An Associated Press report dug into “buy now, pay later” programs and the problems they can cause. They can be particularly attractive to people with poor or no credit histories. There’s been press over the years arguing that the Gen Z demographic — those born between 1997 and 2021 — has been particularly enamored of the arrangements and that somehow it is putting them in debt more than any other generation. Except, they aren’t. Buy Now Pay Later Let’s start with BNPL programs. In theory, they can sound fine for someone without available credit, or who doesn’t want to use…

Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode: Celebrate 2024’s Financial Turkeys as we spotlight the year’s biggest money blunders and share tips to avoid them yourself.Why are grocery prices so high in 2024? What are ghost jobs and how do they affect job seekers? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner roast the year’s “Financial Turkeys” (pun intended), spotlighting the biggest money misfortunes of 2024 and offering listeners a chance to commiserate over shared financial frustrations. They share their own takes on this year’s financial flops and invite listeners to reflect on…

A strong credit score is one of the most valuable tools in your financial arsenal. It can lead to lower interest rates, better loan terms, and even job opportunities. Yet, many people struggle to maintain or improve their credit, either due to misinformation or a lack of guidance. This article discusses eight straightforward and effective strategies to help you boost your credit score and set yourself up for long-term financial success. 1. Know Where You Stand Before you can improve your credit score, you must first understand your current situation. Review your credit report, which you can access for free…

Beyond merely dividing expenses, budgeting for couples is about creating a financial plan that reflects your shared goals and values. Learning how to budget effectively can strengthen your relationship and set a solid foundation for your future. Whether you’re navigating a shared budget for the first time or refining an existing plan, this guide explores practical tips and strategies to help you manage your money together while fostering financial harmony. Budgeting Strategies For Couples Budgeting for couples is different from individual budgeting because it involves aligning two distinct financial profiles. It requires compromise and open communication to ensure fairness and…

As we enter the holiday shopping season, most consumers are bracing themselves for excess spending and worrying about how much debt might follow them into the New Year. But what if there were a way to earn money while doing the holiday errands you were planning to do anyway? For people who love shopping—or are just really good at it—the holidays present an ideal time to transform those skills into lucrative side hustle. Whether it’s scouting for deals, curating wishlists, or simply helping others with their holiday needs, there are lots of fun and creative ways to offset your holiday…

In 2024, the Latina pay gap widened for the first time in 20 years. That’s because Latinas working across full time, part time and seasonal work this year are paid 51 cents to the dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men, according to the American Association of University Women. Net net, Latinas stand to lose $1.2 million over a 40 year career. But Monica Ramirez, author, attorney and social entrepreneur who has advocated for the Latina Equal Pay Day campaign for more than a decade, said this kind of disparity can widen to $2 million under the most severe pay gaps.…

Do you have any idea of how you would care for both your parents and kids? Would caring for your parents leave you broke? Whether you like it or not, at some point, your parents will likely need your assistance as they age. How you handle it is up to you. Is Sandwich Generation Financially Prepared? Realizing your parents are human may come as a shock. As we age, our parents may need more help and care. Some of your parents have been good with their money and saved diligently for retirement. Sadly, just as many – and we’re talking…

Counterfeit goods is a huge problem globally with losses estimated as high as 4.5 trillion dollars. and while counterfeiting of luxury items such as handbags, watches, clothing and even wine can result in tremendous financial losses, counterfeit prescription drugs can present serious health dangers. And then there is bourbon, the only liquor born and bred in the United States, specifically Kentucky. Bourbon has seen a large increase in popularity in the last ten years with bourbon sales reaching $5.1 billion in 2022. Even Pope Francis is a fan of bourbon with a bottle of bourbon from Willett Distillery signed by…

Dozens of Retailers Jacked Up Interest Rates on Store Cards Ahead of Fed Cuts Dozens of the largest U.S. retailers and their bank partners jacked up interest rates on their store-branded cards to record highs in the months before the Federal Reserve began cutting rates, as the companies looked to pad profits during a stretch of sluggish sales. At least 50 companies—including Big Lots, Gap, Petco, Burlington, Macy’s and TJX Companies—increased the APRs on their credit cards between September 2023 and September 2024, according to a review of data gathered by Bankrate.com that examined the nation’s 100 largest retailers. Now,…

This holiday season, while turkey and trimmings may take center stage, the real spotlight will be on the deals. According to a recent holiday study by Circana, 37% of consumers are strategically planning to maximize their savings this year, with one generation standing distinctly apart – Gen Z. Thirty percent of Gen Z consumers plan to kick off their holiday shopping on Black Friday, the highest percentage among all generations. As more Gen Zers enter the workforce, they’re becoming a pivotal force in retail, contributing to industries and brands that truly understand their needs. The Apparel Industry Is Experiencing A…