Making Ends Meet

The economy’s direction has confounded the Federal Reserve’s policymakers and many private economists since growth screeched to a halt in March 2020 as COVID-19 struck.

The findings are from data taken in July and are based on Americans who have 401K plans.

Recession fears continue to loom, but talk of a certain kind of recession is also being fueled. This includes what’s called a growth recession.

Rising prices and inflation continue to make it difficult for first time home buyers to find affordable properties, according to a new report from NerdWallet. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out why not all hope is lost for those trying to get into the housing market.

The economy could force people to "delay retirement — or return to work — in reaction to their shrinking nest eggs."

Rental housing prices are still seeing significant increases from last year. According to Rent.com the monthly cost of a one-bedroom apartment is up about 25% nationally. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explains why this might be the time to stay put.

As the Federal Reserve has rapidly increased interest rates, many economists say they fear that a recession is inevitable in the coming months — and with it, job losses that could cause hardship for households already hurt worst by inflation.

Intensifying its fight against chronically high inflation, the Federal Reserve raised its key interest rate Wednesday by three-quarters of a point for a third straight time and signaled more sharp rate hikes to come — an aggressive pace that’s heightening the risk of an eventual recession.

The impact of inflation now has another number. According to a new study by Nerdwallet household spending could increase by more than $11,500 this year. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explains ways you can fight back against rising costs.

If you’re living paycheck-to-paycheck right now, you’re not alone.

The average cost of a wedding in the U.S, is $22,500 according to WeddingWire. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to a financial expert on saving money as you plan the perfect wedding.

The Rule of 72 explains how you can double your investments over time. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explains how to leverage this rule to grow your investments over time.

If you’ve taken out a payday loan the Better Business Bureau wants you to beware. According to a new report, victims of payday loan scams have lost close to half a million dollars in 2022. In this Watching Your Wallet, Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman explains the tactics scammers use when they try to rip you off.

Billions of dollars in student loan cancellations are available, but the deadline to apply is approaching. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explains “Public Service Loan Forgiveness” and how you might qualify.

Understanding your credit score can be a challenge, and when people have questions, they often turn to Google. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa looks at some of the top questions and gets some answers in this Watching Your Wallet.

So what’s the deal? How can parents come up with a lunch that kids will actually eat that’s tasty, delicious, and healthy?

A 529 plan is a great way to save for college, but if your child decides they don’t want to go you’ll need to need to make plans for those funds.Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa explains the rules of the 529 account and how that money must be spent.

2.5 million couples are expected to tie knot this year, according to Wedding Market Research. For some those new marriages mean first-time talks about money. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa talks to an expert about ways newlyweds can ease into financial discussions in this Watching Your Wallet.

Right now, despite inflation driving up the cost of many products, it’s a buyer’s market.

President Biden on Wednesday extended the moratorium on student loan payments and canceled $10,000 in debt for borrowers making $125,000 a year or less. In this Watching Your Wallet, Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out what experts say your next step should be if you have student loans.

Mortgage, student, personal, and other types of loans can influence your credit score in several ways.

Stacker used data from the Office of Federal Financial Aid and other sources to show what $10,000 of loan forgiveness could mean for 45 million borrowers.

President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness program announced on Wednesday aims to provide $10,000 in student debt cancellation for millions of Americans.

President Joe Biden said Wednesday that many Americans can have up to $10,000 in federal student loan debt forgiven.

Biden is also extending a pause on federal student loan payments for what he called the “final time” through the end of 2022.

Many students are heading back to college dorms across the country. At the same time, borrowers are looking to President Joe Biden for the fate of student loans.

The FTC says vacation scams are one of the top ways to get ripped off in 2022.  Consumer Investigator Caresse Jackman speaks with experts who explain how to spot those fake getaway offers.

Utilize free tutoring through Shreve Memorial Library's Homework Louisiana program.

Here are a few quick tips to help college students save some cash.

Experts estimate the cost of back-to-school spending for this year to be over $800.