Tuesday, April 7, 2026

A Quarter of American Taxpayers Don’t Have a Financial Plan

Tue, 04 May 2021  |  financial planning 

For some people, submitting their tax return to the IRS is a relief as they put the paperwork out of sight, and out of mind, until next year. Others recognize that tax time is the perfect time to plan for the future while all the documents are readily available. In fact, half of American taxpayers (55 percent) have used the information collected and entered on their annual tax return to create or make changes to their financial plan, with a little more than a quarter (27 percent) doing so annually, according to research conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Institute of CPA... Read More

Home Prices Climb to New Heights as Spring Brings Little Relief to Buyers

Fri, 30 April 2021  |  housing real estate 

The median home-sale price increased 20% year over year to $347,500—an all-time high—according to a new report from Redfin. This number is somewhat inflated due to a slight dip in median sale prices around this time in 2020, and due to fewer high-end homes being sold at this time a year ago, and more high-end homes being sold now.

Below are other key housing market takeaways for more than 400 U.S. metro areas during the 4-week period ending April 25 (unless otherwise noted).

Note that at this time last year, ... Read More

Consumers Financially Optimistic After Difficult Year

Thu, 29 April 2021  |  consumers 

Nearly half of U.S. consumers think that their finances will be better off in the next year, as nearly a third saw improvements in their spending habits and savings, according to a new survey from Chase. Optimism is slightly higher among Black (54%) and Latinx (49%) respondents as many have taken action to improve their credit, spending, or earn a second income.

The new Chase Financial Health Consumer Study—conducted in partnership with Morning Consult—surveyed more than 5,000 U.S. consumers on the state of their finances, attitudes towards saving and budgeting, and action... Read More

Significant Jump in Concern by Wealthiest Americans Over Proposed Tax Hikes

Wed, 28 April 2021  |  affluent economy 

Billions of dollars in anticipated tax hikes on personal income and estates proposed by the Biden Administration, along with rising income and property taxes in some states, are causing consternation among some of America’s wealthiest investors, according to Spectrem’s $25 Million Plus Investor Report. More than half of those surveyed indicate they are considering moving their residence to states with low-or-no income taxes.

The report, which is the only continual survey that has tracked the $25MM+ investment sector since 2007, fielded data from those with over $25 milli... Read More

Financial Anxiety and Stress Common Even Before the Pandemic

Wed, 28 April 2021  |  financial wellness pandemic 

A substantial number of adults in the United States between the ages of 21 and 62 felt anxiety and stress about their personal finances well before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report published today. Researchers found that financial stress and anxiety are highly linked to low levels of financial literacy, problematic financial behaviors and decreased financial security.

Rese... Read More

Top U.S. Metros For Digital Nomads

Wed, 28 April 2021  |  workplace 

Digital nomads are those able to move from location to location, staying connected to work and family digitally, while experiencing new adventures in unfamiliar destinations. Whether looking for a new city or town to experience for one month or six months, digital nomads may be exploring various locations in hopes of eventually making a permanent move.

"It is clear that this past year has caused many to reconsider their housing needs and wants -- and sometimes that means not wanting to be tied to one spot for too long," says Zillow economic data analyst Nicole Bachaud. "Amenity-... Read More