Category: personal finance

Plan Your Holiday Tipping Strategy

By Emma Patch From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Tipping is not a uniquely American practice, but we tip more often and in larger amounts than just about any other country. The practice is so established that many workers’ wages are based on the anticipation of tips. Holiday tipping is a bit different. It’s a way to…


The Incredible Shrinking American Wallet

Americans are under increasing financial pressure, and the stress is beginning to show across multiple fronts. For well over a year now, inflation has ravaged Americans’ wallets. Despite October’s slightly lower Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of 7.7 percent versus 8.2 percent in September, “base effects”—i.e., the fact that inflation was already raging at 6.2…


Inflation Eases but Remains 300 Percent Above Fed’s Target, New Data Shows

New data shows that U.S. inflation rates have eased but still remain 300 percent above the Federal Reserve’s target. The personal consumption expenditures index (PCE) for October, a measure of inflation that is closely monitored by the Fed, was released on Dec. 1 by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The central bank is using the headline PCE…


Closing Prices for Crude Oil, Gold and Other Commodities (Dec. 1)

Benchmark U.S. crude oil for January delivery rose 67 cents to $81.22 a barrel Thursday. Brent crude for February delivery fell 9 cents to $86.88 a barrel. Wholesale gasoline for January delivery fell 4 cents to $2.34 a gallon. January heating oil fell 10 cents to $3.26 a gallon. January natural gas fell 19 cents…


25 Ways to Improve Your Financial Situation in 1 Hour

Money is a complex topic, with thousands of books, websites, and podcasts dedicated to covering some aspect of the subject. It can also evoke a strong emotional response. Feelings of embarrassment, shame, frustration, anger, and more can keep people from addressing their financial situation. One solution is to carve up financial strategies into small, simple…


Job Cuts Soar 127 Percent In November Amid Wave of Tech Layoffs

The rate of job cuts in the United States soared 127 percent in November, amid a wave of layoffs in the tech industry. The American employers announced 76,835 cuts last month, a 127 percent increase from the 33,843 cuts in October, according to a report by Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Last month saw a 417…


Best Ways to Buy Pharmaceuticals

On average, one Epipen (an auto-injectable device) costs $775. Even the generic version will run you about $455. This is just a snapshot of what prescription drugs cost. Pharmaceuticals make up a big chunk of the average American’s health care costs, so finding the best ways to purchase them can be critical. But besides the…


Appeals Court Denies Biden’s Bid to Revive Student Debt Bailout

A federal appeals court has rejected the Biden administration’s bid to freeze a Texas judge’s ruling that President Joe Biden’s plan to cancel student loan debt was illegal. In a Nov. 30 ruling, the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied the Biden administration’s request to put on hold a judge’s Nov. 10…


Build Your Quality of Life by Investing in Your Lifestyle

Money is tight for many individuals and businesses right now, with inflation at historic highs and pressures on the economy coming from several directions at once, from the lingering effects of the pandemic to shipping hangups and the Ukraine war. In spite of the challenges, there’s good news: it’s possible to make your money and…


Closing Prices for Crude Oil, Gold and Other Commodities (Nov. 30)

Benchmark U.S. crude oil for January delivery rose $2.35 to $80.55 a barrel Wednesday. Brent crude for January delivery rose $2.40 to $85.43 a barrel. Wholesale gasoline for December delivery rose 9 cents to $2.42 a gallon. December heating oil rose 6 cents to $3.36 a gallon. January natural gas fell 31 cents to $6.93…