Should You Delay Major Expenses Because of High Inflation?
Credit Sesame examines which types of spending should and should not be delayed in response to high inflation. Current high inflation is affecting just about everything consumers buy. Some people are changing their spending habits as a result, but not always in the right ways. The highest inflation in over 40 years is scary. But you […]
How to Splurge Without the Financial Hangover
Credit Sesame’s National Splurge Day Giveaway on Facebook, TikTok or Twitter has ended. One lucky winner has $500 to splurge any way they wish. June 18 was National Splurge Day. In some ways, it couldn’t have come at a worse time. Inflation is at 40-year highs, interest rates are rising and economic growth hangs in the […]
Consumers and Credit Card Companies on Collision Course
Credit Sesame explains how credit card companies may restrict access to credit when you need it most. Besides inflation, higher interest rates and a slowing economy, consumers have something else to worry about this year. Credit card companies may start restricting access to credit just as you need it the most. That puts consumers and […]
Five Tips on How to Become Financially Independent
Credit Sesame provides five tips on how to become financially independent. Why you should Become Financially independent Some people are gifted money managers and seem to glide through life like a swan across still water. Others find managing finances more challenging. If you become financially independent, you are more likely to manage through periods when […]
Americans Declare Freedom From Inflation This July 4th
Credit Sesame polled social media with an informal fourth of July spending habits survey. It’s an American tradition to celebrate freedom from oppression on July 4th. This year, the chief oppressor of Americans is inflation. In keeping with tradition, Americans are finding ways to celebrate July 4th that defy the tyranny of inflation. An informal […]
Personal Finance Weekly News Roundup July 2, 2022
Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup July 2, 2022. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. Fed official says economic expansion is in good shape Stocks halt slide with strong week Debit card holds at gas pumps freeze more balances Survey finds consumers changing banking habits Consumer […]
Rising Inflation and Healthcare: The Harsh Consequences
Credit Sesame’s looks at the inflation and healthcare and changes over the last year. The consequences of rising inflation are evident everywhere and consumers have experienced price increases across the board from daycare to utilities and everything in between. This is no surprise. It is easy to understand that managing finances has become more of a […]
Why It’s Important to Apply for Credit Before the Next Recession
Credit Sesame discusses why it may be a good idea to apply for credit before the next recession. Talk of recession is so common these days it may become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Like a gathering storm, people are anticipating chaos and casting a nervous eye towards the horizon. Just like a hurricane, it may fizzle […]
Maximize Your Credit Card Payments to Minimize Your Costs
Credit Sesame on why you should maximize your credit card payments to minimise your costs. The Brookings Institute, a public policy think tank, recently published a paper criticizing the way credit card companies bill their customers. The paper claims that credit card industry practices are prolonging debts and costing customers billions in extra interest. Their […]
Banks Change Rules Around Overdraft Fees: What That Means for Consumers
Credit Sesame discusses changing rules and policies around overdraft fees and what this means for consumers. Recent months have seen a steady stream of announcements from banks about changing overdraft rules and policies. For the most part, these changes are in favor of customers – or appear to be. For critics of overdraft fees, these changes […]
America’s Credit Habit Just Got More Expensive
Credit Sesame’s new survey reveals credit card use has changed over the last year from May 2021 to May 2022.. America’s credit card use is rising – at exactly the wrong time. The Personal Finance and Credit survey shows that American consumers are relying more on their credit cards this year than last. With higher […]
Personal Finance Weekly News Roundup June 25, 2022
Credit Sesame’s personal finance weekly news roundup June 25, 2022. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. CFPB puts overdraft fees under the microscope Banks are easing overdraft fees in response to regulatory pressure Consumers file class action lawsuits over Zelle fraud Consumer default rates continue to rise Credit […]
Cash Rich and Credit Poor: It Can Happen
Credit Sesame on how it is possible to be cash rich and credit poor. Money doesn’t solve everything. For some people, it isn’t even enough to keep them out of financial trouble. A recent survey by Credit Sesame found that many people with above-average incomes have below-average credit scores, so-called cash rich and credit poor. […]
Federal Agency Looks at Lowering Credit Card Fees for Late Payment
Credit Sesame examines the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s plan to lower credit card fees for pate payment. It has been 13 years since Congress enacted a law protecting credit card users from being charged excessive credit card fees, but the 2009 law apparently didn’t do enough to reduce late fees. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, […]
Does the Largest Fed Rate Hike Since 1994 Spell Trouble?
Credit Sesame discusses the largest Fed rate hike since 1994. What does this mean for the people of America? The Federal Reserve made news with a large rate increase last week. Much was made of the fact that it is the largest rate increase since 1994. This is big news in itself, but what are […]
