Clear Signs You May Have Too Much Money In Your Checking Account
While two out of five Americans report not having enough savings to cover a $1,000 emergency, there are others who may be holding on to too much cash.
Read MoreArchive for October 2024
Back to Archive IndexBanking (11)
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Is It Smart To Have Multiple Savings Accounts?
As you focus on building your savings account, have you ever considered maintaining more than one? There's actually no limit to how many you can open.
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You've Been Warned: Think Twice Before Financing A New Car Until Late 2025
If you've held off buying a new car, you may want to wait a little longer, considering the direction analysts are predicting car loan rates will go.
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The Silver Dollar Coin That's Worth A Ton Of Money
The U.S. silver dollar dates back to the 18th century, 1794 to be exact. And this coin, of which 1,758 were minted, was never meant for circulation.
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The Wild Story Of A Man Who Accidentally Threw Away 7,500 Bitcoins
This bitcoin story dates back to 2013, but the lost bitcoins (which involve a landfill) remain lost today. Now, nine years later, there's a lawsuit.
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You've Been Warned: Using Public Wi-Fi Could Put Your Finances In Jeopardy
Per the FTC, public Wi-Fi is "usually safe" thanks to encryption; however, still take steps to protect your personal info from being compromised.
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'Keep Your Account To Yourself': Kevin O'Leary's Stern Warning For Couples
This said, Kevin O'Leary's financial advice to couples needs some context, which we provide here. He didn't just offer this warning out of the blue.
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Why This Special Penny From 1943 Is Worth A Ton Of Money
In 1943, approximately 40 pennies were mistakenly struck, making them among the rarest coins you'll find today. Here's why they're so special.
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Here Are The Best Ways To Strengthen Your Credit Score Through Your 20s
A good credit score can unlock plenty for your financial future. Building a strong one early on can mean better rates and more total credit available.
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How To Choose The Best Home Improvement Loan For Your Renovation
When borrowing money to repair and/or renovate your home, there are actually several options. One risky one, however, is often best left on the table.
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Nearly 40% More Americans Prefer This Banking Method To Visiting A Branch
As with shopping, more people are using mobile/online banking these days. Still, there continue to be customers who prefer what branches offer.
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Budgeting (37)
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How Repaying Student Loans Can Actually Help You With Your Retirement Goals
People paying back their student loans now have another option -- a two-for-one benefit -- that will reduce their debt, while saving for the future.
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The Upside Of Receiving A Spousal Benefit Versus Your Own Social Security
The Social Security Administration determines which benefit is the greater amount. In some cases, though, you may want to delay one of your benefits.
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Is It Worth It: This Utah City Is One Of The Most Expensive Places To Visit
This Utah city reported a 3% increase in visitors for the 2023-24 winter season, but forecast a slower summer. One factor might be the high cost.
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National Social Security Advisors: Can You Trust Them With Your Finances?
NSSA is a designation for financial planners who pass certification. The certification program is not endorsed by the Social Security Administration.
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The Alarming Reasons Young Adults Aren't Doing As Well As Their Parents Financially
We spoke with certified money coach Alaina Fingal about the financial challenges young people face today, from higher education to pricey commutes.
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Actions You Need To Take If You Retire Early To Bridge The Income Gap
According to MassMutual, the average retirement age in the U.S. is 62. That's considered early, as the full retirement age is currently 66 or 67.
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9 AI-Powered Financial Scams To Look Out For In 2024
AI-powered financial scams are an increasing threat as the technology progresses, and therefore, consumers should remain on the lookout.
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The Potential Risk Family Members May Bring To Your Finances In Your 40s
Your highest-earning years are typically between your late 40s and late 50s, which is around the age you may have new (family-related) expenses, too.
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CFP Says To Avoid These Retirement-Planning Mistakes In Your 50s
For those in their 50s, when looking ahead at retirement, Joe F. Schmitz Jr. said that planning is key to "ensure retirement happens on our schedule."
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We Finally Know How Much It Really Costs To Live The 'American Dream' For A Lifetime
Living the "American Dream" is a desire sought by people the world over, but it's always been a vague milestone based more on rationale than data.
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5 Factors That Reduce Your Monthly Social Security Payment
While there are steps you can take to boost your Social Security payment(s), there are also reasons why the amount could be reduced. We go over five.
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Thinking Of Grad School In Your 30s? Your Finances Could Seriously Suffer
Per the Education Data Initiative, student debt in 2024 averages out to just over $38K. For grad students (in 2020-21), their debt is nearly 2.5 times as much.
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How Much Should You Really Save For Retirement Each Year? It Depends
The answer isn't one-size-fits-all. The key factors? When you start your retirement savings journey and what your retirement lifestyle will be.
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The Amount Of Money Americans Lose To Uneaten Food Each Year Is Staggering
The amount of food Americans throw away each year has both financial and environmental consequences. Efforts are being made to change this mindset.
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Pausing Your Social Security Benefits Has This Unexpected Effect On Your Finances
Pausing Social Security benefits is a little-known rule you can utilize both before reaching full retirement age and after. Though the timing has to be right.
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This Stat About Gambling Vs. Stocks Has Us Concerned For America's Future
Today, 38 states and the District of Columbia allow some form of sports betting. The impact of this is covered in the paper "Gambling Away Stability."
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If You Have This Much Money At 50, You're Set Up For Retirement Success
While there isn't an exact number to aim for by age 50, there are guideposts you can follow to get to a savings goal that's right for you and your income.
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What Happens To Your Social Security Benefits After Getting Divorced?
How Social Security works for people who divorce may surprise you. While your relationship has ended, spousal benefits are another story. Here are the rules.
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5 Ways You're Destroying Your Budget (And Not Even Know It)
Even when being careful, your monthly budget might still come up short. We turned to expert Matt Schulz to help us better understand why that may be so.
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Social Security Scams: How To Spot Them And Avoid Them
Sixty-eight million Americans will receive monthly Social Security in 2024. For 13.5% of people age 65 and older, it accounts for 90% of their income.
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Pro Tip: Save Money By Never Ordering A Big Mac This Way From McDonald's
A former McDonald's chef shared on TikTok how you can save around 38% off the regular cost of a Big Mac. And the trick doesn't involve the app.
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Waiting For Student Loan Forgiveness Stimulus Checks? Don't Hold Your Breath
As of the second quarter of 2024, student loan debt in the U.S. stood at $1.753 trillion, with federal student loans accounting for 91.2% of that total.
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Here's The Average Social Security Benefit For A Retired Worker By Age
You can collect Social Security by age 62, but full retirement age isn't until 66 or 67. Further, those who delay their retirement benefit receive a credit.
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You've Been Warned: Retiring In This State Could Cost You
Key in why it's so costly to retire in this state: housing prices, among the highest in the nation. It's joined by four other usual suspects.
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What Is A Title Loan? (And Why They're So Risky)
Title loans are a type of loan consumers might consider if their options are limited. Despite the risky loan terms, here's why people still use them.
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Why Mega Millions Winners Don't Always Claim Their Prize Money Immediately
After hitting a jackpot like Mega Millions, you might think winners run to claim their prize. This isn't the case. Here's why some choose to hold off.
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When Should You Start Lowering The Price Of Your Home To Sell It Faster?
Browsing real estate listings, you'll notice price reductions aren't uncommon. However, how successful this is depends largely on when you do so.
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Scam Warning: Never Fall For These Door-To-Door Sales Scam Tactics
Selling door to door is far less common today. If someone does knock on your door, here's how to tell if it's a legitimate offer or an old-school scam.
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Expect An Above-Average COLA If Your Social Security Check Beats This Number
While the COLA rate is the same for everyone (e.g., 3.2% in 2024), how it changes the amount of a Social Security check is different for every beneficiary.
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How Scammers Are Targeting The Country's Most Vulnerable
The Pew Research Center reports 12.5% of the population uses SNAP benefits (as of April 2023). Unfortunately, scammers are now targeting recipients.
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How A Social Security Do-Over Could Mean A 24% Boost For Your Checks
According to the National Institute on Retirement Security, 40.2% of Americans only receive income from Social Security in retirement.
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Can You Use A 529 Plan To Pay Off Your Student Loans?
A number of things changed for 529 plans in 2019 with the SECURE Act, and then again in 2022 with the SECURE Act 2.0. One of these concerned student loan debt.
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12 Things Frugal People Will Always Refuse To Buy
Frugal travelers are always keen to save rather than spend, particularly when it comes to wasteful purchases like paper towels or bottled water.
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Your Retirement Lifestyle Ultimately May Determine Your Retirement Success
When planning for retirement, understanding how much you'll need to fund your retirement lifestyle is a major consideration not everyone accounts for.
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Reaching This Savings Milestone Is More Significant Than You Realize
According to the Federal Reserve, the median savings for U.S. households is $8,000. While not quite $8K, reaching this milestone is a significant one.
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The Average Person's Net Worth In Their 50s
Everyone's different but looking at the average net worth of people in your age group can give you a new perspective on where you are in your savings.
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How Some Americans Qualify For $500 A Month With No Obligation
Across the U.S., pilot programs for guaranteed basic income are being tested, with one program in particular, in LA County, seeing positive momentum.
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Collectibles (5)
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A Rare Dime Missing A Special Mark Just Sold For An Absurd Amount Of Money
Not only is this dime extremely rare (as in one of only two known to exist), but the story of how it came to be sold is also one in a million.
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How To Tell If Your Old Comic Books Are Worth Anything
While a comic like "Action Comics No. 1" can sell for millions, this is the exception. Still, here's the criteria a valuable comic will need to meet.
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What Even Happened To Blockbuster Video? Here's Why The Company Closed
At one time, you couldn't drive far without coming across a Blockbuster, and "make it a Blockbuster night" was what many families did on Fridays.
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Sports Collectibles Most Likely To Increase In Value With Time
Unless you're talking about a historic item like Shohei Ohtani's "50" home-run ball, it's not so simple to know what you have as far as future value.
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Check Your Cupboards: Your Old Cookbooks Might Be Worth A Ton Of Money
As the "Antiques Roadshow" has shown us for years, you never know what valuable item you might have in your family. One such heirloom is the cookbook.
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Earning (1)
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States With The Best Economies In 2024
Considering factors like employment, manufacturing and industry, and overall GDP, these states exceed the pack in economic vitality.
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Economics (2)
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11 Ways The US Economy Is Designed To Make The Rich Richer
Via factors including the court system, compound interest, and lobbying, the economy of the United States significantly favors the wealthy.
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Its Official: The New COLA For Social Security Benefits Has Been Revealed
The Social Security Administration announced today the cost-of-living adjustment for 2025. In the end, next year's COLA is what the experts predicted.
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History (4)
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Your Old Troll Dolls Might Be Worth A Lot Of Money Today
While kids today know troll dolls from the "Trolls" movies, these dolls based on Scandinavian folklore have been around for more than 60 years.
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An Old Toy You May Have From Your Childhood Could Be Worth A Lot Of Money
Invented in 1966, this illuminating, creative toy was inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame in 2022. New generations can still find it on shelves today.
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These Watches Are Worth A Ton Of Money (And You May Have Them Lying Around)
The worth of a family heirloom watch goes beyond a number. Yet if you do have a watch that's been passed down generations, it could be quite valuable.
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What This 65-Year-Old Pizza Chain's Bankruptcy Means For Its Restaurants
For Northern California residents, chances are they've popped into a Mary's Pizza Shack. But after 65 years, in September, Mary's declared bankruptcy.
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Investing (20)
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Never Do These Things When The Stock Market Is Crashing
When the market crashes, many investors will move to try and minimize losses. However, experts warn against rash decisions and forgetting the fundamentals.
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How The McDonald's Listeria Recall Could Affect Its Bottom Line
When it comes to food recalls, the costs for a company are both direct and indirect. As well, a company must deal with the short- and long-term impact.
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A Seller Made More Than $100K Selling An Unexpected Commodity On Pawn Stars
Over a decade ago, a seller walked into Gold & Silver Pawn Shop (aka "Pawn Stars") and unloaded 231 pounds of this precious metal, turning a major profit.
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Pipcorn Snacks: Whatever Happened To The Company After Shark Tank?
The idea of Pipcorn Snacks was born in 2010, and it took the company four years to make it to "Shark Tank," where it found even more success.
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Nvidia's Top Competitors In 2024 Are No Strangers To Wall Street
Nvidia is a top player in the semiconductor space, but the company is far from alone among high-value public corporations in the space.
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What The Roth IRA 5-Year Rule Stipulates
For anyone who's recently opened a Roth IRA, this rule will apply. Simply circle the calendar and start a countdown to avoid incurring the penalty.
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What Happened To Toys 'R' Us After It Filed For Bankruptcy?
In 2024, Toys 'R' Us (founded in 1948) began its comeback, seven years after it filed for bankruptcy and six years after it liquidated its U.S. stores.
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A Nvidia Stock Alternative Billionaire Investors Appear Keen On
As Nvidia nears becoming the world's most valuable company (again), not everyone is buying in. Others are looking elsewhere, at Nvidia's competitors.
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How Does A Rollover IRA Work?
If you're pondering a rollover IRA, know that this applies to people who are leaving their current job where they have a 401(k). If so, you have two options.
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Why Many Consider This Tech Giant The World's 'Most Important Stock'
On June 10, 2024, this company split its stock 10-for-1. As of this writing, it is one of only three companies with a market cap over $3 trillion.
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What Happens To Your Roth IRA When You Die?
Funds in a Roth IRA grow tax-free, and there are no required distributions during the account owner's lifetime; these rules change after death.
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How Does A Self-Directed IRA Work?
A self-directed individual retirement account, or SDIRA, allows for greater portfolio diversification for account owners. However, there are rules.
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The Truth About Stablecoins: How They Work, And What's Their Future?
While you may never have heard of a stablecoin before, the crypto asset actually dates back to 2014, when the first stablecoin, BitUSD, was launched.
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You've Been Warned: Not Investing By This Age Will Cost You
Starting to save for retirement sooner rather than later will make it easier on you. After all, that's why there are catch-up contributions at age 50.
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The History Of Hindenburg Research, And How It Affects Company Stocks
Hindenburg Research is a short seller more known for its "forensic financial research." Since 2017, this reporting has led to the fall of numerous companies.
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Is There A Best Day Of The Week To Buy Stocks?
Buying stocks solely on a single day of the week is a long-existing theory that some investors choose to follow, but whether it works is another story.
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Can You Contribute To A Roth IRA After Retiring?
Roth IRAs are funded with after-tax dollars. Earned income is the key to this question, and the eligibility rule applies regardless of a person's age.
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Trump's 'Dramatic' Answer To Dave Ramsey's Inflation Question Speaks Volumes
In discussing inflation with radio host Dave Ramsey, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump shared his plans for United States energy.
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Why Time In The Market Almost Always Beats Timing The Market
We spoke with Peak Retirement Planning CEO Joe F. Schmitz Jr. about timing the market and why time in the market, for most, results in better success.
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Why It's Important To Factor Social Security Into Your Estate Planning
The Social Security Administration has a specific way of handling benefits for anyone who needs help managing their money, like in the event of death.
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Retirement (2)
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This 2025 Social Security COLA Phenomenon Hasn't Happened In Decades
In 2025, the COLA rate will be 2.5%, down from 3.2% in 2024, 8.7% in 2023, and 5.9% in 2022. Still, it tied a streak not seen since the 1990s.
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Watchdog Group Reports On The Impact Of Trump's Tax Plan On Social Security
Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have pledged to protect Social Security, with the looming cliff of the program's insolvency now less than 10 years away.
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Shopping (23)
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You've Been Warned: Buying A House In These Texas Cities Will Cost You
Texas is home to over 1,200 incorporated cities; real estate investor Joel Medrano identifies five that would-be homebuyers should think twice about.
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Costco's Big Grocery Price Announcement Will Affect Tons Of Shoppers
In a recent earnings call, Costco shared its plans to offer Costco members better-value offerings, starting with its own label, Kirkland Signature.
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The Average Cost Of Flood Insurance
For homeowners needing flood insurance, there are basically two options available to you: the government-backed NFIP and a private insurance add-on.
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Neighborhood Retailer To Shut Down 1,200 Locations Amid Struggles
This drug store chain, the second-largest in the U.S., isn't filing for bankruptcy, but it is taking a hard look at ~14% of its underperforming stores.
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This Major Snack Company Shrank Its Chip Bags (And It Went So Wrong)
As the largest snack company in the U.S., this company saw its snack sales decline in the last few quarters, prompting it to try and reverse course.
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These Lego Sets Are Actually Worth A Ton Of Money
Nostalgia is a definite factor when it comes to collectible Lego sets. Tie-ins can impact value, but it's often the classics that can command the most.
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Mistakes Costing You Money At Whole Foods
Whole Foods offers healthy and organic options for a wide variety of products -- but if you aren't careful, your bill can be quite high.
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One Of America's Largest Department Stores Is Closing More Locations
Founded in 1858, this department store is associated with two major holidays: Christmas and Thanksgiving. But that hasn't saved it from hard times.
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Here's How Quickly A Car's Value Can Depreciate After You Buy It
Most consumers know a car loses value the minute it's driven off the lot. Fewer may be aware of the rate of depreciation and when it slows down.
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This Classic American Girl Doll Could Be Worth Thousands Of Dollars Now
This American Girl doll was one of the three original historical characters for the brand, representing America's Edwardian era (1901 to 1910).
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A Favorite US Shoe Retailer Plans To Close (And Open) More Stores
Founded in 1974, this shoe retailer was a staple of U.S. malls. However, as malls went, so, too, did this company, with a new vision for its future.
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The Cheapest States To Buy A House In The US
While you may be able to guess the most expensive U.S. states for homes, the cheapest may be a surprise. In these states, median home prices are around $250K.
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The Tech Company Shark Tank Passed On That Became An Amazon Success Story
Before leaving "Shark Tank" without a deal, one of the founders of this tech company told the Sharks, "We're going to build this into a major brand."
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One Of America's Biggest Discount Retailers Is Closing Its Last Full-Size US Store
This American discount retailer was founded in the 19th century, in 1899. Now, some 125 years later, it's ready to close its last full-size store in the U.S.
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Unexpected Magazines You Might Have That Are Worth A Ton Of Money
As ephemera, magazines aren't meant to last for long. That's in part why when there is a collectible issue, ones that survive can only gain in value.
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The Most Expensive US Cities For One-Bedroom Apartments
Per the National Multifamily Housing Council, there are 23 million apartment units in the U.S., of which 41% are one-bedroom units (the most common).
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Trader Joe's Vs. Whole Foods: Which Grocery Chain Is Cheaper?
Whole Foods and Trader Joe's have quite different reputations when it comes to savings, but is this still reality for the two popular grocery chains?
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One Of America's Biggest Discount Retailers Is Closing More Stores
This discount retailer reported sales losses for three years in a row between 2021 and 2023. In September 2024, it filed for bankruptcy protection.
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Do Americans Spend Too Much On Halloween? The Data Is Alarming
While not at Christmas or Valentine's levels, Americans spend a lot to celebrate Halloween. This said, experts estimate 2024 to be down versus 2023.
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Why Costco Is One Of The Best Places To Buy Wine For Extra Savings
Many may not think of Costco when it comes to wine, but many others do, as it ranks consistently as one the largest wine retailers in the entire U.S.
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Clever Tricks To Save You More Money At Sam's Club
As a Sam's Club member, you already get a discount on products, from food to clothing to books and furniture, but there are additional ways to save.
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It's Impossible To Recover Your Money From This Untraceable Type Of Fraud
WalletHub reports gift card sales will increase by 7% in 2024. For many, you can't go wrong giving a gift card, but that doesn't account for scammers.
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The Largest Electronics Retailer In The US Is Closing More Stores
In an earnings call in February 2024, this electronics retailer shared it would be closing ~1% to 2% of its stores in fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
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Taxes (5)
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The Truth About The Laffer Curve Theory And How It Affects You
Named after economist Arthur Laffer, the Laffer curve is a concept you've likely heard in the news as it concerns taxes, tax revenue, and proposed tax cuts.
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What Happens If You Contribute Too Much To Your Roth IRA
When contributing to a Roth IRA, it's crucial you know what the contribution limit is for the year. Further, remember the limit applies to all IRAs.
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How Donating Plasma Could Get You In Trouble With The IRS
Many may not realize, but you get paid for plasma donations. If you "earn" more than a certain amount, you'll need to make sure the IRS knows, too.
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The 2024 Tax Extension Deadline Is Fast Approaching. What Happens If You Miss It?
The IRS offers taxpayers a one-time tax-filing extension every spring. In April 2024, the IRS estimated 19 million taxpayers would file for an extension.
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What Are Unrealized Capital Gains And How Does It Affect You?
Long-term capital gains are taxed at a 0%, 15%, or 20% rate, depending on your income, but some wealthy Americans manage to avoid this tax liability.
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