We all know we should check our credit scores at least once a year just like we should go to the dentist regularly. But for some of us, even the thought of checking our credit scores and reading our credit reports brings on a stomachache. Ignoring your credit score can have a vast and lasting […]
We are a country that is drowning in credit card debt. Credit card balances in the United States totaled $420.22 billion in late 2018. The average American household with credit card debt has approximately $6,9291 in revolving balances, which are balances carried from one month to the next. It can seem impossible to get out from under […]
During the 2018 holiday season, consumers expect to spend more than $1,000 on gifts, holiday food and decorations, and non-gift purchases (e.g., Black Friday deals), according to the National Retail Federation. With so much spending expected during the coming months, now would be an excellent opportunity for teaching your children good financial habits. To help […]
In late September, the New York Times ran a story about how major banks in the U.S. are beginning to offer “an alternative to payday loans.” The Times focuses on a new offering from U.S. Bank, which the bank has branded “Simple Loans.” As with payday loans generally, U.S. Bank’s Simple Loans are designed to […]
Vacations are supposed to be a time to relax, to escape the worries of everyday life and just enjoy yourself. Unfortunately, vacations also cost money—so much so that three out of every four Americans have taken on an average of $1,100 in debt to pay for a vacation, according to a survey conducted by LearnVest […]
According to research published earlier this year by Northwestern Mutual, we Americans are not very good at saving for retirement. In fact, the research found the following startling facts about Americans’ retirement savings: One in five Americans have no retirement savings; One in three Baby Boomers have less than $25,000 saved; and 78% of us […]
Identity theft is an increasingly common problem in the United States. Between 2011 and 2016, U.S. consumers lost more than $100 billion to identity fraud, according to the financial advisory firm Javelin Strategy & Research. A significant portion of this fraud involves criminals opening new credit accounts in the names of their victims and then […]
When Barack Obama ran for president in 2008, one of the central planks of his platform was reforming American health care. Obama was concerned with the skyrocketing costs that have long plagued the American health-care system and the large number of Americans who lacked health insurance. The president was able to tackle those problems within […]
Wedding bells elicit images of elaborate flower arrangements, champagne toasts, black tie attire — and outrageous invoices. But your Los Angeles wedding can be both affordable and elegant. With the following creative venue ideas and tips on shaving down the price on other aspects of your wedding, you can plan your dream nuptials without compromising […]
You’ve already filed for bankruptcy once and received your discharge in court. Your financial fresh start has been going well — but now the bills are starting to pile up again. Maybe it’s a variable rate mortgage, medical expenses, or simply the increasing cost of living in Los Angeles. Whatever the reason, your finances are […]
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