WalletHub
Coverage of WalletHub in the Nexus archive.
- Study: Virginia has the sixth-best school system in the U.S.
Virginia's public school system ranks among the top 10 in the U.S. according to a new WalletHub study. The study specifically highlights Virginia as having the sixth-best school system.
- The best U.S. cities to raise a family in 2026
WalletHub evaluated 182 U.S. cities using 45 metrics to identify the best family-friendly cities for 2026. The analysis emphasizes the significance of location in raising children.
- Tips to turn a staycation into a real vacation without blowing your budget
A WalletHub survey reveals high gas prices are altering summer travel plans for many Americans, prompting 59% to adjust due to transportation costs and 51% to spend less than last year. John Kiernan from WalletHub suggests eliminating lodging, travel, and dining expenses by staying local, treating a staycation as a mental escape, and exploring free or underutilized local activities to stay within budget while still enjoying special experiences.
- Tips to turn a staycation into a real vacation without blowing your budget
A WalletHub survey reveals high gas prices are influencing summer travel plans, with 59% of Americans citing transportation costs as a factor and 51% expecting to spend less than last year. John Kiernan, WalletHub's managing editor, recommends treating staycations like traditional vacations by breaking routines, exploring local areas, and selectively spending on activities like amusement parks or hotel stays to balance budget and enjoyment.
- Tips to turn a staycation into a real vacation without blowing your budget
A WalletHub survey reveals high gas prices are influencing summer travel plans, with 59% of Americans citing transportation costs as a factor and 51% planning to spend less. John Kiernan of WalletHub suggests turning a staycation into a meaningful experience by avoiding routines, exploring local areas, and selectively spending on activities like amusement parks or hotel stays to balance budget and enjoyment.
- The easiest and hardest U.S. cities to buy your first home in 2026
First-time home buyers accounted for 21% of U.S. home purchases last year. WalletHub analyzed 300 cities to identify the easiest and hardest locations for first-time buyers to purchase a home in 2026.
- Middle Tennessee city among top 10 cities for first-time homebuyers in new report. Here’s why
A WalletHub study ranked Murfreesboro, Tennessee, as the 10th-best U.S. city for first-time homebuyers due to its affordability, real-estate market, and quality of life. Nashville and Memphis also ranked among top large cities, while Knoxville and Murfreesboro performed well in midsize city categories.
- Baton Rouge ranks poorly for first-time homebuyers, study finds
Baton Rouge was ranked as the 8th-worst midsize city for first-time homebuyers in a WalletHub study. The ranking considered factors including cost of living, real estate taxes, and crime rates.
- How to make credit card rewards work for summer travel
Nearly 44% of Americans plan to use credit card rewards for summer travel, with average travel rewards cards offering over 35,000 initial bonus points. Experts recommend selecting cards aligned with travel habits and spending, such as the Capital One Venture Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, while cautioning against prioritizing large sign-up bonuses without considering fees and interest rates.
- How to make credit card rewards work for summer travel
Nearly half of Americans plan to use credit card rewards for summer travel, with experts advising careful selection of cards based on spending habits and travel needs. WalletHub's John Kiernan recommends cards like the Capital One Venture Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, emphasizing the importance of evaluating annual fees, interest rates, and redemption flexibility to avoid debt.
- How to make credit card rewards work for summer travel
A WalletHub survey found 44% of Americans plan to use credit card rewards for summer travel, with experts advising careful selection of cards based on travel habits and spending. Recommended options include the Capital One Venture Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, while cash-back cards are suggested for less frequent travelers. Experts warn against prioritizing large sign-up bonuses without considering fees and interest rates.
- These are the most stressed-out cities in America, report says
A WalletHub report identifies the 10 most stressed cities in the U.S. based on 39 metrics across four categories: work stress, financial stress, family stress, and health and safety stress. The list includes cities like Detroit, Baltimore, Cleveland, and Memphis.
- These are the most stressed-out cities in America, report says
A report by WalletHub identified the 10 most stressed cities in the U.S. based on 39 metrics across four categories: work stress, financial stress, family stress, and health and safety stress. The top cities listed include Detroit, Baltimore, Cleveland, Memphis, Shreveport, Gulfport, Philadelphia, Jackson, Akron, and St. Louis.
- These are the most stressed-out cities in America, report says
A WalletHub report identified the 10 most stressed cities in the U.S. by analyzing 182 cities across 39 metrics in four categories: work stress, financial stress, family stress, and health and safety stress. Cities like Detroit, Baltimore, and Philadelphia were ranked among the most stressed.
- Virginia, Montana top list of most patriotic states in new survey before America’s 250th
WalletHub's survey ranks Virginia as the most patriotic state due to high military engagement, veterans per capita, and voter turnout. Montana follows as the second-most patriotic state with strong civic participation. The least patriotic states include Arkansas, New York, Louisiana, and Alabama, with blue states voting for Kamala Harris in 2024 averaging higher patriotism than red states.
- New analysis ranks U.S. cities where student loan debt is hardest to manage
A new WalletHub analysis ranks U.S. cities where student loan debt is hardest to manage, showing that cities like Ashtabula, Ohio; Orangeburg, South Carolina; and Loma Linda, California have the highest debt-to-income ratios. The analysis found total student loan debt in the U.S. is nearly $1.7 trillion, averaging $39,600 per borrower.
- New analysis ranks U.S. cities where student loan debt is hardest to manage
A WalletHub analysis ranks U.S. cities where student loan debt is hardest to manage by comparing median student loan balances with median earnings for adults with bachelor’s degrees. Cities like Ashtabula, Ohio; Orangeburg, South Carolina; and Loma Linda, California have the highest debt-to-income ratios. The report advises borrowers to use loan calculators and monitor credit reports to manage repayment.
- New analysis ranks U.S. cities where student loan debt is hardest to manage
A WalletHub analysis ranks U.S. cities where student loan debt is hardest to manage, finding that student loans total nearly $1.7 trillion nationally, averaging $39,600 per borrower. The study compared median student loan balances with median earnings for adults with bachelor’s degrees across 2,500 cities, identifying Ashtabula, Ohio; Orangeburg, South Carolina; and Loma Linda, California as having the highest debt-to-income ratios. The analysis also recommends using loan calculators and checking credit reports to manage repayment.
- Expert: Rent reporting could boost your credit score by up to 150 points
WalletHub's rent reporting service allows renters to have their payments reported to TransUnion, potentially boosting credit scores by up to 150 points. Only 13% of renters currently have their payments reported, and utility bill reporting is also available through some services.
- Expert: Rent reporting could boost your credit score by up to 150 points
John Kiernan of WalletHub explains that reporting rent payments to TransUnion via services like WalletHub can boost credit scores by up to 150 points, with research from VantageScore supporting this claim. Only 13% of renters currently have their payments reported, and utility bills can also be reported to build credit.
- Expert: Rent reporting could boost your credit score by up to 150 points
WalletHub offers a rent reporting service that adds positive credit information by syncing checking accounts, with research indicating it can boost credit scores by up to 150 points. Only 13% of renters currently have their payments reported, and utility bills can also contribute to credit scores through similar services.
- Thinking of taking a road trip in California? New research might make you pump the brakes
WalletHub, a personal finance company, released a 2026 report ranking the best and worst states for summer road trips. The research aims to inform travelers about state-specific conditions for road trips.
- The best — and worst — places to be a cop in America
A police officer's working conditions depend heavily on their employment location. WalletHub ranked all 50 states to identify the best and worst places for cops in America.
- Massachusetts was just ranked the best economy in the US. Innovation is a big reason why.
Massachusetts was ranked the best economy in the US by a WalletHub study, driven by its top innovation potential and high-tech industries. The state's strong economic activity, high-tech job share, and leading research institutions like Harvard and MIT contribute to its success.
- Study: Virginia named 2026's Most Patriotic State
WalletHub named Virginia the 2026 Most Patriotic State after evaluating all 50 states using 13 indicators, including military enlistment, veteran populations, and 2024 presidential election voter turnout.
- Pacifica businesses launch 'Project 1334' in response to last-place ranking in WalletHub study
Pacifica businesses have launched 'Project 1334' in response to a WalletHub study that ranked Pacifica last among small U.S. cities for starting a business.
- South Carolina among the states that spend the largest percent of income on fast food: Study
South Carolina is among the states that spend the largest percent of income on fast food, according to a WalletHub study. Arkansas ranks second in the nation for fast food spending as a share of household income, while Mississippi ranks higher than both.
- These states spend the largest percent of income on fast food: Study
Arkansas ranks second in the nation for fast food spending as a share of household income, with Mississippi ranking higher, according to a study by WalletHub.
- How to pick a summer vacation you can actually afford
WalletHub identified Atlanta, Orlando, Austin, Washington DC, and Honolulu as top affordable summer vacation destinations based on factors like cost, weather, and activities. John Kiernan of WalletHub emphasized budget planning and advised against overspending on credit cards for travel.
- How to pick a summer vacation you can actually afford
WalletHub identified Atlanta, Orlando, Austin, Washington DC, and Honolulu as top summer travel destinations for their balance of affordability, good weather, and activities. The survey emphasized budget planning, cautioning against overspending with credit cards, and noted that over 50% of travelers worry about post-vacation bills. Lower-ranked destinations included Las Vegas, Baton Rouge, Des Moines, Jackson, and McAllen.
- How to pick a summer vacation you can actually afford
WalletHub identified Atlanta, Orlando, Austin, Washington DC, and Honolulu as top summer travel destinations balancing affordability and activities. The survey emphasizes budget planning, noting over 50% of travelers worry about post-vacation credit card bills. Destinations like Las Vegas and McAllen scored lowest due to higher costs or fewer options.
- The state with the highest income isn't New York or California. See the 15 states where people earn the most.
A WalletHub study ranked states by income using three measures: average income of the top 5%, bottom 20%, and median household income. New York, California, and Florida did not rank highest due to income disparities or high earners leaving, with California's lower ranking attributed to wealth migration to more tax-friendly states.
- Gen Z is ditching college for ‘more secure’ trade jobs—but boilermakers and welders actually rank among the worst entry-level jobs
Gen Z is increasingly pursuing trade jobs like welding and carpentry over college, citing higher salaries and avoiding student loans. However, a WalletHub study ranks these roles among the worst entry-level jobs due to limited growth, economic sensitivity, and automation risks. Boilermakers, welders, and automotive mechanics face low job availability, seasonal instability, and hazardous conditions.
- The Needle: Virginia Is No. 1 in Income, Trump Administration Trashed Its DMs, Trump Wants to Fire GS-15s Without a Reason, Times Editorial Board Rejects National Intelligence Nominee, and Education Department Wants to Turn Back Time
Virginia ranks first in WalletHub's state income analysis with high earnings across income levels. President Trump's administration failed to preserve Twitter DMs, violated the Presidential Records Act, and issued an executive order allowing the government to fire GS-15 federal workers without cause. The New York Times Editorial Board rejected Bill Pulte as National Intelligence nominee due to lack of qualifications, and the Education Department is ending civil rights protections.