Finance

Mortgage Rates Fell: Seventh Consecutive Weekly Decline Brings Rates Below 7%, Boosting Hope for Increased Housing Affordability

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Mortgage Rates Fell: Seventh Consecutive Weekly Decline Brings Rates Below 7%, Boosting Hope for Increased Housing Affordability

Freddie Mac, a leading mortgage giant, reported a seventh consecutive weekly decline, with the average interest rate on a new 30-year fixed mortgage dropping to 6.95% from the previous week’s 7.03%. Mortgage rates fell below 7%, marking the first instance since the summer, providing a glimmer of hope for prospective homebuyers looking for increased affordability … Read more

US Social Security Uncertainty Sparks Urgent Call for Younger Generations to Take Control of Retirement Planning

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US Social Security Uncertainty Sparks Urgent Call for Younger Generations to Take Control of Retirement Planning

The current monthly average retirement benefit of approximately $1,800 raises concerns about the feasibility of such dreams. In envisioning retirement, many dream of leisurely pursuits funded by their US Social Security checks, providing financial security after a lifetime of work and responsibilities The precarious state of the US Social Security fund, slated to exhaust by … Read more

Bob Jordan Unveils Southwest Airlines’ Pledge to Avert Christmas Travel Chaos: Vows No Repeat of Last Year’s $1 Billion Meltdown

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Bob Jordan Unveils Southwest Airlines' Pledge to Avert Christmas Travel Chaos

Southwest Airlines’ CEO, Bob Jordan, assured the public that the airline is gearing up for the upcoming Christmas travel season, determined to avoid a repeat of last year’s catastrophic meltdown. Bob Jordan emphasized this commitment at an event held at the Wings Club in New York, confidently declaring, “It will never happen again” In the … Read more

SmileDirectClub Ceases Global Operations and Faces Customer Concerns Amid Bankruptcy Fallout

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SmileDirectClub Ceases Global Operations and Faces Customer Concerns Amid Bankruptcy Fallout

In a surprising turn of events, SmileDirectClub, a once-prominent player in the oral-care industry, has announced the closure of its global operations, leaving over 2 million customers in uncertainty. SmileDirectClub, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September, has been grappling with financial challenges, accumulating nearly $900 million in debt The Nashville-based company, known … Read more

Federal Reserve Holds Steady: Interest Rate Unchanged, Signals Potential Cuts in 2024

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Federal Reserve Holds Steady: Interest Rate Unchanged, Signals Potential Cuts in 2024

This marks the third consecutive pause since July, with the central bank maintaining the federal funds rate in a range of 5.25% to 5.5%. The Federal Reserve declared on Wednesday that it will keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged, extending relief for borrowers following the most rapid series of hikes in four decades Federal Reserve … Read more

Gas Prices Fell Contributing to U.S. Inflation Moderation in November, Supporting Federal Reserve’s Stance on Interest Rates

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Gas Prices Fell Contributing to U.S. Inflation Moderation in November, Supporting Federal Reserve's Stance on Interest Rates

The Consumer Price Index increased by a modest 0.1% last month, resulting in a 3.1% rise compared to the previous year, aligning with economists’ expectations. Gas prices fell, contributing to a moderation in U.S. inflation in November, according to a report from the Labor Department on Tuesday The core CPI experienced a 0.3% climb, marking … Read more

Gas Prices Drop Across Western Pennsylvania, Bringing Relief to Drivers

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Gas Prices Drop Across Western Pennsylvania, Bringing Relief to Drivers

According to the latest weekly gas prices drop report by AAA, the cost of a gallon of regular, unleaded, self-serve gas in Butler experienced a five-cent drop, hitting $3.54 per gallon as of the most recent Monday. Gas prices drop across local areas and throughout the broader western Pennsylvania region The broader landscape of western … Read more

Connecticut State University Takes Bold Step with Mandatory Financial Literacy Class to Empower Students

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Connecticut State University Takes Bold Step with Mandatory Financial Literacy Class to Empower Students

In a surprising turn of events, a 52-year-old professional, balancing work and family responsibilities, has returned to Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) during the global pandemic to complete his degree in strategic communication. The unique circumstances prompted a reevaluation of the importance of financial literacy classes, leading to a statewide initiative aimed at bridging the … Read more

University of Southern California Report Forecasts Rental Market Growth Across Southern California Regions

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University of Southern California Report Forecasts Rental Market Growth Across Southern California Regions

The Casden Multifamily Forecast from the University of Southern California (USC) indicates that areas including Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties are likely to experience below-average increases in rent. The University of Southern California (USC) has forecasted a rise in rents across Southern California by two to four percent, as reported by … Read more

Electronic Benefits Transfer Scam Leaves Family in Need: SNAP Cardholder Loses $700 in Unauthorized Transactions

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Electronic Benefits Transfer Scam Leaves Family in Need

The situation took a dire turn when over $700 vanished from her account within five minutes, leaving her family of five in a precarious situation. In a distressing incident highlighting vulnerabilities in the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system, Penny Privitera found herself grappling with an empty SNAP benefits card The incident occurred on December 1, … Read more