Credit card debt in America has reached $905 billion dollars, according to a recent NerdWallet survey. Kimberly Palmer, Personal Finance Expert at the company, joins Cheddar to explore some of the reasons behind the increase.
Two categories have outpaced income growth over the past decade: medical expenses and food. Healthcare costs, in fact, have increased by 34% while income has only grown by 20%. She gives some alternatives for how to pay off those expenses without whipping out the credit card.
Plus, people always say you're throwing out money when you rent a home, but how much money are homeowners throwing away in credit card interest? Palmer says that a house may be a great asset, but owners tend to ring up double the amount of credit card interest versus renters when spending on things like upkeep.
It's expected that boomers and their parents' generation will pass down $84.4 trillion in assets through 2045, according to Forbes. Paul Karger, co-founder and managing partner of financial firm TwinFocus, joined Cheddar News to discuss wealth transfer between parents and their children and when it's a good time for a conversation between them.
Pets grow into beloved members of families and many do what they can to keep them happy and healthy. Marc Peralta, chief program officer of Best Friends Animal Society, joined Cheddar News to discuss finances and expenses when taking care of your furry family members.
