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ConsumerAffairs •

ETF trends 2025

The cumulative assets of ETFs in the U.S. reached almost $8.5 trillion during the first quarter of 2024. That represents a 26% increase from the same period in 2023. As of the first quarter of 2024, there were 3,141 ETFs domiciled in the U.S. — representing a 9.4% increase from the first quarter of 2023. According to a survey conducted by the Investment Company Institute, approximately 15 million U.S. households held ETFs in 2023. That number pales in comparison to the 68.7 million households th
Retirement Living •

What Is the Average Social Security Payment? 2024

Social Security is the system Americans pay into during their active working years that guarantees an income stream during retirement. The Social Security system also makes payments to disabled workers, survivors of deceased workers and, in some cases, the family members of retirees. Payments are made monthly, and payment amounts are determined by a formula designed to account for inflation. The formula includes regular cost-of-living adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index.
ConsumerAffairs •

Average American debt statistics 2024

Household debt in the U.S. continues to hit new heights, reaching $17.5 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2023. That number includes mortgage balances of $12.25 trillion, auto loan balances of $1.61 trillion and credit card balances of $1.13 trillion. Despite this growth in total debt, however, debt payments as a percentage of personal income have been on an overall downward trend since a peak in 2007. Debt payments fell precipitously in early 2021, likely due to COVID-19 pandemic payment pauses
ConsumerAffairs •

Consumer banking statistics 2024

Consumer banking is a changing industry. Decades of consolidation have reduced the total number of banks available to consumers, although the number of bank branches has not decreased at nearly the same rate. While the vast majority of U.S. adults use a bank account to manage their money and conduct financial transactions, their access methods have shifted. More than two-thirds of banking customers now prefer to conduct their banking business online or via a mobile app.
Obligona •

Traveling the World on a Budget

Traveling the world is the ultimate way to experience new things. You can take in different landscapes, interact with people from other cultural backgrounds, and discover different cuisines. And you get to take a break from your day-to-day responsibilities while doing it.

But how to do all that without simultaneously running out of money? The first step is to choose a few destinations that won’t completely drain your bank account. And the second is to do some planning ahead of time. We’re here
Remote Quality Bookkeeping •

Small Business Accounting Methods

If you’re like most small business owners, you probably haven’t put much thought into accounting methods. You may or may not even be aware that you have options when deciding how to do your accounting and that your choices will impact how you produce your financial statements and file your taxes.

What is an accounting method? The term refers to the rules your business must follow when reporting revenues and expenses. The two primary accounting methods are cash accounting and accrual accounting.
Facty •

Health Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet refers to the traditional diet consumed by people in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. While food and eating styles differ—there is certainly a difference between Italian cuisine and Moroccan food—there are many commonalities. For example, a Mediterranean diet generally emphasizes plant-based foods like whole grains, vegetables, beans, fruits, and nuts. Olive oil is the primary source of fat, and dairy is consumed only in moderation.
UrbanStems •

The Meaning of Poinsettias

Indigenous people in Central America were using the Euphorbia pulcherrima long before the name poinsettia was ever attached to these radiant flowers. The Aztecs called the plant cuetlaxochitl (meaning “brilliant flower”) and used it for a number of different purposes. The flower was prized by Aztec leaders, with Montezuma reportedly having caravans of the plant brought to present-day Mexico City (where the poinsettia did not grow naturally due to the elevation). The Aztecs derived medicines from...
Rob's Mortgage Loans •

Fixed Rate vs. Adjustable Rate Mortgages | Rob’s Mortgage Loans

If you’re like most people, your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Buying a house can help you secure your financial future and set you up for a worry-free (and mortgage-free) retirement.

If you’re in the market for a new home or mortgage, you’ll likely have to decide between an adjustable vs fixed-rate mortgage. Determining which is better for your situation requires having a solid understanding of each type of mortgage. Let’s look at the similarities and differences to