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…

Looking back at past management challenges for the Department of Justice you will find an Office of Inspector General (OIG) report that lists the Federal Bureau of Prisons as an area of concern. Chief among those concerns are crumbling infrastructure and under-staffed facilities. The latest OIG report lists the challenges for DOJ and again there is no surprise that the BOP is there with the usual problems. In fact, Inspector General Michael Horowitz stated in the report that over the past 20 years, the OIG has issued over 100 reports detailing these serious systemic issues facing the BOP. His conclusion…

This article explores payday loans, including how they work, their pros and cons, and viable alternatives. Whether you’re considering a payday loan or simply looking to improve your financial literacy, this guide will provide you with essential information on these loan products. How Do Payday Loans Work? Payday loans are short-term financial products designed to provide quick cash for urgent needs. These loans are typically small, ranging from $100 to $1,000, depending on state regulations and the borrower’s income. They are often due in full by your next payday, making them a temporary solution for immediate expenses. A defining characteristic…

If debt has been lingering on your credit cards, and you have not been able to pay off debt fast, you are not alone. Half of American credit card users are carrying credit card debt, according to an August 2024 Bankrate survey. Clearing out your credit cards before you enter the new year is possible with a clear plan for the rest of the 2024. My husband and I crushed $300,000 in debt in just three years—but we faced setbacks, frustration, and moments when giving up felt easier. What kept us moving forward was breaking our big debt payoff goal…

The holiday season can add up. On average, shoppers are expected to spend a record $902 per person on holiday purchases this year, according to the National Retail Federation. Holiday expenses include gifts, food, decorations and other seasonal items. It’s important to set a reasonable budget for holiday spending. If you’re worried extra expenses will exceed your income, it might be time to cut back. Alternatively, you can try to find a side gig that’ll net you an extra 500 bucks. 1. Work as a seasonal sales associateAn influx of consumer spending means retail stores need help this time of…

As we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season in general—a time of gratitude and reflection—it’s worth taking a moment to recognize the financial blessings that often go unnoticed amidst our everyday routines. Personal financial planning isn’t just about spreadsheets and savings accounts. It’s also about creating a life where we can find joy, security, and opportunities for growth. Here are five reasons to be thankful this season, all rooted in the principles of sound financial planning. 1. The Freedom To Plan for the Future Financial planning empowers us to set goals and take actionable steps toward making them happen. For…

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who President-elect Trump has put in charge of an initiative to slash the federal government, have mostly been successful in running their own businesses. But their recent column in The Wall Street Journal shows how little they understand about the work federal civil servants do. The Ramaswamy/Musk effort is just the latest in a long line of official and ad hoc groups organized to reduce government waste. By one account, these efforts have produced 164 reports since the first one in 1905. And that doesn’t even include similar projects at the state level. The Trump…

An initial draft of this script was created by NerdWallet using automation technology, then thoroughly reviewed, edited and fact-checked by NerdWallet’s human writers and editors.Our small phones come with big bills: The average monthly cell phone bill was $135 in 2024, according to the latest J.D. Power wireless data.Use that phone to call your carrier’s customer service representative, who may help you lower your bill or otherwise get you a good deal. This is a smart time of year to do it, as carriers often roll out aggressive promotions during the holiday season to attract new customers and boost end-of-year…