Average Salary by Age: What Workers Really Make in the U.S.What does the typical American earn at ages 22, 45, or even 65? As careers unfold, income usually climbs, peaks, and eventually levels off — but exactly how, and when? In this article, we explore the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), SmartAsset, and research on financial literacy by age to reveal [...]
Spending Habits by Generation: Latest Data on Average Expenses by Age GroupSpending habits often mirror the time you grew up in and the stage of life you’re in now. According to the latest Consumer Expenditure Survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, households led by Americans aged 35 to 54 spent about $93,000 in 2023. Those under age 35 averaged under $63,000, while people age 65 [...]
Homeownership and Home Equity by AgeOwning a home is often viewed as a cornerstone of long-term financial security in the United States. Yet the path to achieving it can look very different depending on age, income, and life stage. Younger buyers often juggle rising prices, limited savings, and tighter lending standards. Older homeowners, on the other hand, may hold substantial equity [...]
Average Credit Card Debt by Age Group in 2026: Key Trends and InsightsCredit card balances in the U.S. have climbed to levels that are putting more pressure on households than ever. Interest charges grow quickly, and repayment patterns look very different across generations. Some age groups carry far heavier balances, shaped by income, spending habits, credit access, and major life events. Here’s a closer look at how debt [...]
Average Emergency Fund in the United States by AgeYou may feel comfortable with the money sitting in your savings account, but a single unexpected expense can quickly change that. A sudden medical bill, a major car repair, or even a temporary job disruption can drain cash reserves faster than you’d expect. That’s where an emergency fund comes in. It acts as a financial cushion [...]
What Net Worth Looks Like by Age: 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and BeyondMany people wonder: “Is my financial life on track?” The answer often changes with age. In your 20s, student loans may feel overwhelming. By your 40s, the focus usually shifts to building wealth through career earnings and investing. Near retirement, the priority often becomes protecting and preserving what you’ve accumulated. In 2026, shifting markets, housing values, and [...]
Average Household Debt by Age Group – What You Need to Know in 2026Imagine looking at your finances and realizing debt is shaping more of your life than you thought. In late 2025, U.S. household debt reached about $18.59 trillion, covering mortgages, student loans, auto loans, and credit cards. Debt levels vary widely by age, career stage, and life choices, and understanding these patterns can help you make more [...]
How Many Americans Are Self-Employed in 2026? (Stats by Industry, Income, and State)Self-employment can take many forms. Some people run small online shops. Others offer professional services or work as independent contractors. Together, they make up a significant portion of the U.S. workforce. In 2025, around 16.8 million Americans were self-employed. That’s about 10.3 percent of the total workforce. This figure includes roughly 6.7 million incorporated business owners [...]
Non-Recourse Loans: Benefits, Risks, and How They WorkA non-recourse loan lets you finance a property without putting personal assets at risk beyond the collateral. This type of financing can appeal to real estate investors who want to protect personal wealth or developers looking for project funding. In this guide, we’ll explain what non-recourse loans are, highlight their benefits and risks, and cover qualification [...]