Category Featured Archives - Global Finance Today

Millennials Embrace This Effective Budgeting Strategy

Alright, let's jazz this up a tad! Picture a conversation with your best buddy over a coffee: — Millennials are Playing Hard to Get with Credit Cards at the Mall Wait till you hear this! Millennials, yep, those tech-savvy whippersnappers, are opting to leave their credit cards snug and secure at home when they venture out to the mall. Can you believe it? Ready for the actual science behind it? A recent poll by Cardtronics spottied that a whopping 71% of millennials are intentionally bidding adieu to their plastic pals to reign in their spending. It's a bit of a shocker, right? Despite the steady climb in digital payment methods and millennials being digital trendsetters, about 67% still favor cold, hard cash when shopping, while 73% believe cash is king when settling up with buddies. Not Just a Millennial Thing The wave of cash favoritism isn’t just blowing through the millennial crowd – other generations are also catching this cash-only breeze. Cash dominates in 79% of personal transactions, and more than half of consumers think cash is a cool way to split a restaurant bill. Curious to know more? Check this out, a piece on "How Paying With Cash Can Boost Your Savings and Happiness". But Why, Oh Why, the Cash Craze? The one place where cash is still the reigning monarch is at most brick-and-mortar retailers. In our beloved grocery stores, 43% of shoppers flash cash over cards and it's the same story in pharmacies. One masterstroke of cash is the ironclad security … Read more

Liam Johnson

Should You Switch to Neobank Startups?

Ain't Your Daddy's Banks: A Deep Dive into Chime, Current, and Varo Remember the good old days of free pens on chains at the bank, or lollipops at the drive-thru? Cute, but… what about getting your paycheck a couple of days early, or bouncing off costly overdraft fees like a Superball? Yeah, I thought that might get your attention. These are actually standard perks from financial technology companies like Chime, Current, and Varo, who’ve been stomping up the stairs to the big leagues in recent years. "Neobanks", they call 'em – spurring an evolution in banking with their eyes set on outstripping the banking big guns like Wells Fargo. Their appeal? Flexibility, control and a big neon sign saying "Welcome Y'all", aimed at middle-class Americans. Different to your parents' banks? Most definitely, and that's not by accident. Harvard Business School's very own Marco Di Maggio tells us the rapid growth of neobanks is all about people wanting something new from banking. With a growing distaste for traditional banking behemoths like Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase, especially among Millennials and Gen Z, it's no surprise these fresh-faced alternatives are all the rage. Lucky for us, every day's an all-you-can-eat buffet of modern banking choices, each tantalizing with unique features. To help you gorge on this financial feast, buckle up for a detailed comparison of Chime, Current, and Varo. Neobanks Pros and Cons So, let's cut to the chase – what can Chime, Current, and Var… Read more

Liam Johnson

Risk-Free Ways Savers Can Beat Inflation

Think beating inflation is like trying to win "The Hunger Games"? Well, guess again! It may not be as daunting as it seems. We are living in a golden age of savings accounts and fixed-income investments offering real yields. This means their annual percentage yield (APY) bulldozes over the current rate of inflation like a runaway snowplow. Now that, my friend, is rarer than seeing a dog walk on its hind legs! Whoever Said Safe Investments are Boring? Yes, I'm aware that interest rates for some savings modes have crept down since last year but, "don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater!" Experts are singing in harmony about the allure of safe investments. Why, you ask? Because real yields are still floating in the clouds. Need an example? Buckle up! The U.S. aggregate bond index, the big kahuna of high-quality, investment-grade bonds, is currently yielding 5.28%. And our buddies, the top 12-month certificates of deposit (CDs), are putting up a bit of a fight with APYs up to 5.25%. These rates run circles around the annual inflation rate of 3.5%, like they're in some kind of track and field event! Matthew Miskin, the brains at John Hancock Investment Management in Boston, points out that it’s been a long time since investors could pocket risk-free returns above projected inflation. For those nearing retirement or already basking in the retirement sun, it’s like a “money grows on trees” situation! The Divine Dance of Real Yields in 2024 Real yields can be your crystal b… Read more

Liam Johnson

John Hancock Travel Insurance: Honest Review

Review of John Hancock Travel Insurance Ever had your luggage end up vacationing in Ibiza while you're stuck in Ohio? Well, that's where a snazzy travel insurance plan from John Hancock might come to your rescue. So, buckle up as we dive into the world of coverage plans and peel back whether they'll be your knight in shining armor or just another daunting bill. Comprehensive Coverage for Lost Baggage Let’s face it, losing your luggage is a drag, but John Hancock tries to soften the blow. If you're one to lug around half your household when you travel (no judgement!), their coverage caps at a generous $2,500 for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and personal effects. And who doesn’t love a mini shopping spree if your bags decide to go AWOL? Yep, they cover that too, with $250 to $500 for essential purchases if your belongings decide to take a detour. Advantages and Disadvantages of John Hancock Travel Insurance Advantages: Generous Baggage Loss Coverage: Up to $2,500 to cover your Louis Vuitton… or your Wal-Mart finest! Extensive Medical Evacuation Benefit: Up to $1 million – because being stuck without a way home is no one’s travel goal. Proactive Travel Delay Benefits: Starts after just a 3-hour delay, because time is money (and sanity). Disadvantages: Exclusion for New Yorkers on 'Cancel For Any Reason' Coverage: Sorry, New Yorkers, "cancel for any reason" doesn’t apply in the Empire State. More Expensive Than Many Competitors: Quality comes at a price, and… Read more

Kennedy Sanders

LendingTree Personal Loans Review 2025

Alright, my friends, let's dive deep into the world of online lending. Today we're talking about LendingTree personal loans. Now, if you've been roaming the financial jungle for a bit, this might be familiar. But for those who just stumbled upon this name – worry not, I got you! What's LendingTree all about? LendingTree is like the Amazon of financial products – one place offering shelves and shelves of options. They don't lend you money directly. No, sir. What they do is offer you a smorgasbord of loan deals from various lenders – be it auto loans, mortgages, business loans, or, the topic at hand today, personal loans. So, is teaming up with LendingTree to secure a personal loan a thumbs-up or a thumbs-down move? Stay with me as we dish the details. What does the roadmap look like? LendingTree personal loans pros and cons LendingTree personal loan types LendingTree personal loan pricing How financially stable is LendingTree? The accessibility factor What are customers saying about LendingTree? Some of the commonly asked questions about LendingTree My razor-sharp analysis of LendingTree personal loans Did I mention how I might earn a commission if you click on specific links? Just being transparent here. Okay, moving on then! LENDINGTREE PERSONAL LOANS: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY Let's dive into the nitty-gritty. Here's what’s looking bright and shiny, and what could use a little polishing. **Pros** It’s like speed-dating with lenders! See a bun… Read more

Bill Pittman

Record-breaking Spike in Homeowners Insurance Costs SEO

Homeowners Insurance Costs Reach New Heights Ever feel like every bill is just another chance to watch your bank account drain? Well, hold onto your wallets, homeowners, because your insurance premiums have decided to climb the financial equivalent of Mt. Everest. A tidbit from Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) has it that we've been hit with a $276 bump in the annual joy we call home insurance – that’s a leap to $2,290 for the year 2024! Doing the math? That’s a 14% hike from the previous year. And since 2019, let's just say it’s skyrocketed by a whopping 61%! Regional Impact on Insurance Premiums Depending on where you've planted your roots, the sting could vary. In bustling bee hives like Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles, premiums buzzed north of 20% last year. And oh, the Southern belles like Miami, New Orleans, Dallas, and Tampa? They’re weeping under an annual premium eclipse of $3,500. Talk about Southern hospitality! Drivers of Rising Home Insurance Costs Why, you ask, are our wallets under such assault? Well, wrap yourselves up because this storm’s been brewing from a concoction of more frequent natural disasters paired with sky-high construction material costs. Hurricanes in Florida and wildfires in California have been particular box office hits in the disaster genre. Let’s not forget last year's smash, with Hurricanes Milton and Helene tag-teaming to a tune of $115 billion in damages in Florida. Meanwhile, wildfires near Los Angeles played their part with … Read more

Kennedy Sanders

Progressive RV Insurance: Benefits, Features, and Cost

Rollin' with Progressive: The Lowdown on RV Insurance Who reigns supreme when it comes to RV insurance in the good ol' US of A? Well, many chime in favor of Progressive, renowned for cranking up the coverage spectrum with its versatile policy options. Ever considered personalized insurance? Progressive spreads a buffet of add-ons that can cater to your exact road-trekking style. Stick with us as we dive deep into what makes Progressive tick, from pricing schemes to customer smiles (or frowns), and unpack the perks and quirks of signing up with them. Compare RV Insurance Policies Saving some bucks while out on the open road sounds enticing, right? Let's see what the competitors are throwing into the ring: Good Sam claims you could pocket an average of $530 yearly. Ready to ditch city life for the RV dream? They've got coverages tailored for full-timers or the occasional weekend warrior. And if your RV is just sitting pretty, why not pause the coverage and save some coin? National General also allows you to hit pause on your insurance while your RV hibernates, potentially shaving off up to 53% of the costs. They've got your back if you're making tracks in Mexico or need 24/7 claim support. At Roamly, they dangle a carrot with up to 35% off your insurance. Decking out your van in DIY style or renting it out? They cover all that, plus they boast an A+ rating from the BBB to boot. Best for Deductible Options Progressive knows one size doesn't fit all. Opt for a h… Read more

Kennedy Sanders

Is College Worth Student Loans? Only 20%

Is Plunging into College Worth it? Apparently, Not Everyone Thinks So As Fees Rocket and Non-Graduate Pocketbooks Grow Fat Ever found yourself pondering the age-old question "should I empty my piggy bank for a college degree"? Well, you're not alone. With tuition fees skyrocketing to stratospheric levels and a trend seeing non-graduates raking in the dough, who wouldn't have doubts? A somewhat intimidating survey from our buddies over at the Pew Research Center puts into sharp focus this growing unease about the cost versus benefits of college education. Apparently, only 22% of adult Americans believe that getting roped into student loans to secure a college degree is worth it. That's a lean slice of the pie, right? Almost half (47% to be precise), those who still swear by the old school 'get a degree' mantra, holler that it's only worth it if you can make it to the finish line — graduation, without a mountain of debt hanging over your head. Then there's the 29% who boldly state that college is just not worth the Benjamins, loans, or no loans. College Diploma: Losing Its Charm? The once revered college diploma seems to be under scrutiny. Pew’s research claims that 49% of folks consider a degree much less essential for landing a well-paying job than it was like 20 years ago. Contrastingly, a mere 32% believe that college degrees have become more pivotal for success compared to two decades ago, and then there are the 17% staunch believers who reckon the significance of a d… Read more

Bill Pittman

Nationwide Equities Reverse Mortgages Review

Alright, grab some popcorn folks, we're about to have a deep dive into the financial ocean of reverse mortgages—specifically, from our friends at Nationwide Equities Corporation. Understanding Reverse Mortgages Ever hear about a reverse mortgage? No? Well, imagine a loan meant specifically for older homeowners, letting them borrow against their home's equity. But there's a twist—you're not required to make any regular payments. Sounds almost too good to be true, right? Well, it's entirely legit! Of course, like anything in life, there is a catch. The money you borrow will be due either when you move out or… well, when you're six feet under. I know, it sounds morbid, but hey, that's life… and death! In essence, reverse mortgages are an option for homeowners aged 62 or older. And don't worry, it's not some financial trap meant for the naive and desperate. If handled with care, a reverse mortgage can be a great way to financially breathe a bit without selling or moving. It's like using your home as an ATM, but just doesn't spit out cash randomly! The Pros and Cons of Nationwide Equities Reverse Mortgages Our good friends at Nationwide Equities Corporation have a solid suite of reverse mortgage solutions designed to fit your lifestyle preferences and financial goals. But like any good lender, they've got their good and bad sides. Pros A smorgasbord of reverse mortgage options Home purchase loans up for grabs Reasonably attractive interest rates Cons Only availabl… Read more

Bill Pittman

Why Adults Still Use Personal Checks Today

Hey there, my fellow Dollar Scholars! Let me tell you a secret. Aside from my main gig as a 27-year-old writer for your favorite personal finance newsletter, I can also do pretty handy impersonations. Channels like Dave Ramsey, take cover! Every week, I set forth on a noble quest to unravel the mysteries of the green. Answers to questions like "What happens if 401(k) isn't my thing?" or "Am I part of the Fantastic 4 if I have 4 credit cards?" flutter in my brain, all day, every day. But I don't keep the divine wisdom all to myself. Nay! I share them with you all, summarizing the bits that'll keep your wallets heavy and minds lightweight. And oh boy, who wouldn't love some charming dog photos on the side! Before you jump in, don't forget to hit that subscribe button so we can keep these Wednesday word parties going strong! — This 27-year-old is stranger than fiction! If there's one constant in life, it's that we all age. Some like vintage wine, others like Ryan Reynolds. His "Deadpool" character makes as much sense to me as a vegan enjoying barbecue, but hey, who am I to judge? As I'm ripening into my late twenties, I like a plethora of unconventional things. You think tie-dye is a crime against humanity? I see it as a fashion statement. Crazy about luxury shoes? I’m wearing limited-edition sneakers covered in puppy prints. Reality TV your guilty pleasure? Try glass-blowing on Netflix! And don't even get me started on the ridiculous Star Wars sequel memes… In true … Read more