David Zimmerman

MoneyEconomics

What Do Americans Spend the Most Money On?

Consumer spending is the fuel running the engine of the American economy. According to Investopedia, consumer spending accounts for a massive 70% of economic activity in the U.S. This means that trends in spending can exert a profound impact on the economic health of the United States as well as American businesses and households. Americans opened their wallet to the tune of $14.5 trillion in purchases in just the first quarter of 2020. And this massive sum was spent at the start of a year which would ultimately be distinguished by a dramatic pandemic-related downturn in spending. But where is all this money going exactly? What do Americans spend the most on? From big ticket items and long-term saving goals to daily living expenses and recreational experiences, where do Americans put their money? And how have these habits been impacted by the pandemic?

11 min read

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MoneyCredit Cards

How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

Credit card debt can drag you down financially. The bigger your debt, the more money you’ll waste on interest payments. Not only that, but your higher debt credit utilization ratio will negatively impact your credit score, which can make the cost of borrowing higher when it comes time to lease a car, purchase a home or take out a small business loan. Fortunately, there are a few strategies for reducing your credit card debt burden.

5 min read

MoneyCredit CardsShopping

How Do Credit Card Companies Make Money?

Credit card companies make money by charging interest on account balances and by levying an array of fees on both cardholders and merchants. These fees may apply to a variety of transactions, though these conditions can vary widely from one credit card offer to the next. But how do these sources of revenue translate into the enormous profits enjoyed by the major credit card networks and card issuers? Read on to find out exactly how credit card companies make money and how you can keep more of your money in your pocket.

7 min read

MoneyCredit CardsShopping

Ten Ways Families Can Save Money with Credit Cards

Using a credit card for everyday purchases, travel expenses, or big-ticket items can be a convenient way to stretch your family’s budget, build your credit history, and expand your household purchasing power. But did you know that credit cards also offer plenty of great ways for families to save money? Read on for a look at these 10 ways that families can save money by using credit cards.

5 min read

Credit Cards

How to Redeem American Express Rewards

American Express is noted for its generous rewards programs. But how do you actually redeem those rewards? From statement credits to travel books, from luxury shopping to charitable donations, AmEx rewards members have a ton of options!

5 min read