Americans Are Worried More About This Money Issue Than Inflation

Americans Are Worried More About This Money Issue Than Inflation — Here’s Why

Dawn Allcot   GOBankingRates    Sat, January 10, 2026

Americans are more worried about the job market and their job security than they are about inflation, according to the latest Survey of Consumer Expectations from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Survey respondents said they expect inflation to drop to 3% within the next three to five years, the NY Fed reported. Respondents also believe credit is easier to get now than it was in the recent past, and that trend should continue. Although reduced inflation and loosened credit should bode well for the economy, people are still concerned.

Consumers also predicted unemployment rising in 2026 and believe they may have a harder time finding a job if they are laid off next year. Those under the age of 60 and those who attended “some college” were the most concerned, according to the report.

“People know that if inflation hits, they will feel it, but they can adjust their spending to offset it,” said Melanie Musson, finance expert at Quote.com. “Inflation hurts, but it’s survivable. Meanwhile, losing your job can feel like there is no solution.”

Gen Z Feels Heavy Uncertainty

Sofiya Deva of the AI-powered personal finance app Vera, said these emotions may be especially prevalent in Gen Z.

“They’ve been nicknamed ‘the most anxious generation.’ And I think a lot of that really does carry over into finances,” she said.

Seeking personalized financial advice, and even relying on AI tools, could be part of the solution for any generation, Deva added.

“[Finance is] a very personal topic. In some ways it’s even more taboo than religion and politics,” Deva said. “Having a safe, judgement-free space where you can share where you are financially, plus your anxieties, hopes and fears, can help.”

How To Prepare for Job Loss

To Continue and Read More:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/americans-worried-more-money-issue-115512920.html

How Much Is One Ring Worth After Gold Prices Soared In 2025?

How Much Is One Ring Worth After Gold Prices Soared In 2025?

Long Article but very interesting

Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press   December 17, 2025

I asked my husband to take off his gold wedding band — again. I wanted to see one more time what I'd get if we wanted to sell it.  Sure, we've been married 30 years. But after 30 years of marriage, well, he's learned to roll with oddball requests — and even ribbing when the ring initially didn't want to come off.

"We buy gold" signs grab your eye after gold prices broke one record after another in 2025. The record price for spot gold was trading at an intraday high of $4,380.99 an ounce Oct. 17, according to Kitco.com.

On Thursday morning, Dec. 11, the day I trekked out in the cold to get a few price quotes, the spot gold price was trading around $4,250 an ounce — up nearly 63% so far in 2025.

On Dec. 11, gold shot up to the highest point in more than a month, following the Federal Reserve's decision Dec. 10 to cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point. Traders expect lower interest rates ahead, which can be bullish for gold prices.

Yet if you're thinking about taking advantage of high gold prices to get rid of some gold, maybe a broken chain for a locket or even a gold ring from a loved one, you shouldn't expect to receive the same amount of money everywhere you go.

What different jewelers and pawn shops offer to pay a seller for old gold jewelry can vary substantially — even as much as 50% in one example I found recently. Sometimes, the price difference is even higher.

Higher prices for gold hits holiday shoppers

Gold is volatile in price but viewed as a hedge against uncertain times — and we've had our share in 2025. Persistent inflation; three rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2025 after three rate cuts in 2024, which make some savings vehicles less attractive; a decline in the value of the U.S. dollar; global tensions relating to tariffs and wars.

Gold is commanding a higher price for many shoppers this holiday season, too, according to the annual PNC Christmas Price Index that reviews the cost of the gifts from the classic holiday carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas."

"Five gold rings saw the single-biggest price jump by far" in that grouping of 12 categories, including a partridge in a pear tree. The price of the partridge remained unchanged at $20.18 for one bird, but the pear tree shot up in price by 14.3% to $400 in the past year, according to the index now in its 42nd year.

By contrast, the "five golden rings" in the song soared in price by 32.5% year-over-year. It's sort of a bargain when you consider the 45% jump in gold prices, as of Oct. 31. Jewelers, obviously, didn't raise prices as much to try to hold onto some sales.

The five gold rings would cost $1,649.90 in 2025 based on the PNC analysis.

The cost of the 12 gift basket rose 4.5% compared with last year, outpacing the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index year-over-year reading of 3% for September, which was released Oct. 24.

Data is compiled using sources from across the country, including dance and theater companies, hatcheries, pet stores and others. Overall, the total cost to buy the 12 gifts that comprise the PNC CPI for the holidays hit $51,476.12 in 2025.

Buying all the gifts rattled off in the popular, but incredibly annoying Christmas song would have cost you $46,729.86 just two years ago in 2023. And, oddly enough, in 2023, the price for five gold rings was $1,245 and had stayed flat for the first time in more than five years.

What I discovered trying to cash in gold

To continue and read more:  https://finance.yahoo.com/news/one-gold-ring-much-worth-120225006.html     

Your Home Insurance May Not Cover Your Gold’s Value

Your Home Insurance May Not Cover Your Gold’s Value

Rebecca Payne  Moneywise  Sun, January 11, 2026

The soaring price of gold means your home insurance may not cover its value. How to know if your pieces are safe in 2026  The price of gold has shot up this year, even hitting a record high in October. While that may be good news for investors, those who own gold jewelry might want to consider what climbing prices mean for the pieces sitting in their jewelry box at home.

Gold — and other precious metals such as platinum and silver — have been trading higher, with the price of the yellow metal jumping from around $2,658 at the start of January 2025, to a staggering $4,467 per troy ounce by the first full week of January 2026 (1).

The price of gold, referred to as the “spot price (2),” is the current sale price of a troy ounce (31.1 grams) of 24 karat gold.

Record highs

CNBC reported that the price of gold has climbed by about 1,400% since the year 2000, as compared to a 382% gain in the S&P 500 over the same time frame (3).

The climbing price of gold means that jewelry made of gold, gold coins or bars (or even other precious metals) has also increased in value. CNBC reports that the retail value of gold jewelry is generally higher than the metal used in the jewelry itself, depending on the quality of the piece and gold content (karats).

Because pure gold is quite malleable, it is often combined with other metals to make it more durable for use in jewelry (4).

But when it comes to insurance, the value of the metal will differ from the replacement value, which will typically be closer to the retail value, CNBC says. Their report warns that standard home or rental insurance typically has low coverage for jewelry.

According to insurance provider Policygenius, home insurance coverage for jewelry and for other high-value items is more limited than for other personal belongings.

In the personal property coverage section of your policy, you will find what perils your insurance covers, such as fire, weather-related damage or even theft (5).

However, insurers have a limit to what they will pay in the case of jewelry theft, called a special limit of liability, or sublimit. Standard policies have sublimits for jewelry theft of about $1,500 typically.

Also, check your policy to see whether your coverage has a sublimit per item, with a maximum that you would be paid per piece of jewelry, or a blanket jewelry sublimit, with a limit to how much you’ll receive in the event you lose all pieces of your jewelry collection.

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/soaring-price-gold-means-home-220000187.html

The Best Alternatives To Investing In Gold

The Best Alternatives To Investing In Gold

John Schmoll    GOBankingRates   Sun, January 11, 2026

I Asked ChatGPT for the Best Alternatives To Investing In Gold: This Is What It Said

Gold saw great growth in 2025. It’s not surprising, as investors often turn to gold during times of economic uncertainty. With the expectations of the U.S. dollar weakening and slower growth, more people turn to a safe-haven investment like gold, according to Morgan Stanley.

Gold prices may be too steep for some investors, leaving them looking for other suitable investments for relative safety. For investors concerned about inflation or market volatility, stability and inflation hedges can be found elsewhere. GOBankingRates asked ChatGPT for the best alternatives to investing in gold. Here’s what the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot recommended as some gold alternatives.

Other Precious Metals

Gold isn’t the only precious metal retail investors can purchase. Silver, platinum and palladium are all legitimate alternative investments to buy. Think of these precious metals as cousins to gold but with their unique profiles.

“These metals can benefit from both investment demand and industrial use, which gives them a different performance profile than gold,” ChatGPT said. “All three metals tend to be riskier than investing in gold, but they do provide some upside. Silver tends to be more volatile, but it can outperform gold during strong economic periods due to industrial demand. Platinum and palladium are rarer and more heavily tied to automotive production, which adds risk but also potential upside.”

Having a small portion of your portfolio in these metals can add helpful diversification.

Defensive Stocks

Owning stocks can still be a wise choice for cautious investors, given the right circumstances. Growth stocks may be too risky, but defensive stocks can provide some protection. Defensive stocks typically have a strong history of dividend growth, minimal debt and an inexpensive valuation, according to Kiplinger.

In short, companies that sell items people always use are often defensive. “Firms in defensive sectors like utilities, healthcare and consumer staples sell products people need regardless of economic conditions,” ChatGPT explained.

Defensive means dependable, not boring, and that dependability can create generous dividend growth.

TO READ MORE: https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/asked-chatgpt-best-alternatives-investing-141816412.html

The Rise Of ‘Finfluencers:’ Can You Really Trust Financial Advice On Social Media?

The Rise Of ‘Finfluencers:’ Can You Really Trust Financial Advice On Social Media?

Ivana Pino · Senior Writer  January 2, 2026 

Here's how to navigate financial advice on social media.

Financial influencers — or "finfluencers" — are reshaping how people learn about money. Instead of textbooks or financial advisers, many consumers now rely on social media personalities for guidance on budgeting, investing, and paying down debt.

While some offer credible and well-researched information, others blur the line between education and entertainment. And in some cases, they promote strategies that don’t actually work in the real world. Knowing how to spot the difference can make or break your financial health.

What is a finfluencer?

Finfluencers are social media content creators who focus on providing personal finance information and advice.

While older generations are more likely to turn to friends and family or financial advisers for personal finance advice, younger Americans are increasingly turning to their social media feeds for answers to their pressing financial questions.

A recent Gallup survey found that the majority of adults aged 18 to 29 rely on friends and family for financial advice. However, young adults also reported relatively high use of online sources; 42% said they use financial websites and social media, while 23% report following personal finance content creators.

“Finfluencer content can make money feel more accessible and less intimidating,” said Tori Dunlap, a prominent financial influencer, entrepreneur, and creator of Her First $100K. “It helps normalize conversations around money, reduces shame, and often motivates people to take their first steps toward financial stability.”

Unfortunately, not all creators have the best interests of their followers in mind, or the expertise to give blanket financial advice. And many Americans have paid the price for misleading financial advice online. A report by the CFP Board found that more than half of survey respondents said they’ve made regrettable financial decisions based on misleading online information.

“The downside is that social media rewards simplicity and speed, not nuance,” Dunlap said. “Financial decisions are rarely universal, yet advice is often presented that way. Sponsored content, affiliate links, and viral incentives can also influence what advice is shared, sometimes at the expense of accuracy or context.”

How to identify and avoid social media misinformation

Online financial content can be a great source of education about personal finance, and can help you pick up some money-saving tips. But before you take anyone’s financial advice, be sure to do some research on the source of that information and verify that what they’re saying is accurate.

You should also be wary of any content or advice that sounds too good to be true, like “get rich quick” tips and content that taps into feelings of shame or fear.

“Excessive product promotion, unclear disclosures, and a lack of context around who the advice is for should raise concern,” Dunlap said. “Good financial education should leave people feeling more capable and informed, not pressured or panicked.”

As you’re browsing, there are ways you can vet the information you see to make sure you’re not misled.

Verify the creator’s credentials

TO READ MORE:  https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/banking/article/can-you-trust-finfluencers-205111042.html   

How Much Cash Should I Have On Hand?

How Much Cash Should I Have On Hand?

Yahoo Personal Finance  Ivana Pino · Senior Writer

It might be less than you think.

According to an analysis by Capital One, 47.8% of American adults make no cash purchases in a typical week. And in the U.S., an estimated 87.4% of all transactions are cashless.

With card and digital payments emerging as the primary payment methods for most consumers, you might wonder how much cash you should keep in your wallet — if any at all.

Here’s a look at the benefits and drawbacks of carrying cash, and how to go about deciding how much you should keep on hand.

How much cash should I have on hand?

Cash may no longer be king, but it’s not obsolete by any means. There are instances when paying in cash might be more beneficial than using a debit card, credit card, or digital wallet. For instance, many small businesses prefer cash and may even offer a small discount because it saves them the fees associated with credit card transactions.

Experts say it’s common for most Americans to carry $20 or $30 in cash. Ultimately, however, the amount of cash you should have on hand depends on your unique financial situation.

When determining the right amount to carry in your wallet, consider how often you use cash and for what types of expenses. Do you prefer to save up cash for big-ticket purchases, or do you mainly rely on cash for smaller transactions such as tipping?

Either way, it’s best to minimize the amount of cash you keep on hand. For one, cash isn’t insured against loss unless it's deposited in a bank, making it vulnerable to damage, loss, or theft. Plus, physical cash doesn’t have the opportunity to earn interest or grow in value. And over time, inflation reduces the purchasing power of cash.

That said, you do want to ensure your spending money and emergency savings are “liquid.” For money that you expect to need in the near future, consider depositing it in a federally insured bank account, such as a checking account or high-yield savings account. This allows you to generate interest, which helps protect your purchasing power and increase your wealth over time, while also maintaining easy access to the funds.

Pros and cons of carrying cash

Having some cash in your wallet can be helpful when you find yourself in a situation where a merchant or retailer doesn’t accept cards or digital payments. But there are definitely downsides to carrying cash too.

Here are some of the major pros and cons of cash to consider when evaluating how much you should keep on hand.

TO READ MORE:  https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/banking/article/how-much-cash-should-i-have-on-hand-164855098.html

4 Financial Skills I’m Passing Down to My Children

I’m a Wealthy Millennial: 4 Financial Skills I’m Passing Down to My Children

Heather Taylor   Yahoo Finance

Gen Alpha, and future generations to come, may be on track to receive the financial literacy they deserve.

A new study from Bank of America titled the “2024 Study of Wealthy Americans” reveals emerging trends around generational wealth and its influence on financial strategies. Data from the 2024 quantitative survey shows that 48% of wealthy Americans said they would initiate the conversation when it comes to teaching their children or heirs financial skills.

What kinds of financial skills are wealthy Americans planning to pass down to their children or heirs? GOBankingRates spoke to Dave Fortin, the millennial co-founder of investing app FutureMoney and a new dad, to learn more about the financial skills he plans to pass down to his children.

Delayed Gratification

In March 2024, GOBankingRates surveyed 1,008 American adults on a series of questions related to financial literacy. When asked about the poor money habits they learned from childhood, 36% of respondents said they picked up impulse shopping.

This won’t be the case for Fortin. He told GOBankingRates he plans to talk to his kids about delayed gratification. Beyond avoiding impulse purchases, it’s a lesson that will help his children in many other aspects of their lives.

“By using the language of money, you can show your kids the advantages of saving today for something in the future, and how your money can grow,” said Fortin.ughh

Goal Setting

Another skill Fortin plans to teach his children is how to set goals, which he considers to be important in money and in life.

Learning how to set a goal — whether this is a goal towards going to college, buying a car or purchasing your first home — is only one part of the equation, according to Fortin. He added that it’s important for children to learn how to create a plan that will help them achieve the goal.

Being Good Stewards of Capital

Fortin’s list of financial skills he plans to teach his children include comparing income and expenses, understanding taxes, basic banking products and basic investing principles. Many of these skills are confusing to adults, especially those who lack the proper financial literacy background. As an example, nearly 17% of Americans surveyed by GOBankingRates in March 2024 said they didn’t clearly understand how taxes work.

In a wealthy family, Fortin said it’s particularly important to teach children to be good stewards of capital. This means clearly acknowledging how to manage, use and protect wealth so it fulfills the current generation’s needs as well as the next generation. A poor steward would likely be more inclined to recklessly spend instead of save money or live well beyond their means.

“Wealth can sustain a family, fund great businesses that solve important problems in the world, and do a lot of good through charitable works,” said Fortin. “Having wealth does not absolve someone of the duties of managing their money well.”

TO READ MORE: https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/m-wealthy-millennial-4-financial-204525798.html

8 Best Places To Keep Your Cash In 2026

8 Best Places To Keep Your Cash In 2026

These options are not only safe, but also allow you to earn interest.

Emily Batdorf Wed, January 7, 2026

Now that the new year is underway, you may be reflecting on both your financial situation and the greater financial landscape in the U.S. Though prices for everything — from groceries to housing to utilities — remain high, inflation has slowed over the last year. This prompted the Fed to cut rates three times during 2025. At the same time, the job market has cooled, and unemployment has risen.

 If nothing else, the current economic situation may be reinforcing how important it is to keep cash on hand. Whether you lose your job or you’re simply facing a higher cost of living, cash can provide you with a critical safety net. That’s why choosing the right place to protect and grow it is crucial.

8 best places to keep your cash

The best place for your cash depends on your financial situation and priorities. Where one account may offer higher returns, another may have higher liquidity. Consider the following options for your cash in 2026, keeping your unique needs in mind:

High-yield savings account

High-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) offer two major perks: competitive interest earnings and high liquidity. The biggest difference between HYSAs and traditional savings accounts is that HYSAs pay higher rates, often because they’re offered by banks with lower overhead costs (namely, online banks).

With the best high-yield savings accounts earning as much as 4% APY, these accounts could be a great place to store cash and help your balance grow faster. However, keep in mind that some banks may limit the number of withdrawals you can make from your HYSA each month.

Money market account

A money market account (MMA) combines features of a savings account and a checking account, making it a versatile option for managing your cash. MMAs tend to earn higher interest rates compared to traditional savings accounts, but they also typically come with a debit card and/or checks to make accessing and spending your money easier.

Even though MMAs are more accessible than regular savings accounts, they can still have withdrawal limits. MMAs also tend to have higher minimum balance requirements, so they may not be the best choice if your savings balance is small.

Short-term CD

A certificate of deposit (CD) is a type of account that allows you to lock in an interest rate for an agreed-upon period of time, known as the term. You generally can’t touch your money until the account reaches maturity without paying a penalty. But in exchange for keeping your money on deposit, CDs offer guaranteed interest.

CDs come in a range of terms, from one month to five or more years. Short-term CDs, or those with terms of one year or less, let you benefit from competitive, fixed interest rates without locking up your money for too long. Plus, with current economic conditions, some shorter-term CDs are offering the most competitive rates.

Treasury bill

Treasury bills are short-term debt securities issued by the U.S. government with terms ranging from four weeks to one year. When you purchase a Treasury bill, you pay a discounted price. When the bill matures, you receive its face value.

TO READ MORE: https://www.yahoo.com/finance/personal-finance/banking/article/best-places-to-keep-cash-230620039.html

Millionaires In America: How Common Is It To Have A 7-Figure Net Worth?

Millionaires In America: How Common Is It To Have A 7-Figure Net Worth?

Emily Batdorf   December 2, 2025 Yahoo Personal Finance

If you’ve dreamed of becoming a millionaire, you’re not alone. To many, hitting this financial milestone signals you’ve “made it.” With assets valued at seven figures, you can wave goodbye to many of the financial stressors that nagged at you when you had less.  However, with inflation eroding the value of the dollar with each passing year, being a millionaire doesn’t mean what it used to. As a result, there are more millionaires today than there used to be, and becoming one might be more within your reach.

Read on to learn more about how many millionaires there are in the U.S. today and ways you can grow your net worth to become a millionaire too.

What does it mean to be a millionaire today?

The term “millionaire” can have a range of different meanings depending on who you ask. Some people may define a millionaire as someone who earns a seven-figure income each year. But the most widely accepted definition is someone with a net worth of at least $1 million.

That said, within the world of millionaires, there’s an incredibly broad range of wealth. For instance, having a net worth of $1 million may not even be enough to retire, depending on how much you spend each year. But having a net worth of $10 million or $100 million affords you a completely different lifestyle — one in which you largely don’t need to worry about financial security.

How many millionaires are there in America?

According to Swiss bank USB’s 2025 Global Wealth Report, there were 23,831,000 millionaires in the United States in 2024. Compared to other countries, this is by far the largest number of millionaires, comprising nearly 40% of millionaires worldwide.

The number of millionaires is also growing in many parts of the world, including the United States. Though the number of millionaires is growing at a much faster rate in countries such as India and China, the U.S. still had 1.5% more millionaires compared to the previous year’s Global Wealth Report. In other words, the U.S. gained roughly 379,000 millionaires in a single year, which translates to over a thousand new millionaires each day.

However, it’s important to note that wealth isn't equally distributed among different races in America. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, 1 in 5 households with a white householder had a net worth of at least $1 million. For households with a Black householder, that ratio falls to 1 in 20.

Millionaire money habits to adopt

TO READ MORE:  https://finance.yahoo.com/news/wealthy-just-rich-heres-real-150337374.html

Are You Wealthy Or Just Rich? Here's the Real Difference — And Exactly What It Takes To Be Both

Are You Wealthy Or Just Rich? Here's the Real Difference — And Exactly What It Takes To Be Both

Ivy Grace    December 18, 2025  Benzinga

There's a difference between looking rich and actually being wealthy. One is loud. The other doesn't need to explain anything.

Rich means you earn a lot. You might drive a luxury SUV, own a $10,000 couch, and take three vacations a year — all while living paycheck to paycheck. Wealthy means you own assets that generate income whether you're working or not. Wealth buys freedom. Rich buys bills.

What It Takes To Be Considered Wealthy

According to the 2025 Charles Schwab Modern Wealth Survey, Americans now say you need $2.3 million in net worth to feel wealthy. To feel just financially comfortable, the average response is $839,000 — up from $778,000 the year before.

The survey, conducted among more than 2,000 U.S. adults, also revealed generational breakdowns:

• Gen Z: $329,000 for comfort, $1.7 million for wealth

• Millennials: $847,000 for comfort, $2.1 million for wealth

• Gen X: $783,000 for comfort, $2.1 million for wealth

• Boomers: $943,000 for comfort, $2.8 million for wealth

But these are perceptions, not actual thresholds. What people feel is enough often doesn't reflect what they actually have — or what they truly need to build lasting wealth.

What the Data Actually Shows

The Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances puts the median net worth of U.S. households at $192,700. That's the 50th percentile — half the country is below it.

To reach the top tiers:

• 75th percentile: around $659,000

• 90th percentile: $1.87 million

• 95th percentile: over $3 million

• Top 1%: typically starts around $11–16 million

Based on recent asset growth, especially in real estate and the stock market, the current top 10% threshold is estimated to have climbed closer to $2.5 million–$3 million. That lines up almost exactly with where the Schwab survey says people start feeling wealthy.

Rich Is Income. Wealthy Is Ownership

TO READ MORE: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/wealthy-just-rich-heres-real-150337374.html  

Five Key Things To Know Before You Sell Your Silver Coins, Bars, Jewelry Or Flatware

Five Key Things To Know Before You Sell Your Silver Coins, Bars, Jewelry Or Flatware

Charles Passy and Andrew Keshner  Wed, December 31, 2025  MarketWatch

Is It Time To Sell Your Silver?

That’s the question some may be asking in light of the fact that the precious metal’s price SI00 has risen well over 100% in the past year, reaching a record level above $82 an ounce on Monday. After all, many people have some silver tucked away in their closets in the form of flatware, coins and jewelry. Others may have purchased silver bars for investment purposes. Sure enough, those who buy silver for a living say they’ve been plenty busy of late responding to such folks.

“[We’re] seeing a deluge of silver sellers like we never have before,” said Brandon Aversano, CEO and founder of the Alloy Market, a Pennsylvania-based company that specializes in precious metals. Aversano noted that his firm has purchased nearly twice the amount of silver in the second half of 2025 as it did in the first half.

Fueling that demand, of course, are buyers aplenty who want a stake in silver, given the price gains of late.

“I’ve sold more silver in the past two weeks than I’ve probably sold in the past six months,” said Phil Neizvestny, owner of Bullion Holdings, a company based in New York City’s Diamond District.

If you do want to sell your silver items — whether it’s a set of cutlery you inherited from grandma or coins you collected long ago — what do you need to know? We spoke with some experts to find out. Let’s break it down into five questions.

1. Where Can You Sell Your Silver?

There are options galore. You can always head to your local pawnbroker or a merchant who specializes in coins or precious metals. You can also go the internet route, which will involve shipping your silver to a company that conducts such transactions.

Auction houses are yet another option, particularly for collectible items that have value beyond their intrinsic “melt value” (more on that later). There are also platforms like eBay EBAY, as well as social-media groups where buyers and sellers can connect.

Which option is best? Keep in mind that you can’t generally expect to receive the current market (or “spot”) price for your silver, since sellers have to make money on the transaction. “There is a bid/ask spread just like there is for any other traded asset,” explained Trip Brannen, chief financial officer at Coinfully, a company that appraises and purchases coins.

Experts say you will tend to get higher prices at online outlets — which typically have less overhead — but you then have to deal with shipping and you will also wait to receive your money. Pawnbrokers and other local merchants may pay less, but you’ll get your money right away.

And while going the eBay or social-media route can result in good prices, you need to ask yourself if you’re willing to deal directly with buyers.

No matter how you opt to sell, the usual caveat of getting different price quotes applies — don’t presume the first offer is the best. You’ll also want to check the buyer’s credentials or applicable ratings. And if you’re dealing with an online buyer, see if they’ll pay for shipping and insure your package.

2. How Can You Tell If An Item Is Real Silver?

TO READ MORE:  https://news.yahoo.com/news/finance/news/five-key-things-know-sell-174700763.html

Most Millionaires Don't Consider Themselves Wealthy. So What Does It Really Mean To Be Rich?

Most Millionaires Don't Consider Themselves Wealthy. So What Does It Really Mean To Be Rich?

Ivana Pino  Ivana Pino · Senior Writer  Updated December 18, 2025   Yahoo Personal Finance

A new Schwab survey finds that only a third of America’s millionaires feel wealthy.  By most traditional measures, having a net worth of $1 million should put someone firmly in the “wealthy” category. Yet a growing number of millionaires don’t see it that way.  Just one third (36%) of the nation’s wealthiest citizens — those with at least $1 million in investable assets — consider themselves wealthy, according to Northwestern Mutual’s 2025 Planning and Progress study.

Further, nearly half (49%) of American millionaires say their financial planning needs improvement, citing the possibility of outliving their savings, the impact of taxes in retirement, and potential long-term care needs as their top financial concerns.

***********************************

This gap may be surprising, but it highlights how rising costs, longer lifespans, and shifting expectations have redefined what it means to feel rich in modern America.

Why $1 million doesn’t feel like a lot of money anymore

One reason most millionaires don’t consider themselves wealthy is because our definition of wealth has changed over time.

“Being a millionaire used to mean you had done really well and ‘made it,’” said Tom Mathews, CFEd, CPA, and author of "How Money Works." “Today, it really just means you’ve crossed an outdated line.”

Mathews explained the problem isn’t necessarily that people have less money today, but rather, they have less certainty and control around their finances. “Things like inflation, rising taxes, market volatility, and the escalating cost of housing, healthcare, and education have changed what financial security feels like,” he said. “A million dollars on paper doesn’t stretch the way it used to, especially when most of that net worth is tied up in illiquid assets like homes, retirement accounts, or businesses.”

There’s also the issue of longevity. With people living longer, a seven-figure portfolio may not seem substantial when it’s expected to fund decades of living expenses and rising medical costs.

In other words, Mathews said, many people might look wealthy on paper, but that doesn’t mean they feel financially secure.

What does it mean to be rich today?

If millionaires don’t necessarily feel wealthy, what does it take to feel rich in today’s economy?

According to Charles Schwab’s 2025 Modern Wealth Survey, Americans need an average net worth of $839,000 to be financially comfortable, and $2.3 million to feel wealthy.

TO READ MORE:  https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/banking/article/how-many-millionaires-in-america-205846046.html

Even Millionaires Don't Feel Wealthy These Days

Even Millionaires Don't Feel Wealthy These Days

Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY   December 3, 2025

A million dollars is not what it used to be.

Only 36% of American millionaires consider themselves wealthy in 2025, according to new research from Northwestern Mutual.  The finding comes from the 2025 Planning & Progress Study, updated in early November. It draws on a Harris Poll survey of 4,626 Americans, including 969 people with household investable assets greater than $1 million.

Even the wealthiest Americans worry about money, the study found. They fret about having enough of it, deciding how to spend it and whether to pass it on to heirs.  If $1 million isn’t enough, then how much money does it take to feel wealthy?

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“There’s no definitive number,” said Mark Mascarenhas, a private wealth adviser with Northwestern Mutual’s Haven Wealth Advisors.

Many millionaires don't consider themselves wealthy

Feeling wealthy has a lot to do with context and perspective, he said.

A million dollars might go a long way in West Virginia or rural Kansas. In New York or Los Angeles, it might not feel like nearly enough.

A millionaire who hangs out with other millionaires is bound to make unflattering comparisons to wealthier friends.

“All of my clients who are millionaires do not consider themselves wealthy, not by a long shot,” Liz Windisch, a certified financial planner in Denver.

“People with that much money inevitably spend time with other people who are millionaires, and who have even more money than they do and – just like the rest of us – compare themselves to others who have more,” she said.

Nearly half of U.S. millionaires say their financial planning “needs improvement,” Northwestern Mutual found. Only 53% said they expect to leave an inheritance or charitable gift.

“It’s not that they don’t want to leave an inheritance. It’s just that they’re worried about funding their own retirement,” Mascarenhas said.

The top retirement concern for millionaires, the study found, is the prospect of outliving their savings.

The Rise Of Everyday Millionaires

The United States is home to nearly 24 million millionaires, the largest number of any nation in U.S. dollar terms, according to the UBS Global Wealth Report.

TO READ MORE:  https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/banking/article/what-is-considered-wealthy-175033814.html