $12,126 in 1963 to $27,673 in 2022 (in constant 2022-23 dollars), according to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education … Read more
Starting a business requires more than just a great idea—it demands careful financial planning. Business startup costs can make or break your entrepreneurial dreams before they even begin. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, most microbusinesses cost around $3,000 to start, while most home-based franchises cost $2,000 to $5,000. More substantial ventures can require … Read more