FCTI - Blog

There are a lot of articles out there talking about Baby Boomers leaving the workforce into retirement. If they are anything like my parents, their (sparkly, new) retirement involves a mixture of 401(k), Social Security, Medicare, and pensions.

Topics: consumer budgets, money management, household budgets, retirement

Consumer debt in the United States has hit a record high of $4.19 trillion. Over a quarter (26%) of that money is held on credit cards. Around 73% of those funds are tied up in automotive loans, student loans, or mortgages. With numbers like these, it is no wonder over half of Americans (60%) feel burdened by their financial situation.

Topics: payment options, consumer budgets, household budgets, personal finance

Whether you are dealing with massive debt or merely trying to make ends meet, proper money management can be overwhelming. That feeling of drowning? That’s normal. But financial freedom and control is not something achieved in a day. It is a journey that requires time, effort, and commitment.

Topics: consumer budgets, money management, household budgets, personal finance

All the things happening in 2020 have often made it difficult to look on the bright side. Even our humor has often been dark. Memes are floating around about trying to guess the next natural disaster to hit us. Whether it be “murder hornets,” dual hurricanes, or any number of the other history-making things that have happened this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get any positive out of all of this.

Topics: financial literacy, consumer budgets, money management, household budgets

The current COVID-19 pandemic has created financial havoc for a wide swath of Americans. While jobs appear to be slowly returning, the pace is not enough to keep up with demand. Instead, we are headed into late August with little sign of any immediate relief from the “new normal.” So, what can you do if you are facing an upcoming struggle?

Topics: consumer budgets, money management, household budgets

On Saturday, August 8^th, President Trump signed four new executive actions in an attempt to address still rampant unemployment and looming financial crisis. But how will these actions take effect, and will they affect you? Here are three things you should know.

Topics: consumer budgets, money management, household budgets

One of the first steps to becoming financially secure is to begin questioning your purchases before you make them. It helps you figure out what are impulse buys versus actual needs and bargain hunt whenever you can. But there are some items where finding the “cheaper” option is not always the best choice.

Topics: consumer budgets, money management, household budgets

When you are living paycheck to paycheck, financial freedom and security can seem like an impossible cliff. How are you supposed to pay down debt when it seems like every time you turn around something is costing you yet more of your hard-earned cash?

Topics: financial literacy, consumer budgets, money management, household budgets

While states continue to struggle with managing the COVID-19 outbreak, the majority of the US has begun to “re-open.” Many businesses and people are attempting to get back to whatever semblance of normalcy they can achieve while following state and local guidelines for social distancing, cleaning, and operations. And, despite signs of a recession, the stress of confinement and change up may lead some to overspend once they feel a modicum of “freedom.”

Topics: financial literacy, consumer budgets, money management, household budgets

Financial inequality can strain any relationship. Whether it is your neighbors, your family, or your close friends, making more or less money than those around, you can cause discomfort and jealousy. These feelings often lead to spending patterns that are unhealthy and damage long-term goals. No one should sacrifice financial security to satisfy or match someone else’s lifestyle.

Topics: financial literacy, consumer budgets, money management