Recent Research

Couple checking ruins after fire disaster.
Updated by Jack Caporal

How Natural Disasters Impact the Personal Finances of Americans

Each year, more than 20 weather events cost the economy 1 billion dollars or more. Read on to learn how this affects Americans' wallets.
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Updated by Jack Caporal

Study: Race, Ethnicity, and Personal Finance in America

The racial wealth gap is established. But what about differences in personal finances? We surveyed 2,000 Americans for the latest on race and finances in the U.S.
A person looks concerned at their financial documents and laptop.
Updated by Jack Caporal

Financial Stress and Mental Health Survey: Statistics for 2025

Financial anxiety is widespread among Americans. Get the latest data and strategies to cope with financial stress here.
A women at a coffee shop smiling on her phone with her laptop out.
Updated by Jack Caporal

2025 Cryptocurrency Investor Trends Survey

Motley Fool Money surveyed 2,000 Americans to understand their views of cryptocurrency. Keep reading for the findings.
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Updated by Jack Caporal

The 10 Most Affordable Cities With High Salaries and Low Costs of Living

McKinney, Texas tops the list of the 10 most affordable cities in the US. Check out the other 9 most affordable places to live and the 10 cheapest places to live in the US overall.
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Updated by Jack Caporal

Personal Bankruptcy Statistics: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13

Are bankruptcies increasing or decreasing? Who files bankruptcy the most? Find the answers and more in these Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy statistics.
Children walking dog near a lighthouse.
Updated by Jack Caporal

The 10 Most Affordable Cities With High Salaries and Low Cost of Living in the South

The South is home to many of the most affordable cities in the country. Check out the 10 most affordable places to live in the Southern U.S.
Hiker works on laptop while sitting on the ground. A scenic mountain view and other travelers are in the background.
Updated by Jack Caporal

The 10 Most Affordable Places With High Salaries and Low Cost of Living in the West

The Western United States is one of the most expensive regions in the country. See the exceptions on this list of the 10 most affordable places to live in the West.
College students taking a test in a classroom.
May 9, 2025 by Jack Caporal

Financial Literacy Statistics: The Average American Scores Just 48%

Scores have stayed around 50% for nearly 10 years. Read on for a deep dive into financial literacy data.
A family walks through a forest, enjoying the fall foliage.
Updated by Jack Caporal

The 10 Most Affordable Cities With High Salaries and Low Cost of Living in the Midwest

Many Midwestern cities have a low cost of living. Discover the 10 most affordable places to live in the Midwest U.S.
A happy family walking through a park with the young kids on the parents' shoulders.
Updated by Jack Caporal

The 10 Most Affordable Cities With High Salaries and Low Cost of Living in the Northeast

The Northeastern United States has high salaries and costs of living. Check out the 10 most affordable places to live in the Northeast U.S.
Two builders review blueprints inside an in-process new build home.
April 25, 2025 by Jack Caporal

Tariffs Are Already Raising Home Prices -- Here's How Much and Why

Tariffs on homebuilding materials could add thousands to the cost of a new home. Here's how tariffs may impact buyers, builders, and mortgage rates.
Newly married couple holding hands and walking out of a church.
Updated by Jack Caporal

The Average Cost of a Wedding

The average cost of a wedding is $33,000. Read on for a wedding budget breakdown.
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Updated by Jack Caporal

Average Closing Costs on a House

What are the average closing costs on a house? What's included in closing costs? We have state-by-state figures to give you the best data.
Man with tool belt climbing ladder to roof.
March 3, 2025 by Jack Caporal

Survey: The Hidden Costs of Homeownership

Over a third of homeowners run into unexpected costs after closing on their new home -- find out what they are and how much they cost.
A woman holding her hands up in a square and looking through them at a house on a sunny street.
Feb. 25, 2025 by Jack Caporal

Survey: The Most Common Home-Buying Regrets

A quarter of home owners surveyed by Motley Fool Money have some type of buyer's remorse. Read on to find out the most common home-buying regrets.
Parents giving credit card to excited teen daughter.
Updated by Jack Caporal

Study: Generational Credit Card Habits

The Motley Fool Motley Fool Money surveyed 2,000 Americans on their credit card habits and found some generational differences. Find out if they apply to you.
A young woman shops on her laptop holding her credit card while her cat lounges in the background
Updated by Jack Caporal

Study: COVID-19 Led Americans to Prioritize Spending Over Saving

Just 29% of Americans say COVID-19 led them to prioritize saving over spending. Read on to learn more.
A couple smiles as they use a contactless credit card reader in a restaurant.
Updated by Jack Caporal

Study: Americans Value Credit Card Rewards Over Trust

How do Generation Z, Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers use credit cards differently? We surveyed 2,000 Americans to find out.
An older adult uses a credit card to make a payment on a smartphone in their living room.
Updated by Jack Caporal

Beating Inflation: Credit Card Rewards and Points

Credit cards can mitigate inflation, particularly in hard hit categories like groceries, gas, and travel.
Couple sitting on couch after difficult conversation.
Updated by Jack Caporal

52% of Americans Say Secret Spending or Lying About Money Is Cheating

Most Americans thinks secret spending or lying about money counts as cheating in a relationship. Find out what else Americans think about financial infidelity.
Cute pupils running down the hall in school.
Updated by Jack Caporal

Record $41.5B in Back-to-School Shopping Forecasted for 2023, With 30% of Parents Using Credit Cards

Parents are expected to spend $41.5 billion on back-to-school shopping, and 30% intend to rely on credit cards. Read on to learn more.
Group of young people sitting around a tablet computer showing financial graph.
Updated by Jack Caporal

This Is How Credit Card Companies Hauled in $176 Billion in 2020

Credit card companies earned $176 billion in 2020. Here's how they did it, with specific examples from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and more.
A person sitting at a sunny dining room table and typing on a laptop.
Updated by Jack Caporal

Study: 26% of Americans Have Used ChatGPT for Credit Card Recommendations

Fifty-four percent of Americans surveyed by The Motley Fool Motley Fool Money have used ChatGPT to recommend a financial product. Find out more on how AI is changing personal finance.
Two people driving in a car on a sunny day while looking up directions on a smartphone.
Updated by Jack Caporal

The Average Cost of Car Insurance in All 50 States

The national average annual cost of car insurance in 2023 was $3,017. How does your payment compare? Learn the details here.