The Chase Freedom Flex® card stands out in the cash-back credit card market, particularly appealing to users willing to optimize their spending across various reward categories. Recent estimates indicate that, with proactive strategizing, the average American could earn upwards of $400 in cash back annually using this no-annual-fee card, leveraging…

The past year has been marked by substantial economic growth, characterized by a decline in inflation and interest rates, low unemployment, and a significant rise in the S&P 500. Yet, the incoming administration and shifting financial policies, combined with ongoing recovery from the pandemic, create an atmosphere of uncertainty about…

As the global population ages, the implications for healthcare systems and workforce dynamics become increasingly significant. The World Health Organization forecasts that within five years, one in six individuals will be aged 60 or older, a trend reflective of broader demographic shifts. In the United States, nearly 10 million elderly…

The landscape of savings account interest rates has undergone significant changes recently, causing many savers to reassess their financial strategies. Earlier in the year, some accounts offered annual percentage yields (APYs) as high as 5%, but that rate has since declined, with the top offerings now around 4% APY. This…

As the holiday season approaches, many find themselves in search of unique and meaningful gifts that stand out from the usual toys and gadgets. One such exceptional gift idea is a Child IRA (Individual Retirement Account)—a financial instrument that can benefit a child for years to come. Marcia S. Wagner,…

The Federal Reserve recently lowered the federal funds rate for the third time this year, with expectations for additional cuts in the future. Rate cuts are generally positive for consumers looking to borrow money, such as those planning to buy homes or pay off existing debt. However, they can also…

Despite the Federal Reserve’s recent cuts to interest rates, many retail store credit cards are still hitting consumers with extraordinarily high annual percentage rates (APRs). According to a report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a substantial portion of these retail cards—19%—charge APRs exceeding 35%. The average APR for…

The recent actions of the Federal Reserve, including their third reduction of the federal funds rate this year, have marked the conclusion of record-high interest rates for interest-bearing deposit accounts. While this cuts into the earning potential for savers, there are alternative avenues available for boosting the balance in personal…

Between March 2022 and July 2023, the Federal Reserve implemented a series of interest rate hikes, increasing its benchmark rate 11 times in response to rising inflation and other economic factors. This led to a significant increase in money market account (MMA) interest rates, making them more appealing for savers.…

A Certificate of Deposit (CD) is a viable option for individuals seeking a secure method to save money while potentially earning higher interest rates compared to traditional checking and savings accounts. However, it’s important to note that CD rates can vary significantly. As of the latest market trends, CD rates…

In September and November, the Federal Reserve enacted two significant cuts to its benchmark interest rate, reducing rates by 50 and then 25 basis points, respectively. This series of reductions has had a notable effect on deposit interest rates, pushing them down from their historic highs. However, despite the overall…