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☆ Consumers hate paying for return shipping — it tops jury duty and the DMV in annoyance factor, report finds
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-09 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

As much as consumers love shopping online, most hate to shell out for shipping charges. Paying for return shipping is even worse. These days, 77% of shoppers check the return policy before making a purchase, according to a September survey of 1,500 adults by GoDaddy. Nearly a third, 30%, of consumers said paying for return shipping was more annoying than jury duty and going to the Department of Motor Vehicles. When it comes to winning over customers, return fees matter, other reports also show.

Persons: Optoro, Amena Ali, Amy Jennette Organizations: Parcel Service, GoDaddy, Department of Motor Vehicles, Finance, Miami Locations: New York

☆ Credit card spending growth is slowing — 'consumers have been in a pretty frugal mood,' expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-08 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

watch nowIn the last year, credit card debt spiked to a record $1.14 trillion. Revolving debt, which mostly includes credit card balances, fell 1.2% in August, compared to a year earlier, according to the Federal Reserve's G.19 consumer credit report released on Monday. Nonrevolving debt, such as auto loans and student loans, rose 3.3%. After a prolonged period of high inflation and sky-high interest rates rates, spending habits are adjusting, according to Ted Rossman, Bankrate's senior industry analyst. "Consumers have been in a pretty frugal mood lately," he said.

Persons: Ted Rossman Organizations: Federal, Consumers

☆ Three years ago, this Florida high school started a skilled trades program — now there's a waiting list to get in
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-05 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Angela Ramirez-Riojas, 18, is enrolled in Riverview High School's construction academy. Courtesy: Riverview High SchoolFor Angela Ramirez-Riojas, 18, going to college was always plan B. Ramirez-Riojas, who is a senior at Riverview High School in Riverview, Florida, enrolled in her school's recently opened vocational program in construction. "Construction trades is not just the physical part, there's other parts of it that encompass the whole industry," Lahdenpera said. In fact, new construction hires earn more than new hires in the professional services, according to payroll-services provider ADP.

Persons: Angela Ramirez, Ramirez, Riojas, I've, isn't, Erin Haughey, Riverview's, Haughey, Jeff Lahdenpera, It's, Lahdenpera, Katie Alderman, Ted Jenkin, Gen, There's Organizations: Riverview, Riverview High School, Finance, Teens, Neal Communities, Associated Builders and Contractors, Junior Achievement, Citizens Bank Locations: Riverview, Riverview , Florida, Lakewood Ranch , Florida, Atlanta

"The trend was inevitable," said Teresa Ghilarducci, professor of economics at The New School for Social Research in New York. "The lack of affordable childcare may be playing a role," according to Richard Fry, a senior researcher at Pew. "The childcare crisis, which was simmering prior to the pandemic, has come to a boil," according to a KPMG analysis. A study by the Pew Research Center found that men who are not college-educated leave the workforce at higher rates than men who are. "When you don't get rewarded for working, you work less," Fry said.

Persons: Teresa Ghilarducci, Richard Fry, —, Pew's Fry, Fry Organizations: Federal Reserve, The New School for Social Research, Pew Research Center, Pew, KPMG Locations: New York

☆ Student loan payment 'on-ramp' ends, putting some borrowers at risk of delinquency
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-02 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

watch nowThe one-year grace period for student loan borrowers who miss a payment expired this week. The goal of the 12-month "on ramp" to repayment was to give borrowers some breathing room as they worked student loan payments back into their budgets. Some borrowers haven't made payments in yearsCongress initially passed legislation to allow federal student loan borrowers to pause their loan payments in March 2020 as part of the Covid economic response. It's now been roughly a year since student loan payments resumed. TransUnion data shows that just over half of student loan borrowers made payments over the past several months.

Persons: servicers, haven't, they've, Billy Hensley, Intuit Credit Karma, Karma, Brandon Bell, Ted Jenkin, Jenkin, Sallie Mae's, delinquencies, Liz Pagel, hasn't, Pagel, Andrew Housser, Housser Organizations: National Endowment, Financial Education, CNBC, Financial Wellness, Board, Intuit Credit, Rice University Library, Getty, CNBC's, College, Finance Locations: HOUSTON , TEXAS, Houston , Texas, Atlanta

☆ Massive port strike could have 'devastating consequences' for consumers, expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-01 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Port of Miami dockworkers strike near the port entrance and demand a new labor contract, on October 1, 2024 in Miami, Florida. Giorgio Viera | Afp | Getty ImagesU.S. port strike could cause inflationOverall, the U.S. economy has notched steady progress in lowering inflation, but in most cases price increases are only slowing — not falling outright. However, "the port strike could cause renewed goods-side inflation," she said. At the time, goods weren't hitting the shelves as quickly as consumers wanted them, which drove up prices. The U.S. port strikes could have a similar effect, "setting up a scenario reminiscent of the pandemic-era logistics crisis," Saidel-Baker said.

Persons: Giorgio Viera, Lauren Saidel, Baker, Lisa DeNight, Newmark, CNBC's, Amir Mousavian, Mousavian Organizations: Afp, Getty, Bureau of Labor Statistics, ITR, ILA, United States Maritime Alliance, University of New England's College of Business Locations: Miami, Miami , Florida, U.S

☆ 27% of adults have taken bad money advice from TikTok — here's why so many people get duped
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-26 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

From putting your toddler children on your payroll to claiming your car as a business expense, TikTok is chock-full of potentially bad money advice. Yet, financial TikTok, also known as #FinTok, is one of the most popular sources for financial information and tips, particularly among Generation Z. Now, 27% of social media users say they have fallen for financial advice or information on social media that turned out to be false or misleading, according to a new report by Edelman Financial Engines. Edelman Financial Engines polled more than 3,000 adults over 30 from June to July. Heavy social media users, likely younger Americans, may be particularly susceptible to believing inaccurate financial information found there, according to Edelman Financial Engines.

Persons: Jean Chatzky, HerMoney.com Organizations: Edelman Financial, Finance, Edelman

☆ A 'gender promotion gap' fuels wealth inequality between men and women, Yale professor says
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-25 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

PeopleImagesProgress toward narrowing the gender pay gap has mostly stalled, in part due to something researchers call the "gender promotion gap." Women are about 13% less likely to be promoted than men, according to Shue's research. That imbalance is a major driver in the persistent income inequality between men and women, she said. About 70% of the gender wage gap is due to women occupying different positions compared to men, according to Shue. But even when men and women occupy the same position, women are paid less, she added.

Persons: Kelly Shue, Shue, Lean Organizations: Yale School of Management, CNBC's, Census, National Women's Law, Lean, McKinsey Locations: America

☆ 49% of workers think they can meet their retirement goals — 35% say they will need over $1 million to retire comfortably
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-25 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Overall, 35% of Americans believe they will need more than $1 million to retire and live comfortably, according to a new report by Bankrate.com. Older generations closer to retirement age are more likely to regret not saving for retirement early enough, the CNBC survey found. More than any other money misstep, not saving for retirement early enough is the biggest financial regret for 22% of Americans, according to another recent report by Bankrate. The retirement savings gapOther reports show that a retirement savings shortfall is weighing heavily on Americans, especially as they approach retirement age. "They are focused on their health and financial well-being, but many are at risk of not achieving a financially secure retirement."

Persons: Bankrate, Gen Xers, Zers, Jacqueline Reeves, you'll, Reeves, they're, Catherine Collinson Organizations: Fidelity Investments, Bankrate.com, CNBC, Bryn Mawr Capital Management, Pew, American, Transamerica Center, Retirement Studies, Transamerica Institute Locations: U.S, Bryn Mawr

☆ 'Childless cat lady' is a more common lifestyle choice. Here's what being child-free means for your money
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-24 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The stigma of the "childless cat lady" persists, but these days, more young adults are embracing that label and opting out of parenthood — and benefitting, at least monetarily. Nearly a quarter, or 23%, of millennials and Generation Zers without children do not plan on having children, primarily due to financial reasons, according to a recent consumer spending and saving index by MassMutual. A preference for financial freedom and the inability to afford children are equally cited by 43% of younger generations, MassMutual found. Since the 1970s, the overall share of married adults has declined and fewer couples are having children, according to a 2023 report from Pew Research Center. Although there is a financial benefit, "it's not like you are child-free and checks fall out of the sky," said Jay Zigmont, author of "The Childfree Guide to Life and Money."

Persons: Taylor Swift, Kamala Harris, MassMutual, Pew, Jay Zigmont Organizations: Democratic, Finance, Pew Research Center Locations: Bath, England, U.S

☆ Only 33% of millionaires consider themselves wealthy, report finds. Why it's so hard to feel rich
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-23 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

More borrowers are carrying debt from month to month and a growing number are falling behind on their monthly credit card payments. Over the last year, roughly 9.1% of credit card balances transitioned into delinquency, the New York Fed reported for the second quarter of 2024. Nearly half, 44%, of Americans said credit card debt is the biggest threat to their ability to build wealth, according to Edelman Financial Engines. "High-interest rate credit card debt, more than other sorts of debt, is a savings killer, because when you have it, you have to feed the beast. Among millionaires, 68% said they would need at least $3 million and 40% said feeling wealthy would require $5 million of more.

Persons: Chatzky, — Organizations: Bureau of Labor Statistics, New York Fed, Edelman

☆ How this 'Bachelor' star turned reality TV fame into a small influencer fortune
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-21 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Mari Pepin and Kenny Braasch got engaged on season 7 of "Bachelor in Paradise" and married in 2023. Pepin was a participant on "The Bachelor" season 25, which aired in 2021, and then returned for "Bachelor in Paradise" season 7 later that year. After "Bachelor in Paradise" aired and her following jumped, influencer opportunities followed. Mariela Pepin, who goes by Mari, was a contestant on "The Bachelor" season 25 and then "Bachelor in Paradise" season 7. Still, 57% of Gen Zers said they would like to become an influencer if given the chance, according to a 2023 report from Morning Consult.

Persons: Mari Pepin, Kenny Braasch, Pepin, Kenny Braasch's, Braasch, Mariela Pepin, Mari, influencers, Casey Lewis, Gen Zers, Lewis, Bankrate Organizations: Finance, Pepin, CNBC, Brands Locations: Chicago, U.S

☆ From mortgages to auto loans, experts weigh in on when — or if — to refinance as interest rates fall
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-19 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

So, home loan rates may continue to fluctuate. Don't wait to reassess credit card debtWhen it comes to credit card debt, the math is a little more cut-and-dried. In the wake of the rate hike cycle, the average credit card rate rose from 16.34% in March 2022 to more than 20% today — nearing an all-time high. watch nowAlternatively, borrowers can call their card issuer and ask for a lower interest rate on their current card. Auto loan refinancing options depend on equityAlthough auto loans are fixed, the rates on new-car loans will come down with the Fed's moves.

Persons: Jacob Channel, Matt Schulz, Schulz, you've, Ivan Drury, Edmunds Organizations: Treasury, LendingTree, Auto

☆ The Federal Reserve just cut interest rates by a half point. Here's what that means for your wallet
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

"Interest rates took the elevator going up, but they'll be taking the stairs coming down," he said. That makes paying down high-cost credit card debt a top priority since "interest rates won't fall fast enough to bail you out of a tight situation," McBride said. "Many Americans have been holding off on making vehicle purchases in the hopes that prices and interest rates would come down, or that incentives would make a return," Caldwell said. Student loansFederal student loan rates are also fixed, so most borrowers won't be immediately affected by a rate cut. Eventually, borrowers with existing variable-rate private student loans may be able to refinance into a less expensive fixed-rate loan, he said.

Persons: Spencer Platt, APRs, McBride, they'll, Jacob Channel, Jessica Caldwell, Edmunds, Caldwell, Mark Kantrowitz Organizations: Getty, Treasury, Auto, Fed Locations: New York City, Edmunds

☆ Teens are losing faith in college, giving rise to interest in the skilled trades
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-16 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Although the data shows the rate of high school graduates enrolling within a year of their graduation is significantly higher for students from low poverty high schools. Junior Achievement and Citizen polled 1,000 teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 in July. Roughly half, or 49%, believe a high school degree, trade program, two-year degree or other type of enrichment program is the highest level of education needed for their anticipated career path. "Teens are starting to get a clearer idea, if they are not going to go the college route, of what the alternatives might be," said Ed Grocholski, chief marketing officer at Junior Achievement. Advancements in artificial intelligence and technology training have also helped change the equation for some young people, Junior Achievement found.

Persons: Doug Shapiro, Shapiro, Ed Grocholski Organizations: Student Clearinghouse Research, Finance, Junior Achievement, Citizen

☆ Don't expect 'immediate relief' from the Federal Reserve's first rate cut in years, economist says. Here's why
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-13 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The federal funds rate, which the U.S. central bank sets, is the rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another overnight. Home loan rates have already started to fall, largely due to the prospect of a Fed-induced economic slowdown. Student loansFederal student loan rates are also fixed, so most borrowers won't be immediately affected by a rate cut. Eventually, borrowers with existing variable-rate private student loans may also be able to refinance into a less expensive fixed-rate loan, according to higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz. However, refinancing a federal loan into a private student loan will forgo the safety nets that come with federal loans, he said, "such as deferments, forbearances, income-driven repayment and loan forgiveness and discharge options."

Persons: that's, McBride, Jacob Channel, it's, Matt Schulz, Bankrate's McBride, Mark Kantrowitz Organizations: Treasury, Mortgage, Association, Auto, Consumers Locations: U.S

☆ Americans have more than $32 trillion in home equity — a record high. Here's what to know before you tap it
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Tappable equity is the amount most lenders will allow you to take out while still leaving 20% in the home as a cushion. How to tap your home for cashAlternatively, a home equity loan is a type of second mortgage, which allows borrowers to pull cash while using the house as collateral. However, the current average home equity loan interest rate is 8.52%, according to Bankrate, notably higher than a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. watch nowOtherwise, a home equity line of credit, also known as a HELOC, lets you borrow money against a portion of your home's equity. The average HELOC interest rate is just shy of 10%, according to Bankrate.

Persons: Jacob Channel, Andy Walden, Holden Lewis, Lewis Organizations: Louis Federal Reserve, Intercontinental Exchange's Mortgage, Intercontinental Exchange

☆ Some young adults are opting out of parenthood. Money is a major reason, most say
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

watch nowYoung adults face financial obstaclesOver decades, attitudes about marriage and parenthood have changed. More recently, experts say, the overall cost of living has become a contributing factor in decisions to forgo parenthood. Between 1991 and 2024, the costs for child care rose at nearly twice the pace of overall inflation. But parenthood and related child care costs are not just personal financial issues, he added. "The cost of child care is really an economic growth and productivity issue as well," House said — and that affects all Americans, not just those with young kids.

Persons: Greg McBride, Gen Zers, Pew, Brett House, —, Brett Organizations: Pew Research Center, KPMG, Columbia Business School, Columbia Business Locations: U.S, millennials

☆ These are the top 10 highest-paying college majors — two have six-figure starting salaries
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-05 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

College still pays off, but the return on investment largely depends on your choice of major. College graduates earn 37% more than those with only a high school diploma, according to a new report by Payscale. But as the cost of a degree rises, it is increasingly important to consider both your area of concentration and future earnings potential before taking out student loans to pay for college, most experts say. Often, a good rule of thumb is not to borrow more than you expect to earn as a starting salary. To that end, Payscale ranked which majors are the most financially rewarding, after accounting for salaries at the entry level and median income years down the road.

Persons: Amy Stewart, Payscale's Organizations: College, Payscale, Finance

☆ 40% of workers are behind on retirement planning. Not saving earlier was the biggest mistake
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-04 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Thomas BarwickMolly Richardson, 35, regularly contributes to her 401(k) plan, but the structural engineer said she isn't too worried about retirement yet. "There are so many individuals, young, mid-career and deep into their career, that are not saving enough for a healthy and secure retirement," said Jacqueline Reeves, the director of retirement plan services at Bryn Mawr Capital Management. The retirement savings shortfallOther reports show that a retirement savings shortfall is weighing heavily on Americans as they approach retirement age. LiveCareer's retirement fears survey found that 82% of workers have considered delaying their retirement due to financial reasons, while 92% fear they may need to work longer than originally planned. More than any other money misstep, not saving for retirement early enough is the biggest financial regret for 22% of Americans, according to another report by Bankrate.

Persons: Thomas Barwick Molly Richardson, isn't, Richardson, Gen Xers, Zers, Jacqueline Reeves, Reeves, Lisa Cutter, Cutter, they're, Catherine Collinson, you'll, Bryn Mawr's Reeves, Greg McBride Organizations: CNBC, Bryn Mawr Capital Management, Fidelity Investments, Pew Charitable, American, Transamerica Center, Retirement Studies, Transamerica Institute, Bankrate Locations: Jacksonville , Florida, U.S, Bryn Mawr, Terre Haute , Indiana

☆ 'Rush' hour isn’t what it used to be. Working 10-to-4 is the new 9-to-5, commuting data shows
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-03 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Afternoon commuters sit in traffic on southbound Interstate 5 near downtown San Diego on March 12, 2024. Kevin Carter | Getty Images"Rush" hour isn't what it used to be. Ridership sank during the pandemic, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis data shows, and never fully recovered. The result is a surge in traffic congestion throughout the peak midday and evening hours, according to Pishue. "Pre-Covid, the morning rush hour would be a peak and then the evening peak would be much larger," he said, describing two apexes with a valley in between.

Persons: Kevin Carter, Bob Pishue, Louis, Gallup Organizations: INRIX Inc, Midday, Federal Reserve Bank of St Locations: San Diego

The average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 6.35% on August 29 from 6.46% a week ago, the lowest mortgage rates have been in 15 months, according to Freddie Mac. "I bought a house when [the mortgage rate] was 15% and then I refinanced." "No bank is ever going to give you a true no closing cost loan at the lowest possible rate. And buying with the goal of refinancing is always taking a gamble on mortgage rates, which comes with a certain amount of risk. Even though recent declines in mortgage rates may gain steam as the Fed lowers its benchmark rate, lower mortgage rates could also boost homebuying demand, which would push prices higher.

Persons: Freddie Mac, Jacob Channel, Dottie Herman, Douglas Elliman, I've, Melissa Cohn, William Raveis, Banks, Cohn, Keith Gumbinger, Michael Krowe, Krowe Organizations: Brigade, Getty, Federal, LendingTree, Fed, William Raveis Mortgage, HSH.com, Edelman Locations: New York

☆ Designer 'dupes' go mainstream as shoppers choose affordability over luxury. 'It just makes more financial sense,' expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-14 | by ( Jessica Dickler Ana Teresa Solá | Jessica Dickler | Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

From leggings to lip gloss, there's a dupe for almost any brand-name product. Buying a knockoff used to be a consumer's dirty little secret, largely because a "fake" was considered inferior to the real thing, not to mention the economic cost and intellectual property rights infringement. But brand imitators, also known as dupes — short for duplicates — have elbowed their way into the mainstream and are now even cool. "It's not a direct knockoff, it's kind of revising something that's very chic from a designer world into a more accessible product," Walker said. Even when consumers can get the real thing, nearly 33% of adults intentionally purchased a dupe of a premium product at some point, according to a report by Morning Consult.

Persons: Sara Walker, Walker, Ellyn Briggs Organizations: Finance, Morning Locations: Los Angeles

☆ FAFSA rollout was 'a stunning failure,' college aid expert says. Here's how next year will compare
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-13 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

watch nowBy most accounts, the rollout of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as FAFSA, was disastrous from the start. Even now, some college students don't know the status of their aid awards for the fall. "The Department's poor planning has led to a stunning failure: Some college students might not have financial aid dollars in their hands in time to start classes in the next few weeks," said Beth Maglione, interim president and CEO of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. Families 'are falling back on borrowing for college'For many families, financial aid is crucial when it comes to covering college costs, which have now crept into the six figures. The share of parents taking out federal parent PLUS loans to help cover the costs of their children's college education has also grown, other studies show.

Persons: Beth Maglione, Education Miguel Cardona, Mark Kantrowitz, —, Kantrowitz, Sallie Mae's, Jennifer Berg, Sallie Mae, " Berg Organizations: Federal Student Aid, National Association of Student Financial, U.S . Department of Education, Education Department, Department, Education, Finance, Harvard, College

☆ Trump, Vance double down on call for presidential influence on Fed policy
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-12 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Joe Raedle | Getty ImagesThe president has no direct control over interest ratesAs it stands, the president exerts no direct control over interest rates. The Federal Reserve sets interest rates, and it operates independently of the White House. Last month, Trump said that if elected he would "bring interest rates way down." Now, however, Trump has cautioned against the Fed lowering rates shortly before the presidential election in November. "I think he's going to do something to probably help the Democrats, I think, if he lowers interest rates."

Persons: Donald Trump, Joe Raedle, Brett House, Trump, Fed Trump, Jerome Powell, Trump's, reappoint Powell, Powell, Greg McBride, Wells Fargo Organizations: Federal Reserve, White, Fed, Columbia Business School, Reserve Act, Republican, National Association of Black Journalists, Markets, U.S, Bloomberg Businessweek, Fox Business, Barclays Locations: Lago, Palm Beach , Florida, Chicago

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