Recent Research

Nov. 9, 2021 by Lyle Daly

Average Cost of a Mortgage Refinance: $3,398

How much does a refinance cost? About $3,398, according to the latest statistics. Here's everything you need to know.
Oct. 26, 2021 by Jack Caporal

Credit Union vs. Retail Bank Mortgage and Interest Rates

Who has better interest rates, credit unions or banks? We looked at data from the past 10 years to find the answer.
Oct. 6, 2021 by Jack Caporal

This Is How Credit Card Companies Hauled in $176 Billion in 2020

Credit card companies earned $176 billion in 2020. Here's how they did it, with specific examples from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and more.
Sept. 28, 2021 by Jack Caporal

Millennial Home Buyers Are Changing the Home-Buying Process: 39% of Millennials Are Comfortable Buying a Home Online

Digitally savvy millennials are changing how Americans buy homes. We report on the statistics, including digital home-buying and priorities, here.
Sept. 10, 2021 by Jack Caporal

How Do Current Mortgage Rates Compare to Average Historical Mortgage Rates?

Average mortgage rates have been at all-time lows in 2021, but how do they compared to historical mortgage rates? We dig into the data to find out.
July 28, 2021 by Jack Caporal

The 2021 Housing Market: 89% of Properties Sell in a Month

The 2021 housing market is red-hot. Sellers are getting an average of four offers on their homes, and the average time on the market is only 17 days. Read on for more statistics!
July 23, 2021 by Jack Caporal

Study: The Most Socially Equitable Cities in the U.S.

Is your city socially equitable? Do you think your community does a good job taking care of its members? We used six factors to rank U.S. cities and find the answer.
June 15, 2021 by Lyle Daly

COVID-19 Fraud Statistics: Over $480 Million in Losses and Counting

COVID-19 and stimulus check fraud is a growing problem. Americans have already lost over $100 million. These fraud statistics show the scope of the issue.
June 4, 2021 by Jack Caporal

The Financial Health of Same-Sex Couples and LGBTQ Americans

Same-sex couples and LGTBQ individuals face unique financial challenges. We've gathered the latest statistics to create a comprehensive picture of their financial health.
April 22, 2021 by Jack Caporal

Renting vs. Buying a Home: Comparing the Costs

Many renters are considering becoming first-time home buyers. How much more expensive is it to own a home than it is to rent? We ran the numbers to find out.
Sept. 9, 2020 by Lyle Daly

The Average Cost of Homeowners Insurance in 2020

Get all the most up-to-date data on the average cost of homeowners insurance, including how this varies by home value, location, and much more.
June 24, 2020 by Motley Fool Money Staff

The Impact of COVID-19 on Unemployment in 2020

COVID-19 has had a huge impact on unemployment in the United States. These unemployment statistics show just how dire the situation is.
June 1, 2020 by Amy Fontinelle

Renters in These States Are Getting Hit Hard by the Pandemic Economy

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly everyone, but renters are having an especially difficult time. Read on for the 12 states where the situation is worst.
April 21, 2020 by Motley Fool Money Staff

The Average Cost of a Funeral in 2020

What does a funeral cost? You might be surprised that it's easy to pay $10,000 or more. Here's the cost breakdown for funerals, including burials and cremations.
April 16, 2020 by Amy Fontinelle

Waiving Credit Card Interest Saves the Average American $88 a Month

Many credit card issuers offered to waive interest and account fees during the COVID-19 pandemic, which could have saved the average American $88 a month.
April 15, 2020 by Motley Fool Money Staff

Defining Necessities: Exploring Generational Needs vs. Wants

Housing, vehicle ownership, and access to a smartphone are top necessities across generations, according to a Motley Fool survey.
April 14, 2020 by Motley Fool Money Staff

5 Generations' Financial Priorities During COVID-19

We surveyed 1,500 Americans to find out how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting their finances. The answer largely depends on which generation they're in.
March 27, 2020 by Amy Fontinelle

Affordable Childcare: The States, Cities, and Counties That Have It

Childcare costs as much as a year of college tuition in some states. Where can you find more affordable options? We looked a hundreds of cities and all 50 states to find out.
March 19, 2020 by Motley Fool Money Staff

Coronavirus Has 60% of Americans Worried About Money

Nearly half of all Americans have delayed a life event (like having kids) due to pandemic financial concerns. Find out more about the average American’s pandemic finances in our comprehensive study.
March 3, 2020 by Amy Fontinelle

Credit Bureaus Want Your Banking Data -- Should You Give It to Them?

The pros and cons of providing banking data to credit bureaus.
Jan. 30, 2020 by Amy Fontinelle

Are Algorithms Hurting Your Finances? What You Need to Know

Algorithmic bias could be making it harder for you to get a job, earn what you deserve, or get new credit. Are you in one of these five at-risk groups?
Jan. 27, 2020 by Amy Fontinelle

Immigrants Miss Out on Banking -- And It's an Urgent Problem

U.S. immigrants face many difficulties when it comes to setting up bank accounts, getting credit cards, and other basic financial tasks. Here's why that hurts us all.
Jan. 6, 2020 by Amy Fontinelle

When Were Credit Cards Invented? The History of Credit Cards

You might be surprised to find out when credit cards were invented. Here's a look at the history of credit cards, from the 1940s to today.
Dec. 10, 2019 by Amy Fontinelle

Romance Scams Are Costing People More Than Heartache

These online dating scams can lead to both heartbreak and heavy financial losses.