Tag:

Budgeting

Saratoga Springs, NY
Lifestyle
Americans Now Scaling Back On Travel, Survey Says: Here's Why Americans Now Scaling Back On Travel, Survey Says: Here's Why
Americans Now Scaling Back On Travel, Survey Says: Here's Why A shift in how Americans plan their trips is offering new insight into what’s driving travel decisions this year. More Americans are scaling back how much they spend on travel, according to a Talker Research survey of 2,000 Americans commissioned by CheapCaribbean Vacations that highlights a growing focus on value. The study found that 58 percent plan to spend less on travel than they did last year, with budgets down an average of 23 percent. Three in four respondents said their travel budget does not stretch as far due to higher prices. Rising costs appear to be reshaping behavior. Seven …

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by Joe Lombardi
Hartford, CT
Business
Higher Costs Grounding Winter Travel Plans For Most Americans, Survey Finds Higher Costs Grounding Winter Travel Plans For Most Americans, Survey Finds
Higher Costs Grounding Winter Travel Plans For Most Americans, Survey Finds Winter vacations are feeling out of reach for many Americans, as rising prices and President Donald Trump’s tariffs squeeze household budgets, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 Winter Travel Survey on Wednesday, Oct. 15. The personal finance website found that 54% of Americans say inflation will affect their winter travel plans. More than half (51%) also believe that a weaker dollar will impact what they can afford. According to Morgan Stanley, the US dollar's value fell about 11% in the first half of 2025, the biggest drop since 1973. One in four Americans sa…

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by Chris Spiker
Hartford, CT
Schools
School Lunches Are Costing Families More Than Ever: Here's Why School Lunches Are Costing Families More Than Ever: Here's Why
School Lunches Are Costing Families More Than Ever: Here's Why As the new school year gets closer, parents are preparing to pay more to pack a lunch, with many changing what will be in their kids' lunchboxes to save money. Nearly half of parents and caregivers (48%) expect to pay more for school-day lunches this year than last, according to Deloitte's 2025 Back-to-School Survey. The study also found that grocery prices are 23% higher than they were in 2020. The increase comes as many everyday staples are getting more expensive under President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs on imports, which economists say are raising costs on a variety of foods f…

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by Chris Spiker
Chester, PA
News
Here's Percentage Of Americans Who Feel 'Very Good' About Their Finances Here's Percentage Of Americans Who Feel 'Very Good' About Their Finances
Here's Percentage Of Americans Who Feel 'Very Good' About Their Finances A new poll has revealed how many Americans currently feel “very good” about their finances — and the number might surprise you. The study of 2,000 adults from the general population found that just 13 percent of respondents described feeling “very good” about their finances, while 28 percent said they feel “somewhat good.” The research, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Beyond Finance ahead of Financial Practice Week, also revealed that many Americans are trying to take proactive steps toward improving their financial future.  More than eight in 10 respondents (84 percent) sai…

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by Joe Lombardi
Stone Ridge, VA
Lifestyle
These Are Top Signs You Need A Vacation, Survey Reveals These Are Top Signs You Need A Vacation, Survey Reveals
These Are Top Signs You Need A Vacation, Survey Reveals If your mind starts drifting to sandy beaches while you're still staring at your inbox, you're not alone. A new survey finds that nearly six in 10 Americans are mentally “out of office” before they even set their OOO message. And seven in 10 say they’re already in vacation mode three days before departure. The poll, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of CheapCaribbean, analyzed the habits and mindset of 2,000 American adults when it comes to preparing for a getaway — and the results suggest many are long overdue for some time off. Among those surveyed, 47 percent of employed respondent…

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by Joe Lombardi
Newark, NJ
News
NJ Families See Groceries Take Smallest Share Of Income In US, New Study Says NJ Families See Groceries Take Smallest Share Of Income In US, New Study Says
NJ Families See Groceries Take Smallest Share Of Income In US, New Study Says Inflation and soaring grocery prices are squeezing US households at the beginning of 2025, but a new study says Northeast families are spending less of their income on food than other parts of the country. A study from WalletHub called States Where People Spend the Most & Least on Groceries was released on Thursday, Feb. 13. Despite higher food costs, residents in many Northeast and mid-Atlantic states spend a smaller share of their incomes on groceries compared to others. WalletHub said the cost of groceries has surged more than 25 percent since 2019, straining household…

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by Chris Spiker
Silver Spring, MD
Lifestyle
License To Win: Lottery Luck Drives DC Man To Big Payout On Ticket Sold In Silver Spring License To Win: Lottery Luck Drives DC Man To Big Payout On Ticket Sold In Silver Spring
License To Win: Lottery Luck Drives DC Man To Big Payout On Ticket Sold In Silver Spring Some folks say the stars have to align for a big lottery win, but for Carlos Gamez, it seems the key is all in the numbers—and maybe his license plate. The District resident hit the jackpot not once but twice, using the same digits: 82524.  The sequence, tied to a license plate and a memorable date, drove him to nearly $75,000 in winnings in the DMV.  It’s safe to say Aug. 25, 2024, was no ordinary day for Gamez—and it’s one he’ll never forget. Gamez's streak started on that day, when he turned the numbers 82524 into a $50,425 prize playing the DC Lottery’s DC5 game.  The …

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by Zak Failla
Torrington, CT
Lifestyle
Chip Away at Student Loans with Price Chopper & Market 32! Chip Away at Student Loans with Price Chopper & Market 32!
Chip Away at Student Loans with Price Chopper & Market 32! Sponsored by our friends at Price Chopper & Market 32 For many college graduates, student loans are a significant financial burden that can feel overwhelming. Whether you're juggling multiple loans or working with a tight budget, finding ways to reduce your expenses and make a dent in your student loan balance is essential. Thankfully, there's a resource that can help you save money on everyday essentials and stretch your budget further: Price Chopper and Market 32. While we are your local grocery store, we are so much more than that. We are your community partner and want to help famili…

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Content Partner: Price Chopper & Market 32
Albany, NY
Lifestyle
'Crucial' Financial Literacy Programs Aim To Help Low-Income Families In Capital Region, Beyond 'Crucial' Financial Literacy Programs Aim To Help Low-Income Families In Capital Region, Beyond
'Crucial' Financial Literacy Programs Aim To Help Low-Income Families In Capital Region, Beyond Leaders in Albany are seeking to help New Yorkers better manage their money. The New York Department of State has awarded a total of $1.1 million in grant funding to 11 community organizations to establish financial literacy programs. The programs, open to individuals at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, will offer one-on-one coaching with financial professionals as well as education on budgeting and money management. Participants will receive information on homeownership, improving their credit scores, and decreasing dependance on credit card debt.  The program…

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by Michael Mashburn
Brentwood, NY
Business
Suffolk County Sees Bond Rating Kicked Up A Notch Suffolk County Sees Bond Rating Kicked Up A Notch
Suffolk County Sees Bond Rating Kicked Up A Notch Suffolk County’s bond rating is at its highest level in nearly five years, according to S&P Global Ratings. The rating agency this week upgraded Suffolk’s rating from BBB+ to A-, the first time it's been that high since 2017, which credits the county’s commitment to improving the finances both short and long term, they stated. 
“This positive news validates that our fiscally responsible approach to budgeting is working and moving Suffolk County in the right direction,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said in a statement. “Even as we were forced to confront unexpected crises from…

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by Zak Failla
Mahopac, NY
Real Estate
How Much Should I Spend On My First Home? How Much Should I Spend On My First Home?
How Much Should I Spend On My First Home? One of the biggest questions for first-time homebuyers is, "How much can I afford?" Before you start looking for a home, you should absolutely have your budget in mind. You don’t want to fall in love with a home that’s out of your price-range only to be disappointed that you can’t afford it. Here are some tips on how to determine your home-buying budget. Can you use your rent as a good indicator of a monthly payment? When determining a budget, there are two questions: What can I afford to pay every month? And, what can I afford to purchase? Some buyers might start their search thinking th…

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Content Partner: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
Bergenfield, NJ
Lifestyle
How To Create A Healthy Budget For You And Your Family How To Create A Healthy Budget For You And Your Family
How To Create A Healthy Budget For You And Your Family Today's world is one of immediate gratification. Everyone wants what they desire faster and easier. Efficient financial management can help you meet your personal financial objectives within your means. These tips will help to enhance your personal finance efforts. Step 1: Pay Yourself First • It is an excellent practice to make sure the first one paid is yourself. That is to say, you should allocate at least some amount, however small it may be, to regular and consistent savings so as to build up a cash reserve for emergencies and save for retirement. Step 2: Classify Your Expenses • St…

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Content Partner: Oritani Bank
Newburgh, NY
Lifestyle
WVFSL Explains How Budgeting Makes Giving Easier WVFSL Explains How Budgeting Makes Giving Easier
Wvfsl Explains How Budgeting Makes Giving Easier Giving makes us happier. It’s not just a nice sentiment; there is real science behind it. When we give, we get the same rush as when we enjoy a piece of chocolate. And it doesn’t seem to matter how much we give, the rush is the same -- the feeling you get when you give $5 is the same as the feeling you get when you give $100. Studies indicate that people who give are not only happier, have a greater sense of gratitude and live longer. So what if you want to give but have trouble actually doing it? Well, we’d like to help. Below are a few very practical tips: • Budget for it. Come u…

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Content Partner: Wallkill Valley Federal Savings & Loan
Bergenfield, NJ
Business
Want To Stick To Your Budget? Oritani Bank Shares 4 Must-Follow Tips Want To Stick To Your Budget? Oritani Bank Shares 4 Must-Follow Tips
Want To Stick To Your Budget? Oritani Bank Shares 4 Must-Follow Tips TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, N.J. -- Setting a budget and sticking to it doesn't have to be a frightening experience. "Although most people find the topic of money and finance uncomfortable, with a little bit of planning and expert help, you can control exactly where your money goes," said Carmela Pascarella, branch manager of the Washington Township branch of Oritani Bank. "Instead of avoiding bank statements and wondering if you have enough money to cover each purchase, setting an accurate budget can help you determine when and where to spend your money." To help simplify s…

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Content Partner: Oritani Bank