Defaults for second lien mortgages and other types of consumer credit in October were up compared to the previous month, according to Standard & Poor’s and Experian’s indices. “For the first time since January 2017, the default rate for autos, bank cards and mortgages all rose together,” said David Blitzer, managing director and chairman of the index committee at S&P Dow Jones Indices. “The data does not suggest any unusual financial stress facing consumers which would explain the small, but across the board increases in default rates,” he said. However, “the one concerning item, which might explain the default numbers, is recent…
Posts Tagged ‘family’
Millennials are saving more for retirement
Posted on November 10, 2017 by Laura Lam
In the race to save for retirement, one group is doing surprisingly well: millennial parents. That’s according to a new NerdWallet survey, which found that 38% of millennial parents (ages 18-34) save more than 15% of their income for retirement. All told, millennial parents reported a median retirement savings rate of 10% of income, compared with 8% for Generation X parents (ages 35-54) and just 5% for baby boomer parents (ages 55+). Given the picture typically painted of this age group, you might be shouting “fake news” right now. There’s one caveat: The results include only those currently saving for…
Best States for Halloween Candy
Posted on October 27, 2017 by Laura Lam
A recent analysis of Halloween candy purchases found that Oregon tops the list of best states to go trick-or-treating in based on how much money residents spend on candy, with 3 Musketeers as the favorite there. Trailing in second place is neighboring Washington – choosing 100 Grand bars as the top treat – but Oregonians spend on average $11.64 more per person on Halloween sweets. The top states and amounts spent per person on candy: Oregon ($40.29) Washington ($28.65) New Jersey ($24.36) Utah ($23.73) California ($19.72) New York ($19.08) Pennsylvania ($18.78) Illinois ($18.19) Virginia ($17.76) Wisconsin ($16.74). What state ranks…
Never Forget: Remembering 9/11
Posted on September 11, 2017 by Laura Lam
Most of us still remember it like it was yesterday. September 9, 2001, a black day that shook the whole world. A massive attack was launched by the Islamist terrorist in US. It is regarded as the worst terror attacks that shook the world. The attacks resulted into massive destruction and death, it triggered major initiatives by US to combat terrorism a global menace. Today, September 11, 2017, the world will remember the day that changed the life of millions. Here are some facts about the 9/11 attacks that we know. It was September 9, 2001 when 19 hijackers took…
Budgeting for a Stress-Free Holiday
Posted on November 21, 2016 by Laura Lam
As the holiday season approaches, life can get downright crazy. Shopping, parties, school programs, buying groceries. With everything on your mind and on your calendar, it’s easy to get the new year with a spending hangover. Fortunately, it’s easy to keep up with your money and avoid overspending. It just takes a little time and intentionality. Here’s how: Start thinking of gift ideas now.During the holidays, stores are competing for your business. So if a specific item isn’t on sale at one place, chances are it will be on sale somewhere at some point this season. The sooner you know what…
A Treat for Economy: Higher Halloween Sales
Posted on October 31, 2016 by Laura Lam
Halloween spending is expected to top $8.4 billion this year, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF), the most since tracking began 11 years ago. Its survey found more than 171 million Americans plan to celebrate Halloween, spending an average of $82.93, up from last year’s $74.34. Handing out candy is the most popular Halloween activity, with 70% planning to greet trick-or-treaters at the door. Consumers planning to dole out sweet treats are predicted to spend 5.5% more on Halloween candy compared to last year, bringing the anticipated total spend to $3.8 billion – or $30.60 per household. If realized,…