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WalletHub

MA Cities Among 10 Best For St. Patrick's Day Celebrations, Study Says: See Full List MA Cities Among 10 Best For St. Patrick's Day Celebrations, Study Says: See Full List
MA Cities Among 10 Best For St. Patrick's Day Celebrations, Study Says: See Full List Every year, some cities feel the luck of the Irish a little more than others. WalletHub released its 2026 list of Best Cities for St. Patrick's Day Celebrations on Wednesday, March 11. The study ranked 200 US cities based on holiday traditions, Irish pubs and restaurants per capita, affordability, safety, accessibility, and even the weather forecast. WalletHub said Americans are expected to spend about $7 billion on St. Patrick's Day in 2026. "St. Patrick's Day celebrates the Irish, but it's become a beloved cultural holiday for millions of Americans regardless of their ancestry," said Wal…
MD Ranked Second-Worst State For Starting Businesses, Study Finds: Here's Why MD Ranked Second-Worst State For Starting Businesses, Study Finds: Here's Why
MD Ranked Second-Worst State For Starting Businesses, Study Finds: Here's Why Northeast and mid-Atlantic states struggle to compete with most of the country when it comes to starting a business, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2026 list of Best and Worst States to Start a Business on Monday, Jan. 19. The study compared all 50 states using 25 key indicators tied to startup success, including access to financing, labor costs, office rent, workforce availability, and economic growth. The rankings were based on weighted scores in three categories: business environment, access to resources, and business costs. "Around half of all new businesses don’t sur…
Consumer Confidence Plunges As Holiday Shopping Season Begins: What To Know Consumer Confidence Plunges As Holiday Shopping Season Begins: What To Know
Consumer Confidence Plunges As Holiday Shopping Season Begins: What To Know Consumer confidence has plummeted to its lowest level since the spring as the holiday shopping season begins, according to new data. The Consumer Confidence Index fell to 88.7 in November, The Conference Board said on Tuesday, Nov. 25. That's down from 95.5 in October and the lowest since the metric dropped to 86.0 in April, shortly after President Donald Trump announced his "liberation day" tariffs that shook the economy. The closely watched data comes days before Black Friday and Cyber Monday help kick off the busy holiday shopping season. "Consumers' write-in responses pertaining t…
Higher Costs Grounding Winter Travel Plans For Most Americans, Survey Finds Higher Costs Grounding Winter Travel Plans For Most Americans, Survey Finds
Higher Costs Grounding Winter Travel Plans For Most Americans, Survey Finds Winter vacations are feeling out of reach for many Americans, as rising prices and President Donald Trump’s tariffs squeeze household budgets, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 Winter Travel Survey on Wednesday, Oct. 15. The personal finance website found that 54% of Americans say inflation will affect their winter travel plans. More than half (51%) also believe that a weaker dollar will impact what they can afford. According to Morgan Stanley, the US dollar's value fell about 11% in the first half of 2025, the biggest drop since 1973. One in four Americans sa…
New York Among 10 Most Diverse States, New Study Finds: Here's Why New York Among 10 Most Diverse States, New Study Finds: Here's Why
New York Among 10 Most Diverse States, New Study Finds: Here's Why Several Northeast states are among the nation's most diverse, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Most & Least Diverse States in America on Tuesday, Sept. 16. The study analyzed all 50 states across race, language, religion, household makeup, politics, and income. The study looked at how diversity extends far beyond demographics. "Race and gender are probably the first things that come to mind when people think about diversity, but there's plenty more that makes this nation diverse," WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said. "The most diverse state…
Virginia Named Best State For Teachers In New Study: Here's Why Virginia Named Best State For Teachers In New Study: Here's Why
Virginia Named Best State For Teachers In New Study: Here's Why Many states in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic are among the best in the country for teachers, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Best & Worst States for Teachers on Monday, Sept. 15. The rankings compared all 50 states and Washington, DC, across 24 key measures, including salaries, tenure policies, school spending, and turnover rates. The best states for teachers have strong pay, quality school systems, and job protections. "Despite having one of the most crucial jobs in America – educating the next generation – teachers are often underpaid and…
Bad Google Results Could Cost You Hundreds, Study Finds: Here's How Bad Google Results Could Cost You Hundreds, Study Finds: Here's How
Bad Google Results Could Cost You Hundreds, Study Finds: Here's How Trusting Google's top results could cost you hundreds of dollars if you're looking for a new credit card, according to a new study. WalletHub released a study analyzing Google search result trends on Monday, Sept. 8. The personal finance website said that following the first-page recommendations for "best 0 APR credit cards" can cost consumers up to $616 compared to the best deal available. The study looked at the top credit card recommended by each site on Google's first page and weighed the cards against the actual best 0% APR card on the market. "Google results have gone so fa…
Most Americans Won't Upgrade To New iPhone 17, Survey Finds: Here's Why Most Americans Won't Upgrade To New iPhone 17, Survey Finds: Here's Why
Most Americans Won't Upgrade To New iPhone 17, Survey Finds: Here's Why As Apple rolls out its new iPhone 17 lineup, nearly six in 10 Americans say they won't be upgrading because of President Donald Trump's tariffs and rising costs. WalletHub said that 59% of people in the US will skip buying a new phone in 2025 due to Trump's tariffs and inflation, according to a survey released on Tuesday, Sept. 9. The findings came on the same day Apple unveiled its new generation of devices, including the thinnest iPhone ever. Preordering for all iPhone 17 models began on Friday, Sept. 12, and the smartphones will be officially released on Friday, Sept. 19. "When day…
MD Ranked Second-Happiest State In Nation, New Study Finds: Here's Why MD Ranked Second-Happiest State In Nation, New Study Finds: Here's Why
MD Ranked Second-Happiest State In Nation, New Study Finds: Here's Why The Northeast is home to some of the happiest people in the country, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Happiest States in America on Monday, Sept. 8. The study compared all 50 states across 30 metrics of happiness, including depression and suicide rates, work hours, income growth, unemployment, family stability, volunteer rates, and safety. The personal finance website also measured how many adults feel active and productive, as well as factors like sleep, leisure time, and community support. "In addition to pursuing your passions, having a good work-l…
NY Ranked Safest State For Teen Drivers, New Study Finds: Here's Why NY Ranked Safest State For Teen Drivers, New Study Finds: Here's Why
NY Ranked Safest State For Teen Drivers, New Study Finds: Here's Why Teen drivers across the Northeast face some of the safest conditions in the country, while some teens in the mid-Atlantic aren't as fortunate, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Best & Worst States for Teen Drivers on Tuesday, Aug. 26. The personal finance website compared all 50 states across 23 measures of safety, cost, and driving laws. Car crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens ages 16 to 19, with WalletHub finding that those wrecks cost more than $40 billion each year in medical expenses and lost productivity.  "Learning …
NJ Spends Least On Hair Care In Nation, New Study Finds NJ Spends Least On Hair Care In Nation, New Study Finds
NJ Spends Least On Hair Care In Nation, New Study Finds The rising cost of a haircut is hitting wallets harder in some Northeast states than others, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of States Where People Spend the Most & Least on Hair Care on Wednesday, Aug. 20. The personal finance website compared the average price of men's barbershop visits and women's salon services in all 50 states to median household incomes. The study found Pennsylvanians spend about 1.42% of their income on hair care, ranking 11th nationwide. New York followed close behind at 17th (1.34%), while Massachusetts placed 20th (1.31%). …
MA Named Best State To Live In, New Study Says: Here's Why MA Named Best State To Live In, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA Named Best State To Live In, New Study Says: Here's Why From the best schools in the nation to some of the highest incomes, several Northeast states are among the best places to live, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of "Best States to Live In" on Monday, Aug. 11. The study ranked all 50 states using 51 measures of livability, from housing affordability and income growth to education, health, and safety. Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, said it's important to look beyond just economic factors. "When deciding on a place to move, you should first consider financial factors like the cost of living, housing prices, and…
Maryland Passes the Test: Best Community College System In America, New Report Finds Maryland Passes the Test: Best Community College System In America, New Report Finds
Maryland Passes the Test: Best Community College System In America, New Report Finds Maryland just schooled the rest of the country — literally — after being named home to the best community college system in America, according to a new report. WalletHub released its annual "States With the Best & Worst Community Colleges" list for 2025 — and the Old Line State took top honors, ahead of New Mexico, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Washington. Neighboring Virginia was further down the list, ranked 27th overall. “Community colleges are an especially attractive option this year as many families deal with inflated prices," WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in a statement. "Stu…
MA Ranked Best State To Have Baby, New Study Says: Here's Why MA Ranked Best State To Have Baby, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA Ranked Best State To Have Baby, New Study Says: Here's Why Families in some Northeast states may have a much easier time welcoming a new baby than others, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Best & Worst States to Have a Baby on Monday, Aug. 4. The study compared all 50 states and Washington, DC, across 31 metrics, from average hospital bills to infant mortality rates and child-care availability. The leaders boast strong health care systems, parental support programs, and child care access. "The best states for having a baby minimize costs while providing top-notch care for both newborns and their …
MA Tops New National Rankings For School Quality, Safety: Here's Why MA Tops New National Rankings For School Quality, Safety: Here's Why
MA Tops New National Rankings For School Quality, Safety: Here's Why Many public school systems in the Northeast are outperforming the rest of the country in quality and safety, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of States with the Best & Worst School Systems on Monday, July 21. The study ranked every state's public schools based on academic performance, safety, funding, and teacher credentials. Massachusetts ranked No. 1 in the country, earning top scores in both fourth- and eighth-grade math and reading. The Bay State also had the highest share of students scoring a three or better on Advanced Placement (AP) exams and …
Health Insurance Premiums Take More From CT Paychecks Than Most States, Study Says Health Insurance Premiums Take More From CT Paychecks Than Most States, Study Says
Health Insurance Premiums Take More From CT Paychecks Than Most States, Study Says Health insurance premiums are taking a big portion of many Northeast residents' paychecks, while some are losing much less of their incomes, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of States Where People Spend the Most & Least on Health Insurance on Thursday, July 10. The study ranked all 50 states by how much residents spend on silver-tier health insurance plans as a share of median household income. Premiums rose 6% for individual plans and 7% for family plans in 2024, continuing a recent trend of dramatic increases. "Inflation has driven up health i…
Ground Beef Prices Surge To Record High Before Fourth Of July Cookouts: Here's Why Ground Beef Prices Surge To Record High Before Fourth Of July Cookouts: Here's Why
Ground Beef Prices Surge To Record High Before Fourth Of July Cookouts: Here's Why If you plan on enjoying a burger on the Fourth of July, it may be more expensive than ever. The retail price of a pound of ground beef hit a record high of $5.98 in May, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's up by 18 cents from April and a 16.2% increase from the May 2024 average of $5.15. An American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) survey puts the retail price even higher, now averaging $6.67 a pound. Feeding 10 people a standard Independence Day cookout – including burgers, chicken, beans, and potato salad – costs about $70.92, or $7.09 a person. While the …
Inflation, Trump Tariffs Hurting Americans' Fourth Of July Plans, Survey Finds: Here's How Inflation, Trump Tariffs Hurting Americans' Fourth Of July Plans, Survey Finds: Here's How
Inflation, Trump Tariffs Hurting Americans' Fourth Of July Plans, Survey Finds: Here's How The stars and stripes may fly high on the Fourth of July, but most Americans say they're feeling financially grounded in 2025. WalletHub conducted a survey, along with compiling facts and figures, about how the US will celebrate Independence Day in 2025. The studies were released on Wednesday, June 25. The personal finance website found that 79% of Americans believe the country's independence is threatened by the rising federal debt. More than half are adjusting their Fourth of July plans because of inflation, high prices, and a shaky economy under President Donald Trump's sweepin…
Northeast Cities Rank Among Best, Worst For July 4th Fun, Study Says: See Full Rankings Northeast Cities Rank Among Best, Worst For July 4th Fun, Study Says: See Full Rankings
Northeast Cities Rank Among Best, Worst For July 4th Fun, Study Says: See Full Rankings Northeast cities have widely different Fourth of July celebrations, with the region having some of the nation's best and worst, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Best & Worst Places for Fourth of July Celebrations on Wednesday, June 25. The study scored 100 cities on everything from food and hotel prices to fireworks shows, walkability, and weather. Data came from public records, tourism offices, and national databases as of Wednesday, May 28. "The Fourth of July is one of the most beloved holidays in America, allowing many of us to not only celebr…
More Travelers Using Credit Card Perks Amid Trump Tariffs, Study Says: Here's How More Travelers Using Credit Card Perks Amid Trump Tariffs, Study Says: Here's How
More Travelers Using Credit Card Perks Amid Trump Tariffs, Study Says: Here's How As summer travel heats up and President Donald Trump's tariffs weigh on Americans, many vacationers are looking to credit card perks to reduce costs. WalletHub released two studies about rental car and travel insurance benefits on Tuesday, June 24. About 43% of Americans said Trump's tariffs will push them to explore credit card travel benefits. These sometimes overlooked perks can add up to big savings, especially for residents in high-cost states across the Northeast. "Tariffs and inflation have travelers feeling a bit antsy, and many are turning to long-overlooked credit …
MA Ranked Best State For Working Dads In New Study: Here's Why MA Ranked Best State For Working Dads In New Study: Here's Why
MA Ranked Best State For Working Dads In New Study: Here's Why This Father's Day, many Northeast states are getting recognized as having some of the best conditions for working dads. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Best & Worst States for Working Dads on Tuesday, June 10. The study compared all 50 states and Washington, DC, across 22 metrics tied to economic stability, child care quality, parental leave policies, health care, and overall work-life balance. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says 94.3% of married fathers are employed. "Working dads have to worry about much more than just how much income they're bringing home to support th…
Virginia Leads Nation In Highest Income Rankings, Study Says: Here's Why Virginia Leads Nation In Highest Income Rankings, Study Says: Here's Why
Virginia Leads Nation In Highest Income Rankings, Study Says: Here's Why Many Northeast residents are bringing home some of the highest incomes in the country, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of States Where People Have the Highest Income. The study compared all 50 states and Washington, DC, based on the average annual income of the top 5% and bottom 20% of earners, along with the median income for all residents. The report highlights wealthier communities and those facing financial hardship, showing wide wealth gaps in some areas. "The highest-earning 10% of individuals in the United States earn over 12 times more than thos…
MA Leads Nation For Supporting Working Moms, New Study Says: Here's Why MA Leads Nation For Supporting Working Moms, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA Leads Nation For Supporting Working Moms, New Study Says: Here's Why Several Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states rank among the best in the country for working mothers, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of the Best & Worst States for Working Moms on Monday, April 28. The report compared all 50 states and Washington, DC, across 17 key metrics, including the gender pay gap, parental leave policies, child care costs, and the share of female executives. The study aims to identify where women raising children have the best chance at balancing a career with their family. "Working moms have to carefully balance career opportuni…
Egg Prices Leave Wallets Scrambled: Easter 2025's Costs Outlined In New Study Egg Prices Leave Wallets Scrambled: Easter 2025's Costs Outlined In New Study
Egg Prices Leave Wallets Scrambled: Easter 2025's Costs Outlined In New Study Easter traditions are taking a hit this year – especially in the Northeast – as rising prices push families to scale back holiday plans, according to a new survey. Nearly half of Americans plan to skip dyeing eggs in 2025 because of rising costs, WalletHub said in its annual Easter Survey released on Tuesday, April 15. The personal finance website surveyed 200 adults nationwide about their preparations for the important Christian holiday that falls on Sunday, April 20. WalletHub found that 47% of Americans are passing on dyed eggs in 2025. Nearly two in five said that President Donald Trump…
NY Ranked Third Most Eco-Friendly State, New Study Says: Here's Why NY Ranked Third Most Eco-Friendly State, New Study Says: Here's Why
NY Ranked Third Most Eco-Friendly State, New Study Says: Here's Why Several Northeast states are among the most environmentally friendly in the nation, according to a new study. The Greenest States in 2025 list was released by WalletHub on Wednesday, April 9. The personal finance website compared all 50 states across key metrics like air and water quality, renewable energy use, green transportation, and carbon emissions. WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said infrastructure plays a big role in whether residents can make eco-friendly choices. "If a state doesn't have a great infrastructure for alternative-fuel vehicles, it becomes much harder for r…
MA Leads Nation For Child Healthcare, New Study Says: Here's Why MA Leads Nation For Child Healthcare, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA Leads Nation For Child Healthcare, New Study Says: Here's Why Families in the Northeast are getting some of the best care in the country for their children, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Best & Worst States for Children's Healthcare on Tuesday, April 8. The report compares all 50 states and Washington, DC, using 33 indicators of cost, access, and quality. Metrics range from the percentage of children in excellent health to the number of pediatricians per capita. "The quality of children's health care should be one of the most important considerations for parents when deciding where to live," said WalletHub ana…
New Yorkers Face Nation's Second-Largest Tax Burden, New Study Says New Yorkers Face Nation's Second-Largest Tax Burden, New Study Says
New Yorkers Face Nation's Second-Largest Tax Burden, New Study Says Taxpayers in the Northeast are carrying some of the heaviest financial burdens in the country, according to a new study unveiled ahead of the 2025 filing deadline. WalletHub released its 2025 list of tax burdens by state on Tuesday, April 1. The study compared all 50 states by analyzing how much of each state's total personal income went to property taxes, individual income taxes, and sales and excise taxes. New York has the second-highest overall tax burden in the US, only lower than Hawaii. The Empire State also ranked first for individual income tax burden, with residents hand…
MA Ranks Among Nation's Least-Stressed States, New Study Says: Here's Why MA Ranks Among Nation's Least-Stressed States, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA Ranks Among Nation's Least-Stressed States, New Study Says: Here's Why While most Americans are feeling the pressure — from rising costs to political uncertainty — residents in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic may be catching a bit of a break, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of the most stressed states in the US on Monday, Mar. 24. The findings suggest that despite national anxieties — like inflation, job instability, and healthcare access — many in the region are experiencing less day-to-day stress than much of the country. Connecticut ranked 42nd overall, placing it among the 10 least-stressed states. The Constitution State had …
NJ Pays More To Federal Gov't Than Any Other State — And Gets The Least Back, New Study Says NJ Pays More To Federal Gov't Than Any Other State — And Gets The Least Back, New Study Says
NJ Pays More To Federal Gov't Than Any Other State — And Gets The Least Back, New Study Says Some states in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic rely heavily on federal dollars, while others send far more to Washington than they get back, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Most & Least Federally Dependent States on Monday, Mar. 10. The study ranked all 50 states based on metrics like return on federal taxes paid, federal funding as a share of state revenue, and the percentage of federal jobs. The report showed a sharp divide in federal dependency across the US, with many Democratic-leaning states contributing more in taxes than they receive a…
VA Named Best State For Supporting Immigrants, New Study Says: Here's Why VA Named Best State For Supporting Immigrants, New Study Says: Here's Why
VA Named Best State For Supporting Immigrants, New Study Says: Here's Why A new study says some mid-Atlantic states are among the nation's leaders for having the best conditions for immigrants. Virginia ranked No. 1 as the most welcoming state for immigrants, while Arizona was named the worst, according to the study from SmileHub. The report evaluated states on 17 key factors, including the share of immigrants, job opportunities, and legal protections. The study was released as concerns rise over the Trump administration's crackdown on undocumented migrants, which is also increasing fears among immigrants legally in the US. "Over 51 million immigrants live …
MA Ranked Best State For Women, New Study Says: Here's Why MA Ranked Best State For Women, New Study Says: Here's Why
MA Ranked Best State For Women, New Study Says: Here's Why Women in several Northeast states have some of the best opportunities in the country, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Best & Worst States for Women on Monday, Mar. 3. The study's release also ties into International Women's Day, which is on Saturday, Mar. 8. All 50 states and Washington, DC, were rated across 25 key metrics. The statistics measured economic opportunities, healthcare quality, and safety for women. The findings highlight stark disparities nationwide, with some states offering significantly better conditions for women than othe…