Fri, 01 January 2021 | pandemic millennials
This year, 65% of Americans are considering a financial resolution for 2021, which is down marginally from last year (67%), but still quite strong given the headwinds experienced by so many families. Younger generations appear to be more committed to actively improving their finances in the new year, with 78% of all Gen Z and Millennial respondents considering a financial resolution compared to 59% of all Gen X and Boomers.
According to Fidelity Invest... Read More
Thu, 31 December 2020 | insurance fintech insurtech
Lemonade, the insurance company powered by artificial intelligence and behavioral economics, announced it has more than one million customers. Lemonade hit this milestone about 1,500 days after its initial launch, some 15-45 years faster than industry leaders such as State Farm, Allstate, GEICO, and USAA. Lemonade previously reported a total of 941 thousand customers at the end of the third quarter of 2020.
“We’re proud to hit the one million customer ma... Read MoreThu, 31 December 2020 | housing
Homeownership is increasingly unaffordable in the U.S. according to a new report from ATTOM Data Solutions. ATTOM's fourth-quarter 2020 U.S. Home Affordability Report, shows median home prices of single-family homes and condos in the fourth quarter of 2020 were less affordable than historical averages in 55 percent of counties with enough data to analyze, up from 43 percent a year ago and 33 percent three years ago. Yet rising wages and falling mortgage rates still helped keep median home prices close to affordable for average wage earners across the country.
The report determ... Read More
Thu, 31 December 2020 | interest rates housing
Mortgage rates remain near record lows heading into 2021 according to the latest results of Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), showing that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 2.67 percent.
“All eyes have been on mortgage rates this year, especially the 30-year fixed-rate, which has dropped more than one percentage point over the last twelve months, driving housing market activity in 2020,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Heading into 2021 we expect rates to remain flat, potentially rising modestly off their record low, b... Read More
Wed, 30 December 2020 | retirement workplace pandemic
A global survey of more than four thousand retirement investors conducted by MFS has cast new light on the challenges encountered by millions potentially facing an uncertain retirement. The current retirement savings gap is estimated at US$70 trillion on a global basis and is projected to increase to approximately US$400 trillion by 2050.1 The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on jobs, income and the economic outlook has yet to be fully felt but points to a real danger that the crisis will likely exacerbate.
In the United States, 1,005 individuals actively contributing to a workpl... Read More
Tue, 29 December 2020 | housing real estate
The median home sale price increased 14% year over year to $320,714 during the 4-week period ending December 20, according to a new report from Redfin (redfin.com), the technology-powered real estate brokerage.
Below are other key ho... Read More
News and insights about consumer and demographic financial trends
The Hidden Cost of Idle Cash: What the Vanguard Survey Reveals About America’s Savings Habits
Consumers Growing Cautious Amid Rising Inflation and Economic Uncertainty
US Taxpayers Say Tax Refunds are a Financial Necessity
Consumer Pessimism Grows Despite Stable Long-Term Inflation Expectations
Economic Uncertainty and Inflation Impact Retirement Prospects for Americans
AARP Survey Reveals Alarming Retirement Savings Trends
Hispanic Consumers More Optimistic About Finances
Homeowners Facing Increasing Insurance Rates
U.S. Foreclosures Increase In First Quarter
Consumers Perceive Less Buying Power Despite Lower Inflation