LendingTree

Buying a first home varies significantly depending on where one lives. LendingTree found that the percentage of people who can afford a starter home ranges dramatically from 62% down to 17%.

South Carolina held a Tax-Free Weekend, allowing items like electronics and clothes to cost less without tax added. While some shoppers celebrated the savings, others noted that the overall cost of goods is still increasing despite the reduced taxes. A Lendingtree study highlighted that back-to-school shopping requires families to spend about $900, or 13% of average monthly household income.

Single parents face financial challenges when raising kids alone. LendingTree has ranked large U.S. cities to identify areas where homeownership costs the least. This ranking pinpoints the 7 best U.S. cities for single parents seeking to own a home.

President Trump highlighted economic initiatives in California and Nevada, including GOP tax cuts that increased average tax returns by 15% in those states. However, polls show 69% of Americans view the economy as poor, with 66% disapproving of Trump's job performance, as economists warn a K-shaped recovery is leaving lower-income families behind. Rising gas prices and uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz's status further strain consumer confidence.

Younger buyers, particularly Gen Z, are reshaping the housing market in unexpected U.S. cities. LendingTree identified areas where Gen Z mortgage requests saw the most significant surge.

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) debt is increasing as Americans use it to purchase groceries, with nearly 1 in 4 users taking out loans for this purpose. Half of BNPL users missed at least one payment in the past year, leading to fees, interest, and potential credit score damage. Financial experts warn against using BNPL unless payments can be made on time.

Homebuyers in five U.S. cities plan the largest down payments, according to a LendingTree study highlighting increasing challenges in saving for home purchases.

A LendingTree survey found 30% of Americans admitted to shoplifting in the past year, citing inflation and economic struggles as primary reasons. The survey also revealed 52% of shoplifters were not caught, while retailers reported an 18% increase in shoplifting incidents in 2024 compared to 2023.

Home insurance premiums are rising unevenly across the U.S., with a LendingTree analysis identifying five states that have experienced the steepest increases since 2020.

Nearly 15 million U.S. homes are vacant, with most not for sale, according to a LendingTree analysis of Census data highlighting the five states with the highest housing vacancy rates in 2026.

A LendingTree survey reveals that 75% of Americans have adjusted their summer travel plans due to high gas and airfare costs, with 40% canceling travel entirely. Many are opting for closer destinations, using credit card rewards, and prioritizing flexibility to manage expenses.

A LendingTree survey reveals 75% of Americans have altered summer travel plans due to high gas prices and airfare, with 40% canceling travel entirely. Consumers are scaling back trips, choosing closer destinations, and prioritizing flexibility and credit card rewards to manage costs.

A LendingTree survey reveals 75% of Americans are altering summer travel plans due to high gas prices and airfare, with 40% canceling travel entirely. Consumers are opting for closer destinations, using credit card rewards, and prioritizing flexibility to manage costs.

Men were responsible for nearly 80% of fatal crashes linked to aggressive or careless driving, according to a study analyzing federal NHTSA crash data conducted by LendingTree. The study highlights the impact of risky driving behaviors on road safety.

A new LendingTree study, as reported by ABC7 I-Team, reveals the cost of raising a child has surpassed $300,000 for the first time.

A study by LendingTree found Colorado ranks as the 5th state with the most deadly road rage incidents. The research highlights Colorado's position in the national ranking for such incidents.

New data from LendingTree shows 8.2% of Americans now use personal loans for everyday bills, up from 3.4% three years ago. Gen Z is most likely to rely on such loans, with buy now, pay later loans increasingly used for essentials like groceries rather than luxury items.

More Americans are using personal loans to cover everyday expenses, with the percentage of borrowers doing so doubling from 3.4% to 8.2% in three years. Gen Z is the most likely age group to rely on such loans, and 'buy now, pay later' loans are increasingly used for essentials like groceries rather than larger purchases, according to LendingTree data.

More Americans are using personal loans to cover everyday expenses, with 8.2% of borrowers now using them for basic bills, up from 3.4% three years ago. Gen Z is the most likely age group to rely on such loans, and 'buy now, pay later' loans are increasingly used for essentials like groceries rather than larger purchases. LendingTree warns of challenges in managing multiple loans and advises borrowers to track payments and understand their financial limits.

Fire departments across the U.S. face a national firetruck shortage with orders delayed for years, leading to higher costs and safety risks. Private equity consolidation has reduced manufacturers to three companies, exacerbating the backlog. A Chicago fire involving a 24-year-old ladder truck highlighted the dangers of aging equipment.

A person experienced an email bombing and identity theft, with unauthorized loan applications submitted in their name. They took immediate steps to secure accounts, freeze credit, and contact financial institutions to mitigate damage. A credit freeze later blocked a fraudulent personal loan application.

Most American heterosexual households now have both parents working full-time, up from 40% 50 years ago. Racial and educational disparities exist in employment rates among mothers, with rising costs of living and childcare driving the shift toward dual-income families.

A new report from LendingTree indicates that average monthly mortgage payments in major U.S. cities have decreased since 2024, despite rising home prices. This trend contrasts with the broader cost-of-living challenges affecting other sectors like gas and groceries.

Raising a child in the U.S. until age 18 costs over $300,000, according to LendingTree. Kelly O'Grady provides insights into navigating these expenses.

A study by LendingTree reveals that raising a child now costs over $300,000 after accounting for tax exemptions and credits. The research highlights the significant financial burden of child-rearing in current economic conditions.

The average cost to raise a child through age 18 has surpassed $300,000, with Hawaii being the most expensive state at $412,661 in 2026. LendingTree conducted the study that revealed these findings.