All posts tagged: Personal finance

Survey: Few Americans and Canadians Say They Are ‘Financially Fulfilled’ | National News

Survey: Few Americans and Canadians Say They Are ‘Financially Fulfilled’ | National News

Published by Sam Flores

Key Takeaways Fewer than one in five Americans and Canadians report being “financially fulfilled.” Nearly one third of Americans and more than 40% of Canadians say they are experiencing financial stress.  Those reporting stress would like more money to pay bills and reduce their debt. Only a small percentage of Americans and Canadians describe themselves as financially fulfilled and having enough money to support the lifestyle they desire. For Americans that number is 16%, and for Canadians it is even lower at 12%, according to the first Edward Jones and Gallup Money and Meaning survey on financial fulfillment released early Tuesday morning. At the same time, 32% of U.S. adults and 41% of Canadian adults experience consistent financial stress, where they struggle to meet their obligations and need to make trade-offs between financial and life goals, while feeling a lack of control over their finances. The largest share in each country describe themselves as “financially conflicted,” making progress toward their goals yet experiencing ongoing financial strain. The survey took place from late March to early …

What Makes an Investment Halal?

What Makes an Investment Halal?

Published by Sam Flores

(RNS) — What does it mean to invest in a way that aligns with your deepest beliefs? In this episode, Tom and Amber explore the principles of halal investing with Amjad Quadri, who works at the intersection of faith and finance. Amjad explains how Islamic investing avoids “sin stocks” like alcohol, gambling and interest-based lending — and how it’s guided by both spiritual principles and practical financial frameworks. From navigating homeownership without traditional mortgages to understanding gratitude and trust through a faith lens, he offers a window into a system that is both disciplined and deeply values-driven. The conversation reveals a broader appeal, with many non-Muslim investors drawn to the approach. The episode wraps with a lively “Halal or Not at All?” segment, putting real-world financial dilemmas to the test. The conversation is a thoughtful look at what it means to invest with intention, regardless of your specific spiritual beliefs. About Amjad Quadri: Amjad M. Quadri joined the Chicago office of Saturna Capital in June 2015. As a regional manager, he brings experience in Islamic …

Effort, Surrender and the Money in Between

Effort, Surrender and the Money in Between

Published by Sam Flores

(RNS) — After their conversation with Amjad Quadri, Amber and Tom turn to a deeper question beneath financial decision-making: What is actually in our control, and what do we need to let go of? Drawing on the islamic concept of rizq — the idea that our provision is ultimately in God’s hands — they explore the tension between effort and surrender in everyday financial life. From saving for retirement to pursuing a calling, managing debt or stepping back from work, they wrestle with how to act responsibly without becoming consumed by outcomes. Amber connects the conversation to the idea of “solving for peace,” while Tom reflects on the wisdom of focusing on inputs rather than results. Along the way, real-life scenarios bring the tension into focus, and ancient wisdom — including the Serenity Prayer — offers a way through it. It’s a thoughtful guide to making financial decisions with intention, trust and a little more peace of mind. For more episodes and info, visit Money, Meet Meaning. Source link

Parents could see ,500 boost to tax credit under new Democratic bill

Parents could see $5,500 boost to tax credit under new Democratic bill

Published by Sam Flores

State Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet addresses supporters of her campaign for Congress during a primary election night watch party in Saginaw, Michigan, on Aug. 6, 2024. Andrew Roth | AP Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Mich., said Wednesday she will introduce a new bill to expand the earned income tax credit to provide a credit of up to $5,500 per child to parents of young children. The bill, shared exclusively with CNBC, is dubbed the “Working Parents Tax Relief Act” and would provide qualifying single or joint filers claiming the EITC an additional credit of up to $5,500 for up to three children under the age of four. The bill would also increase the maximum qualifying income to claim the EITC to nearly $100,000 annually if the filer has children under the age of four, and it would require the Treasury Department to create a monthly payment system for the enhancement. It comes as Democrats campaign across the country on a message of affordability, arguing that Republicans and President Donald Trump have failed to lower costs …

Postal Service seeks first-class mail stamp price hike to 82 cents

Postal Service seeks first-class mail stamp price hike to 82 cents

Published by Sam Flores

A US Postal Service (USPS) post office is near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in Los Angeles, California, on Feb. 5, 2025. Patrick T. Fallon | AFP | Getty Images The U.S. Postal Service, citing what it called a “severe financial crisis,” on Thursday announced a proposed set of price hikes across its mail products, which would include a four-cent increase on First-Class Mail Forever stamps. The increases, if approved, would lead to a first-class stamp costing 82 cents, effective July 12. The agency’s proposal to the Postal Regulatory Commission would increase costs to mail letters and postcards by 4.8% if approved. The proposal comes weeks after the Postal Service proposed instituting an 8% fuel surcharge for package and express mail deliveries to help offset rising fuel costs amid the Iran war on top of its dire financial situation. USPS said Thursday that there is a “severe financial crisis facing the Postal Service and continued rising operational costs.” “The Postal Service is using all available tools, including available regulatory pricing authority, to ensure we can …

People In Their 30s And 40s Say These 6 Mindshifts Help When Money Stress Keeps You Up At Night | David Geller

People In Their 30s And 40s Say These 6 Mindshifts Help When Money Stress Keeps You Up At Night | David Geller

Published by Jenni Sidey

Millennials and Gen-Zers in their 30s and 40s are stressed about money and have a ton of anxiety over personal finance. Why? It’s a product of the world they’ve grown up in. They saw their parents struggle during the Great Recession. They’re constantly exposed to toxic political messaging, and saving money seems impossible. They’re comparing themselves to peers on social media who seem to have it all but are hiding the credit card debt they incur to finance their glamorous vacations and lifestyles. On top of all that, they’re stuck with an average of $28,650 in student debt. It’s enough to give anyone anxiety around spending, saving, and making money. If you’re struggling, I have good news: I’ve seen firsthand that the following mindshifts can help you reduce your financial anxieties. People in their 30s and 40s say these 6 shifts help when money stress keeps you up at night: Mindshift #1: Track what’s triggering your 3 a.m. money panic Getty Images / Unsplash+ The 24-hour news cycle can be overwhelming. If listening to stock …

Households with heated towel rails face £54.03 charges from April 1 | UK | News

Households with heated towel rails face £54.03 charges from April 1 | UK | News

Published by Sam Flores

Electric heated towel rails could be costing some households in the UK around £54.03 a year from the start of next month, according to calculations by The Express. From April 1, people in England, Wales, and Scotland on a standard variable tariff, and who pay for their electricity via Direct Debit, will pay 24.67p per kilowatt hour (kWh) on average. That’s a 7%-reduction on the current price cap of 27.69p per kWh, with Ofgem saying the main cause of the drop is Government budget interventions. As a result, your electricity bills may soon be lower, but some appliances will still be racking up surprisingly large sums over the year. This includes heated towel rails powered by electricity, which are often heavily used. Most heated rails are connected to the central heating, rather than your mains, while some will be a hybrid of the two. However, many Britons will have electric versions, as they can be used in summer without turning on the heating for the whole home, and are cheaper and easier to install. Elegant …

US Airport Security Absences Decline Slightly as Shutdown Continues

US Airport Security Absences Decline Slightly as Shutdown Continues

Published by Sam Flores

WASHINGTON, March 18 (Reuters) – Absences by Transportation Security ⁠Administration ⁠security officers at airports fell ⁠slightly on Tuesday to 9.9% as a partial government shutdown hit its ​33rd day and long lines were reported at a number of major airports, the government said on Wednesday. The ‌funding standoff has forced 50,000 Transportation ‌Security Administration airport security officers to work without pay for the last month, and since Sunday ⁠around 10% ⁠of them are failing to show for work daily.  On Tuesday, around 30% ​of TSA officers did not show up at New York JFK, Pittsburgh and Houston Bush and 40% at Houston Hobby, the Homeland Security Department said. The partial government shutdown has disrupted travel at times and prompted CEOs ​of the nation’s largest airlines to call for a quick end as spring break travel is ⁠in ⁠full swing. Typically, under 2% of ⁠TSA workers ​call in sick or do not report to work, DHS said, and hit a high of ​10.2% on Tuesday. Some airports have ⁠closed a number of security checkpoints and others …

Democrats blast FCC Chair Carr’s broadcast license threats as anti-First Amendment, ‘totalitarian’

Democrats blast FCC Chair Carr’s broadcast license threats as anti-First Amendment, ‘totalitarian’

Published by Sam Flores

Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr has drawn fierce backlash from Democratic lawmakers and free speech advocates for threatening to revoke broadcasters’ licenses over their coverage of the war in Iran. Carr on Saturday blasted broadcasters shortly after President Donald Trump called reports that Iran struck five U.S. tanker planes “fake news.”  In a post on X, Carr warned that broadcasters will lose their licenses if they don’t “operate in the public interest.” “Broadcasters that are running hoaxes and news distortions – also known as the fake news – have a chance now to correct course before their license renewals come up,” Carr wrote in the post, which attached Trump’s statement on Truth Social earlier Saturday.  Democrats said Carr’s comments amounted to an authoritarian assault on free speech. “Constitutional law 101: it’s illegal for the government to censor free speech it just doesn’t like about Trump’s Iran war,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., wrote Saturday on X. “This threat is straight out of the authoritarian playbook.” “We aren’t on the verge of a totalitarian takeover,” Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., wrote in a …

Retirement Savings Plans Can Be Used to Fund a Home Down Payment. but Should You?

Retirement Savings Plans Can Be Used to Fund a Home Down Payment. but Should You?

Published by Sam Flores

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Raiding retirement savings for a down payment on a home can be tempting, especially if you’ve struggled to scrape together enough money to buy. But should you? Most 401(k) and similar retirement savings plans like Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) allow homebuyers to withdraw or borrow a limited portion of their nest egg for making a cash payment toward the final purchase price, but there can be hefty tax penalties and other short- and long-term financial impacts to consider. “Planning is the name of the game here,” Stephen Kates, a financial analyst at personal finance website Bankrate, said. “Running the numbers, having a solid understanding of what you can financially cover and financially manage is going to be really important before you step into this.” Years of inflation, high mortgage rates and skyrocketing home prices have made buying a home a major hurdle for many Americans. At the same time, the S&P 500 stock market index has had only five down years between 2005 and 2025, which has helped juice the value …