Mon, 10 January 2022 | consumers economy
As the world enters a third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. economy is making a remarkable comeback after two tumultuous years. Roughly 80% of the jobs lost to the pandemic have been regained, unemployment rates have normalized and today’s jobseekers have the upper hand.
Yet, Americans’ views of their financial health are languishing, and many consumers don’t feel confident about their current financial situation or the economy. According to a new annual 2022 Wealth & Wellness Index released today from retirement services provider Empower Retirement and affiliate h... Read More
Tue, 04 January 2022 | consumers cryptocurrency housing
The average U.S. consumer worries about money six times a day. Over half (56%) say they often overextend their spending and are left in a difficult position. Nearly half (49%) of consumers won’t complete a purchase if a retailer does not offer a pay-over-time option at checkout. Affirm Consumer Spend Report
36% of Americans took on holiday debt this season, up from 31% in 2020. Borrowers ... Read More
Wed, 22 December 2021 | real estate
Homeowners in the US have earned $ 9.1 trillion in increased property values over the past year, as home prices continued to rise due to an acute shortage of real estate, according to a new report by Redfin (redfin.com). US home values rose 31.4% year on year to $ 38.3 trillion last month, well above the 9.7% year on year ($ 2.6 trillion) recorded in November last year. Housing prices rose sharply during the pandemic as mortgage rates hit record lows, teleworking and the skyrocketing stock market boosted demand for housing amid continuing housing shortages. November marked th... Read More
Tue, 21 December 2021 | boomers technology
Technology use by people over 50 has skyrocketed during the pandemic, according to a new report from AARP Tech Trends, and these new habits and behaviors are likely to continue. In addition, AARP found the majority of respondents (70%) purchased technology in the past year, and today their costs are much higher than in 2019 - $ 821 now compared to $ 394 then. Smartphones and their accessories, and Bluetooth headsets were at the top of the shopping list, but smart home technology was also key to them.
Unsurprisingly, the use of technology made social connections easier during t... Read More
Wed, 08 December 2021 | advice consumers finances
A new survey from LendingTree found that almost one-fifth (19.2%) of Americans have made a financial decision based on their horoscope, and an additional 30.6% would consider doing so. Millennials are most likely to make a financial decision based on their horoscope.
Key findings
Mon, 06 December 2021 | advice demographics
Over one-third (34%) of Millennials and Generation Z Americans say that a lack of financial guidance is inhibiting to their ability to prepare for retirement, according to a survey released today from the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). Millennials reported feeling the most unprepared when it comes to their futures (38%), with about 30% of Gen Z respondents feeling unprepared.
The survey results show that more than one-third (39%) of Americans under 65 receive their financial advice online or from social media. Further, over one-fourth of Gen Z Ame... Read More
News and insights about consumer and demographic financial trends
The Hidden Cost of Idle Cash: What the Vanguard Survey Reveals About America’s Savings Habits
Consumers Growing Cautious Amid Rising Inflation and Economic Uncertainty
US Taxpayers Say Tax Refunds are a Financial Necessity
Consumer Pessimism Grows Despite Stable Long-Term Inflation Expectations
Economic Uncertainty and Inflation Impact Retirement Prospects for Americans
AARP Survey Reveals Alarming Retirement Savings Trends
Hispanic Consumers More Optimistic About Finances
Homeowners Facing Increasing Insurance Rates
U.S. Foreclosures Increase In First Quarter
Consumers Perceive Less Buying Power Despite Lower Inflation