Recent Research

April 22, 2021 by Jack Caporal

The Real Cost of Renting vs. Owning -- What Does It Cost to Buy?

Many renters are considering becoming first-time homebuyers. But how much more expensive is it really to own a home than it is to rent? We ran the numbers to find out.
Oct. 23, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Study: The Financial Issues That Matter to Americans in the 2020 Election

CVODI-19 stimulus and economic inequality are the most important issues for voters in the 2020 election.
Oct. 13, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Study: How Americans Are Preparing Their Finances for the 2020 Election

The 2020 election could have a huge impact on our finances. The Ascent surveyed 2,000 Americans to find out how they're preparing their finances for the election.
Sept. 9, 2020 by Lyle Daly

The Average Cost of Homeowners Insurance in 2020

Get all the most up-to-date data on the average cost of homeowners insurance, including how this varies by home value, location, and much more.
Aug. 12, 2020 by Christy Bieber

Gender Pay Gap Statistics for 2020: Improvement, But No Solution

Is the gender pay gap real? The data shows it definitely is. Here are some of the most striking wage gap statistics for 2020.
June 30, 2020 by Maurie Backman

How Are Americans Dealing With Income Loss During COVID-19?

Millions of Americans have lost income because of the pandemic economy. We surveyed almost 2,000 Americans to find out how they're dealing with income loss.
June 24, 2020 by The Ascent 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.
June 24, 2020 by Lyle Daly

Which States Are Protecting Citizens From Wage Garnishment?

The pandemic economy has put many people in tough financial situations. Some states are protecting citizens from wage garnishment -- find out which ones.
June 18, 2020 by Christy Bieber

Contactless Payments Are Set to Continue Growing Post-COVID

The U.S. is behind when it comes to contactless card payments, but COVID-19 may be changing that. Here are the contactless payment statistics you should know.
June 1, 2020 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.
April 21, 2020 by The Ascent 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.
April 16, 2020 by Amy Fontinelle

Waiving Credit Card Interest Saves the Average American $88 a Month

Many credit card issuers offered to waive interest and account fees during the COVID-19 pandemic, which could have saved the average American $88 a month.
April 15, 2020 by The Ascent Staff

Defining Necessities: Exploring Generational Needs vs. Wants

Housing, vehicle ownership, and access to a smartphone are top necessities across generations, according to a Motley Fool survey.
April 14, 2020 by The Ascent 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.
March 27, 2020 by Amy Fontinelle

Affordable Childcare: The States, Cities, and Counties That Have It

Childcare costs as much as a year of college tuition in some states. Where can you find more affordable options? We looked a hundreds of cities and all 50 states to find out.
March 19, 2020 by The Ascent 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.
March 3, 2020 by Amy Fontinelle

Credit Bureaus Want Your Banking Data -- Should You Give It to Them?

The pros and cons of providing banking data to credit bureaus.
Jan. 30, 2020 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?
Jan. 27, 2020 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.
Jan. 17, 2020 by Maurie Backman

Study: 2019 Christmas Spending Statistics

How did Americans fare with regard to Christmas 2019 spending, budget, and post-holiday debt? Check out our 2019 Christmas spending statistics to find out.
Jan. 6, 2020 by Amy Fontinelle

When Were Credit Cards Invented? The History of Credit Cards

You might be surprised to find out when credit cards were invented. Here's a look at the history of credit cards, from the 1940s to today.
Dec. 16, 2019 by Maurie Backman

The Best States to Retire, Ranked

What's the best state to retire in? How about the worst? Read on to see how all 50 states rank for retiree-friendliness.
Dec. 10, 2019 by Amy Fontinelle

Romance Scams Are Costing People More Than Heartache

These online dating scams can lead to both heartbreak and heavy financial losses.
Dec. 9, 2019 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.