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☆ 25% of consumers recently used a buy now, pay later loan, report finds. What to know as they become popular
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-28 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

As buy now, pay later programs become more common, some shoppers are using this payment structure to make ends meet. Such short-term financing plans are the second-most-used form of credit payment among consumers in the U.S., according to a new report by NerdWallet. Meanwhile, 25% said they had used BNPL services in the last 12 months. Far fewer consumers had used a cash advance app (10%) or a payday loan (6%) in the last 12 months, NerdWallet found. An equal share, 8%, expect to use BNPL for necessities in the coming 12 months.

Persons: Elizabeth Warren, NerdWallet, Sara Rathner, it's, Rathner Organizations: Federal Reserve Bank of New, NerdWallet, Finance Locations: Federal Reserve Bank of New York, U.S

☆ 7 remote and hybrid companies that will pay for your vacation—they're all hiring
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-27 | by ( Morgan Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A majority, 78%, of U.S. workers say they don't use all of their PTO, according to a new Harris Poll survey of 1,170 American workers. People cited busy schedules, heavy workloads and a persistent "pressure to always be available" as the biggest impediments to taking more time off. Still, paid time off is a sought-after benefit among U.S. workers, with 48% saying they would rather have more PTO than a higher salary, the Harris Poll found. Others are offering to help offset the cost of employees' vacations, either with flight or hotel credits. If you're looking for a flexible job that will allow you to work remotely and help you afford to travel more, these seven companies are hiring for remote and hybrid roles and help pay for employees' vacations, according to FlexJobs:

Organizations: Harris Locations: U.S

☆ I bought my first home this year: 7 things I wish I'd done before getting serious about my search
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-20 | by ( Celia Fernandez | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

When my partner and I signed a two-year lease to move into our second New York City apartment together in 2021, we agreed that the next place we lived in would be ours. New York City is where I grew up, and I am not ready to give up my status as a "passenger princess" — yes, I'm 31 and don't have a driver's license. "There are four things that go into getting a mortgage: your credit, your income, your assets, and the property," Forbes says. The application process for a program like the New York City HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance Program or the NYS AHC grant can take several months. My partner and I bought a co-op, which is very common in New York City.

Persons: We've, Dave Forbes, Forbes, you've, Z, Gen Zers, millennials, wouldn't Organizations: New, Chase, NYS, Qualtrics, National Association of Housing Cooperatives, Rocket Mortgage Locations: New York City, Riverdale, Bronx , New York, Manhattan, Midtown, New York State, New York, That's, millennials, .

☆ Some vacationers expect to carry summer travel debt, report finds. Here's how to avoid that
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-17 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

About 86.6% of Hopper users expect to travel this summer, but 72.5% have not booked their trips yet, according to the outlook. "Leaving a balance in your credit card is not necessarily good for your credit score." Plus you're adding to the expense of that purchase, with average credit card interest rates topping 20%. Book summer travel plans soon: The sooner you book your travel plans, the lower the upfront cost will tend to be. You might still have time to book late summer, early fall trips, she explained.

Persons: Klaus Vedfelt, Hopper, Berg, " Berg, Sally French, Cardholders Organizations: Digitalvision, Getty, United Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Federal Reserve Bank of New, Labor Locations: Federal Reserve Bank of New York, U.S

☆ Buckle up America: Powell says interest rates will likely stay higher for longer as inflation stubbornly refuses to come down
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | Madison Hoff | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewInflation and interest rates are still high, but Americans shouldn't count on any relief just yet. Advertisement"The status of the battle against inflation requires that interest rates remain elevated in the near-term," Hamrick said. "The first quarter in the United States was notable for its lack of further progress on inflation," Powell said during the panel. But while job seekers and workers may find this cooldown concerning, that moderation is also welcome and the labor market is still strong. "Paired with high borrowing costs — like high interest rates on your credit cards — and the current economy can feel quite uncomfortable," Renter added.

Persons: —, That's, Mark Hamrick, Hamrick, Jerome Powell, Powell, Joanne Hsu, Nick Bunker, Ted Rossman, Rossman, Elizabeth Renter, Renter, it's Organizations: Service, Federal Reserve, Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI, Business, Federal, University of Michigan, North America Locations: Amsterdam, United States, —

☆ NerdWallet CEO talks the current lending environment
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

In this videoShare Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailNerdWallet CEO talks the current lending environmentTim Chen, NerdWallet CEO, joins 'Closing Bell Overtime' to talk quarterly results, the current lending environment, and more.

Persons: Tim Chen

☆ How my family of 4 overhauled our lazy budget to save over $450 a month. Offering our teenagers a share in the savings was key.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-20 | by ( Cork Gaines | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Over the last two years, our family has overhauled our budget to combat inflation. Here are eight ways my family got our money situation under control. AdvertisementWith inflation still hitting bank accounts hard, our family of four — which includes two teenagers — realized it was time to start taking our household budget more seriously. Over the last two years, our family has overhauled our budget, created important financial habits, and even involved our daughters. Here are some ways we got our money situation under control.

Persons: — Organizations: Service

☆ The growing reason people can't afford to own a home
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-20 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Rising insurance costs could keep homeownership out of reach for many. AdvertisementAdding to that, as the climate crisis escalates, it's likely homeowners insurance will only become more expensive. The climate crisis is causing homeowners' insurance costs to riseThe average American homeowner pays $1,915 a year in insurance costs — about $160 a month — per NerdWallet. For instance, insurance rates increase in states with more severe natural disasters. Have you chosen to rent or move because of homeownership costs?

Persons: Laura Longero, Zers Organizations: Service, Business, Federal Reserve, Insurance, Farm, Allstate, Casualty Insurance, US Bureau of Labor Statistics Locations: Oklahoma, California, California , Florida, Texas, Florida

☆ Who should pay for the first date? Dating coaches and a couples therapist weigh in
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

"The man should pay for the first date," said Blaine Anderson, a dating coach for men. Most Americans, 72%, say a man should pay for the first date, according to a recent NerdWallet survey. Whoever pays, the average person pays $77 for a first date, according to a LendingTree survey. The average man paid $861 on dates in 2019 while the average woman spent $500, LendingTree found. Feeling the need to go to a fancy dinner to impress your date means "you're approaching the date wrong," she said.

Persons: Blaine Anderson, Erika Ettin, Ettin, LendingTree, Anderson, Blaine

☆ Here's what the Credit Card Competition Act could do to your airline miles and travel rewards
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-07 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Major airlines' bottom line depends on credit card companiesThe Credit Card Competition Act , which was introduced to Congress in June 2023 would require major banks to use at least one credit card payment network that isn't Mastercard or Visa — companies that control more than 80% of US credit card transactions — to introduce more competition into the credit card market. AdvertisementSen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, is the lead sponsor of the Credit Card Competition Act. AdvertisementCredit card rewards incentivize travelersBusinesses typically make up for these credit card swipe fees by raising prices for customers. Bohorquez, however, said increased credit card competition is unlikely to lower prices in practice. "I hope that people continue to earn and enjoy their credit card points and take a lot of free trips."

Persons: —, Jess Bohorquez, Bohorquez, she's, Banks, Sen, Dick Durbin, Durbin, I'm Organizations: Service, Sydney Opera House, Business, Federal, Mastercard, Visa, Airlines, United, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, BI, Airlines for America, American Airlines, America, Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs, House Locations: Illinois, Delta

☆ 'Guilt tipping' is getting out of control, but signs show consumers are pushing back
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-31 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Indeed, the pressure to tip has increased over the past year, NerdWallet's consumer budgeting report also found — a feeling now known as "guilt tipping." 'Guilt tipping' is on the riseParticularly when it comes to payment prompts with predetermined options that can range between 15% and 35% for each transaction, "the guilt kind of washes over you," Self said. However, "you are not obligated to tip," Self added. Too often, consumers feel obligated to tip, he said. In the end, he said, that will be what causes business owners to scale back on suggested tip amounts or eliminate tip prompts altogether.

Persons: Tim Self, Jgi, jamie Grill, Alex Skijus Organizations: Austin Peay State University, True, Wealth Management Locations: Clarksville , Tennessee, Tampa , Florida

☆ 3 money moves to make in your 30s to set yourself up for financial success
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-31 | by ( Annie Probert | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Your 30s are a decade often marked by big financial steps, from buying your first home to switching jobs to saving for future children. With more working years under your belt, you're likely making more money than you did in your 20s — but it can still be confusing to know exactly what you should be doing with it to set yourself up for financial success into your 40s and beyond. A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account sponsored and operated by all 50 states and the District of Columbia. If you open a 529 account when your child is born, you'll have around 18 years to save and grow your investments, says Fincher. State tax deductions for 529 contributions also make these college savings plans appealing, though every state is different.

Persons: Andrew Fincher, you'll, Fincher Organizations: Financial, District of Columbia Locations: U.S

☆ Pet insurance didn't feel worth it—until my cat needed a $3,000 surgery
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-30 | by ( Mike Winters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

My wife and I never gave pet insurance much thought, until our cat Wally needed a $3,000 surgery. My wife and I never gave pet insurance much thought — until we were told our cat Wally needed surgery that would cost nearly $3,000. Apparently, we weren't alone in that thinking, as only about 25% of pet owners have pet insurance, according to a recent NerdWallet survey. What you get with pet insuranceTypically, pet insurance covers accidents, illness and wellness, which pays for routine care like annual exams. How to know whether pet insurance is right for youFinancial planners who spoke with CNBC Make It were divided on whether pet insurance is worth the cost.

Persons: Wally, Mike Winters, periodontitis, there's, Rikin Shah, Carol Fabbri, — Organizations: CNBC, Insurance Locations: Denver

☆ Influencer Tori Dunlap is spurring women to maximize their savings and invest in the stock market
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Alex Harring | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Sarah WolfeAs Tiffany Mane read a personal finance book during her train ride to work, a woman sitting near her acknowledged that she, too, knew of the author. And there's a cyclical effect at play: Women utilize Dunlap's resources to improve their financial lives, and then share the information with others. A 2021 survey from NerdWallet showed women were less likely to be invested in the stock market than their male counterparts. "This kind of identity-focused personal finance is 100% necessary, and is the future of personal finance." In that group, members share financial wins and trade advice on topics like which banks or credit cards to use.

Persons: Sarah Wolfe, Tiffany Mane, Mane, Tori Dunlap, Dunlap, isn't, She's, Annamaria Lusardi, Lusardi Organizations: D.C, Finance, Facebook, Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, Global Financial Locations: Washington, York, NerdWallet

☆ Car insurance rates are at a 50-year high. Here's 3 ways you can keep your costs low, according to an expert
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

American car insurance rates have reached a 50-year high, outpacing inflation. "All of these work together to create a situation where car insurance is a lot more expensive," she said. Additionally, the state drivers live in — and the local impact of the climate crisis — has a significant effect on car insurance rates. According to personal finance company NerdWallet, full coverage car insurance premiums nearly double if a driver is at fault for a crash. Car insurance rates are higher for families with teenagers, with rates going up 70% to 150% once someone under 18 is added to a family car insurance policy.

Persons: Laura Longero, Longero, What's Organizations: Service, Insurance, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, . Insurance, US Department of Transportation Locations: —

☆ March Madness student-athlete marketing is leveling up in 2024. Here are the strategies brands are using.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-22 | by ( Dan Whateley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

But influencer marketers who run student-athlete campaigns are just getting started. Performance is also straightforward to measure, as NIL campaigns typically live on Instagram or TikTok, where "likes" and views can help benchmark engagement. And as more games kick off, we should see a bump in student-athlete marketing activity from previous years, marketers and NIL experts told Business Insider. The company, which worked with NIL firm Opendorse on its first foray into student-athlete marketing, said it also plans to offer career planning and mentorship to players. Student-athlete marketing is more flexible than traditional advertising.

Persons: —, Goldman Sachs, Kim DeCarolis, she'd, Sam Weber, We've, University of Iowa's Caitlin Clark, Staley Gibson, Epsilon's hashtag, Saint Peter's, Doug Edert, MOGL's Syal, OpenSponsorship's Gibson, Syal, They're Organizations: CBS Sports, Business, Altius Sports Partners, NCAA, University of Iowa's, Epsilon, Buffalo Wild Wings, MOGL

☆ The dark side of DINKs: People who want kids but can't afford them
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-16 | by ( Juliana Kaplan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Some DINKs are using their higher net worth to retire early, travel, and afford luxury items. But there's an even darker side to DINKs: The slice that forgoes kids not by choice but out of necessity. It's difficult to parse out the exact number of Americans who might want kids but can't have them. We know that the childfree group — people who don't want kids — might be about 20% of the US adult population. It's contributing to a whole population of DINKs who can't afford to shed the moniker.

Persons: DINK, —, you've, Gen Zers, it's, Kimberly Palmer, Kathryn Edwards, Larry Bienz, he's, Bienz, civically, let's, Amelia, Kevin, They've, We're, Amelia's, Roe, Wade, Zachary Neal, Neal, Jennifer Neal, Priscilla Davies, she's, Davies, They're Organizations: Service, Harris, RAND Corporation, American Society for Reproductive, US Children's Bureau, Michigan State Locations: NerdWallet, DINKs, Chicago, Michigan

☆ Meet a millennial DINK who feels like an outlier in a child-centric world
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-02 | by ( Juliana Kaplan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

None of that was true for her, but today she is part of a double-income, no-kids — or DINK — couple. AdvertisementWhile Michelle and her spouse's parents have been supportive, the couple still feels the weight of a culture that's oriented around having kids. There's also a familiar refrain — one that many DINKs come up against — that it's a selfish decision to forego having kids. AdvertisementShe thinks that being a DINK, and opting into it as a lifestyle choice, needs to be more normalized. Are you a DINK or someone grappling with the realities of a child-centric world?

Persons: Michelle, DINK, —, Michelle didn't, DINK —, They've, She's, it's, Zachary P, Neal, Jennifer Watling Neal, childfree, There's, they're Organizations: Service Locations: DINKs, North Carolina, Europe, Orlando, NerdWallet

Customers look at appliances for sale at a Best Buy store in Miami, Florida, Oct. 8, 2021. However, the machine broke for the same reason again a few months later, and then again shortly after that. After the mechanic's third visit, Rathner said he told her, "You need to stop calling me and just buy a new dryer. watch nowHomeowners spend about 34% more on appliances than they did 15 years ago, "above and beyond inflation," Tomalak said. "Homeowners are purchasing appliances with more bells and whistles, but which become obsolete sooner and have more aspects to repair versus appliances years ago," he said.

Persons: Joe Raedle, Sara Rathner didn't, Rathner, Todd Tomalak, Tomalak, Brian Laung Aoaeh, Aoaeh Organizations: Getty, Finance, Zonda Media, Refashiond Ventures Locations: Miami , Florida, Richmond , Virginia, New York

Payment apps have come under scrutiny by lawmakers and regulators as their usage skyrockets. That ease of use has 80% of Americans using mobile payment apps, according to a recent survey by NerdWallet. Transaction volume across all payment app service providers in 2022 was estimated at about $893 billion, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Lawmakers are also calling on payment app companies to clarify their reimbursement policy if consumers get scammed and to make it easier for users to report fraud. In the meantime, experts say that consumers need to understand how these apps work, the fees that may be charged and the risks involved in storing money in a mobile payment app.

Persons: Amy Zirkle, Sen, Sherrod Brown Organizations: Consumer Financial, Finance, Democratic, Capitol, Banking Locations: Ohio

☆ 3 signs the economy is thriving — and 3 red flags to monitor
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | Madison Hoff | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Positive labor market data and GDP growth support this, but job opportunities in some sectors are down. Not all job data is positive, with job openings falling from their post-pandemic highs. Below are some of the signs the economy is thriving, as well as some warning signs. Labor market data is mostly positiveThe labor market is still stable despite gradually slowing, Kimbrough said during the forum. "I think the investment side of our economy is going to start to chip away a little bit at the discretionary consumption weight in our economy."

Persons: —, Marc Giannoni, LinkedIn's Karin Kimbrough, Charles Schwab's Liz Ann Sonders, Giannoni, Kimbrough, Jerome Powell, Powell, NerdWallet's Elizabeth Renter, Sonders, They're, there’s, there's, — Kimbrough, it’s Organizations: Federal, Service, Barclays, NYU Stern Economic, Labor, Conference, University of Michigan's, Market Committee, Health, New, New York City Housing Locations: York, New York City

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves after the bell: Cisco, Twilio, Tripadvisor and more
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Jesse Pound | In Jesse-Pound | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Applovin reported 49 cents in earnings per share on $953 million of revenue. Analysts surveyed by LSEG were expecting 35 cents in earnings per share on $928 million of revenue. In the fourth quarter, Tripadvisor reported adjusted earnings of 38 cents per share on revenue of $390 million. Analysts surveyed by LSEG anticipated earnings of 22 cents a share and revenue of $374 million. NerdWallet reported a loss of 3 cents per share, while analysts were expecting 10 cents of positive earnings per share, according to LSEG.

Persons: Applovin, LSEG, Twilio, Albemarle, Tripadvisor, NerdWallet, Fastly Organizations: Cisco, Informatica — Locations: China, Informatica

Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). Annual fees increase between 18% to 52% on six consumer and business Delta SkyMiles credit cards. American Express and Delta Air Lines increased annual fees across their co-branded airline credit cards today for consumer and business credit cards alike. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card cardholders will receive $2,500 Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) every qualifying year, beginning February 1, which will give them a jumpstart toward earning Delta status each year. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card cardholders can now spend above their credit limit, albeit within a certain undisclosed extent.

Persons: Resy, Katherine Fan, I've, Guy, NerdWallet, I'm, you'll, Read Organizations: Delta, American Express, Delta Air Lines, Delta SkyMiles, Delta SkyMiles ®, Express, Finance, Business, Forbes, USA, Austin American, Statesman, Associated Press, Google, MSN, University of Texas Locations: Hawaii , Alaska, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, delta.com, Delta, Austin, Southwest, Texas, Taiwan, New York City

☆ It’s National Plan for Vacation Day. Here are 4 big ways to save on your next trip
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Travelcouples | Moment | Getty ImagesJan. 30 is National Plan for Vacation Day — and travelers mapping out their next excursion have a few reliable money-saving hacks at their disposal. Avoid peak seasonTraveling during a destination's shoulder or off season — and avoiding its busiest periods — is a surefire way to save big bucks, experts said. "Shifting away from the peak, peak months, even weeks, is key," said Hayley Berg, lead economist at Hopper, a travel app. June through August are generally among the busiest months for domestic and overseas trips — and that often means higher prices. watch nowFor example, on average, travelers can save 32%, or $112, on round-trip domestic airfare by going during September and October instead of peak summer months, according to Hopper data.

Persons: Hayley Berg, Hopper, Berg, Sally French Organizations: —, Savings, Finance, Google Locations: New Europe, Oceania, Las Vegas, Miami, Cancun

☆ Here are 3 ways Gen Zers can build credit before renting their own place
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-15 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Fg Trade | E+ | Getty ImagesRising inventory is helping push rent prices down. Many Gen Zers are still living with their parentsWhile some older Gen Zers were able to become homeowners during the Covid-19 pandemic, most did not. Gen Z includes those born between 1996 and 2012, according to Pew Research Center's definition, and the youngest members of that cohort are still teens and tweens. Of the Gen Z adults who currently rent, 27% say they can no longer afford the cost, the firm found. In the meantime, there are ways Gen Z adults can prepare, especially those at home saving on expenses.

Persons: Gen, Daryl Fairweather, Jacob Channel, It's, Zers, Intuit Credit Karma, Melissa Lambarena Organizations: Pew Research, Intuit Credit, Finance Locations: U.S

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