News roundup August 24, 2024
Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup August 24, 2024. Stories, news, politics and events impacting personal finance during the past week. Economic indicators declined in July 2024 The Conference Board’s Leading Economic Index (LEI) declined by 0.6% in July. The LEI has fallen by 2.1% over the past six months, slower than the -3.1% change […]
How poor credit affects your net worth
Credit Sesame discusses how poor credit affects your net worth and steps you can take to better manager your personal finances. Creditworthiness and net worth are two key concepts in personal finances. They are distinct but interconnected. Creditworthiness refers to your ability to borrow and repay money, while net worth measures the value of what […]
What if consumer perception of the U.S. economy is wrong?
Credit Sesame discusses whether consumer understanding of the U.S. economy is wrong and how this may impact financial behavior negatively. The latest Survey of Consumer Expectations from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found growing pessimism among consumers around their ability to pay their bills. This echoes a general perception that the economy is […]
News roundup August 17, 2024
Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup August 17, 2024. Stories, news, politics and events impacting personal finance during the past week. Inflation ticked up but still moderate in July 2024 The Consumer Price Index rose by 0.2% in July. That’s the highest monthly increase since April 2024. Still, if continued, it would represent an annual […]
Home equity loan: The secret to unlocking your home’s hidden value
Credit Sesame defines the home equity loan and discusses how to unlock value in your home. Rising home values in your area could be a cause for celebration — but what if you don’t want to sell your home? You may still tap your newfound home equity by borrowing against it. Home equity can be […]
Is the Fed to blame for the mid-2024 recession scare?
Credit Sesame discusses the recession scare in mid-2024 and who is to blame. It’s been a strong year for stocks, with the US market up about 18% so far in 2024. Still, it only takes a few bad days to set Wall Street panicking. A disappointing employment report on the morning of August 2, 2024, […]
News roundup August 10, 2024
Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup August 10, 2024. Stories, news, politics and events impacting personal finance during the past week. Manufactured goods orders fall The Census Bureau reported that new orders for manufactured goods fell by 3.3% in June 2024. This was the second consecutive monthly decline, following four consecutive monthly increases. Weakening demand […]
Test your life insurance knowledge
Take Credit Sesame’s quick quiz to test your life insurance knowledge if you are considering taking out insurance. Life insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company designed to provide financial protection for your beneficiaries in the event of your death. Policies come in various types with different features and costs. How good […]
Are there Fed rate cuts ahead?
Credit Sesame discusses the possibility of Feb rate cuts and whether an interest rate cut by the end of 2024 is likely. The Federal Reserve opted not to cut interest rates at its latest meeting, even though its forecasts, data, and commentary indicated an imminent cut. The official statement reflects continued optimism that a rate […]
News roundup August 3, 2024
Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup August 3, 2024. Stories, news, politics and events impacting personal finance during the past week. Federal Reserve leaves interest rates unchanged The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) concluded its recent meeting leaving interest rates unchanged. The FOMC is the subgroup of the Federal Reserve that makes interest rate decisions. […]
Test your mortgage knowledge
Take Credit Sesame’s quick quiz to test your mortgage knowledge if you are considering buying a home. A mortgage is a loan used to purchase a property, with the property itself serving as collateral. Mortgages typically have fixed repayment terms ranging from 15 to 30 years. How good is your mortgage knowledge? 1. What is […]
HSA popularity for young and old Americans
Credit Sesame discusses the rise in HSA popularity for Americans of all ages. A new study found that there are over 37 million Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) covering 61 million Americans. As of the end of last year, these accounts totaled over $123 billion. Notably, they are in widespread use across generations, from young adults […]
News roundup July 27, 2024
Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup July 27, 2024. Stories, news, politics, and events impacting personal finance during the past week. US economy uptick in Q2 2024 US Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose at a 2.8% annual rate in the second quarter of 2024, after adjustment for inflation. That’s twice the growth rate of Q1. […]
Financial education survey highlights inequality
Credit Sesame discusses the results of its May 2024 financial education survey. Wealth gaps between different population groups occur for a variety of reasons. However, one clear-cut factor, if addressed, could open the door to economic opportunity for traditionally disadvantaged members of the American community. A new Credit Sesame survey found strong links between personal […]
Should your payday advance be subject to Truth in Lending?
Credit Sesame discusses whether payday advance products should be subject to the same rules as regular loans. A newly released study by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) suggests that millions of Americans might not realize just how much getting a payday advance can cost them. How do payday advance products work? Paycheck advance products are short-term […]
