What Do Americans Spend the Most Money On?

Consumer spending is the fuel running the engine of the American economy. According to Investopedia, consumer spending accounts for a massive 70% of economic activity in the U.S. This means that trends in spending can exert a profound impact on the economic health of the United States as well as American businesses and households. Americans opened their wallet to the tune of $14.5 trillion in purchases in just the first quarter of 2020. And this massive sum was spent at the start of a year which would ultimately be distinguished by a dramatic pandemic-related downturn in spending. But where is all this money going exactly? What do Americans spend the most on? From big ticket items and long-term saving goals to daily living expenses and recreational experiences, where do Americans put their money? And how have these habits been impacted by the pandemic?

11 min read

Man holding a white envelope

How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

Credit card debt can drag you down financially. The bigger your debt, the more money you’ll waste on interest payments. Not only that, but your higher debt credit utilization ratio will negatively impact your credit score, which can make the cost of borrowing higher when it comes time to lease a car, purchase a home or take out a small business loan. Fortunately, there are a few strategies for reducing your credit card debt burden.

5 min read

How Do Credit Card Companies Make Money?

Credit card companies make money by charging interest on account balances and by levying an array of fees on both cardholders and merchants. These fees may apply to a variety of transactions, though these conditions can vary widely from one credit card offer to the next. But how do these sources of revenue translate into the enormous profits enjoyed by the major credit card networks and card issuers? Read on to find out exactly how credit card companies make money and how you can keep more of your money in your pocket.

7 min read

Ten Ways Families Can Save Money with Credit Cards

Using a credit card for everyday purchases, travel expenses, or big-ticket items can be a convenient way to stretch your family’s budget, build your credit history, and expand your household purchasing power. But did you know that credit cards also offer plenty of great ways for families to save money? Read on for a look at these 10 ways that families can save money by using credit cards.

5 min read

The Best Credit Cards for Single Moms in 2024

Moms keep a finger on the pulse of the household. She makes sure there’s food in the pantry, takes everyone clothes shopping, and gets the kids to where they need to go with the right equipment. That means mom is always buying stuff everyone needs to achieve their goals for that day no matter if […]

17 min read

The Best Credit Cards for New Homeowners

The Best Credit Cards for New Homeowners

Congratulations! You’re a new homeowner. But with the cost of homeownership up around 73% over the past few decades, the expense of purchasing a house has likely left you feeling a little strapped. That’s especially true because the expenses don’t stop once you purchase your property.  The average monthly cost of owning a home is […]

19 min read

Best credit card for an engagement ring

The Best Credit Cards for Buying an Engagement Ring

Congratulations! You’ve decided to pop the question to your significant other. Maybe you’re planning a wedding or some kind of commitment ceremony that suits your values. Either way, engagement rings cost a lot. Here is the ultimate list of the best credit card to buy an engagement ring. Best Credit Card to Buy an Engagement […]

7 min read

Best credit card for home remodeling

The Best Credit Card for Home Improvement and Remodeling

Warm weather got you itching to update your home interior? We’ve spent much more time at home lately, so there’s no better time to finish the job. This time, though, we’re not talking about a new coat of paint, new furniture, or just some new pictures on the wall. We mean removing that wall completely […]

12 min read

The Best Credit Cards for College Students

The Best Credit Cards for College Students in 2024

Ready to kickstart your credit journey during your college years? Building credit is crucial, and the right credit card can be your ally. Discover the top choices for college students – whether it’s for essential expenses or reaping credit card rewards. Join us as we explore the best credit card options for your collegiate path […]

9 min read

Best Credit Cards for International Travel

The Best Credit Cards for International Travel

Seeking the perfect travel companion for your international adventures? Dive into this guide, where I unveil the top credit cards for international travel. Each one designed for globetrotters, ensuring financial efficiency, safety, and coveted perks. Best Credit Cards for International Travel What’s your idea of the perfect getaway? A tropical island, or a snowy mountain […]

9 min read

Why Choose a Credit Union Over a National Bank?

Credit unions can be a great alternative to traditional banking. In many ways, a credit union works exactly like a traditional bank, but its emphasis is on improving the financial well-being of its account holders rather than creating a profit on behalf of its investors. But what is a credit union, how does it work, and is it right for you? Read on to find out.

7 min read