You earn it, save it, spend it, and give it. Money changes hands every day of your life. But what exactly does money mean to you? And why is it such a loaded issue for many people? "Because money plays such a key role in day-to-day living, it is often closely entangled with our core [...]
Money continues to be the leading cause of stress for Americans, a recent survey finds. Overall, stress in the United States is at a seven-year low, and average stress levels are declining, the American Psychological Association poll found. But money worries continue to nag at the American psyche, despite the ongoing economic recovery, the association [...]
It may start with a lucky lottery ticket, a winning hand at poker, or the matching reels of a slot machine. The ending is rarely profitable. Problem gambling ensnares four to six million people in the U.S.—many of them men. It’s an addiction that can yield financial and personal ruin. What is problem gambling? More [...]
Many Americans mistakenly believe Medicare or Medicaid will pay for their long-term care. However, Medicare only pays for care for short periods—and it doesn’t cover those who need help with activities of daily living. That accounts for most of the services Americans need. Likewise, Medicaid only pays for care if you need a lot of [...]
As many as one in 20 older adults in the United States may be financially exploited, a new study suggests. In fact, most older adults have had their money or property stolen or used improperly at some point, the researchers found. What's worse is that this abuse often occurs at the hands of their relatives. [...]
Years of research have produced conflicting findings on aging's effects on brainpower. Now, a recent study says that people aged 65 to 90 are significantly less likely than their younger counterparts to make what researchers define as rational decisions regarding money. Not surprisingly, they're also more averse to financial risk than middle-aged people, but not [...]
Buying so-called "life experiences" makes Americans happier than material goods, such as cars, but they tend to favor the latter in the mistaken belief that they provide better value, according to a new study. Researchers interviewed people before and after they made purchases and found that consumers felt life experiences—like a weekend trip—made them happier [...]
10 tips to help you stretch your food dollars Get the most for your food budget! There are many ways to save money on the foods that you eat. The three main steps are planning before you shop, purchasing the items at the best price, and preparing meals that stretch your food dollars. Plan, plan [...]
Anyone who’s bought a lottery ticket or played bingo has gambled. Gambling is any game of chance in which money changes hands. It’s common in most cultures around the world. Many people enjoy gambling as recreation without causing harm to themselves or others. Yet some people can’t control their impulse to gamble, even when it [...]
In this time of extreme economic stress, it can be difficult to leave the problems of the economy off the kitchen table. Fears about mortgages, college tuition, retirement, and day-to-day expenses haunt the halls of many family homes. Children are extremely resilient. However, children are often keenly aware of tension in the household, whether it [...]