Latest news with #LendingTree
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Map Shows Where Social Security Goes Furthest in Retirement
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Knowing how much of their safety net can be relied upon—and how much they need to have saved to maintain a comfortable lifestyle—is of crucial importance to Americans as they plan and manage their finances before and during retirement. A new report from LendingTree has detailed the cities where retirees are able to stretch their Social Security payments the furthest, as well as those where local costs mean they must rely more heavily on other sources of income. Why It Matters According to the study, Social Security on average covers 30 percent of retirees' spending, reaching more than a third in only one of the 100 largest metropolitan statistical areas. The regional differences in cost of living mean where Americans choose to live and retire can significantly affect how far these benefits go—dictating whether their retirement is defined by security or financial strain—which is of critical importance to those with limited supplemental savings. A Social Security Administration office in Mount Prospect, Illinois, in 2022. A Social Security Administration office in Mount Prospect, Illinois, in 2022. Nam Y. Huh/AP What To Know According to LendingTree, across the 100 largest metro areas, retirees require on average $71,407 pretax. By comparison, Social Security income in these areas accounts for about $21,500, therefore covering 30.1 percent of spending. LendingTree examined these areas based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Census Bureau, the Social Security Administration and the Tax Foundation. Its analysis of financial needs versus income allowed for a ranking of the top 10 states where Social Security covers the highest percentage of retirees' spending, seen on a map below created by Newsweek. McAllen, Texas, ranked first. With its low cost-of-living, Social Security covers 34.6 percent of spending. The other nine cities in the top 10 of LendingTree's rankings are these: Buffalo, New York. Percentage covered: 33.1 El Paso, Texas. Percentage covered: 32.9 Syracuse, New York: Percentage covered: 32.8 Scranton, Pennsylvania. Percentage covered: 32.7 Wichita, Kansas. Percentage covered: 32.6 Augusta, Georgia. Percentage covered: 32.4 Tucson, Arizona. Percentage covered: 32.3 Little Rock, Arkansas. Percentage covered: 32.3 Tulsa, Oklahoma. Percentage covered: 32.3 Perhaps predictably, given the upward pressure of housing prices on the state's overall cost of living, most of the cities at the bottom of the list are in California. San Francisco ranked last on the list of 100 metros. With $85,364 in average estimated annual expenditures before tax and $20,726 in social security retirement income, retirees would see 24.3 percent of their spending covered. The other nine cities in the bottom 10 of LendingTree's rankings are these: Los Angeles, California. Percentage covered: 24.9 Washington, D.C. Percentage covered: 24.9 Oxnard, California. Percentage covered: 25.3 San Jose, California. Percentage covered: 24.4 San Diego, California. Percentage covered: 25.7 Sacramento, California. Percentage covered: 26.4 Riverside, California. Percentage covered: 26.6 Stockton, California. Percentage covered: 26.7 Miami, Florida. Percentage covered: 26.9 What People Are Saying Matt Schulz, LendingTree's chief consumer finance analyst, said: "Most aren't fortunate enough to have a seven-figure nest egg or a pension to lean on. Most people have tight budgets, limited expendable income and low retirement account balances. It's all going to add up to a challenging situation for retirees and their loved ones in the next 15 to 20 years."
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
These Are the Cities Where Retirees Need the Most Cash on Top of Social Security
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Retirees rely on Social Security across the country to help pay for basic living expenses, but the amount of money they need on top of their monthly benefits varies drastically based on where they live. In a new LendingTree report, cities were ranked on where Social Security goes the furthest for seniors as well as the states that required the most amount of money on top of the benefits to meet their basic needs. Why It Matters Social Security lifts more than 22 million people out of poverty each year, according to Justice in Aging. And half of older adults rely on Social Security for the majority of their income. However, with the average retirement benefit check at $2,002 in 2025, many seniors aren't able to make this money stretch for their full monthly needs. Cost of living, housing prices and inflation within their specific location can significantly impact their overall quality of life as well if mostly relying on their Social Security check. Pedestrians walk past the Social Security Administration office in downtown Los Angeles, on October 1, 2013. Pedestrians walk past the Social Security Administration office in downtown Los Angeles, on October 1, 2013. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images What To Know On average, Social Security covers roughly 30 percent of retirees' spending, LendingTree found. Across the 100 largest U.S. metros, retirees needed about $71,407 to survive, while the average Social Security income is $21,500. However, your specific city and state could play a major role in how far your payment stretches. In a place like McAllen, Texas, Social Security covers more than one-third of retirement spending, which is estimated at $61,821. Other cities that were ranked best for Social Security beneficiaries included Buffalo, New York; El Paso, Texas; Syracuse, New York; and Scranton, Pennsylvania. "You often hear that the cost of living in New York is burdensome, but what many forget is that New York is more than just Manhattan and the five boroughs," Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. "Cities like Buffalo and Syracuse frequently rank among the most affordable places to live, even though they're part of a state known for its high costs." However, some cities left retirees scrambling for cash, even with the average Social Security check mailed out monthly. The worst cities for Social Security beneficiaries to make their payment stretch far enough were: San Francisco, California; Los Angeles, California; Washington, D.C.; Oxnard, California; and San Jose, California. "It shouldn't be surprising to see that Social Security doesn't go very far in the biggest, most expensive cities in America," Matt Schulz, LendingTree chief consumer finance analyst, told Newsweek. "However, the fact that Social Security doesn't cover more than about a third of spending costs in any big city in America is pretty sobering. It means no matter where you live, you better have a pension or some significant money set aside or retirement could be a major struggle financially." California, known for its high cost of living, saw an implied pretax need as high as $85,364 for retirees in San Francisco. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, residents would still need $83,414 in retirement. "Very few people can comfortably say they'll have plenty of money to retire on regardless of what happens to Social Security," Schulz said in the report. "Knowing that, the more you can put into retirement savings and the longer you can do it, the better off you'll be." What People Are Saying Matt Schulz, LendingTree chief consumer finance analyst, in the report: "Most aren't fortunate enough to have a seven-figure nest egg or a pension to lean on. Most people have tight budgets, limited expendable income and low retirement account balances. It's all going to add up to a challenging situation for retirees and their loved ones in the next 15 to 20 years." Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "States like Texas and Oklahoma ranking highest on locations where social security covers the highest amount of retirees' spending, should come as no surprise, as expenses in retirement in these areas tend to be less when compared to the national average. "Meanwhile, California ranks as a smaller percentage, in part because many retirees there have greater expenses and have larger nest eggs at retirement. It's good fuel for thought as many baby boomers enter retirement and pick locations where their savings will stretch further." What Happens Next As the cost of living rises, many retirees may be forced to move out of states like California, experts said. "As retirees evaluate where to live, many may be forced to decide between the California lifestyle and more cost-effective alternatives," Thompson said. "I've traveled to California several times recently and completely understand the appeal—the weather, the natural beauty, the air quality and overall lifestyle are unmatched. But for many retirees, that lifestyle comes with a price tag that simply isn't sustainable. For some, the cost of living may become a barrier they can no longer afford to ignore."
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
LendingTree, Inc. to Report Second Quarter 2025 Earnings on July 31, 2025
CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LendingTree, Inc. (NASDAQ: TREE), operator of the nation's leading online financial services marketplace, today announced that it will release fiscal second quarter 2025 results after market close on Thursday, July 31, 2025. The company will also post a letter to shareholders on the Company's website at The Company will hold a conference call at 5:00 p.m. ET to discuss the earnings release, which will be simultaneously webcast via the Company's website at The webcast replay will be available following the event. About LendingTree, Inc. LendingTree (NASDAQ: TREE) is one of the nation's largest, most experienced online financial platforms, created to give consumers the power to win financially. LendingTree provides customers with access to the best offers on loans, credit cards, insurance and more through its network of over 600 financial partners. Since its founding, LendingTree has helped millions of customers obtain financing, save money, and improve their financial and credit health in their personal journeys. With a portfolio of innovative products and tools and personalized financial recommendations, LendingTree helps customers achieve everyday financial wins. LendingTree, Inc. is headquartered in Charlotte, NC. For more information, please visit INVESTOR RELATIONS:investors@ MEDIA RELATIONS:press@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE LendingTree, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
They're Skipping Car Payments; That's The Final Warning Sign
Stickers on the windshield of a car for sale at a used car dealership The headlines say inflation is easing and jobs remain strong, but consumers are skipping car payments. The Fed claims to be data driven. But if you're watching behavior, not just backward-looking numbers, the signals are flashing red. Last month, I highlighted how mortgage delinquencies are rising fast. That piece resonated because it cut through the noise. By the time the official data confirms it, you're already late. Smart investors look where others aren't looking yet. Now we're seeing it again, this time in auto loans. Delinquencies, especially among subprime borrowers, are spiking. This matters. People will skip everything else before they lose their car. That's how they get to work. If they're missing payments now, the strain is already severe. The Fed says it's data-driven. But when consumers start skipping car payments, it's no rounding error; it's a flashing alarm. LendingTree reports 5.1% of Americans are now delinquent on auto loans, with 2% at least 30 days late and nearly 1% over 90 days late. That's not just a trend; it's a red flag. This isn't a macro panic call. It's a window into structural pressure. The dislocation is real, and markets are still mispricing it. Timing matters. What the Data Says: The Numbers Are Breaking First Let's strip out the noise and focus on the facts: This isn't just about subprime. The whole credit stack is starting to creak. Borrowers with decent credit are feeling it. Leasing costs have surged. Used car values are correcting. And loan-to-value ratios are upside down; borrowers owe more than the car is worth. When consumers start missing car payments, they're already making hard trade-offs. That's what makes this meaningful. You don't default on your way to brunch. You default when the math stops working. This is how credit stress evolves. It starts subtly. A missed card payment here, a late auto loan there. Then it compounds. First credit cards, then cars, then homes. Right now, we're squarely in the middle of that curve and most investors are still pretending the surface is calm. Behavioral Signals Matter More Than Economic Narratives Every cycle follows the same pattern. Investors chase the headlines, GDP surprises, NFP beats, CPI revisions, while the real signals sit quietly in the background. That's not where the edge is. The edge is in behavior. When someone skips a car payment, it's not forgetfulness. It's not noise. It's a signal. That person is already juggling missed card payments, overdue rent, and maybe a utility shutoff notice. Skipping the car, the last thing most people give up is a forced decision under stress. And that's where the cracks start. Behavioral stress shows up long before it hits earnings, guidance, or credit spreads. By the time management mentions it on a call, it's already in motion. If your models assume steady repayment rates, they're wrong. If you think consumer credit risk is contained, it isn't. Behavior breaks the model. Quietly. Early. This is where smart capital plays. Watch behavior. Anticipate dislocation. Don't wait for the narrative to catch up. That's how alpha is made. Where the Market Is Still Blind Despite the mounting stress, markets haven't priced it in. Here's where the disconnect is clear: Why the gap? Narrative inertia. The market is still clinging to the idea that the consumer is strong. That full employment will carry us through. That pandemic cash is still floating in the system. But that script is running out. Real wages are stagnant. The excess savings are gone. And consumers are now rolling short-term debt into higher-rate burdens. That's not stability. That's fragility. This isn't about panic. It's about odds. The odds that we see more charge-offs, more earnings pressure, and more margin contraction in Q3 and Q4 are rising quickly. When the illusion breaks, it won't be gradual. Repricing never is. Markets wake up all at once. Where The Opportunity Lies Dislocation always creates opportunity. Most investors wait until defaults spike and headlines confirm the obvious. But by then, the edge is gone. The real opportunity is now, while the market is still pricing in calm. Here's where I'm focused: Short-Term: Risk Repricing Select lenders are still valued as if credit is stable. It's not. Tight ABS spreads, shallow reserve builds, and overconfident multiples create clear downside optionality. These are setups for swift repricing. Medium-Term: Forced Consolidation Smaller, over-levered lenders may have to sell or merge. Balance sheet stress, rising charge-offs, and liquidity needs will force the issue. Expect M&A in the non-bank lending space. Long-Term: Counter-Cyclical Winners There's real upside in the infrastructure behind the pain. Credit repair platforms, repo tech, and smarter collections systems stand to benefit. Think in behavior, not just balance sheets. Stress creates a structural tailwind. The market still sees stability. That's the setup. Position before the shift becomes consensus. That's how real returns are made. Watch Behavior, Not Headlines The consumer isn't collapsing in one dramatic moment. They're breaking slowly, and the signs are showing up where few are looking, and skipping car payments is a real warning sign. Auto delinquencies aren't just about missed payments. They're about shifting priorities under stress. When the middle class lets the car go, the thing that gets them to work, it's not noise. It's the clearest signal in the system. The Fed won't flag it. The headlines will stay behind. But the behavior speaks first. And it's already speaking. This isn't a fear trade. It's a recognition trade. The winners in this market will be the ones who act before the data catches up. That's how you stay early. That's how you stay sharp. That's how you keep the edge.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Red state success story: Texas and Florida metros lead nation in economic and population growth
The South hosts a substantial number of the metro areas experiencing the fastest growth in the U.S. That's according to a recently released report from LendingTree that determined eight of America's 10 "biggest boomtowns" were located in the south, with Texas and Florida leading the way. Four different states within the South had a presence among the top 10 fastest-growing cities, with a Western state — Colorado — also making an appearance, according to LendingTree. Florida was a standout, claiming half of the spots in the LendingTree's ranking of the top 10. Top Five Buyer-friendly Housing Markets Offer Price Cuts And Increased Inventory The site identified the 10 fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S. using data that took into account measures such as median earnings, annual gross domestic product changes, population, housing and active workforce populations from 2021-2023 that it grouped within broader categories of "people and housing," "work and earnings" and "business and economy." Read On The Fox Business App At the top of its ranking, the below five metros were found to have shown the fastest growth. In addition to receiving the No. 1 overall ranking for growth, the capital of the Lone Star state also took the top spot for the "people and housing" and "business and economy" categories, according to the report. Its annual gross domestic product posted a 14.6% jump between 2021 and 2023, more than any other metro LendingTree looked at. Orlando, which placed No. 2 overall, had the highest score when it came to "work and earnings," per LendingTree. North Port is located in southwestern Florida not far from Sarasota. It showed strong growth in its GDP, number of houses and number of residents, among other things, according to the report. Nashville, often referred to as Music City, serves as the capital of Tennessee. It was found to be the city exhibiting the fourth-fastest growth, with a score of 69.5 overall, LendingTree said. Cape Coral posted a rise of 12.3% in annual GDP between 2021 and 2023 and notched quite a jump in employer identification numbers, helping it place No. 2 in the "business and economy" category, the report indicated. The metro sits across the Caloosahatchee River from Fort Myers. The remaining five metros that made up the 10 "biggest boomtowns" included Colorado Springs, Colorado; Charleston, South Carolina; Lakeland, Florida; Deltona, Florida; and Denver, Colorado. LendingTree linked Florida's large presence in the top 10 to its tax policies, its post-secondary institutions supplying workers and its business policies. In total, the site analyzed 100 of the country's biggest metros. Apart from one of them, each city had a decrease in its unemployment rate between 2021 and 2023, according to the report. Americans Face Vastly Different Retirement Costs Across States As Social Security Cuts Loom Across the country, the unemployment rate stood at 4.1% as of June, according to the Labor article source: Red state success story: Texas and Florida metros lead nation in economic and population growth
