Personal Finance

Americans are once again buying on impulse — mostly in bed via smartphones.

Consumers’ outlook on the economy increased for the fourth straight month in April and reached its highest level since before the start of the pandemic. 

With an estimated $1.7 trillion in excess savings accumulated during the pandemic, Americans are eager to shop, eat out and travel after more than a year of COVID-19 restrictions.

Apple is extending its “family sharing” group service model to the Apple Card.

Eight in 10 Americans think the federal minimum wage is too low and two-thirds support increasing it to $15 per hour.

Consumers’ spirits are getting a boost from the anticipation of COVID-19 stimulus checks and the growing number of vaccinations.

It won’t result in a suspended driver’s license, but Americans are cutting back on drinking and shopping, with much lower spending levels.

Cashless payments are on the rise in the wake of COVID-19, but don’t write off hard currency just yet.