Personal debt in the U.S. is soaring. In the last quarter of 2018, the Federal Reserve’s data revealed that collective personal debt tops $4 trillion dollars in America for the first time ever, and has grown to over $4.5 trillion as of June 2022. One of the recommended ways to pay down debt is to
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With new cars costing over $47,000 on average and used ones averaging over $28,000, very few people can simply walk into the dealership, write a check, and drive off. Most of us will have to save some money first, either for the full purchase price or, if we’re financing the vehicle, for a down payment.
Reloadable debit cards allow you to add money to your card’s balance periodically, which you then can spend as needed. If you’re considering getting a reloadable debit card here are a few important things to know, including how they differ from regular bank debit cards. Key Takeaways A reloadable, or prepaid, debit card is not
Gross domestic product (GDP) is one of the most common indicators used to track the health of a nation’s economy. The calculation of a country’s GDP takes into consideration a number of different factors about that country’s economy, including its consumption and investment. GDP is perhaps the most closely watched and important economic indicator for
In this article ARCB ABNB CRUS PINS MPWR The Airbnb logo is seen on a little mini pyramid under the glass Pyramid of the Louvre museum in Paris, France, March 12, 2019. Charles Platiau | Reuters Economic data and earnings reports have been dictating the pace of the market as investors search for hints on
If you have an established 401(k) and need to access your money, you can use a 401(k) loan to maintain your tax advantages. These loans can provide lower interest rates than you may find on other types of loans like personal loans. Like with any loan, you must repay a 401(k) loan over a set
The London Interbank Offered Rate, better known as LIBOR, was once the most important benchmark interest rate for setting the price of overnight and short-term loans that banks make to one another. This reference rate served as the foundation for other types of loans made by financial institutions including mortgages, auto loans, and financial products
During the dotcom boom of the late 1990s, the notion of dividend investing was laughable. Back then, everything was going up in double-digit percentages, and nobody wanted to to collect a meager 2% gain from dividends. After the bull market of the 1990s ended, dividends were once again attractive. For many investors, dividend-paying stocks have
What is the optimal amount of time to spend on choosing a health insurance plan? Health insurance is complicated, but most people, no matter how well educated, turn out to be bad at making this choice. It’s confusing even for people who understand all the terms, such as deductible and co-pay, according to a report
Apple Pay is a mobile payment system that is in use by an estimated 45.4 million users in the US. An article from Oberlo forecasts that the number will grow to an estimated 56.7 million in 2026. Key Takeaways Apple Pay is certainly safer than cash and it has more safety features than credit cards.
Investment Banking vs. Law: An Overview Investment banking and law are popular career paths for ambitious young people who want the chance to pull in a good salary right out of university. Because these career paths draw from the same broad talent pool, many students face initial difficulty choosing between the two. On one hand, investment
Key Takeaways Berkshire Hathaway missed analysts’ estimates for EPS but beat on operating earnings in Q2 FY 2022. Operating revenue and earnings were up year over year. However, mark-to-market losses on its investment portfolio were much higher than the estimates. Source: Predictions based on analysts’ consensus from Visible Alpha Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) Financial Results: Analysis Berkshire
When it comes to choosing investments for your 401(k), the sheer number of options available can be overwhelming. There are, however, a number of relatively simple investment strategies that you can use to get the most out of your 401(k). One strategy is to invest in a target-date fund, which will automatically optimize your portfolio
A 401(k) plan is a popular way to save for retirement, but each employer determines what to offer with their own plans. Different 401(k) plans can have different fees, matching contribution limits, and investment options. To determine whether your 401(k) is competitive, you can compare its terms and offerings with other 401(k) terms. To do
The following is an excerpt from Black Fortunes: The Story of the First Six African Americans Who Escaped Slavery and Became Millionaires, by Shomari Wills, which details the origins of Black Wall Street. Ottawa W. Gurley (aka O.W.) was a turn-of-the-20th-century Black educator, entrepreneur, and landowner who was born to former enslaved Africans. In 1889, after
The banking sector is the section of the economy devoted to the holding of deposits, extension of credit, and trading and investing of financial assets. There are a number of exchange traded funds (ETFs) that track the banking sector. Leveraged ETFs are exchange traded funds that seek to return some multiple (e.g., 2x or 3x) the actual performance of
In this article BRK.A An Andy Warhol-like print of Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett hangs outside a clothing stand during the first in-person annual meeting since 2019 of Berkshire Hathaway Inc in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S. April 30, 2022. Scott Morgan | Reuters Berkshire Hathaway‘s operating profits jumped in the second quarter despite fears of slowing
Honeywell International (HON) generated $34.4 billion in sales for the fiscal year 2021. It has successfully solidified itself as a Fortune 500 company by expanding into numerous industries and offering varying products. Honeywell’s success is partially attributable to the numerous acquisitions that it has completed. Honeywell’s five-year strategic plan from 2014 to 2018 called for
eBay vs. Amazon: An Overview Whether you list things while at home in your pajamas, have money sent directly to you, or drop packages off in the mail, using eBay or Amazon is easier than the yard sales of yesteryear. But which major e-commerce site is best? It might help to understand how each of
Fast-Casual vs. Fast-Food: An Overview The two stalwarts of the American restaurant industry were always fast-food and fine dining, but now the rapidly growing fast-casual restaurant sector has squeezed in between them. Many companies combined high-quality ingredients with fast-food convenience to launch the trend, including restaurant brands Chipotle (CMG), Shake Shack (SHAK), and Panera, among