Finance

South Carolina is not an exception to the negative effects of the recent economic turmoil on Americans. Many people are in financial distress, which WalletHub describes as having a credit account in forbearance or deferred payments because of financial difficulties, as a result of inflation, changes in unemployment, natural disasters, and other difficulties. Based on variables including average credit scores, bankruptcy trends, and search interest for financial assistance, WalletHub's most recent analysis places South Carolina as the ninth most financially troubled state in the country. Credit Challenges and Financial Struggles In Q3 2024, South Carolina had the eighth-lowest average credit score in the US, indicating that many people had trouble keeping up sound financial practices. The s...

Black Friday, the day following Thanksgiving, is one of the largest shopping days in the US and is well-known for its crazy crowds and doorbuster sales. The term's history, however, goes much beyond its contemporary use in relation to retail sales. Despite what many people think, the idea of businesses turning from losses (in the red) to profits (in the black) is not the origin of the name Black Friday. Rather, its origins can be found in Philadelphia in the 1960s, when police officers first used the term to characterize the mayhem brought on by the influx of suburban shopping. These tourists frequently came to watch the annual Army-Navy football game and start their holiday shopping. Longer police shifts were necessary due to the traffic bottlenecks caused by the inflow. Local retailers' ...

A significant transition is underway as thousands of seniors will no longer have access to Medicare Advantage plans, impacting their healthcare coverage options. This shift raises concerns among the elderly population who rely on these plans for comprehensive medical services. Understanding the implications of this change is crucial for seniors navigating their healthcare choices. The Shift Away from Medicare Advantage Recent regulatory changes have led to the discontinuation of several Medicare Advantage plans, leaving many seniors in a state of uncertainty regarding their health insurance coverage. Medicare Advantage plans, which offer additional benefits beyond traditional Medicare, have been popular among seniors due to their comprehensive coverage options and lower out-of-pocket...

In a significant shift, new regulations are on the horizon that will disallow the acceptance of bank bills in transactions. This change is expected to reshape the landscape of payment methods and could have widespread implications for consumers and businesses alike. Understanding the details of this transition is essential for adapting to the upcoming financial landscape. The Transition Away from Bank Bills Starting soon, financial institutions will no longer accept bank bills as a form of payment. This decision is part of a broader initiative to streamline financial transactions and enhance security measures. The move aims to reduce the risks associated with counterfeit currency and improve the overall efficiency of monetary exchanges. As this regulation comes into effect, indivi...

Starting in 2025, new rules regarding inherited Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) will take effect, impacting the way beneficiaries manage and withdraw funds. These changes are part of broader updates to tax regulations and are expected to influence financial planning strategies for those inheriting retirement accounts. Understanding the implications of this new rule is crucial for beneficiaries seeking to maximize the benefits of an inherited IRA while avoiding potential penalties. The 2025 Rule Change The primary change set to take effect involves how beneficiaries of inherited IRAs must handle required minimum distributions (RMDs). Currently, those who inherit an IRA must withdraw the entire balance within 10 years of the original owner's death, under the SECURE Act of 2019. H...

With remote work becoming more accessible, entry-level positions that pay well are increasingly available to job seekers. Many companies are offering competitive salaries for remote roles, even for those just starting in their careers. If you’re looking for a flexible work option with great earning potential, here are five entry-level remote jobs where you can earn up to $75,000 annually. 1. Customer Success Manager Customer Success Managers (CSMs) work closely with clients to ensure they are satisfied with a company’s products or services. This role involves managing client relationships, troubleshooting issues, and providing tailored solutions. While experience in customer service or account management can be helpful, many companies offer training for entry-level hires. CSMs can ea...

Millions of Americans may be eligible to receive payouts of up to $7,200 through various tax credit and relief programs aimed at supporting individuals and families. As the economy continues to face challenges, these payments offer much-needed financial assistance. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you could be among those who qualify for this significant payout. Tax Credits and Financial Relief The largest portion of the $7,200 payout comes from expanded tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). These programs were enhanced in recent years to provide additional relief to low and middle-income households. The EITC benefits working individuals and families by offering refundable tax credits, meaning you could receive money even if you d...

Significant updates to 401(k) plans are on the horizon for 2025, with new provisions set to enhance retirement savings for many workers. These changes aim to make retirement plans more accessible and beneficial for individuals, particularly older workers nearing retirement. The new legislation, known as the SECURE 2.0 Act, introduces updates that will affect how individuals can contribute to their 401(k) and manage their savings. Catch-Up Contributions for Older Workers One of the most significant changes under the SECURE 2.0 Act pertains to catch-up contributions. Workers aged 50 and older currently have the option to make catch-up contributions beyond the standard contribution limits. Starting in 2025, those aged 60 to 63 will see an increase in their catch-up contribution limits, ...

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers vital support for low-income households, allowing them to purchase essential food items. However, there are specific rules regarding what items are eligible under SNAP benefits. One common question in Georgia revolves around whether SNAP can be used to buy hot, prepared food. The answer to this question is nuanced, depending on various factors such as location, temporary exemptions, and emergency circumstances. SNAP Benefits Overview in Georgia SNAP, also referred to as food stamps, helps eligible individuals and families in Georgia meet their nutritional needs by providing funds to buy food at authorized retailers. Generally, SNAP benefits are restricted to purchasing cold and uncooked food items like fruits, vegetables, br...

New Jersey’s ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters) program is designed to ease the financial burden of property taxes for residents. The initiative provides much-needed financial assistance to both homeowners and renters, aiming to make housing more affordable in the state. Financial Relief for Homeowners and Renters Through the ANCHOR program, eligible homeowners can receive between $1,000 and $1,750, while renters may qualify for between $400 and $700. The amount awarded depends on household income and property value. This program recognizes the challenges many face due to high property taxes, which can strain budgets significantly. To determine eligibility, residents must be either homeowners or renters residing in New Jersey. The income threshol...