Explore budgeting, investments, and financial strategies to empower your financial success.
Money
A recent survey highlights that many Americans believe an annual salary of $270,000 is essential to achieve financial success. This figure reflects the growing economic pressures tied to the rising cost of living, as well as the increasing difficulty of maintaining a comfortable and secure lifestyle. With inflation impacting
Small Business
President Donald Trump's policies have significantly influenced small business borrowing in the United States. His administration's approach to taxation, regulation, and trade has created both opportunities and challenges for small business owners seeking financing. Tax Policies and Incentives The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, enacted
Investing
Many baby boomers express significant regrets about their retirement planning, particularly concerning their reliance on Social Security and 401(k) plans. A survey of nearly 1,200 Americans revealed that a substantial number of respondents wish they had started saving earlier and invested more wisely. A common sentiment among boomers
Real Estate
As mortgage rates and home prices continue to rise, many potential homebuyers will find it increasingly difficult to afford purchasing homes, driving greater demand for rental properties in 2025. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) such as American Homes 4 Rent and Invitation Homes are poised to benefit significantly from this
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Amazon has announced a game-changing $4 billion investment in Anthropic, a leading AI startup and one of OpenAI’s biggest competitors. This move solidifies Amazon’s commitment to artificial intelligence and positions it as a significant player in the fast-growing AI sector. Expanding Amazon’s AI Vision This latest investment
Real Estate
Before purchasing a home, it's essential to assess your financial readiness and how homeownership aligns with your long-term goals. Consider the following key questions: 1. Can I Afford the Total Cost of Homeownership? Beyond the mortgage payment, homeownership entails additional expenses such as property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Business spending on artificial intelligence (AI) has experienced a remarkable surge in 2024, with Menlo Ventures reporting a 500% increase, bringing total investments to $13.8 billion. This significant growth underscores the escalating importance of AI across various industries. Companies are channeling substantial resources into AI to enhance efficiency, improve
Business
Robinhood Markets has announced plans to acquire TradePMR, a custodial and portfolio management platform serving approximately 400 Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firms with over $40 billion in assets under administration. This strategic move marks Robinhood's entry into the wealth management sector, positioning it to compete with industry leaders
Funding
Venture capital firms in the Bay Area are facing significant financial challenges due to a slowdown in profitable exits, such as initial public offerings (IPOs) and acquisitions. In 2023, U.S. venture firms returned only $26 billion to investors, marking the lowest amount since 2011. This shortfall has led to
Crypto
President-elect Donald Trump is deepening his engagement with the cryptocurrency sector, following his campaign's emphasis on digital assets. Reports indicate that Trump Media & Technology Group is in advanced discussions to acquire Bakkt, a cryptocurrency trading and brokerage platform. This potential acquisition has positively impacted both companies'
Economy
President-elect Donald Trump has announced the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), appointing Elon Musk and former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the initiative. The department aims to reduce $2 trillion from the federal budget by targeting inefficiencies and enhancing government operations. Musk has proposed creating
Banking
The World Bank is currently facing significant scrutiny due to reports of unaccounted climate funds and the prospect of budget cuts from the incoming Trump administration. An Oxfam report published in October 2024 revealed that between $24 billion and $41 billion of the World Bank's climate finance over