DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ After a summer of Barbenheimer and Beyoncé, can US consumers still afford the holiday season?
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-21 | by ( Alicia Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Minneapolis CNN —Ballpark attendance boomed this summer, Barbenheimer revived the box office and a Renaissance of live performances brought concerts into new Eras. However, it also could mean that holiday spending just might look a little different and skewed more toward experiences than it has done in past years. Respondents to KPMG’s 2023 holiday survey said they plan to spend 5% more this season, said Matt Kramer, KPMG’s consumer and retail national sector leader. “What stands out the most is this ‘leaning in’ to holiday travel and wanting to have those experiences with friends and family,” he said. A more comprehensive look at consumer spending will come at the tail end of the month when the Personal Consumption Expenditures data is released.

Persons: Barbenheimer, Everybody, ”, Keith Gentili, ” Taylor Swift, Allen J, “, Ted Rossman, that’s, ’ ”, aren’t, Matt Kramer, Tamara Charm, Elijah Nouvelage, Patrick T, Fallon, Gus Faucher, Nathan Howard, Nancy Vanden Houten, ’, ” Rossman, Matt Schulz Organizations: Minneapolis CNN —, New Hampshire, Los Angeles Times, Getty, Bankrate, McKinsey, Travelers, Hartsfield, Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Bloomberg, Commerce, Apple, PNC Financial Services, Shoppers, canaries, LendingTree Locations: Minneapolis, New, Inglewood , California, splurge, ’, Los Angeles, AFP, Georgetown, Washington, what’s, Oxford

☆ $20,000 repair bills and other hidden costs that could sneak up on EV buyers
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-21 | by ( Cork Gaines | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

The switch to electric vehicles is still hampered by the high cost compared to gas cars. The higher upfront costs don't consider several less obvious costs that can hit after buying an EV. AdvertisementAdvertisementThose premiums are driven by higher repair costs. According to Mitchell, a collision repair software company, the average repair cost for a non-Tesla EV is $269 higher than the average for all vehicles. If people interested in used EVs are worried about replacing an expensive battery, the resale value will take a big hit.

Persons: —, Johnny Bacigalupo, Sandy Munro, Bankrate, Mitchell, Mark Matousek, Kevin Tynan, Davis, Power Organizations: Service, Edinburgh, EV, Washington Post, Insurance, Anderson Economic Group, Ford, Bloomberg, Toyota, University of California Locations: Scotland, skyrocket, Canada, Edmunds

☆ As mortgage rates hit 8%, home 'affordability is incredibly difficult,' economist says
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Lifestylevisuals | E+ | Getty ImagesHow home affordability has changedIn August 2020, the typical monthly mortgage payment was $1,581, based on an average interest rate of 2.94%, Redfin found. Nowadays, the typical U.S. homebuyer's monthly mortgage payment is $2,866, according to Redfin — an all-time high. "In the next year or two years, interest rates will be lower, and people will have the ability to refinance." That said, competition for homes on the market is likely to be worse in a few years as interest rates cool, she said. "When interest rates come down, everyone's going to come back to the marketplace," said Cohn.

Persons: Redfin, homebuyers, Mark Hamrick, Alicia Huey, Melissa Cohn, William Raveis, Cohn Organizations: Bankrate.com, Istock, Federal Reserve, CNBC, William Raveis Mortgage Locations: U.S, Birmingham , Alabama, New York

"When the 10-year yield goes up, it will have a knock-on effect for almost everything," according to Columbia Business School economics professor Brett House. Why Treasury yields have jumpedA bond's yield is the total annual return investors get from bond payments. There are many factors driving the recent spike in Treasury yields, economists said. Student loans could get pricierThere is also a correlation between Treasury yields and student loans. The government sets the annual rates on those loans once a year, based on the 10-year Treasury.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Mark Hamrick, Brett House, Andrew Hunter, Hunter, Freddie Mac, Eugenio Aleman, Raymond James Organizations: Treasury, Columbia Business School, Fed, Capital Economics Locations: U.S

☆ Retirement goal expectations vs. reality: How Americans stack up
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

In fact, 45% of Gen Z and millennial workers feel somewhat optimistic. And yet, Gen Z workers are the biggest cohort of non-savers, Bankrate also found. The average 401(k) balance among boomers is $220,900, according to the latest data from Fidelity Investments, the nation's largest provider of 401(k) plans. For Gen Z, the average balance is $8,100. They are also significantly more likely to have at least $100,000 in a retirement savings account, the report found.

Persons: Xers, Z, Bankrate, Gen Xers, Douglas Boneparth, anther, Boneparth Organizations: Fidelity Investments, Bone, Northwestern Mutual, CNBC, Council, Country Financial Locations: New York

☆ These countries have the most generous retirement plans in the world
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Portugal ranked at the top for the most financially adequate retirement system according to a new study. The US, however, ranked 24th in adequacy among the 47 countries studied for its retirement system. AdvertisementAdvertisementPortugal, the Netherlands, and Iceland ranked at the top for the most financially adequate retirement systems — while the US ranked 24th. AdvertisementAdvertisementMany Americans have been skeptical of the US's retirement system, funded primarily through savings in 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts, as well as Social Security. Portugal, which ranked at the top of Mercer's list, also ranked second for comfortable retirement on U.S. News & World Report's Best Countries ranking.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, US, Mercer CFA, Global, Security, U.S . News Locations: Portugal, Netherlands, Iceland, Denmark

☆ Americans are facing a retirement 'financial vortex,' says Goldman Sachs. Not having a plan makes it worse.
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Cork Gaines | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Two new surveys show most Americans feel like they are behind on their retirement savings. Competing forces of the "financial vortex" and lack of financial plans are hurting retirement hopes. Goldman Sachs calls it a "financial vortex," and says simply having a plan can help Americans find their way through. While most have a dim outlook, the results varied by age and whether or not they had a financial plan. To avoid falling behind, Goldman Sachs said the two biggest factors that can help people reach their retirement goals are increasing financial literacy and having a personalized financial plan.

Persons: —, Goldman Sachs, Bankrate, Gen Xers, boomers, Gen Zers, Zers, Hinterhaus, Drazen Zigic Organizations: Service, Goldman, Getty Locations: millennials

☆ Keep your sweetened CD yields going with this maneuver
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The one-year Treasury bill is yielding 5.47% Wednesday, and one-year CDs at some institutions offer annual percentage yields exceeding 5%. "It always makes sense to look at the landscape," said Danika Waddell, a certified financial planner and founder of Xena Financial Planning. Ally Financial and Bread Financial are among the institutions offering a higher renewal rate for customers who stick around. Consider that about a year ago, the average one-year CD had an APY of less than 1%, according to Bankrate.com . Consider that Synchrony Financial has an 11-month no-penalty CD that offers a 4.5% APY, while its 12-month standard CD yields 5.1%.

Persons: Danika Waddell, Morgan Stanley, Banks, Betsy Graseck, Mark Hamrick, It's, Waddell, Michael Bloom Organizations: Federal Reserve, Treasury, Investors, Xena, PNC, WFC, Bankrate.com, Ally, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp Locations: JPM

☆ Save like a boomer: Younger generations have a chance to make high interest rates work for them
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( Cork Gaines | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Interest rates on traditionally "safer" investments like Treasury bonds are high. Economist Thomas Hogan of the American Institute for Economic Research recently pointed out this upside to the interest rates and how it is helping Americans. "Now, interest rates on US Treasury bonds are at the highest in more than a decade, giving savers a safe, stable place to store their money." If long-term interest rates remain elevated because of higher term premiums, there may be less need to raise the fed funds rate. However, to the extent that strength in the economy is behind the increase in long-term interest rates, the FOMC may need to do more."

Persons: —, Thomas Hogan, Hogan, Jerome Powell, Kevin Dietsch, Tim Hayes, Lorie Logan, Logan Organizations: Service, Treasury, American Institute for Economic Research, Federal, NDR, U.S, Supreme, Dallas Locations: Israel

Retail sales increased 0.7% in September, driven by nonstore retailers and spending at food and drinking establishments, the Census Bureau reported on Tuesday. Even after stripping out autos, as some analysts do, the increase was 0.6%, way above estimates of a 0.2% gain. As long as those trends remain positive, consumers will feel they have the wherewithal to continue shopping. “Consumer spending has been fairly flat over the last two months,” according to Bank of America Institute’s Consumer Checkpoint October report. However, the wages and salaries of higher-income households are still growing at slower rates than other income cohorts.”Many retailers will be looking to the critical holiday season for a boost in sales.

Persons: ”, Ted Rossman Organizations: Census, Bankrate.com, “, Federal Reserve, Employers, Labor Department, Bank of America, ” Bank of America, Cyber, Signifyd’s Commerce

☆ Consumer data is more positive than sentiment, says Bankrate's Ted Rossman
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | 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 EmailConsumer data is more positive than sentiment, says Bankrate's Ted RossmanTed Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate, and Neil Hennessy, Hennessy Funds chief market strategist, join 'The Exchange' to discuss consumer names to watch, consumer credit risk, and cracks starting to emerge in consumer spending health.

Persons: Ted Rossman Ted Rossman, Neil Hennessy, Hennessy Organizations: Hennessy Funds

☆ 56% of workers say they're not on track to retire—here's how much money experts say you actually need
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-13 | by ( Cheyenne Devon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

More than half of Americans say they're not on track to retire. Around 56% of Americans who are working full-time, part-time or are temporarily unemployed feel that they are behind on their retirement savings, according to Bankrate's September survey. And nearly 25% of workers say they haven't made contributions to their retirement accounts in at least a year. Before you determine whether you're ahead or behind on your retirement savings, it can help to have an overall goal in mind. In general, you should aim to have 10 times your preretirement income saved by the time you reach age 67, according to Fidelity.

Persons: Mark Hamrick Organizations: Fidelity, Northwestern Mutual

☆ 5 ways to reduce credit card debt ahead of the holiday shopping season
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Sharon Epperson | In Sharoneppersoncnbc | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

But it's also important to consider the rising cost of carrying credit card debt. Overall, credit card debt in the U.S. has reached a staggering record high of $1.03 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The average consumer carries about $6,000 in credit card debt — a 10-year high. While the free credit reports on annualcreditreport.com will not include your credit score, many credit card companies offer their customers a free look at their credit scores. Work with your card issuerIf you don't qualify for a 0% card or personal loan, contact your card issuer and ask for a lower credit card rate.

Persons: Bankrate, Ted Rossman, they're, it's, Matt Schulz, Louis, —, Schultz, Rod Griffin, Oleksandra, Griffin Organizations: Federal Reserve Bank of New, Federal Reserve Bank of St Locations: U.S, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, annualcreditreport.com

NEW YORK (AP) — Tens of millions of older Americans will see a modest increase in benefits this January when a new cost-of-living adjustment is added to Social Security payments. Here's what to keep in mind:Political Cartoons View All 1209 ImagesHOW DOES SOCIAL SECURITY WORK? The Social Security program pays roughly $1.4 trillion in benefits to more than 71 million people each year, including low-income individuals with disabilities. The short answer is that taxes fund Social Security. While the money is used to pay people currently receiving benefits, any unused money goes to the Social Security trust fund.

Persons: Kathleen Romig, ”, Mark Hamrick, Hamrick, Charles Schwab Organizations: Social, Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer, Social Security, Budget, Bureau of Labor Statistics ’, “, Boomers, Associated Press, Charles, Charles Schwab Foundation, Inc, AP

☆ A recession may still be in the forecast, experts say. Here's how to make sure you're prepared
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Jamie Kelter Davis | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesA recession has been in the forecast for much of 2023. "A recession is obviously going to happen at some point," said Jack Manley, global market strategist at JPMorgan Asset Management. Those factors may prompt the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates higher for longer, Aleman said. Experts say the key is to automate your savings so you do not even see the money in your paycheck. Another advantage to saving now: Rising interest rates mean the potential returns on that money are the highest they have been in 15 years.

Persons: Jamie Kelter Davis, Jack Manley, —, Eugenio Aleman, Raymond James, Aleman, Manley, Barry Glassman, CNBC.com, Glassman, Mark Hamrick, Matt Schulz, Schulz Organizations: Bloomberg, Getty, Asset Management, National Association for Business Economics, Finance, Federal Reserve, Wealth Services, CNBC's, Bankrate Locations: Chicago

☆ The US economy's safety net is bigger than anyone thought
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Americans' excess household savings are much higher than previously thought. The household savings rate was revised from an annual average of 7.9% between 2017 and 2019 to 6.5%. This could be good news for the economyPrior to the revisions, though, many economists thought excess savings would run out quickly. A San Francisco Fed study updated in August estimated excess savings would likely be depleted during the third quarter of 2023. AdvertisementAdvertisementPerhaps more excess savings than previously thought could cheer up some Americans gloomy about the economy.

Persons: —, Société Générale, Bankrate Organizations: Service, Bureau, JPMorgan, BEA, San, San Francisco Fed Locations: San Francisco

☆ Meet the typical hybrid worker: millennial men making 6 figures who would never come into the office on a Friday
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-08 | by ( Juliana Kaplan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Hybrid workers are more likely to be highly educated and make at least six figures. Many of their employers have landed on a happy medium: hybrid work. AdvertisementAdvertisementIn the return-to-office push, the Goldilocks proposition of hybrid schedules has won out at many major companies, including Microsoft and Google. That support is much higher among members of Gen Z and millennials, while 54% of boomers said they'd rather work hybrid than in-person. Gallup's Hybrid Work Indicator found that 52% of US employees in remote-capable jobs are in hybrid roles.

Persons: —, Felicia, Gen, they'd Organizations: Service, Microsoft, Google, Gallup, Bankrate, McKinsey, Bureau of Labor Statistics Locations: America

☆ Even as job creation surges, Americans still think the economy stinks. Here's why
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-07 | by ( Jeff Cox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

"You see all these high-level headline numbers, and those numbers don't jibe with your economic reality," said Elizabeth Crofoot, senior economist at labor analytics firm Lightcast. Higher prices have been one problem. Are the jobs numbers really that good? Beyond the housing costs, there's some evidence that the jobs numbers may not be all they're cracked up to be, either. After all, more than a quarter of the job creation for September came from lower-wage occupations in the leisure and hospitality industry.

Persons: Frederic J, Brown, Elizabeth Crofoot, nonfarm, Joe Biden's, Crofoot, millennials, Jessica Lautz Organizations: Shell, Afp, Getty, Labor Department, Reuters, Consumer, University of Michigan, Consumers, National Association of Realtors, NAR, Federal Reserve Locations: Alhambra , California, U.S

☆ Around 30% of young people want to retire as millionaires—and over half are confident they can do it
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( Cheyenne Devon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Young Americans are setting lofty retirement goals — and they're confident that they'll reach them. To figure out how much you may need in retirement, start by using CNBC Make It's retirement calculator. Regardless of their savings goal, most workers are confident they'll be able to save enough to retire comfortably. Your savings rate is the percentage of your pre-tax income that you put toward a retirement savings account such as a 401(k) or a Roth IRA. Ideally, you should aim for a retirement savings rate of 15%, including any employer match, according to Fidelity.

Persons: —, Zers, Bankrate, Xers, Roth, Marguerita Cheng, DON'T Organizations: Fidelity, CNBC, Blue, Wealth Locations: Bankrate, U.S, — Florida

☆ You're probably going to get a smaller raise next year, new surveys suggest
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( Sarah Jackson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Workers, brace yourselves: You're probably going to get a smaller raise in 2024 than you did this year. Recent surveys show employers are budgeting less for merit-based raises next year. Many workers already effectively took a pay cut last year when their raises didn't keep pace with inflation. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Two recent surveys suggest that employers will be making smaller merit-based raises next year.

Persons: —, Mercer Organizations: Service, Aon, Bloomberg, HR

☆ Self-made millionaire: This couple earns $280,000 a year, but they’re making a ‘catastrophic’ money mistake
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( Cheyenne Devon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Self-made millionaire Ramit Sethi discovered that a couple earning six figures is making a "catastrophic" money mistake. Based on a quick overview of the couple's finances, Sethi found that the couple has zero savings and investments. With this, your initial investment grows exponentially by earning returns not only on the principal amount, but on the interest it accumulates as well. Say your initial investment is $1,000 and you earn an annualized return of 10%, the average stock market return, according to NerdWallet. That year, you'd earn 10% on your entire account total, not just your initial investment.

Persons: Ramit Sethi, Sethi, Rich, Mark Hamrick, you'd Organizations: CNBC Locations: U.S

☆ Beware these debt-laden stocks breaking down under the weight of higher rates
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( Lisa Kailai Han | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Stocks have sold off as Wall Street accepted that the Federal Reserve might keep interest rates higher for longer to crush inflation. Corporate debt refinancings are going to start hitting profits more urgently starting in 2024, according to Wolfe Research chief investment strategist Chris Senyek. "[T]hat higher interest expense is likely to create a $5-$7/share headwind for S & P 500 operating EPS in 2024," Senyek said. Stocks have sold off as Wall Street accepted that the Federal Reserve might keep interest rates higher for longer to crush inflation. "[T]hat higher interest expense is likely to create a $5-$7/share headwind for S&P 500 operating EPS in 2024," Senyek said.

Persons: Stocks, Chris Senyek, —, Senyek, LSEG, RC Willey, George Frey, BAX Baxter, Lockheed Martin, Kellogg Organizations: Labor Department, Wall, Federal Reserve, Wolfe Research, CNBC, General Motors, United Auto Workers, GM, Whirlpool, Kellogg, RC, Bloomberg, Getty, Equity, Lockheed, AEP American Electric Power, Dominion Energy, Motors, Duke Energy, VZ Verizon Communications, Nasdaq, Stock Screener, Whirlpool Corp Locations: Draper , Utah

☆ Holiday shoppers are bracing for more financial strain this year. Here are 3 ways to prepare
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

To that point, many are already getting ahead of holiday expenses. Half of holiday shoppers plan to begin, or have already begun, making purchases before Halloween, according to Bankrate. "The fact that deals start early allows you to research the best options and spread out your cashflow," said Rossman. Overall, think through what your gift-giving budget should be ahead of time so it doesn't create a financial strain. 3 ways to get ahead of holiday spendingwatch now

Persons: David Paul Morris, Hopper, Hayley Berg, Carolyn McClanahan, who's Organizations: Bloomberg, Getty, CNBC, Amazon, Walmart, Planning Partners, CNBC's FA Locations: Jacksonville , Florida, CNBC's

☆ People are 'increasingly tired' of 'guilt tipping,' expert says—but no one wants to feel 'like a jerk or cheapskate'
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Cheyenne Devon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

As touch screens and pre-selected options make tipping more convenient, around 60% of Americans say they're tipping more, according to a recent LendingTree survey. Guilt tipping, explainedNearly a quarter of people say they always feel pressured to tip when the option is presented, according to LendingTree's survey. "It's happening all over the place, and people are getting increasingly tired of it," he says. "People don't want to feel like a jerk or cheapskate," he says. It's worth noting that the business doesn't always decide which tip options you're presented with.

Persons: it's, Matt Schulz, LendingTree's, Schulz, doesn't, Dan Egan Organizations: CNBC

Job openings unexpectedly rose in August by 690,000 in a surprise that was led by a jump in demand for workers in business services, the Labor Department reported on Tuesday. Job openings rise to 9.6 mil from 8.8 mil last month. That means analysts will wait for other data on the job market out this week to see whether the job openings report is an anomaly. The job openings data lag the other labor market reports this week by a month. On Friday, the government will release its monthly jobs report for September with analysts looking for a continued moderation in the pace of growth in employment.

Persons: “, ” Kathy Jones, Charles Schwab, ”, Geno Cutolo, Mark Hamrick, ” Hamrick, Brij Khurana, Khurana Organizations: Labor Department, Charles, Charles Schwab Center, Financial Research, Federal, Wellington Management Locations: North America

Search resuls for: "Bankrate"

25 mentions found