Is Getting A Perfect Credit Score A Waste of Your Time?

April 15th, 2015 by Yael Kent

There are a number of reasons why people continue to strive for perfection. Naturally, there’s a sense of satisfaction knowing that you’re doing your best and achieving results. For instance, pitching the perfect baseball game will have positive consequences just the same as achieving a perfect score on your SAT exam. Perfection has its place as well as its perks.

National Equal Pay Day Shows Income Gap is Still Wide

by Yael Kent on April 14, 2015

Today, April 14, 2015, is National Equal Pay Day, according to the National Committee on Pay Equity. This day is dedicated to promote awareness of the gap between men and women’s wages. It is meant to symbolize the progress women have made in catching up with men and the inequalities that still linger.

What should you know about National Equal Pay Day?

New Study Shows Most Americans Don’t Have Stocks

by Alice Bryant on April 10, 2015

According to Bankrate’s Money Pulse survey, less than half of American adults have money in stocks. The exact number, 48%, included adults who invested in pension funds, 401(k) retirement plans, IRAs, mutual funds, ETFs, or those owning individual stocks. The result is a surprisingly low number and seems to be an alarming financial trend.

To compare, about 61% of adults have at least a cup of coffee daily. This shows a drastic difference - more Americans have a clear financial interest in coffee than in stocks. Why is this?

Are You Having These Money Arguments with Your Partner?

April 7th, 2015 by Yael Kent

Every couple argues about money. If you haven't already had a heated screaming match with your significant other about money, the chances are high that there's one in store soon enough.

The American Institute of CPAs reported in 2012 that couples will most likely argue about money before anything else. In fact, couples tend to argue more about finances than work, children, friends, and household work. It was also reported that couples who spend their days bickering over finances are at a much bigger risk for divorce.

Consumer Spending Is At An All Time Low

by Alice Bryant on April 3, 2015

According to a report released by the government Monday, personal consumption expenditures (consumer spending) rose by 0.1% in February. This miniscule increase follows two months of 0.2% declines and has resulted in consumer spending at an all time low.

With the economy improving and more jobs being added, it seems that consumer spending should be increasing. So why the sluggish growth?

Weekly Tip: Buy local.

Locally owned companies frequently use suppliers and service providers in the area. All of the income is spent by local family members and employees. It's true that chain stores benefit the community as well, but more of their cash goes to distant suppliers, stockholders and staff at the headquarters.

Updated by Yael Kent on Fri, 2015-04-03 10:58

Is Mobile Banking Bad For You?

April 2nd, 2015 by Alice Bryant

One of the greatest changes in the world over the past twenty to thirty years is the internet. Not only has the internet essentially transformed the value of information, but it has also transformed how everyone approaches common tasks that were more complicated years ago. One of the areas that has undergone the most dramatic change is the field of banking. In years past, knowing your local bank and the people that worked there was one of the things you simply just did as an adult.

Should You Lend Money to Friends?

March 31st, 2015 by Yael Kent

When a friend asks to borrow money, you undoubtedly feel like they've put you on the spot. Of course, you do want to help your friend out, but there's probably a reason he's turning to you rather than to the bank. You may be the most financially successful person in your group of friends, but this doesn't mean that they should treat you like an ATM. On the other hand, if you want to help your friend out, you can do so in a way that makes it more likely for you to keep your friendship and get your money back.

Is Your Significant Other Causing You to Break the Bank?

March 26th, 2015 by Yael Kent

In most cases, the word "savings" and the word "dating" do not go hand-in-hand. Although you will certainly be responsible for spending more money on your significant other and yourself than you would on yourself alone, your significant other does not have to completely rob you of all of your financial freedom. Here are just a few of the top ways to tell if your significant other is breaking your bank.

The Millennial's Quandary: Rent, Buy, or Just Stay Home?

March 25th, 2015 by Yael Kent

The intersection of the so-called American Dream and the Millennial Generation - those people born between 1990 and 2000, plus or minus a few years - is a very interesting phenomenon to look at and study. By all accounts, Millennials are the most politically active, technologically savvy, socially conscious generation since, well, ever maybe, yet they routinely fail to find purpose on the path of daily life.