The Motley Fool The fact that the U.S. economy has improved to the point where a fourth stimulus check is unlikely is actually a good thing. But many people don't see it that way. It's easy to overlook the fact that while some people's finances actually improved during the pandemic due to spending less but not earning less, others struggled immensely with income loss and racked up scores of debt in the process. And it's people in that latter group that may have really been counting on seeing...

It's no secret that Americans have some pretty sloppy financial tendencies. But a new roundup from the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) sheds some pretty telling light on just how badly we're doing on the whole. Here are six troublesome personal finance trends that should inspire you to rethink your money-related habits. 1. U.S. credit card debt is rising In December 2018, U.S. consumer credit card debt hit $870 billion, representing its highest total ever, according to the Federal Reserve...

Last year was nirvana for retirement investors, but don't expect a repeat in 2018. USA Today money reporter Adam Shell explains. USA TODAY We're told of the importance of saving for retirement, especially given the way healthcare and other senior living costs continue to rise. But apparently, a large number of workers aren't listening. In fact, one-third of Americans have less than $5,000 set aside for the future, according to new data from Northwestern Mutual. Incidentally, 21% of Americans...

With fewer homes for sale today, would-be buyers are having to get creative about making their bid stand out. USA TODAY Owning a home has long been the American Dream, but if you're thinking you're done once you save that down payment, try again. There are numerous expenses that come with being a homeowner, and if you're not prepared for them, you could wind up wrecking your finances irreparably. With that in mind, here are five things you'll need to save for, on top of whatever down payment...

A Government Accountability Office report cited five common mistakes people make when applying for Social Security. WIBBITZ The future of Social Security is uncertain, and this Fool isn't banking her retirement on it. Countless seniors rely on Social Security to pay the bills in retirement. But today's workers may be losing faith in the program. In fact, 77% are concerned that those benefits won't be available to them once it's their turn to retire, according to Transamerica. Frankly, I can...