Alex's Latest Posts

In years past, depositing a check, starting a new bank account, or taking out a loan required a visit to the local bank. But with the digital economy in full force today, many Americans have less and less need to…

When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in the U.S. at the beginning of 2020, quarantine and social distancing regulations caused consumer behaviors to change dramatically. Many stores and restaurants were required to close down temporarily and only reopen with limited capacity…

While flying with kids can be an exciting adventure for the whole family, it can also present unique challenges for everyone involved. As parents, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for our little ones is a top priority, even within…

Extra legroom, preflight service, and complimentary beer and wine are just a few of the enticing reasons why travelers are willing to splurge on first class tickets. Although flying first class may initially appear to be a significant strain on…

Navigating the airport can be a daunting experience, especially when it comes to ensuring you have the necessary documents. For domestic flights, it often means juggling your passport along with a driver’s license or U.S. military ID as a backup….

Chauffeuring people around your city might not be the most glamorous job, but it can turn out to be a lucrative side hustle. With rideshare drivers using their own vehicles to transport passengers, the world of ridesharing has taken the…

Having a strong credit score is a fundamental pillar of financial wellbeing. Making a major life purchase sometimes requires a loan or a line of credit, and in hard times, credit can be a bridge to help make ends meet….

From breathtaking sunsets to the sound of waves crashing at night, there’s no denying the magnetic pull of vacationing oceanfront. From the shores of Malibu, California, to the Florida Keys, these coveted accommodations offer the epitome of a dream beach…

As inflation continues to squeeze household budgets¹ and makes paying for basic living expenses challenging, many are turning to credit cards to help cope with increasing expenses. American consumers now owe $986 billion on their credit cards, surpassing the pre-pandemic…

There’s nothing more exciting than placing an order on Amazon only to have it magically appear on your doorstep the very next day. Whether you’re in need of beauty products, baby clothes, or even tools, Amazon has become the go-to destination…

The deafening applause, the electric atmosphere, and hearing their favorite songs played live are just a few of the reasons why people are drawn to seeing their music idol on tour. Whether it’s a sold-out stadium or an intimate bar…

The COVID-19 pandemic altered American spending patterns dramatically. In the early days of the pandemic, social distancing and stay-at-home orders resulted in a shift away¹ from transportation, restaurant, and entertainment expenditures. However, consumer spending has since rebounded, and now high…

Do you ever wonder how much those empty takeout containers are cutting into your bottom line? With the invention of food delivery apps, ordering from your favorite local joint has never been easier. To figure out how much those quick…

A new brand of tourism is on the rise, and it’s the most sinister one yet –– true crime tourism. True crime fanatics across the nation are traveling to the scene of the crime to get a glimpse of where…

Data breaches are on the rise, both throughout the U.S. and globally.¹ Anyone and everyone is at risk of falling victim to a data breach or cyber attack, and hackers and cybercriminals come up with new ways to steal sensitive…

Watching the changing landscape, eating gas station snacks, and visiting iconic landmarks are just a few of the reasons why people love taking road trips — the cost of all that fuel, not so much. An electric vehicle (EV) can…

Long gone are the days when Americans needed to hail a cab on the side of the road and wait patiently for taxi drivers to pull over. Nowadays, with the convenience of rideshare apps, Americans can simply order a ride…

Mid-day showers, afternoon power naps, and answering emails from the comfort of your go-to coffee joint are all perks remote workers enjoy. Some even skip working from home entirely in exchange for working poolside in luxurious, far-off destinations — mai…

Whether it’s for an unexpected business trip, a family emergency, or a sudden desire to go on a last-second getaway, there may come a time when you need to purchase a ticket at a moment’s notice. Finding a reasonably priced…

Recent data suggests that efforts to tame inflation are starting to have an effect. After nearly a year of steady interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve, year-over-year growth in the Consumer Price Index slowed to 6.0% in February 2023….