Here’s How Many Americans Have a Credit Score of 717. How Do You Compare?
Image source: Getty Images Wondering how your credit score measures up to the national average? The average American FICO® Score is 717. A perfect credit score is 850, which is not easy to achieve. That said, it’s also not necessary for most people. Understanding what makes up your FICO® Score can help you improve your […]
4 Reasons Americans Can’t Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck
Image source: Getty Images For years, earning $100,000 per year was seen as the key to getting out of the grind of living paycheck to paycheck. With that kind of income, most of us thought we’d be able to add to our savings accounts and stop worrying about every item we put in our basket […]
How to Get Great Credit Again After a Bankruptcy
Image source: Getty Images I practiced bankruptcy law for a decade and one of the biggest concerns potential new clients had was whether they would be able to get credit again after the bankruptcy was over. I assured them that within a year, two at most, they could have fine credit again. Here is how […]
Here’s What Happens When You Keep a Credit Card Open for Over 10 Years
Image source: Getty Images There isn’t anything specific that automatically happens when you keep a credit card open for more than 10 years — other than your annual fee (if applicable) being charged on your account anniversary like clockwork. Your credit card issuer may send you a thank-you note or something similar, but that’s about […]
5 Signs a Costco Membership Isn’t Worth It for You
Image source: The Motley Fool/Unsplash Costco fans know that signing up for an annual membership usually means tons of savings on bulk items, discounts on gas, and plenty of unexpected good deals. By some estimates, you can save $1,000 in grocery shopping expenses with a Costco membership. But just because most people save money with […]
Here’s Why I’m Seriously Considering Using a Living Trust to Pass an Inheritance to My Family
This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your personal situation, please contact a lawyer. I’m usually not a lazy person when it comes to financial matters. For example, I take the time each month to review my credit report, and I check up on my investments […]
Here’s How Much the Average American Is Expected to Spend This Holiday Season
Image source: Getty Images The official start to the holiday shopping season is just weeks away, and some early birds have already begun making purchases. Even if you haven’t yet, you probably already have some idea of who you need to buy for and how much you’re comfortable spending. The average American is poised to […]
These Are the 10 Most Popular Grocery Stores in America
Image source: The Motley Fool/Unsplash You probably have your go-to grocery store, but there might be others in your town you’ve never given much of a chance. Shopping in multiple places is a little less convenient, but it can also give you access to unique items you wouldn’t find in your regular store. You might […]
2025’s Disappointing Social Security COLA Could Surprisingly Benefit Many Retirees
The annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, is one of the most important features of the government program. Without those annual raises, seniors would quickly find the purchasing power of their monthly annuity checks failing to meet their needs. That might feel like the case for some even with the COLA. The Social Security […]
Social Security Is Getting a Shakeup in 2025. Here’s What to Expect
Although Social Security has been around for nearly a century, the program’s rules aren’t necessarily set in stone. In fact, in the coming year, Social Security will undergo a number of big changes. And those changes won’t just impact retirees who are already receiving benefits. They could very well affect you even if you’re nowhere […]
