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Money Management

Americans Cut Spending Despite Rising Incomes and Cooling Inflation

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 Economic indicators are improving but new data hints at growing consumer caution, with households slowing their spending even as inflation eases and incomes rise. 

Inflation and deflation
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New government data shows that inflation is easing and household incomes are rising, but consumer spending is slowing. According to the Commerce Department’s April 2025 report, overall prices rose 2.1 percent compared to a year earlier, down from 2.3 percent in March. This is the slowest annual rate since September 2024. Despite those gains, many Americans appear hesitant to spend.

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Travel More, Waste Less: The New Rules of Summer Vacationing

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 A surge in travel plans isn’t leading to a surge in spending. Research shows how Americans are reworking their vacations to stay on budget. 

Senior couple walking on the beach.
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According to Deloitte’s 2025 Summer Travel Survey, more than half of U.S. adults (53%) plan to travel and stay in paid lodging this summer, up from 48% in 2024. But economic headwinds may reshape how people travel, and how much they’re willing to spend. Deloitte reports that the average number of planned summer trips per person has jumped to 3.1, up from 2.3 last year. But many of those…

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Santander Shuts Doors As Digital Banking Takes Over

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 As customers shift online, banks are scaling back in-person services. Here is what that means for your finances and how to adapt. 

Online banking
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Santander Bank is scaling back its physical presence in the northeastern United States as part of its shift toward digital banking. Eighteen branch closures reflect broader changes across the banking industry as customer preferences continue to move online. According to American Banker, Santander will close 18 branches in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, New Hampshire…

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Trim the Fat: 10 Questions Retirees Should Ask to Cut Costs

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 Small changes in everyday spending can lead to meaningful savings in retirement. A closer look at familiar routines may reveal more flexibility than you think. 

Older man putting money in piggy bank
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Retirement often means adjusting to a fixed income, and rising costs can make even careful budgets feel tight. But that does not always mean giving things up. Sometimes, it is about spending more intentionally and spotting everyday habits that quietly drain money without adding much value. Ask yourself these ten questions to uncover simple ways to save more without sacrificing what matters.

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Walmart’s New Medicare Advantage Tool Could Save Seniors Hundreds

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 Walmart is making it easier for millions of older Americans to use their Medicare Advantage plans more effectively. 

Walmart customer service
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Walmart’s new digital feature lets eligible consumers link their Medicare Advantage over-the-counter (OTC) benefit cards to their Walmart.com accounts or use the Walmart app while shopping in stores. Once connected, they can instantly see which health and wellness items their plan covers and apply their allowance automatically at checkout. When browsing or searching online, a “benefit program…

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