A Harris poll reveals that nearly half of Americans believe their financial security is worsening, with increased blame on the White House, and a majority perceives the US economy as in recession, highlighting deep political and racial divisions and widespread economic pessimism.
Many Americans in their 80s are turning to self-employment or starting businesses due to age-related job rejection and financial instability, with some viewing entrepreneurship as a way to find purpose and supplement income, despite the risks and challenges involved.
The article explains the five wealth classes in America based on net worth, highlighting the income and asset thresholds for each, and discusses how rising costs and asset composition influence perceptions of wealth and lifestyle, emphasizing that wealth is more than just income and varies greatly depending on individual circumstances and location.
A recent Charles Schwab survey reveals that Americans now consider $2.3 million necessary to be wealthy, reflecting inflation and economic concerns, with definitions of wealth varying across generations and emphasizing security and lifestyle over luxury.
The second season of Netflix's 'America’s Sweethearts' reveals that the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders will receive a 400% pay increase for the 2025 season, marking a significant improvement in their wages after years of low pay and a notable lawsuit for unfair compensation.
To maximize Social Security benefits, everyone should regularly check their estimated benefit amount through their mySocialSecurity account. This simple step helps in planning retirement finances by understanding how much income will need to come from other sources. Despite concerns about Social Security's future due to a cash shortage, the program is not expected to go bankrupt, though planning for potential benefit cuts is advisable.
A woman named Jenna Herrera received $300 from a stranger on Venmo, followed by a request to return the money, which she suspected was a scam. This technique involves scammers using stolen financial information to send money, then asking for it back, leaving the recipient at a loss when the transaction is reversed. Herrera declined the request and kept the money in her account, seeking guidance on how to return it to its rightful owner. Venmo advises contacting them to help reverse such payments, as this is a common scam tactic.
Americans have expressed dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party's handling of the economy, citing issues beyond inflation, such as declining financial security and increasing debt. This has led to a shift towards President-elect Donald Trump, as working-class voters feel the current economic strategies are not benefiting them.
The author, initially skeptical about the longevity of Social Security, now understands that while the program may face benefit cuts, it is not at risk of disappearing due to its funding from payroll taxes. They emphasize the importance of not relying solely on Social Security for retirement income and advocate for saving independently to ensure financial security in retirement.
Three malicious Android apps containing XploitSPY malware are targeting users' personal and financial information, even after being removed from the Google Play Store. Despite passing through Google Play Protect, these apps can still steal sensitive data and compromise financial accounts. Users are advised to immediately uninstall the apps Dink Messenger, Sim Info, and Defcom, and watch for signs of XploitSPY malware on their devices.
A Northwestern Mutual survey found that Americans believe they need $1.46 million to retire comfortably, with Gen Xers estimating they'll need $1.56 million. However, the average savings for Gen Xers is only $108,600, leading to concerns about outliving their savings. The survey also revealed that many Americans, across different generations, are behind in their retirement savings, with high expectations for retirement funds not aligning with current savings. This comes amid economic challenges and financial insecurities, particularly for Gen Xers, as retirement becomes increasingly out of reach for many Americans.
Colorado TikTok influencer Wendy Ortiz, who has over 1 million followers, fears the potential ban of TikTok in the U.S. could impact her income and stall her social media growth. With TikTok being her main source of income, she worries about the financial repercussions for her and her family if the popular China-based social media platform is banned by Congress. Ortiz, who shares intimate moments of her life as a mom on the app, has built a successful career as an influencer and fears losing her source of income if the ban becomes a reality.
Deviation Games, a studio founded by former Call of Duty: Black Ops developers and partnered with PlayStation, has unexpectedly shut down after touting "complete financial security" from their Sony collaboration. The closure comes just a year after signing a contract with PlayStation, leaving their first project unannounced. The gaming industry has seen a wave of layoffs, including Sony's recent layoff of around 900 employees and the cancellation of projects, reflecting ongoing turmoil in the industry.
You can earn 5% or more on your savings without locking your money up by opening a high-yield savings account, which offers significantly higher returns compared to regular savings accounts. These accounts provide liquidity, safety with FDIC or NCUA insurance, and accessibility with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. While they come with variable interest rates, they currently offer high rates and allow easy access to your cash when needed, making them a compelling alternative to CDs for earning competitive interest.
Despite robust economic indicators such as low unemployment and brisk consumer spending, many Americans feel pessimistic about the economy due to concerns about long-term financial security, vulnerability to social and political threats, and uninspiring leadership. Even those who have experienced personal financial success express a sense of uncertainty and a lack of hope, leading to a widespread feeling that the American dream is no longer attainable. The disconnect between economic data and public sentiment has left economists and experts puzzled.