Money Management

 Find out the main reasons people use cryptocurrency. Hint: It’s not all about a mistrust of banks. Khosro / Shutterstock.com

Whether you embrace cryptocurrency or view it as risky, digital currency is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Millions of people have turned to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies — such as Ethereum and Tether — when making or accepting payments. But why? Recently, the U.S. Federal Reserve released its latest annual analysis of U.S. family finances, called the Economic Well-Being of U.S.

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 These are the items contributing the most to a higher grocery bill. Prostock-studio / Shutterstock.com

Public sentiment toward the economy is significantly impacted by inflation rates. One of the spending categories where consumers have faced the greatest pressure from price increases is groceries. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, food prices have surged at their fastest rate since the 1970s. While the pace of increase has moderated since then, grocery prices remain at historically…

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 Plan your next budget-friendly family vacation with these affordable cities to visit. Prostock-studio / Shutterstock.com

Travel is continuing a resurgence among consumers after the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the industry in 2020 — when global tourism fell by 74%. While consumers remain eager to travel, the pandemic’s longer-term economic ripple effects have made big trips a pricier proposition. During the pandemic in 2020 and into 2021, travel costs were low, as severely diminished demand sent the prices of key…

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 Money managers say these are their clients’ top concerns. Drazen Zigic / Shutterstock.com

It’s a scary time to have money in the stock market — especially if you believe we’re in a recession. And that’s reflected in the questions Americans are asking their financial advisors. The 2024 Trends in Investing Survey from the Journal of Financial Planning and the Financial Planning Association offers a look at common concerns raised by people working with financial planners.

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 Here’s what Americans have to say about the influence of social media sites on spending habits. Pheelings media / Shutterstock.com

Social media might make some of us a little poorer than we otherwise would be. A recent WalletHub survey of 200 people found that 3 in 4 say they have made an unnecessary purchase via social media, and 2 in 3 believe social media sites promote overspending. The average American spends two and a half hours a day using social media, according to the survey. And by and large…

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 Discover which states make drinking alcohol more expensive, and where you can sip for less. Ground Picture / Shutterstock.com

On a hot summer day, few things are as refreshing as an ice-cold beer. However, you might pay a bit more for that beverage if you live in one of a handful of states. Some states place relatively high excise taxes on beer, according to a recent Tax Foundation analysis. The taxes typically are levied on the manufacturer, wholesaler or retailer, not the consumer. However…

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