Saturday, April 4, 2026

U.S. Foreclosures Increase In First Quarter

Thu, 11 April 2024  |  housing 

In the latest report released by ATTOM, an aggregator of land, property, and real estate data, the U.S. foreclosure market appears to be navigating through a period of mild fluctuations. According to the Q1 2024 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, the nation saw a total of 95,349 properties with foreclosure filings during the first quarter of the year. This represents a slight increase of 3 percent from the last quarter but reveals a minor decrease of less than 1 percent compared to the same period last year.

The data for March 2024 indicates a total of 32,878 U.S. properties faced fore... Read More

Consumers Perceive Less Buying Power Despite Lower Inflation

Wed, 10 April 2024  |  consumers economy 

A new survey from Equitable finds that a vast majority of consumers, about 75%, perceive that their money does not extend as far as it did just a year ago. Although inflation has decreased significantly from its peak in June of 2022, it remains the predominant financial challenge for many. According to the survey, 39% of respondents identify inflation as the largest barrier to achieving their financial objectives, a figure more than double those concerned with high expenses (17%), low income (10%), and the effects of high interest rates on debt (8%).

"We live in an uncertain world, an... Read More

Consumer Price Index - March 2024

Wed, 10 April 2024  |  consumers economy 

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.4 percent in March on a seasonally
adjusted basis, the same increase as in February, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today.
Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.5 percent before seasonal adjustment.

The index for shelter rose in March, as did the index for gasoline. Combined, these two indexes
contributed over half of the monthly increase in the index for all items. The energy index rose 1.1
percent over the month. The food index rose 0.1 percent in March. The food at home... Read More

Americans Fear Running Out of Money More Than Death, New Study Finds

Tue, 09 April 2024  |  demographics retirement 

A recent study by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America reveals a striking concern among Americans: nearly two-thirds are more worried about depleting their retirement savings than facing death. The 2024 Annual Retirement Study underscores a growing anxiety over financial security in later years, with 63% of respondents admitting their fear of running out of money surpasses their fear of death, marking an increase from 57% in 2022.

This apprehension is most prevalent among Generation X, with 71% expressing more concern over their financial future than their mortality, compar... Read More

Consumers and Small Businesses Still Grapple with Persistent Check Fraud

Tue, 09 April 2024  |  banking consumers small business 

Despite the rapid rise of digital payment methods, checks remain a significant part of American financial transactions, with a recent survey by Abrigo unveiling the stubborn persistence of both check usage and related fraud. The survey, which sampled over a thousand U.S. adults across various demographics in March 2024, reveals a startling landscape of financial fraud, with check fraud being notably prominent among the challenges faced by consumers and small businesses.

Approximately 45% of respondents reported falling victim to financial fraud, with 17% of those experiencing check ... Read More

Financial Education Gap Leaves Middle-Income Americans Seeking More

Tue, 09 April 2024  |  consumers financial education 

The latest results from Primerica, Inc.'s Financial Security Monitor™ (FSM™) paint a stark picture of the financial education landscape in America, particularly for the middle class. An overwhelming two-thirds (66%) of middle-income Americans report feeling unprepared by their education to tackle their financial futures, a sentiment that spans across various age groups but is particularly pronounced among the younger population.

The survey highlights a growing concern over the adequacy of financial education, especially in light of recent economic fluctuations. “The slight decre... Read More