Not surprisingly, the recent spike is affecting far more summer plans this year than last year, according to a survey of people registered to use GasBuddy, an app that tracks station prices. Still, there are just as many people (a few more, actually) who are planning at least one road trip this year: 58% of those surveyed this year, compared to 57% last year. “Against a backdrop of gas prices that have continued to set new records ahead of Memorial Day, Americans have been resilient in their desire to hit the road, but we’re certainly seeing increased hesitancy,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, said in a recent press release....

The World Bank is not a bank in the conventional sense of the word. Instead, it consists of two organizations. One is the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which provides loans, credit, and grants. The second is the International Development Association, which provides low- or no-interest loans and grants to low-income countries. The Bank works closely with three other organizations in the World Bank Group: World Bank Purpose and Function The World Bank provides low-interest loans, interest-free credit, and grants....

A slower holiday season for some businesses means more time for hiring. It can also mean less competition for available jobs because of the number of job seekers who do take a break from their job hunt. 11 Reasons to Keep Job Searching During the Holidays Still not sure whether you should call it quits until the New Year? Here are some reasons to keep your job search going during the holiday season....

There are hundreds of cryptocurrencies out there. Many use the blockchain in different ways. Blockchain ETFs can help you get exposure to different cryptocurrencies and blockchain applications without buying hundreds of different coins. Though most people are likely most familiar with the blockchain through cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, there are other potential applications for the technology. Some investors want to invest in the blockchain without buying cryptocurrencies or want to get exposure to companies involved in developing blockchain technology....

Chances are, you won’t be able to save enough to cover all your expenses while in college, so try choosing the most expensive one, and only borrow enough to cover the rest. You also may consider sticking to a college budget, which will also help you save money and avoid student debt. You should carefully monitor your college spending so you do not end up borrowing as much. Try employing these saving strategies to save money while in college, maybe even to pay for college without working....

But how do you know who to trust, and what should you ask once you have found someone you believe is reliable? Start with these questions. What’s Your Background? Ask about the the advisor’s experience: Have they ever worked in a college financial aid office? Do they attend conferences to keep up on the latest in the field, or lead any workshops or seminars as a recognized expert in financial aid?...

Prices can be vastly different from one company to another, and it helps to have some tips on finding the best rate. After all, why is insurance so expensive when the person who seems to have all the same qualities as you pays much less for the same type of car or home? It might make you wonder if all things are the same, what makes one insurance company more expensive?...

Ratios allow you to compare penny stocks to massive blue-chip corporations or contrast a business against any of its competitors. They also allow you to track the health of the underlying company and watch to see if they are getting stronger or fading. Knowing a single value is meaningless. For example, are sales of $1.3 million good? That depends. If a billion-dollar corporation was only bringing in seven figures, that would be very bad, while it might be positive for the newest up-and-coming penny stock....

Maybe you’ve spent a lot of money on home advertising and made a number of price reductions, and still, nobody calls you. After a time, your home may even become an expired listing. However, try not to get discouraged, because there are still actions you can take when your home does not sell. Postpone Selling Your Home If your home isn’t selling, it could just be the case that it’s not a good time to sell....

According to a survey from the National Association of Professional Financial Advisors (NAPFA), more than one-quarter of Gen Zers learn about money from social media. When it comes to where they’re getting financial advice, YouTube and TikTok are the most popular platforms. What Makes a Good Personal-Finance Influencer? If your teen is interested in learning about money through social media, it’s important to steer them toward trustworthy information. Anyone can claim to be a finance expert, but it’s important to understand what credentials they have to back that up....

Maskot / Getty Images When banks price REO foreclosures under comparable sales, multiple offers often come in response. That means you could be up against stiff competition for that bank-owned home. It’s not unusual for some REO foreclosures to receive several offers. Here are tips to help you determine how much to offer on a bank-owned property. Get the Property History Ask your buyer’s agent to find out the bank’s purchase price....

Collision coverage is often confused with comprehensive insurance, but each type covers different events. What Is Collision Insurance? Collision insurance is a type of auto coverage that helps pay for damage to your car, no matter who’s at fault, even when an accident is 100% your responsibility. It might pay to repair the damage or even give you a payout if your car is totaled. Most states mandate that you carry liability insurance....

The International Monetary Fund (“IMF”) expects post-pandemic GDP growth through 2025 for Malaysia and Indonesia to taper from about 5.8% to 5.2%; for Thailand, to peak at around 5.8% and then level at 3.6%; and for Singapore, to settle from 3.2% to 2.5%. People looking for a safe haven away from the U.S. and Europe may want to think about building in exposure to this outperforming region of the world....

Why Find An Alternative To A Home Office? Working from an alternate location can reenergize your productivity, reduce boredom, and make you less likely to procrastinate. If your job requires you to travel from your home office, you’re likely accustomed to using every opportunity to connect with free Wi-Fi, a comfortable chair, and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Whether you love it or hate it, the discipline of getting work done away from your home office is a smart skill to practice....

What Is an Annual Report? An annual report is a document prepared by the company to deliver important corporate information to its investors. It will typically contain a letter from the chief executive officer, data regarding the company’s finances, and information about business activities during the previous year. The first half of the annual report might be devoted to company information, industry trends, and other news, while the back half usually contains financial data....

Shopping at a Small Business Due to their size and credit card processing fees, some small businesses don’t accept credit cards. In fact, one study found that only 27% of small businesses prefer digital payments (think credit cards or ApplePay) over non-digital payments (cash, checks, and money orders). So if you hire someone to mow your lawn, purchase goods from a local store or flea market vendor, or even have the occasional dog walker, you may want to keep a checkbook on hand to pay them....

Choosing your investment options in a 401(k) or IRA can be a challenge. Having an investment plan will help you decide which options will let you reach retirement age with enough savings to stop working, support your lifestyle, and pay for healthcare as you age. Understand Your Investor Personality Every investor needs a plan that takes into account your: TimelineSavings goalsOther sources of incomeLevel of risk toleranceInvesting personality Understanding these factors will help you select which types of retirement accounts to invest in and how to manage your investments....

But finding the lowest price and best car is not just about objective research and getting the best deal. There are some personal questions you should ask yourself in preparation for buying a new car. Here are the top six questions you should ask yourself (and steps you should take) before purchasing a new vehicle to make sure you get a good deal. Are You Upside Down on Your Current Car Loan?...

For example, an employer cannot cut the wages of a non-exempt employee to make the employee pay for the amount the owner lost in theft if so doing would reduce the employee’s pay below any required minimum wage or overtime pay that is due. In the case of exempt employees, the U.S. Department of Labor has ruled that salary deductions to pay for cash shortages or the cost of lost or damaged equipment “would violate the salary basis requirement....

Fixed Income Fixed income can refer to an investment strategy or style that is intended to produce relatively fixed or stable income, or it can also refer to investment types within an investment portfolio. From a lifestyle perspective, fixed income can also reflect a person’s income. When building a portfolio of mutual funds, the term fixed income generally refers to the portion of the portfolio that consists of funds that are relatively low in market risk and they pay interest to the investor for purposes of generating income....