News roundup July 20, 2024
Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup July 20, 2024. Stories, news, politics and events impacting personal finance during the past week. Consumers rein in back-to-school spending in 2024 Parents expect to spend about 2% less on back-to-school purchases this year at £586 per student versus $597 last year. In particular, parents expect to cut spending […]
2024 United States consumer credit snapshot
Credit Sesame discusses changes in the U.S. credit landscape with a credit snapshot in July 2024. The concept of credit in the United States has undergone a fascinating transformation. From its humble beginnings as a tool for merchants to extend trust to customers, it has become an intricate part of the financial ecosystem, fueling economic […]
Americans expect spending to grow faster than income
Credit Sesame discusses the worrying trend that Americans expect their spending to grow faster than income. Despite high inflation, high interest rates, and high debt burdens, consumer spending continues to increase. You might expect this trifecta of financial woes to encourage consumers to tighten their belts. However, Americans continue to spend beyond their means. Recent […]
News roundup July 13, 2024
Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup July 13, 2024. Stories, news, politics and events impacting personal finance during the past week. Consumer prices fell in June 2024 The Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell by 0.1% in June 2024. That’s the first month for which the change in CPI has been negative in more than four […]
Using a personal loan for credit building
Credit Sesame discusses how to use a personal loan for credit building. Using a personal loan for credit building is one way to show a consistent payment history that can lead to good credit scores. Credit builder loans can help you do this even if you have a bad credit history or haven’t yet established […]
Could election uncertainty delay interest rate cuts?
Credit Sesame discusses how the upcoming election could influence and delay interest rate cuts. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently expressed cautious optimism that inflation was easing. Bond market investors did not find his optimism contagious. The impending presidential election may be a complicating factor. Big elections create uncertainty, which investors generally dislike. In addition to […]
News roundup July 6, 2024
Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup July 6, 2024. Stories, news, politics and events impacting personal finance during the past week. Job growth streak continues Total US employment grew by 206,000 in June 2024. This means there have been 42 consecutive months of job growth. June’s job growth of 206,000 was a little below the […]
12 smart money moves for students starting school this fall
It’s never too early to make smart money moves and Credit Sesame has put together 12 for students starting school this fall. Fall semester is around the corner. As the excitement builds, don’t forget to get your finances in shape for the new school year. Smart money moves and developing financial habits now will benefit […]
Is current economic pessimism actually healthy?
Credit Sesame discusses the Consumer Expectations Index and economic pessimism in mid-2024. The latest consumer confidence figures show that Americans are more pessimistic about the economy. The Consumer Confidence Index, issued by the Conference Board, is considered a key indicator of economic health. This index declined in June 2024 and has been trending downward since […]
News roundup June 29, 2024
Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup June 29, 2024. Stories, news, politics and events impacting personal finance during the past week. No increase in key inflation measure May 2024 The Bureau of Economic Analysis released the latest Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index data. The PCE price index is the Federal Reserve’s preferred yardstick for […]
15 unexpected things that can affect your credit
Credit Sesame explores things you may not have thought of that can affect your credit. Your credit score is a three-digit number used by lenders to assess your creditworthiness. It influences everything from loan approvals and interest rates to apartment rentals and even job opportunities. Factors like payment history and credit utilization ratio are widely […]
The difference between thriving on credit and drowning in debt
Credit Sesame explains recent data on auto loans and credit cards and why some Americans are drowning in debt. Many Americans use credit regularly without accumulating a lot of debt. For others, debt becomes a never-ending spiral of higher and higher balances. Recent data on auto loans and credit cards provides insight into how debt […]
News roundup June 22, 2024
Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup June 22, 2024. Stories, news, politics and events impacting personal finance during the past week. Auto loans often perpetuate debt burdens The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has issued a detailed analysis of the market for auto loans in the US. There are currently 100 million such loans, representing $1.6 […]
7 ways to protect your credit from divorce
Credit Sesame discusses ways to protect your credit from divorce and accumulated joint debt. Divorce is a complex process, and dealing with marital debt can add significant stress. Shared accounts and financial obligations can leave you worried about your credit score and future financial security. Here are seven approaches to help protect your credit. Remember, […]
Multiple interest rate cuts unlikely in 2024
Credit Sesame discusses why multiple interest rate cuts in 2024 are unlikely. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is the subgroup of the Federal Reserve that makes interest rate decisions. Its meeting on June 11-12, 2024, concluded with no change in interest rates, but there was an important update to the FOMC’s economic projections. Inflation […]
