Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2024-02-06T16:46:40

(BPT) – By Mary Hines Droesch, Head of Consumer, Small Business & Wealth Management Banking and Lending Products

If you’ve been grocery shopping lately, you’ve probably cursed inflation under your breath. With rising food prices, it’s no wonder why Bank of America’s recent publication, Bank of America Spend Scape: Decoding 2023’s Consumer Credit and Debit Card Spending Frontiers and the Road Ahead, shows that groceries were Americans’ biggest expenditure last year. But rising prices on necessities didn’t stop consumers from seeking experiences to enjoy.

As consumers continued to be resilient in 2023, they made time for fun. From vacations across Europe to catching iconic pop stars on stage to going all-out in pink to see their favorite childhood toy come to life on the big screen, travel and entertainment spending increased by 7% year-over-year (YoY). Travel and entertainment weren’t the only experiences consumers prioritized last year: restaurants (2%) and fitness and grooming services (3%) spending also increased YoY.

Compared to 2022, spending on many material goods dropped — consumers spent less on electronics, furnishings and appliances (-9%) and sporting and fitness goods (-4%). Last year’s spending patterns clearly showed that consumers prioritized making memories over splurging on nonessential items — but what will 2024 bring?

This year, consumers may pull back slightly on experiential spending to pursue stronger financial stability. In a recent survey, Bank of America asked Americans to share their financial resolutions for 2024. Many respondents plan to continue seeking out travel (29% have resolutions to take vacations), but maintaining financial wellness is a top goal as well (45% want to increase their savings, and 30% want to pay off credit cards).

If these resolutions sound familiar, and you’re hoping to spend responsibly without compromising on fun, you’re in luck. We’ve got some tips for how you may be able to stretch your money further — so you can spend with intention, practice self-care and make memories to last a lifetime.

1. Don’t leave fun out of your budget. The new year is the perfect time to refresh your budget. Start by evaluating how much money you expect to come in and go out each month. Then make a list of all the things you plan to regularly spend on. For example, some Americans plan to prioritize their spending on groceries (51%) and personal wellness (35%) this year. Next, make a list of all of your anticipated “wants” — whether it’s a beach vacation or a new pair of shoes. Getting your needs and wants on paper can help you identify areas you may need to cut back on to afford your basics, and if you’re like 42% of Americans, you may deprioritize dining out and ordering takeout this year. Lastly, with your needs and wants in mind, utilize the 50/30/20 rule. Take 50% of your after-tax income to cover your needs, 30% to cover your wants and take 20% to put toward your savings. Just like how prices of basic needs fluctuate, your budget will, too — so make sure you take a look at it monthly and adjust as needed.

2. Keep an eye out for deals. Make extra room in your budget by utilizing deals not only for your wants, but also for your needs. Make sure you sign up for newsletters and rewards programs at all of your favorite places like grocery stores, airlines, movie theaters and more. Finding deals for basic goods and activities you already have carved out in your budget will allow you to save more in the long run. Even check to see what perks your bank may offer you such as loyalty and cash back programs as well as free activities to take advantage of around your city.

3. Use a rewards card to make your money work for you. As you spend throughout 2024, consider using a flexible rewards credit card like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards card, which allows cardholders to earn 3% cash back in one of six spending categories of their choice each month, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter), and 1% cash back on all other purchases. With this card in your wallet, you can easily adapt to shifts in your lifestyle and routine so that no matter what you’re prioritizing this year, you can still maximize rewards earnings — all without needing to change cards. Whether your category of choice is online shopping, travel or simply purchases at drug stores, you can choose to use your redeemed cash back to offset future purchases — like expenses during a trip or treating yourself at your favorite coffee shop. In 2023, Customized Cash Rewards cardholders earned an average of $250 cash back per account!

If you’re looking to get a solid financial footing in 2024 but don’t want to miss out on memory-making, the tips above and some careful planning can help you get the best of both worlds.

2024-02-05T08:03:00

(BPT) – Financial skills are some of the most important lessons you can teach your children. It’s especially critical to talk with teens and young adults in college who are starting to make decisions that can impact their financial wellness for the rest of their life. And teens want to have this conversation — according to a recent College Ave survey of college students, parents rank as the number one resource where students get their personal finance information.

By teaching your kids good money habits and helping them with key steps like building good credit, you can give them a solid foundation for future financial success. If you haven’t already, have these six financial talks and take action to help your child thrive financially now and as an adult.

Budgeting

According to the College Ave survey, only around half of college students (49%) understand how to budget. Even if teens don’t have any real expenses, teaching them how to manage money is essential. Start by helping them create a simple budget, even if it’s just for their allowance. Because teens love technology, consider budgeting online through an app or via a shared document. Teach kids that making a plan for their money is a priority and soon they’ll understand how empowering a budget can be.

Saving

Saving money regularly is a fundamental habit and helps teach them about compound interest and having your money work for you. Consider encouraging your teen to do automatic saving deposits with their paychecks, so it becomes part of their regular financial habits. Savings is also a valuable tool to teach delayed gratification when they save for something they really want over time and then pay for it themselves.

Emergency fund

As your young adult takes on more responsibility, there’s bound to be unexpected expenses. To ensure those don’t derail their finances, discuss the importance of having an emergency fund. This is money that sits untouched unless there is an urgent expense. Having an emergency fund can reduce stress and helps your child avoid going into debt when things like car repairs, medical bills and other sudden expenses occur.

Building credit history

Building good credit is significant because it sets the stage for future financial success for things like apartment leases, car loans and more. Make sure young adults understand what it means to have good credit and help them get started. One easy way to build credit history is to get the Ambition Card by College Ave. This secured credit card helps college students build their credit history safely and easily without worry about overspending or going into debt. Plus, there’s no credit check, interest charges or late fees.

Secured credit cards

How does a secured credit card like the Ambition Card work? Unlike traditional unsecured credit cards, which rely solely on your creditworthiness, secured credit cards require a cash deposit by the parent or child. For example, if you deposit $500, your credit limit would be $500. Use the card to make on-time payments that are reported to the three credit bureaus, which helps build good credit.

Interest

At some point in your child’s life, they will have to take out a loan. Having good credit will help them get better terms for interest and repayment, which ultimately will help them save money. Help your kid understand that interest is the cost of borrowing money. Consider sharing your car payment or mortgage statement to show them how the costs break down.

As a parent or caregiver, you want the best for your child. By teaching them about financial wellness, you’ll help them succeed throughout life by giving them the confidence to make smart money choices.

Note the Ambition Card is designed to help you build your credit history; however, a variety of factors impact your credit including payment history, utilization, derogatory marks, account age, total number of accounts, and inquiries—not all factors are equally weighted. 0% APR.

Account is subject to a monthly account fee of $2, account fee is waived for the initial six-monthly billing cycles.

College Ave is not a bank. Banking services provided by, and the College Ave Mastercard Charge Card is issued by Evolve Bank & Trust, Member FDIC pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated.

2024-02-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – Despite today’s challenging economic climate, the majority of Americans feel economically empowered and continue to strive for their professional goals, but there are generational differences, with Gen Z and millennials feeling more confident than Gen X and baby boomers.

According to a survey commissioned by Herbalife, 55% of Americans are currently taking steps to feel more economically empowered. In fact, 73% of respondents said that starting their own business or partaking in freelance work feels like the only way to become economically empowered.

The study, which surveyed 2,000 Americans and 5,000 international respondents from 6 different countries, defined economic empowerment as providing people with the education, training and skills that they need to find a job, earn an income and become self-supporting.

Economic realities

According to survey findings, 78% of Americans are more aware of their economic situation in the past five years, with almost half (47%) attributing it to the pandemic.

“In recent years, Americans have faced a number of barriers to achieving economic empowerment such as inflation, business closures and unfair lending processes. Providing more opportunities for economic empowerment is essential for all,” said Humbi Calleja, vice president and general manager of Herbalife, North America.

Nevertheless, Americans are hopeful. In fact, 67% believe that they will be economically empowered in the future.

Finding economic opportunities

The new year is the ideal time to embrace economic empowerment and set goals. Of those Americans taking steps to become more empowered, 40% are educating themselves about personal finance, budgeting, investing and managing debt.

The survey also revealed generational differences. For example, Gen Z and millennials are the most likely to currently feel economically empowered (66% and 70%, respectively) compared to 51% of Gen X and 52% of American baby boomers.

Interestingly, over half of both Gen Z and millennials have a side hustle compared to 35% of Gen X and only 7% of baby boomers.

“There are many opportunities available for people looking to achieve economic empowerment by starting their own business,” said Ibi Montesino, executive vice president, chief of staff, Herbalife. “For example, network marketing allows you to start a business at a manageable cost, plus receive ongoing training, resources and support.”

Calleja and Montesino suggest these tips to help people take steps toward economic empowerment:

Improve your financial literacy: Learn more about effectively managing, saving and investing your money. This can include budgeting, eliminating debt, buying insurance, exploring investments and creating retirement savings plans.

Set clear financial goals: Goals should be specific, measurable and achievable for your short-term and long-term future, including saving money regularly and paying off debts. Creating goals can help you turn vision into reality.

Invest in education and skill development: By attending continued education like on-the-job training, online and certification courses, you are investing in yourself and your future. This demonstrates your commitment to your personal and professional growth, which can lead to better career prospects and financial rewards.

Start your own business or side hustle: Today, almost half of Americans have a side hustle outside of their day job to generate additional income. Consider your interests and options to set yourself up for success.

Work to build strong personal and professional networks: Having strong connections in your personal and professional life offers many benefits. You have access to support, mentors, opportunities and so much more.

Now is the ideal time to set yourself up for professional success and take steps toward economic empowerment. To learn more about starting a new business and earning some extra income, visit Herbalife.com.

2024-01-31T16:15:00

(BPT) – Running a business of any size is complex. Logistics, finances, employee management and more are always top of mind. But a business is more than just processes and spreadsheets — organizations can also be a positive force in their communities and for people in need.

Giving back is a Core Value at ABC Supply Co., Inc., the largest wholesale distributor of roofing and other select exterior and interior building products in North America. That’s why they have recommitted to creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses with another $3 million pledge to Make-A-Wish America. Since becoming a national partner in 2020, ABC Supply has helped grant the wishes of more than 400 children nationwide.

Helping children with critical illness

Every 20 minutes a child is diagnosed with a critical illness — and every day Make-A-Wish grants more than 15 wishes to these amazing children. This would not be possible without a generous network of donors, partners and volunteers, such as ABC Supply.

“Giving back is at the heart of our business and culture,” said Mike Jost, chief operating officer of ABC Supply. “Make-A-Wish is an extraordinary organization, and we’re so happy to continue supporting their mission and efforts to grant wishes and deliver hope to many more deserving children.”

ABC Supply shared some of the important efforts the company has made to support Make-A-Wish:

Sky Carp Make-A-Wish event

ABC Supply and the Beloit Sky Carp Minor League Baseball in Wisconsin partnered to host a fun and meaningful Make-A-Wish Night at ABC Supply Stadium in August 2023. With a raffle, prizes and sports memorabilia, there was something to entice everyone. The Sky Carp players even wore special jerseys that were auctioned off following the game. Make-A-Wish kids in attendance were given the star treatment and were guests of honor at the event.

Eden’s she-shed

Eden is a 7-year-old sickle cell warrior. While much of her day-to-day routine is filled with doctors’ appointments and medications, she still finds ways to be joyful and creative amidst the chaos. After taking some time to think through what her wish might be, she shared that she wanted a space of her own to craft, read, play chess, cross-stitch and make jewelry with her friends. ABC Supply helped make this girl’s vision come to life with a she-shed space that is as unique and special as she is.

Belle’s dragon

Wish kid Belle is a 14-year-old with bone cancer who has always wanted her own “pet robotic dragon.” Earlier this year, her wish and imagination came to life when she was surprised with her 15-pound pet dragon at a massive 15th-century-style castle. The castle experience took place via virtual reality (VR) and transported Belle to a fantastical place far, far away, where she saw her dragon for the first time. When she removed the VR headset, her pet dragon was there by her side.

Blaize’s play structure

At only eight months old, Blaize was diagnosed with infant leukemia. For more than a year and a half, he was in and out of treatment. His cancer reoccurred at 14 months and he had to undergo a risky bone marrow transplant surgery. Blaize’s surgery was successful, and at 18 months old, he was finally able to return to the comfort of home. His family worked closely with Make-A-Wish, and with the help of ABC Supply, created a backyard play space just right for him.

2024-01-30T08:01:01

(BPT) – The nation’s Veterans deserve the highest-quality health care and 91% of them expect the same quality of care the public receives at the top-rated civilian hospitals. However, a proposal by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) could potentially affect Veterans’ safety during surgery by replacing physician anesthesiologists with nurse anesthetists.

VA’s proposal would change how anesthesia is delivered in VA facilities from the current proven physician-led, team-based model of anesthesia care — where anesthesiologists supervise nurse anesthetists — to a nurse-only model. Physician anesthesiologists provide expert care in surgery, especially for Veterans who tend to be older, sicker and have conditions associated with military service like Agent Orange and burn pit exposure, which put them at greater risk for complications during surgery.

“Surgery is inherently dangerous, and Veterans in VA hospitals deserve the best care. The physician-nurse anesthesia model of care is used in the nation’s top civilian hospitals, and should remain as the model in VA hospitals,” said ASA President Ronald L. Harter, MD, FASA. “VA’s existing policy provides that care. There is no reason to change it.”

During Physician Anesthesiologists Week, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is asking Americans to help protect Safe VA Care.

Veterans expect the highest-quality health care

In addition to overwhelmingly expecting the same quality of health care as provided at the top-rated civilian hospitals, a recent national survey by the American Legion found a majority of Veterans prefer a physician over a nurse to provide anesthesia care during their surgery. According to the survey, 71% believe VA will have a lower standard of care if nurse anesthetists replace physician anesthesiologists and 52% of them would seek care outside of VA if their only choice was to have a nurse administer their anesthesia.

Physician supervision of anesthesia care is not only required by the nation’s top hospitals, but also the laws in 45 states, to ensure the safety and best outcomes for patients.

VA has successfully relied upon the proven team-based model of anesthesia care for decades and reaffirmed this standard of care in 2017 after a multiyear review, which collected a record-breaking number of public comments — more than 200,000, including 25,000 comments from Veterans and their families — to the Federal Register to keep the physician-led anesthesia model in VA hospitals.

“VA’s current anesthesia policy is one of the most thoroughly researched, studied and reviewed policies existing in VA,” said Dr. Harter. “There is no need to make changes especially since eliminating physician-led care does not improve access to care or save medical costs and the current anesthesiology workforce in VA is adequate to assure Veterans receive timely access to anesthesia care. The national nursing shortage also makes the VA proposal for a nurse-only model impractical and unworkable.”

Physicians ensure safety with education and training to make a difference

VA’s Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) raised questions about the safety of replacing physician anesthesiologists with nurses, noting it could not discern “whether more complex surgeries can be safely managed by certified registered nurse anesthetists, particularly in small or isolated VA hospitals where preoperative and postoperative health system factors may be less than optimal.”

Nurse anesthetists are qualified members of the Anesthesia Team Model, but anesthesiologists have twice the education and five times the hours of clinical training of nurses. They receive 12 to 14 years of education, including medical school and residency, and 12,000 to 16,000 hours of clinical training to specialize in anesthesia care and pain control, with the necessary knowledge to understand and treat the medical issues that arise during surgery.

Protect Safe VA Care

Veterans deserve the same high-quality care available to American civilians. Share your opinion on protecting Veterans’ health and safety today.

2024-01-02T04:01:00

(BPT) – Rising inflation and uncertain financial futures are negatively impacting the American workforce. Most U.S. working adults are stressed about their current finances. About half aren’t confident they can retire comfortably on only an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

Here are some surprising findings on how U.S. working adults’ financial stress is spilling into the workplace.

2023-12-28T06:01:00

(BPT) – Food insecurity is a growing issue in the United States and poses a particular challenge for families with children under the age of 18. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 6.5 million American households with children experienced food insecurity in 2022, when they were uncertain of having or unable to acquire enough food to meet the needs of all their family members.

The winter months can be especially hard for families facing food insecurity. Extra expenses during this time of year, like higher home heating costs, often force many families to make tough choices about basic needs.

According to Feed the Children — a nonprofit focused on alleviating childhood food insecurity — higher food prices, economic instability and other factors have made providing for a family even harder, with one in five children in the U.S. being hungry this holiday season.

While there’s no single solution, individuals and organizations can step up to help. For example, one company is working to support students in high-needs communities with access to food and other critical resources.

Supporting children now and year-round

Food companies play an important role in addressing this issue, often through collaboration with nonprofit groups. That’s why for over a decade, Frito-Lay has partnered with Feed the Children to provide food for families across the U.S. and help achieve its mission to create more smiles and a brighter future with every bite.

At the start of the pandemic, Frito-Lay and Feed the Children recognized that the role of schools in the United States was changing. Due to this shift, they expanded their partnership by launching Building the Future Together. Schools across the country are often providing more than just education. The partnership strategically evaluated what was needed most and set out to create a program that enables school districts to provide students and their families with everyday essential items and other much-needed resources.

“Food security is more critical than ever and as a food company, we have a responsibility to do our part to ensure students and families have what they need to succeed,” said Nikki Jolly, Senior Manager of Corporate Citizenship and Social Impact at PepsiCo Foods North America. “We believe that when our communities thrive, we all thrive.”

Supplies such as shelf-stable food items, hygiene products, books and more are given to school districts to distribute to students and their families throughout the school year and whenever they are needed most. The products stocked in schools’ resource rooms can be a lifeline for families, especially in times of tragedy.

“We had a family impacted by a house fire and spent time in temporary housing, hotels, etc.,” said a staff member at Phoenix Union High School District. “We were able to tell this family to save money for living expenses and visit the resource center weekly ­­­­— and sometimes biweekly — for food, snacks and hygiene products.”

So far, the program has served over 110,000 families and has provided nearly 1.5 million pounds of resources. In its fourth year, Building the Future Together has launched in some of the highest-needs cities across the country to provide additional support to local school districts, including Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Orlando and Phoenix.

Schools that have participated in the Building the Future Together program say they’ve seen a 63% increase in school attendance and student engagement, a 38% increase in student confidence and a 25% improvement in student grades. The measurable impact of this program allows more students to complete their education, setting them up for greater financial stability and independence for themselves and their families.

“Food insecurity is often invisible,” said Feed the Children President and CEO Travis Arnold. “We rarely know what someone else is going through, which is why we need to take care of our neighbors. Feed the Children is thankful for the partnership with Frito-Lay and their support of the Building the Future Together program as we tackle the important issue of childhood food security.”

There is still more work to be done to address childhood food insecurity. During the colder months, get into the spirit of the season and do your part to help children and their families receive what they need to succeed. To learn more or donate, visit FeedTheChildren.org.

2023-12-22T09:01:00

(BPT) – Are you struggling to save more and spend within your means? You’re not alone. According to Fidelity’s Money Mindset study, 59% of young Americans cringe at the thought of checking their bank account balance and 57% dread budgeting. While it’s understandable to avoid tasks that cause stress, neglecting your finances now will only add up to more money worries in the long run.

If you’re ready to start spending smarter, save more and improve your financial health, you may be interested to know what could be keeping you from having a better relationship with money. Check out these three sneaky reasons why you might be having trouble saving money and how you can take steps to overcome them.

1. You avoid thinking about your money

Sometimes, when something causes us stress, we avoid thinking about it altogether. Finances are no different. In fact, Fidelity’s Money Mindset study found 1-in-3 young Americans say they would rather deep clean their bathroom than check their savings account. While not monitoring your money might provide momentary relief, in the long term, it can make your financial situation worse. You might forget about automated and recurring payments or overspend, and not realize until it’s too late to save.

Instead, be proactive about your financial health. Getting your finances in check can sound scary, but it doesn’t have to be! Sit down and think about how you’re spending your money and what changes you’d like to make.

One great tool to use is automation. Automatically transferring a certain amount into your savings every month can be a great option to make sure you’re making progress toward your goals without daily monitoring and stress. There are plenty of apps that can help you get started with this process. For example, Fidelity Bloom^® is a free financial app that offers automated routines to help you grow your savings – like recurring transfers to your Bloom Save account.

In addition to automating savings routines, built-in incentives and recurring transfers, the app can also help expand your financial knowledge. In-app prompts and friendly nudges provide actionable steps you can take every day to help you navigate day-to-day finances and address the underlying causes that might be making it difficult for you to save.

2. FOMO and societal pressures keep you spending

The fear of missing out (FOMO) might also lead to missing out on savings. Many young Americans report feeling pressure to keep up with their peers which can lead to spending more money than they originally intended and impact their ability to save. Fidelity found that 61% of young Americans admit they spend more money than they intend because of FOMO.

This doesn’t mean you have to skip every concert and vacation but try to limit your spending to the activities you really want to attend and know you can afford. Soon enough, you may find that you’re able to both spend on the activities you really want and save for your future.

With Fidelity Bloom^®, you get access to two accounts: one “save” account that helps you build your savings and a “spend” account that helps you track everyday spending. Having these two separate accounts, can help you be sure you’re only spending the amount you’ve set aside for spending, instead of tapping into your savings.

3. You think you can wait to save

Saving for the future can seem like a lofty, far-off goal, especially when there is so much to spend on now. In fact, 76% of young Americans believe that to save money, they’d have to cut back on spending on things that bring them joy. But the earlier you prioritize saving, the less stressed and better prepared you’ll be for the future.

A good first step is to create an emergency savings account, so you’re prepared for any unexpected expenses that come up or potential job loss. Nearly half of young Americans (49%) say they wouldn’t be able to cover an unexpected expense of $1,000. Fidelity suggests saving at least six months’ worth of essential expenses in an emergency fund.

Fidelity Bloom^® can also help you with your savings goals. It’s the only app that matches up to 10% on your Save account each year up to $300. You can also save while spending on everyday purchases with debit card rewards and customizable round-ups into your Save account.

Changing your saving and spending habits can be difficult, but becoming aware of them is the first step to changing them. To help you with your saving and spending journey, download the Fidelity Bloom^® app so you can take an honest look at your finances and start saving today. To learn more, visit Fidelity.com/Mobile/Bloom.

About Fidelity Investments

Fidelity’s mission is to strengthen the financial well-being of our customers and deliver better outcomes for the clients and businesses we serve. With assets under administration of $11.5 trillion, including discretionary assets of $4.4 trillion as of September 30, 2023, we focus on meeting the unique needs of a diverse set of customers. Privately held for 77 years, Fidelity employs more than 73,000 associates who are focused on the long-term success of our customers. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit https://www.fidelity.com/about-fidelity/ourcompany.

About Fidelity’s 2022 Money Mindset Study

The 2022 Money Mindset Study presents the findings of an online sample of 2,010 adults 18 years of age and older with a checking or savings account, which represents 98% of American adults, with a focus on the 1,008 respondents 18-44 years old. Interviewing for this CARAVAN omnibus survey was conducted April 15-20, 2022, by ENGINE INSIGHTS, which is not affiliated with Fidelity Investments. The results of this survey may not be representative of all respondents meeting the same criteria as those surveyed for this study.

Important Information

The Fidelity Bloom App is designed to help with your saving and spending behaviors through your Save and Spend accounts, which are brokerage accounts covered by SIPC. They are not bank accounts and therefore are not covered by FDIC insurance.

Keep in mind that investing involves risk. The value of your investment will fluctuate over time, and you may gain or lose money.

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Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917

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©2023 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.

2023-12-22T08:01:01

(BPT) – Trends in real estate and home buying go far beyond mortgage rates and home prices. Better Homes and Gardens^® Real Estate has identified several more trends that provide insight into today’s homebuyer and what they are looking for in a home.

Who are the buyers?

There is a big difference between a first-time buyer and someone who already owns a home. In fact, the 2023 Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers by the National Association of REALTORS^® (NAR) reports a 23-year age gap between a typical first-time buyer (35 years old) and a repeat buyer (58 years old).

There are also more unmarried people buying homes today. While 59% of all buyers were married couples, single females purchased 19% of homes, followed by single men (10%) and unmarried couples (9%). It’s also noteworthy that 70% of recent home buyers did not have a child under 18 living in the home, a drastic increase from 42% back in 1985.

“First-time buyers remain active and continue to account for about 30% of all home purchases,” said Ginger Wilcox, president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. “While saving for a down payment remains a challenge, the overwhelming majority of first-time homebuyers are not putting down 20% and many are getting financial help from parents, families and friends. The repeat buyer has a significant advantage as they can utilize equity from their previous home to either pay cash or reduce their mortgage as they move up or down in home size.”

Staying close … again

“The pandemic-fueled, work-from-anywhere trend that allowed so many to purchase a home in more affordable areas seems to be subsiding,” Wilcox said. “Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate affiliated agents are reporting more and more buyers who left a market are starting to return due to work or because they miss family and friends.”

This trend is shown in NAR data, according to Wilcox.

“For years before the pandemic, it was normal for repeat buyers to move within 15 miles of their previous home,” she said. “It jumped to 50 miles a year ago as so many opted to move to more affordable locations and take advantage of the remote work boom. We are back to a 20-mile radius today.”

What do buyers want?

NAR reported that 39% of repeat buyers traded up, while 33% purchased a smaller home. But home size is not the only consideration, according to Wilcox.

“It was interesting to see that 60% of all buyers said the quality of the neighborhood was the most important factor in determining where to live,” she said. “We are returning to a real estate market where life events trigger buying decisions. Being close to family and friends is the biggest driver of where people want to be, even more than affordability.

“We are also seeing a trend in longevity in a home. While most live in their home for 10 years, today’s buyer believes they will stay in their recently purchased home for at least 15 years. Therefore, it is important for potential buyers to look as far into the future as possible when choosing their next home and thinking about job locations, marriage, children, and other factors.”

What about older Americans?

Better Homes and Gardens^® Real Estate is tracking the home buying and selling patterns of baby boomers. This generation, those now 59-77, have redefined societal norms since they were born and are now doing the same in housing as they age. The U.S. Census reports the homeownership rate is more than 75% for baby boomers and AARP reports an overwhelming majority of this group wants to age in place.

“One of the big questions hanging over the housing market is how long baby boomers will stay in their existing homes,” Wilcox said. “As those in this demographic move on to the next phase in their lives, they will be looking for more manageable homes, nearby medical facilities, accessible community amenities and proximity to friends and loved ones. A good real estate professional will be able to assist and understand how to maximize the equity they have built.”

NAR shared that those over 60 almost tripled the number of home purchases in senior-related housing compared to the previous year (19% vs. 7%, respectively). Retirement, health of a loved one and the desire to downsize are the driving factors for a move for those 65 and older. Only 3% in this age group say they want a larger home.

The process

The fast-paced housing market continues. It’s important that buyers select an agent with whom they are comfortable, with a like-minded communication style and experience working in the price points and communities the buyer is interested in. It is also important to choose an agent who can help identify reputable loan officers with various financing options.

“More than half of all buyers use an agent who was referred to them or someone they worked with previously,” Wilcox said. “I always encourage buyers to ask around and interview more than one agent. Don’t be afraid to spend time with your potential agent to ensure they are right for you.”

If you’re thinking about making a move, connect with a Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate affiliated agent today. Visit https://www.bhgre.com/find-agents.

2023-12-21T12:01:00

(BPT) – ‘Tis the season, but U.S. consumers say high prices are impacting their spending habits and making them feel stressed (61%).

Citing inflation concerns (74%), recent research from financial services company Empower shows over a third (34%) of Americans are trimming their holiday budgets in favor of saving during the most wonderful time of year.

How much spend is just right? Let your budget be your guide. Here are three tips for embracing the spirit of giving.

1. Start budgeting for the holidays early

It’s always best to plan ahead. With rising prices, it may be harder to buy last-minute impulse gifts or squeeze in a few extra presents. That’s why it’s helpful to create a list of all your holiday expenses first.

Most people think of gifts when it comes to outlining holiday expenses. And while presents may comprise the bulk of your expenses, there are additional costs to consider like holiday decorations, travel, parties, entertainment, cards, wrapping paper, food and shipping charges for sending gifts to friends and family members who live far away.

Empower data shows that more than half of shoppers (55%) plan to focus on a significant or “big gift” item for those on their list, while 45% prefer to give an array of smaller presents. Budget-wise, more than a third of Americans (37%) have allocated less than $250 in total for gifts this year.

Keith Jones, senior financial professional at Empower, says, “Determine the total amount of money you want to spend on your holiday purchases. Write this figure down and put it in a prominent place where you will see it often. This way you’ll be reminded of your spending limit every day during the holidays, when it can be tempting to want to overspend.”

2. Prioritize what brings you the most holiday joy

According to the findings, half of Americans are cutting back on buying gifts for friends (50%). Deciding who you will — and won’t — buy gifts for this year can be the hardest part of creating a holiday spending budget.

“How you allocate your holiday budget will depend on what’s most important to you — this year, you may prioritize travel to visit family that you typically only see during the holidays over decorations or cut back on social commitments in order to give yourself a larger budget for holiday gifts,” says Jones.

Americans are embracing the gift of time, choosing low-cost activities like seeing holiday lights (56%) and watching movies at home (47%). These precious moments can build new holiday traditions and create priceless memories for your friends and family members to enjoy.

3. Start thinking about next year

Planning for the new year can help keep your eye on the prize. Americans’ top goals for next year include: Saving more money each month (54%), handling their debt (37%) and lowering any non-essential spending (34%). Budgeting is on the wish list, with 20% planning to set or stay on a budget next year.

It’s important to be realistic when setting a spending limit. This starts with understanding your overall financial situation. Working with a financial professional can help you identify your money goals and create a road map to help get you there.

Methodology:

This survey of 1,003 Americans ages 18+ was commissioned by Empower: 20% were baby boomers, 26% were Gen X, 26% were millennials, and 28% were Gen Z.

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