Recent Research

shush-taboo-topics.jpeg
Updated by Motley Fool Money Staff

Study: 1,000 Employees Share Most Taboo Money Topics

Would you talk about your personal finances at work? How about at the dinner table? We asked over 1,000 employees what money topics they were least comfortable talking about, and the results are fascinating.
Man standing below leaky ceiling catching water in a bucket.
Updated by Jack Caporal

The Homeowners Insurance Discounts That Save You the Most, Ranked

Homeowners insurance discounts can save you a lot -- we dug into the data to find out exactly how much each one will likely save you.
A homeowner stands in his kitchen and is on the phone with his loan servicer.
Nov. 8, 2021 by Lyle Daly

Average Cost of a Mortgage Refinance: $3,398

How much does a refinance cost? About $3,398, according to the latest statistics. Here's everything you need to know.
GettyImages-1144614809.jpeg
Updated by Motley Fool Money Staff

The Ultimate Guide to Personal Finance for American Immigrants

Bank accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and retirement accounts are all vital American personal finance tools. As an immigrant, you can use all of these tools to protect your money and your future.
shutterstock_776498887.jpeg
Updated by Motley Fool Money Staff

Study: Are You Too Nice to be Financially Successful?

Does your personality affect your financial health? After surveying over 500 people across the country who fell into IBM’s Big Five personality models (agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, openness to experience, and neuroticism) Motley Fool Money was able to understand exactly how the world’s most common personality traits influenced monetary outlooks and habits.
financial-firsts-featured-image.jpeg
Updated by Motley Fool Money Staff

Study: When Does the Average American Get Their First Credit Card?

The average American gets their first credit card at the age of 20, and here’s the impact.
Piggy bank wearing glasses sitting on stack of books in front of classroom chalkboard.
Updated by Motley Fool Money Staff

How Financially Lit(erate) Is Your State?

Financial literacy helps you make good money decisions. But if you grow up in a state with poor financial skills, you could have extra work to do. How does your state rank?
Portrait_fragment_of_Benjamin_Franklin_close-up_from_one_hundred_dollars_bill..jpg
Updated by Motley Fool Money Staff

Americans in These 15 States Owe More Money Than They Earn Annually

Are you carrying too much debt? If so, you’re not alone. Here are 15 states that have a higher per capita debt balance than per capita income.
Getty_Image_of_people_volunteering_their_time_at_a_soup_kitchen.jpeg
Updated by Motley Fool Money Staff

Study: It Pays to Be Generous

Generosity comes in many forms, but no matter how Americans practice giving, it could be the key to a happier life, according to a new study by Motley Fool Money.
research-artGetty_Image_of_credit_card_delinque.jpg
Updated by Lyle Daly

States With the Highest Credit Card Delinquencies

Want to know where consumers have the most trouble with credit card debt? Check out the states with the highest credit card delinquencies.
research-artGettyImages-1015450752.jpg
Updated by Motley Fool Money Staff

Study: Side Hustles and The Gender Pay Gap

The hourly income gap between men and women for side hustles is far greater than the national average gender pay gap.
research-artwoman_in_red_dress_wandering_throug.original.jpg
Updated by Amy Fontinelle

Credit Invisibility: Do You Live in a Credit Desert?

Americans in certain areas may have a harder time building a credit history and getting loans or credit cards.
research-artwoman_in_bed_smiling_and_taking_a_s.original.jpg
Updated by Amy Fontinelle

Romance Scams Are Costing People More Than Heartache

These online dating scams can lead to both heartbreak and heavy financial losses.
research-artimmigrants-miss-out-banking.jpg
Updated by Amy Fontinelle

Immigrants Miss Out on Banking -- And It's an Urgent Problem

U.S. immigrants face many difficulties when it comes to setting up bank accounts, getting credit cards, and other basic financial tasks. Here's why that hurts us all.
research-artalgorithmic-bias-finances.jpg
Updated by Amy Fontinelle

Are Algorithms Hurting Your Finances? What You Need to Know

Algorithmic bias could be making it harder for you to get a job, earn what you deserve, or get new credit. Are you in one of these five at-risk groups?
A family of six smiling outdoors on a sunny day.
Updated by Motley Fool Money Staff

5 Generations' Financial Priorities During COVID-19

We surveyed 1,500 Americans to find out how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting their finances. The answer largely depends on which generation they're in.
A bouquet of roses on top of a silver coffin.
Updated by Motley Fool Money Staff

The Average Cost of a Funeral in 2020

What does a funeral cost? You might be surprised that it's easy to pay $10,000 or more. Here's the cost breakdown for funerals, including burials and cremations.
A piggy bank with a pacifier.
Updated by Motley Fool Money Staff

The New Parent's Guide to Financial Health

Don't let your new baby torpedo your financial future. Attend to your insurance and savings plans to help you set aside money and be ready for the unexpected.
An anxious women at a desk, with her hands interlaced over her face and index fingers on the top bridge of her nose.
Updated by Motley Fool Money Staff

Coronavirus Has 60% of Americans Worried About Money

Nearly half of all Americans have delayed a life event (like having kids) due to pandemic financial concerns. Find out more about the average American’s pandemic finances in our comprehensive study.
A concerned women holding a baby while looking at a laptop.
Updated by Motley Fool Money Staff

The Impact of COVID-19 on Unemployment in 2020

COVID-19 has had a huge impact on unemployment in the United States. These unemployment statistics show just how dire the situation is.
A stethoscope on top of a medical emergency form.
Updated by Motley Fool Money Staff

Medical Emergencies: Managing Finances Before, During, and After

Don't let a medical emergency decimate your financial future. Plan ahead with insurance programs, tap into state and federal support, and work with your family.
A close-up of a calendar with Thursday, the first circled in red pen and "pay rent" written.
Updated by Amy Fontinelle

Renters in These States Are Getting Hit Hard by the Pandemic Economy

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly everyone, but renters are having an especially difficult time. Read on for the 12 states where the situation is worst.
House on a rising line graph.
Updated by Jack Caporal

How Do Current Mortgage Rates Compare to Average Historical Mortgage Rates?

Average mortgage rates have been at all-time lows in 2021, but how do they compared to historical mortgage rates? We dig into the data to find out.
Diamond traffic sign with "scam alert" written on it.
Updated by Lyle Daly

COVID-19 Fraud Statistics: Over $480 Million in Losses and Counting

COVID-19 and stimulus check fraud is a growing problem. Americans have already lost over $100 million. These fraud statistics show the scope of the issue.
research-art/featured_image_tW5aTPk.jpg
Updated by Motley Fool Money Staff

Study: The Psychological Cost of Debt

Does money buy happiness? We surveyed over 1,000 indebted Americans to explore the link between happiness, fulfillment, self-esteem, and financial distress.