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☆ A peak boomer who lives on $1,100 monthly from Social Security struggles to afford food: 'I have to survive, I have no choice.'
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-23 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewAngela Babin lives in a mobile home in Houma, Louisiana — about 60 miles southwest of New Orleans. She lives on her Social Security income, which she first started receiving in 2008 after she had to retire early for medical reasons. AdvertisementEven with the Social Security check and some SNAP food benefits, Babin said it's difficult to afford groceries. Like the millions of other older Americans living on a fixed Social Security income, Babin said it's difficult to get by. Are you living paycheck to paycheck or on Social Security?

Persons: —, Angela Babin, haven't, Ida, she's, Babin, hasn't Organizations: Service, Business, Social, Social Security, Security, Survey, Women, SNAP Locations: Houma , Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana

☆ More single-family built-for-rent homes are under construction in the U.S.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-21 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Leopatrizi | E+ | Getty ImagesMore built-for-rent single-family homes are being constructed in the U.S., according to the National Association of Home Builders, and experts say this is in part due to the housing affordability crisis. Construction began on about 18,000 single-family, built-for-rent homes in the first quarter of 2024, a 20% jump compared with the first quarter of 2023, according to NAHB, which analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Quarterly Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design. Single-family built-for-rent starts grew to 90,000 units in 2023, up from 81,000 units in 2022, the National Association of Realtors reported. The growing share of built-for-rent single-family homes is a response to demand from "people who can't afford today's very expensive, out-of-reach housing market," Lautz said. Homeowners are also responsible for shouldering "hidden costs" that aren't figured into a mortgage payment, such as maintenance, repairs, taxes and insurance.

Persons: Robert Dietz, Molly Boesel, Jessica Lautz, Lautz, NAHB's Dietz, Boesel Organizations: National Association of Home Builders, Census, Finance, JPMorgan, Trump, National Association of Realtors, Survey, U.S . Census, NAR, Mortgage, Association Locations: U.S

☆ A boomer who lives on Social Security worries she won't get hired because she can't afford a car: 'I don't even have $1 in my wallet.'
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-14 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

They both live off her $1,625 monthly Social Security income, according to documents reviewed by BI. He's also 57 and not old enough to receive Social Security, which typically kicks in at 62. And, while over half of older adult households rely on Social Security, the fund could run out by 2030. Hambrick "doesn't care" what she does next because it's difficult to get hired as an older adult. AdvertisementAre you an older adult living paycheck to paycheck or on Social Security?

Persons: —, she's, Hambrick, hasn't, He's, ALICEs, — Hambrick, She's, There's Organizations: Service, Business, Social Security, BI, Income, Alliance for Lifetime, Survey, Social, Boeing, Medicaid Locations: Tulsa , Oklahoma

☆ Meet the typical LGBTQ+ American: A homeowner making six figures who most likely lives in DC or Vermont
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Juliana Kaplan | Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Among opposite same-sex couples, about a third are between 25 and 44, while it's 42% for married same-sex couples. Same-sex couples are much more likely to be interracial than opposite-sex couples — 32.2% of same-sex couples are interracial, compared to 18.6% of married opposite-sex couples and 28.6% of unmarried opposite-sex couples. For married same-sex couples, this number jumps to $123,500, compared to $109,700 for married opposite-sex couples. Unmarried same-sex couples own just 48.7% of the time, slightly above 47.9% of unmarried opposite-sex couples. In nearly two-thirds of same-sex couples, both partners are working, though this drops to 61.9% for married same-sex couples.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Survey, Business, Brookings, American, Gay, Gallup Locations: America, DC, Vermont, Massachusetts, Washington, California, Texas

☆ Up to 65% of workers with these jobs are middle class—and some don't require a bachelor's degree
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-11 | by ( Kamaron Mcnair | In Kamaronmcnair | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

But the middle class may be more occupationally ambiguous, especially since a middle class income can range from $49,720 to $149,160 in the U.S., according to Pew Research's definition and based on the latest Census Bureau income data. Pew defines the middle class as households earning between two-thirds and double the median income, which was $74,580 in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Since over half of U.S. households were estimated to be in the middle class as of 2022, Pew says, it makes sense the jobs that offer those middle class incomes would vary. But some positions and industries tend to have higher shares of middle class workers. Notably, many of the jobs that are likely to ensure a middle class salary may not require a college education.

Persons: Pew Organizations: Pew, . Census, Survey, Armed, Workers, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Defense, Public, CNBC Locations: U.S

☆ A boomer couple who retired early to Colombia explains their 'exit strategy' and how much they now pay in monthly expenses
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-09 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

John and Susan Pazera knew their retirement years would look a lot different if they chose to stay in California. In 2001, the couple took a three-year sabbatical and sailed down the West Coast to Central America, where they stopped in Panama. AdvertisementThey said that had they not moved abroad, early retirement would not have been a possibility. Advertisement"If we stay in the US, one of us gets really, really sick with some strange disease, and the insurance company says, 'Well, we don't cover that.' John and Susan are grateful that finances are not a concern for them as they continue to live abroad in retirement.

Persons: John, Susan Pazera, Susan —, —, They're, Susan, Debra Crockett Organizations: Service, Business, Survey Locations: California, Coast, Central America, Panama, Colombia, Medellín, Lower, Turkey

☆ A boomer couple lives on Social Security and receives $23 a month from SNAP for food: 'How are we to survive?'
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-02 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Dacus receives $854 a month, and her husband receives $1,286 a month, according to documents reviewed by Business Insider. Additionally, her household qualifies for $23 a month in SNAP benefits to buy food. "If we worked a 40-hour week from Monday through Friday with my income, it would come out to like $2 an hour," she said, comparing her Social Security income to a full-time work salary. And, if lawmakers don't intervene, the US Social Security fund is expected to dry out by the late 2030s. Sometimes, Dacus has to request an advance on her Social Security check to buy food because her SNAP benefits aren't enough.

Persons: —, Mary Dacus, Stephen, Dacus, ALICEs, — Dacus, we'll, Robinson Organizations: Service, Business, Income, Alliance for Lifetime, Survey, US Social Security, Medicare, SNAP, Social Security Locations: Robinson , Illinois, McDonald's, Blytheville , Arkansas, Dacus, Florida

☆ 10 U.S. cities where homeowners pay more than renters, according to data from SmartAsset—6 are in California
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Celia Fernandez | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

New York City is the No. 10 city where homeowners are paying more than renters, according to a May SmartAsset report. The report assessed the difference in monthly costs between owning a home and renting in 343 cities with a population of over 100,000 people. In the top two cities, Berkeley and California, owning costs are up to $2,000 or more per month compared to renting. Homeowners in these areas often pay twice as much as renters, the report states.

Organizations: New, Survey Locations: U.S, New York City, California, Berkeley

☆ The generation that may never retire: Why some millennials are behind on savings — and how they can catch up
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-29 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | William Edwards | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +14 min

However, the average millennial reported roughly $63,000 in retirement savings so far. While millennials will need more money to retire comfortably, many are far away from the savings milestone experts suggest. What's more, the future of the US Social Security system is uncertain, and longer expected lifespans — while a positive development — will require more retirement savings. How to figure out how much retirement savings you needTiffany Bell, a 36-year-old business management professional based in Houston, didn't always take retirement savings seriously. How millennials can get their retirement savings back on trackWhile some millennials are struggling financially, it's not all doom and gloom when it comes to their retirement prospects.

Persons: Nathaniel Hudson, Hartman, millennials, Tiffany Bell, didn't, Bell, she's, they're, Chris Chen, Chen, Judi Leahy, it's, Leahy, NerdWallet, Bell —, —, X, What's, Nilay Gandhi, Roth, Rita Assaf, Assaf, Gandhi Organizations: Business, Northwestern Mutual, Pew, US Social Security, Fidelity, Financial, Citi, Wealth Management, Vanguard, Big, CFP, Roth IRA, Fidelity Investments, Savings, Hudson Locations: Portland, Houston, New York, Montana

☆ A boomer moved from Texas to Missouri for her retirement thinking everything would be cheaper. She was 'so wrong.'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-27 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

She said nearly everything is more expensive in St. Louis compared to Dallas, from groceries to gas to various taxes. Census data shows that between 2021 and 2022, about 494,000 people moved out of Texas, while over 668,300 people moved in. Nearly 9,200 people moved from Texas to Missouri during this period. AdvertisementTheir son attended the University of Missouri, where her husband went, and he settled in St. Louis. AdvertisementThey looked around St. Louis for two years but couldn't find much on the market.

Persons: Donna, Louis, Missouri Donna, St . Louis, It's, didn't, she's, She's, it'll Organizations: Service, Texans, Lone Star State, University of Minnesota's, Texas, Air Force, University of Missouri Locations: Dallas, Fort Worth, St, Texas, Missouri, Europe, St .

☆ A Gen Xer who barely lives above the poverty line sells plasma to cover her rent because she doesn't qualify for government assistance: 'There's a lot of praying and just hanging on.'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Kelley used to drive 30 minutes across the Kentucky border every morning to work as a security guard. A growing number of American households can barely pay their bills but make too much to qualify for government assistance. Kelley can't afford healthcare and has started selling her plasma for extra moneyKelley said her top expenses are housing and food. She also said it's a lot more difficult to qualify for government assistance since she isn't actively supporting children. "If you make too much, there's no help; if you are healthy, there's no help; if you don't have kids, there's no help."

Persons: —, Lisa Kelley, Kelley, she's, ALICE —, ALICE, I've, She's, isn't Organizations: Service, Business, Survey, United Way's, Medicare Locations: Cincinnati, Kentucky, DollarTree

☆ Viral TikToks helped Hyundai and Kia dominate the list of America's most stolen cars
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-19 | by ( Benjamin Zhang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The National Insurance Crime Bureau released their list of the most stolen cars in America for 2023. Hyundai and Kia models took six of the top 10 spots in the insurance industry trade group's list. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementHyundai and Kia dominate the National Insurance Crime Bureau's list of the most stolen cars in America. The compact Hyundai Elantra took the top spot, with more than 48,000 vehicles stolen, 2.5 times the number stolen in 2022.

Persons: — Organizations: Insurance, Hyundai, Kia, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Service, National Insurance, America . Vehicles, South, Business Locations: America

☆ A boomer couple that was 'watching every single penny' they spent in the US moved to Portugal 2 years ago — and money isn't a concern for them in retirement anymore
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-19 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

After researching affordable places to live in retirement, Ann and her husband settled on Portugal. "Our quality of life is so much nicer because we're not worried about money like we were in the States," Ann said. AdvertisementWhile Ann was able to live comfortably in retirement abroad, many older adults in the US are struggling. "We understand how hard it is to try to accumulate enough money to retire and stay in the United States," Ann said. Advertisement"The United States is a very difficult country to retire in," she said.

Persons: Ann, she's, We've, We're, they've, we're, Diane Senffner Organizations: Service, Business, BI, Social Security, Survey, pats, Social Locations: Belize, United Kingdom, Mexico, Hawaii, Arizona, Scottsdale, Portugal, United States

☆ Supreme Court upholds CFPB funding: Here's what you need to know
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-17 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailSupreme Court upholds CFPB funding: Here's what you need to knowSupreme Court upheld Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's funding mechanism on Thursday. CFPB Director Rohit Chopra joins ‘Squawk Box’ to discuss this ruling and more.

Persons: CFPB, Rohit Chopra Organizations: Consumer

☆ The salary you need to be considered middle class in every U.S. state—it's close to $200,000 in 2 of them
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Cheyenne Devon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

In the U.S., whether you're considered middle class or not may depend on where you live. In some states, you can earn over $150,000 and still be considered middle class. The personal finance site defines "middle class" as households with an annual income that is two-thirds to double a state's median income. In Maryland, you're considered middle class if your income falls between $65,641 and $196,922, according to GOBankingRates. Here's the income range that qualifies as middle class in every U.S. state, listed in alphabetical order.

Persons: GOBankingRates, It's Organizations: Survey, Maryland, Census Locations: U.S, — Maryland, New Jersey

☆ Some data in the market-moving CPI report was released early by the Labor Department
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Jeff Cox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Information about Wednesday's critical consumer price index release circulated early on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, according to a statement from the agency. The statement provided few details but noted that the Labor Department agency has notified the Office of Management and Budget and the department's Office of the Inspector General. There was no other information provided concerning the early release of the CPI, a key inflation indicator that showed another increase in April, though slightly less than what the Wall Street consensus had anticipated. ET release, though there was little unusual activity in the half-hour prior, indicating that the early release was not widely seen and did not materially impact trading. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, ran at a 0.3% rate monthly rate and 3.6% annually, the lowest since April 2022.

Persons: Wednesday's, Peter Boockvar, Trump, Boockvar, Stocks Organizations: Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS, Labor Department, Management, Budget, CPI, Bleakley Locations: Washington

☆ A low-income millennial mom was evicted from her apartment but isn't 'homeless enough to get help'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

It's a studio-size garage apartment that she shares with her partner, her 11-year-old daughter, and their dog. The Airbnb is the third place in southeastern North Carolina where Hedden and her family have lived since mid-January. Advertisement"I'm not homeless enough to get certain help because I have a roof over my head," she said. "But I'm too homeless to get a job because I don't know where I'm going to live in three weeks. Without help, Hedden said she's "trying not to drown."

Persons: —, Melissa Hedden, Hedden, I'm, hasn't, ALICE, ALICEs, Hedden's, She's, she's Organizations: Service, Business, BI, Survey, United Way's, Florida Medicaid Locations: Wilmington , North Carolina, It's, North Carolina, Bradenton , Florida, Florida

☆ 10 cities where Social Security and retirement incomes are the highest
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewResidents of some cities in Virginia, Massachusetts, and Texas have the nation's highest retirement income and Social Security benefits. The DC area's high retirement incomes stem mainly from higher pension and IRA incomes instead of Social Security payments, which are lower than many other cities in the top 20. This breaks down into $51,344 in retirement account income and $28,219 in Social Security income. Though not in the top 10 overall, Ann Arbor ranked highest for Social Security income at $30,428, followed closely by Carmel, Indiana, at $30,069. Meanwhile, residents of 14 cities in SmartAsset's study depend on Social Security for over half their retirement income, including Lewisville, Texas, at 54.4%.

Persons: —, they're, Ann Arbor Organizations: Service, Social Security, Survey, Business, Nationwide, AARP, Social, DC, Goodyear Locations: Virginia , Massachusetts, Texas, Arlington , Virginia, Cambridge , Massachusetts, The Woodlands , Texas, Washington, DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Cambridge, Berkeley, Highlands, Colorado, Naperville, Illinois, Carmel , Indiana, Southern, Arizona, Sugar, Lewisville , Texas, Spring Hill , Florida, South Bend , Indiana

☆ A Gen Xer struggles to afford housing and groceries, but her income is about $100 too high to get help
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The couple is part of a growing number of Americans who live above the federal poverty line but struggle to afford basic necessities. The poverty line isn't adjusted to reflect cost-of-living differences in individual cities or states and is set at $20,440 a year for a family of two. Binkley is trying to "make ends meet," hopes to leave Minnesota one dayPrimarily, Binkley said she struggles with her rent and utility bills. AdvertisementFor food, Binkley said she is especially thankful for her local food pantries, where she often goes to pick up canned goods. "That is one thing that keeps driving me to make my payments, get things caught up, and set a little bit aside each week or each month, Binkley said.

Persons: —, Melinda Binkley, she's, Binkley, doesn't, ALICE, She's Organizations: Service, Business, Survey, United Way's, Medicare Locations: Stillwater , Minnesota, Minnesota, Idaho

☆ Americans will lose full Social Security benefits in 11 years, according to the program's trustees — a year later than expected
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-06 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | Juliana Kaplan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Full Social Security benefits are expected to run out in 2035, per the program's trustees. AdvertisementAs more Americans fear being unprepared for retirement — and rely solely on Social Security — those full benefits might not be long-lived. Meanwhile, among the income that typical retirees do receive, just under 80% see income from Social Security. The latest estimates on Social Security also come as the US economy braces for a "peak boomer" wave of new retirees. That's the biggest group of boomers retiring yet, and, per that analysis, many will end up having to rely on Social Security benefits to stay afloat.

Persons: That's, —, William Arnone, Martin O'Malley, Kevin Hern Organizations: Security, Social Security, Service, National Academy of Social Insurance, Insurance Trust, Disability Insurance Fund, Social, Survey, Alliance, Lifetime, GOP, Republican

☆ 3 reasons your teens and 20s are 'the decisive decade'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

And there are three key reasons Gen Zers' decisive decade will shape their ongoing mental and financial health. Unhappiness can shape long-term mental healthGen Zer's mental health outcomes are shaped by their involvement in school and work, Brookings researchers said. AdvertisementAt work, many Gen Zers are struggling with anxiety, work-life balance, and burnout — more so than millennials, Gen X, and boomers. Unhappiness and social isolation are especially affecting Gen Zers who reached adolescence during the pandemic. Not all Gen Zers start on equal footingTo be sure, Gen Zers' education, work, and financial outcomes are also dependent on their life circumstances in childhood.

Persons: —, Zers, Gen Zers, Ian Rowe, Gen X, Lara Aknin, it's, Zer, isn't Organizations: Service, Pew, Business, Brookings Institution, Brookings, Urban Institute, American Enterprise Institute, Research Locations: America, Brookings

☆ A 64-year-old 'peak boomer' worries his savings and Social Security won't be enough to retire: 'My biggest fear is finding myself at 75 standing at the door at Walmart.'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Kirsch is hoping to start collecting Social Security checks in a couple of years, just before his 67th birthday. Related storiesFor many, Social Security won't be enough to fill the gaps. As of March 2024, the Social Security Administration said that its average monthly check sent to recipients is $1,774.83. And, if lawmakers don't intervene, the US Social Security fund is set to dry out by the late 2030s. "Start saving and do it as aggressively as you can," he said.

Persons: —, David Kirsch, Kirsch, Hill , New Hampshire —, he's, Kirsch isn't, didn't Organizations: Service, He's, Business, Walmart, Survey, Income, Social, Social Security Administration, US Social Security Locations: Caribbean, South America, Hill , New Hampshire

☆ A 63-year-old peak boomer is 'incredibly scared' Social Security won't be enough to cover her expenses in retirement: 'I'll probably need to work until I die'
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

She's part of the "peak boomer" cohort, most of whom will rely on Social Security in retirement. I was somebody who did really well, and it's very disheartening because I have no idea what's going to happen with retirement," Senffner told BI. "My husband and I are both a year and a half from retirement age, but I think I'll probably need to work until I die because there's no money." Just Social Security isn't going to cover that." And with the Social Security fund set to dry out by the late 2030s — unless lawmakers intervene — Senffner is "incredibly scared" about her future.

Persons: Diane Senffner, She's, —, doesn't, Senffner, she'll, Diane Senffner Senffner, hasn't, it's Organizations: Social Security, Service, Business, Alliance, Lifetime, Income, Security, Survey, Walmart, AARP

☆ Meet a Gen X ALICE in Michigan who struggles to pay for prescriptions and can only afford one meal a day: 'I make too much to get help.'
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. As the main income earner for her household, Tobias works to support her 19-year-old son, her fiancé, and her fiancé's mother. Advertisement"I make too much to get help," she told Business Insider. AdvertisementAnd, guaranteed basic-income programs — which are being tried in cities across the US — typically only apply to families living below the poverty line. Tobias works full-time but struggles to afford utilities and healthcareElectricity and mortgage bills are Tobias' top expenses.

Persons: —, Cherie Tobias, hasn't, Tobias, ALICE, Applebee's doesn't Organizations: Service, Business, Survey, United Way's Locations: Hastings , Michigan, Michigan

☆ Meet the typical new entrepreneur: A young woman living in the South who's doing it as a side hustle
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | Juliana Kaplan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

The newest entrepreneurs are both young and old and looking to grow their wealth through their businesses. The share of new Hispanic entrepreneurs rose from 8% in 2022 to 13% in 2023, Gusto found. Many new entrepreneurs are open to using AI tools and hiring remote workers, per the Gusto survey. The share of entrepreneurs who started a business while juggling another gig rose from 27% in 2022 to 44% in 2023. The Babson report found that most US entrepreneurs, 71%, were motivated by the prospect of boosting their wealth through their businesses.

Persons: They're, —, Ewing Marion, Luke Pardue, Babson, Entrepreneurship isn't Organizations: Service, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Babson College, Midwest Women, Pew Research Center, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Bureau, Kauffman Foundation, Entrepreneurs, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship Locations: Midwest, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Montana, Northeast, West

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