-
Community college: Think about it
Parents and high school seniors should seriously talk about community college or even a trade school. Community college is not an exciting, exotic choice, but it can be the better choice in the long run. The national average in-state tuition for community college is $4,847 per year. Costs vary a bit depending on classes and
-
Stock market roller coaster: Do not jump
You never undo your seat belt or jump from a moving roller coaster. Nor should you when it comes to our current Stock market. Eight years ago, if you bought a share of VOO or Vanguard S & P 500 ETF stock, you may have paid about $220 for the share. Today, as of this
-
Even Biden could have done a little better: Start saving earlier
The plight of the average American is about the same. We would have more if we had saved more. In 2022 the average median retirement savings for American households was $87,000. As of 2024, 25% of all American non-retirees have no retirement savings. (Guardian Life Insurance) We seldom see the big picture when we are
-
Americans are living in financial strain
The average monthly car payment for a new vehicle is $734 according to second-quarter 2024 Experian data — up 0.1% year after year. Used cars have an average monthly payment of $525, down 2.1%. Meanwhile, new lease payments average $586, a 2.3% decrease. The average house payment is around $2,700 per month. Average rent is
-
Want money? Work and save some
The average stock market return has been about 10% every year for nearly the last century, as measured by the S&P 500 index. In some years, the market returns more than that, and in other years it returns less. Talk to a stockbroker or someone who works with Individual Retirement Accounts, or do internet research
-
Wear good shoes inside your house
It is better to work a job you enjoy than a job you hate. You will eventually fail at the job you hate. If you love your work, you don’t mind making less money, but chances are more money will eventually be made from the work you love than from the work you hate. Save
-
Most Americans are facing some level of financial stress
The average house payment in America today is $2,883 on a 30-year mortgage. The average payment on a fixed-year-rate mortgage is about $3,759. (January stats from businessfinder.com). The average car payment in America is $732 a month for new cars and $532 a month for used cars. (Nerdwallet.com) The average American household spends over $1,000
