Recent Research

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.
Dec. 6, 2019 by The Ascent 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.
Nov. 17, 2019 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.
Nov. 7, 2019 by The Ascent 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 The Ascent.
Oct. 4, 2019 by The Ascent 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) The Ascent was able to understand exactly how the world’s most common personality traits influenced monetary outlooks and habits.
Sept. 24, 2019 by The Ascent 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.
Aug. 29, 2019 by Christy Bieber

Americans Got These 3 Finance Questions Wrong -- Did You?

Most Americans don't know the answers to these three personal finance questions, and that's worrying. Do you know the right answers? Test your knowledge here!
July 23, 2019 by The Ascent 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.
July 20, 2019 by The Ascent 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?
May 22, 2019 by The Ascent 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.
May 17, 2019 by The Ascent 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.
May 16, 2019 by The Ascent 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.
May 12, 2019 by The Ascent 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.
April 24, 2019 by The Ascent 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.
April 10, 2019 by The Ascent Staff

The Definitive Guide to Saving Money by Going Green

We all want to save the planet. Some of the steps you take can save you money too. Small adjustments to your daily habits can help you cut your water bill, power bill, grocery fees, and commute costs.
March 22, 2019 by The Ascent Staff

Study: The Average Millennial Achieves Financial Independence at This Age

The average millennial achieves financial independence at 31 years old. Read on to find out why.