As store and restaurant closures prompted consumers nationwide to stay home last year during the height of the pandemic, consumers spent less and saved more. In addition, massive stimulus efforts by the government placed funds in millions of consumer savings accounts last year, helping to shore up the savings rate as well. The most recent savings rate data made available …

The median household income fell in 2020 for the first time since 2014, according to the most recent Census Bureau data released in September. Widespread stimulus payments, as well as enhanced unemployment benefits, were not enough to match prior year incomes in 2019. As of the end of 2020, the median household income was $67,521, a drop of 3% from …

With great pleasure, I would like to announce that Emily W. Newman, Esq. has joined the wealthMD Board. Emily brings vast knowledge to our board as she has defended, tried, and arbitrated cases throughout Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan for professionals in various trades and professions for the last 20 years. Emily was recognized by US News and World Report/Best Lawyers …

As the Delta variant has spread, many companies, schools, and government agencies have begun imposing vaccine requirements for employees and students. The World Health Organization has identified 20 Covid variants throughout the world, four of which are categorized as Variants of Concern (VOC). Supply chain disruptions brought about by the pandemic have fostered inflationary pressures not seen since the late …

As home prices have soared over the past year and housing inventories have fallen, more and more families are being forced to rent rather than own. As the demand for rentals has been increasing, the level of homeownership has been falling. Some attribute this dynamic to a low inventory of homes on the market, while others blame speculation contributing to …

Various factors have contributed to bacon’s higher costs over the past year, including rising feed costs, processing costs, increased demand, and newly passed animal confinement rules. As the pandemic shuttered businesses over the past year and kept workers home, processing plants that produce meat products, such as bacon, weren’t able to fulfill demand. Grains and other feed products increased in …

Each month the Department of Commerce releases its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report. This report is the single most recognized indicator of how the economy is performing. GDP is made up of private consumption, gross investment, government spending, and net exports. The single largest contributor of these components is consumer consumption, making nearly 70% of GDP. Historical data provided by …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, will increase benefit payments by 25% starting in October. The increase is the largest ever for the 42 million recipients nationwide. The average monthly increase will amount to roughly $36 in food benefit payments per person. Data provided by the USDA showed …

As millions of Americans have now been vaccinated, the little white card showing proof of vaccination may eventually not suffice. Various schools, employers, and government entities are starting to require a digitized record of a Covid vaccination. Some states have already introduced apps that allow immunization records to be stored and displayed on mobile devices. It is suggested to check …

Global equity markets advanced in August amidst growing concerns surrounding Covid variant threats. Continued supply issues of critical components for various products weighed on earnings estimates, as many companies struggle to rebuild inventory. Higher prices for some services and products are sustaining revenues and margins for various companies. Major equity indices all posted higher gains in August, elevating both large …