A recent study conducted by Javelin
Strategy and Research found that one in five Americans aren’t keeping track of
their personal finances. This number has doubled since 2009, MSNBC reports.
In 2009, only 8 percent of Americans
weren’t using Microsoft Excel, Quicken, bank websites or similar software to
track their personal finances, according to the study. Since then, more
Americans seem to have largely given up on tracking their income and spending.
Some experts believe this has to do with the recession – when a consumer’s
finances are especially out of order, many prefer to stick their heads in the
sand.
“When your 401(k) is turning
into a 201(k) we find that people just don’t want to open that [statement]
envelope,” said Mark Schwanhausser, the author of the report.
Other experts believe the study’s
results have policy implications for banks and other financial institutions,
who allegedly should make online finance management more user-friendly.
Consumers who are trying to repair
bad credit history may be advised to keep careful records of their finances.
Tracking expenditures may help keep them under control, and thus facilitate
easier repayment of debts.
There are plenty of lists of best vehicles for all sorts of qualifications, but rarely do they venture outside of certain classes. However, one list does things a bit differently. Intellichoice and AutoPacific recently announced their 2011 Motorist Choice Awards, which are grouped by unique categories, rather than just by class, price or other standard classification of vehicles. Drivers who are looking to buy a car with an auto loan may not be set on a certain type or size. Instead they might be looking for a vehicle that suits an active lifestyle or something that will turn heads. These are some of the groups that the awards put together to make it easier for drivers to find a variety of vehicles that might suit their needs in one place.
