Personal finances Coverage

NC among few states requiring personal finance classes

Fewer than half of the states in the country require high schoolers to take a personal finance class to graduate. North Carolina is one that does. WRAL's Ali Ingersoll looks at why more states are making this a requirement.

NC among few states requiring personal finance classes

Only nine states currently requirement students graduating in 2024 to take a standalone personal finance class, according to researchers. North Carolina is one of them.

Ali Ingersoll, WRAL Data Journalist

Here's how to reduce stress and get your taxes done

NEW YORK (AP) — For many people, tax season isn't only about gathering W-2 forms or calling an accountant. It can also bring intense feelings of stress or anxiety about dealing with finances.

By ADRIANA MORGA, Associated Press

Why some people feel good about their bank accounts but bad about the economy

The vast majority of those surveyed -- 68% -- said it was becoming harder for the average person to get ahead, while nearly half of respondents said their own finances were moving in the right direction.

By Nicole Goodkind, CNN

'Pretty intense': Raleigh among top for most expensive cities to live in, study shows

If you want to live comfortably, living in Raleigh might make that difficult.

Aaron Thomas, WRAL reporter

Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which is better?

If you travel often, TSA PreCheck, Global Entry are great benefits that can save you time and money -- but how do they differ?

Kaila Curry, Audience Engagement Producer

Money Desk: What is a Spend and Leave Plan?

What if you could go into retirement with money you couldn't outspend AND money left over to leave to your children? Here's how.

Money Desk: What is a Diversification Review?

Are you investments truly diversified? Or are you under the illusion of diversification? Learn more.

Higher contribution limits are coming for 401(k) retirement plans

Individuals will be allowed to contribute up to $23,000 to 401(k) retirement plans in 2024, up from $22,500 this year, under cost-of-living increases announced by the Internal Revenue Service this month.

Ann Carrns, New York Times

Money Desk: What is Rebalancing?

Do you know how much of your investments should be in risk vs. safety? Learn more about the concept of the Growth, Protection, Income plan.

Money Desk: How To Choose an Advisor

With all the different options out there, what do you need to know when choosing a financial advisor?

Money Desk: Income Diversification

Most investment vehicles inherently come with risk. So how can you ensure multiple streams of income to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket? The Capital Financial team breaks it down.

Money Desk: Understanding Retirement Risks

A retirement plan needs to do more than just save money. It should be designed to mitigate all the risks related to retirement as well. We lay those out in this video.

How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending July 27

A look at how North Carolina members of Congress voted during the previous week.

Targeted News Service

Money Desk: Identifying Your Retirement Goals

When it comes to calculating how much you'll need in retirement, this is what you'll need to consider.

Money Desk: Choosing When to Retire

Making the right retirement decision is crucial. Understanding your lifestyle goals, market risks, and financial preparedness are key to ensuring a secure and fulfilling retirement.

Money Desk: Important Aspects of a Retirement Plan

Planning for retirement doesn't have to be complicated. It can be boiled down to 5 key aspects. Here they are.

Creating a total retirement plan

Too many people don't know where to start for retirement. It's tough to figure out how much you're going to need in retirement. Put together a plan so you know what you will need to retire.

Did your credit card limit get lowered? Five on Your Side explains why, what you can do

WRAL has heard from several people that the credit limit on their credit cards suddenly shrunk. Five on Your Side learned why a lower credit limit could mean you pay more, and how you can fight back.

Did your credit card limit get lowered? Five on Your Side explains why and what you can do

WRAL has heard from several people that the credit limit on their credit cards, suddenly shrunk.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

NC rep threatens legislation to block change in mortgage fees

Republican Patrick McHenry, chairman of the House financial services committee, sent a letter Thursday to the agency that established new rules that would lower mortgage fees on people with lower credit scores and raise them for people with higher scores demanding the change be reversed.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

Mortgage fees going up for some, down for others

The fees that come with buying a house are changing and not everyone thinks it's fair. Some with better credit scores will pay more, while some with lower credit scores will pay less.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

Retirement Help Center Ep. 8 How Is an Advisor Paid?

Not all financial advisors are created equal. Depending on how an advisor is paid can you tell a lot about their intentions. Learn more.

Retirement Help Center Ep. 7 Income Diversification

Warren Buffet said, 'Never depend on a single income." How are you apply this principle to establish a secure retirement?

US regulators say SVB customers will be made whole as second bank fails

In an extraordinary action to restore confidence in America's banking system, the Biden administration on Sunday guaranteed that customers of the failed Silicon Valley Bank will have access to all their money starting Monday.

By David Goldman, CNN