Latest news with #Pew
Axios
3 days ago
- Health
- Axios
Young U.S. men among the loneliest: Gallup
Nowhere in the world are young men as lonely in comparison to other people in their country as they are in the U.S., per a new Gallup poll. Why it matters: Loneliness is linked to a host of health problems, including increased risk for heart disease and dementia. By the numbers: One in four U.S. men ages 15 to 34 said they felt lonely a lot of the previous day, per new global Gallup data. That's a higher proportion than young American women (18%) — and than young men in other wealthy democracies. They also reported more stress and worry than others in the U.S. Between the lines: Although a separate survey, from Pew Research Center, did not find that men were lonelier, it noted that women tap into broader emotional support networks. Women were more likely than men to seek support from their mother (54% vs. 42%) or a friend (54% vs. 38%). Both relied heavily on their partner (74% each). The intrigue: In the Pew survey, men did not report having fewer friendships than women.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
5 Basic Money Skills Many Americans Don't Know
A Pew Research study found that 46% of Americans didn't have at least a fair amount of knowledge of personal finances. Unfortunately, lacking financial literacy can put you at risk of taking on too much debt, not having enough for retirement and being unable to cover expenses. Explore Next: Check Out: In a YouTube video, money expert George Kamel reacted to this study's findings and gave straightforward advice on handling five essential money tasks that many American adults struggle with. Learn how to boost your skills in these popular weak areas. The Pew study noted that 25% of Americans didn't feel very or extremely confident about getting their credit reports. While lenders and others may pull these reports to make important decisions based on your creditworthiness, you should also check them at least annually to spot errors or account issues and see where you stand with your debt. Trending Now: Getting your credit report is easy, and you can do it weekly for free. While you could go directly to each credit bureau's website, Kamel encouraged using to get them all more conveniently. You'll just need to provide some information to verify your identity. If you see any errors, contact your creditors and consider disputing them with the credit bureaus. An estimated 41% of Pew study respondents weren't very or extremely confident with budgeting. Not knowing where your money is going every month puts you at risk of overspending and not leaving some cash for your goals. Kamel explained how to make a simple budget, starting with writing down your total monthly income and all expected monthly expenses (including giving and saving). You'll then calculate what's left of your income after those expenses, which Kamel said should be $0 based on his preferred zero-based budgeting method. But the same doesn't apply to your bank account balance. 'It's wise to keep a buffer of at least $100 bucks or more in your checking account,' Kamel said. Once you've got your budget, start tracking expenses to make sure you're sticking to your plan. A report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York mentioned that U.S. households owed a total of $18.2 trillion in debt. Especially for the 43% of Americans lacking confidence in paying down debt, the monthly payments, interest and lost opportunities to invest make it hard to get ahead. Kamel highlighted the simple debt snowball method as a good way to start. First, order all your debt balances from the smallest to largest. Next, while you're paying the minimums on everything else, put as much extra cash as possible toward the smallest debt. After you pay it off, focus on your second smallest debt. Keep doing this process as you run down the list. While this might seem less intuitive than paying off high-interest balances first, Kamel discussed the importance of momentum with the debt snowball approach. 'It gives you some quick wins psychologically to keep you motivated and actually make it across the finish line,' he explained. Saving money is another important skill that 44% of Pew study respondents weren't very confident doing. Without regularly setting aside some income, you can run into issues such as taking out debt if an emergency happens or struggling to plan big purchases. Kamel recommended prioritizing a three-to-six-month emergency fund so that an unexpected expense, like a big home repair, doesn't throw you financially off track. He said a high-yield savings account is a wise place to put this money and maximize your interest earnings. Also, consider making a savings plan for vacations, home or car down payments and other large expenses. You can include monthly contributions in your budget and use automatic transfers so you don't forget to prioritize saving. The Pew study showed that 73% of Americans lacked confidence in making investment plans. While many people might worry that investing requires taking a lot of risks and understanding complex things, Kamel said a boring approach actually works for building wealth. He explained that many millionaires, including himself, have gotten rich with basic retirement plans, like IRAs and 401(k) plans. So, he recommended making regular contributions to such accounts after you've filled up your emergency fund and become free of consumer debt. 'Start putting 15% of your income into these tax-advantaged accounts each month and then sit back and watch your nest egg grow exponentially over time thanks to compound growth,' Kamel said. For example, if you invest $1,000 every month over 30 years, you'd have over $1.1 million based on a 7% estimated return, according to compound interest calculator. More From GOBankingRates 7 Things You'll Be Happy You Downsized in Retirement Are You Rich or Middle Class? 8 Ways To Tell That Go Beyond Your Paycheck This article originally appeared on 5 Basic Money Skills Many Americans Don't Know 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
Politico
5 days ago
- Politics
- Politico
There's a ‘Sensible Center' on Transgender Politics. Here's Where Democrats Can Find It.
It will go down as one of the most infamous taglines in modern campaign history: 'Kamala is for they/them — President Trump is for you.' With a reported $200 million behind ads like that in 2024, the right successfully placed Democrats outside the mainstream. Yet since the election, the party has made no serious effort to reposition itself on transgender issues, the defining cultural battle of this moment. That denial must end if Democrats are to return to the mainstream — and to winning. Can Democrats remain supportive of a small and vulnerable segment of the population without seeming out of touch with much of America? Is there a middle ground they can occupy on issues relating to transgender people and still find their way out of the political wilderness? I believe the answer to these questions is yes. First, Democrats should express their frustration and disgust with the ways extremists on both sides have weaponized the issue. Doing so will immediately signal to swing voters that they are trying to resolve, not exploit, the culture wars. Democrats can make clear that on the right, hardcore conservatives have used this debate primarily to inflict harm, painting transgender people as monsters who seek to change our culture and history. On the far left, progressive activists police our language, attempting to shame those who step out of line or do not agree with every item on their agenda. While there is no moral equivalency between those two sides — the demonization by the right is much worse — both extremes are wrong and are adding far more heat than light to this evolving and complex national conversation. Democrats must forcefully reject polarization and point-scoring and instead champion a middle ground that allows for a more reasonable debate. Second, for Democrats to regain the support of centrist voters who deliver electoral victories, they must meet Americans where they are today, not where advocates might wish them to be, or where society may be headed in the future. Culture is always upstream of politics, and views may shift in the coming decades. But the current political reality is stark: The GOP was able to raise serious doubts among swing voters using this issue because Democrats allowed themselves to be seen as out of sync with the values and views of the American majority. Where exactly does the majority stand on transgender issues? Many Americans know someone who is trans or who has a transgender loved one and wants them to be treated with kindness. Even as the left and right offer simplistic slogans and moral certitude, the broader public understands the complexity. As recent Pew research shows, a majority wants some limitations on sports participation based on an athlete's sex assigned at birth. And the same majority believes we must protect transgender people from discrimination in work, housing and healthcare. Swing voters believe that Republicans can be cruel. But they also are exasperated with many Democrats. Polling from Blueprint identified this as a significant vulnerability for Democrats last year. The statement, 'Kamala Harris is focused more on cultural issues like transgender issues rather than helping the middle class,' ranked third in their testing of the most compelling reasons not to vote for the vice president. (It trailed only inflation and immigration.) Democrats ignore or dismiss such flashing red warning signs at their electoral peril. Third, Democrats must be clear about their convictions and positions — and those must align with that compassionate but concerned majority. As a baseline, most voters believe there are two biological sexes: male and female, and that a person's gender matches the sex he or she was assigned at birth. At the same time, many also recognize that there are people who feel deep down that the sex they were assigned at birth is not who they are. Instead of arguing over X and Y chromosomes or getting into complicated scientific topics, Democratic politicians should keep it simple: Share your view that there are two sexes and that there are many ways people can identify by gender, a social construct not a biological one. When it comes to kids under 18, Republicans are stoking fears that minors could access medical care for a gender transition without parental consent. That's why Democrats must be firm: Without explicit parental consent, no one should ever receive gender-affirming care, whether that's medication or any other medical intervention beyond mental health support. (This has the benefit of being both the medical standard of care and a legal requirement in every state; Republicans are trying to criminalize gender-affirming care even when parents support it.) As for sports, transgender girls and women should not be allowed to compete in women's sports at the level of high school or above in ways that compromise safety or fairness. But these should not be decisions for politicians; instead, rules governing those activities should be made by sports associations and local school districts. When it comes to adults, Democrats should take a different approach and be committed libertarians. Transgender adults should be accepted and included. They should be free to lead the lives they choose and have the same rights and opportunities, including to health care and employment, enjoyed by all Americans. This is not only morally right, it is politically sound. Defending fundamental liberties for adults is strongly backed by majorities in virtually all nonpartisan public opinion research. To win the middle, Democrats need not shy away from criticizing the harsh rhetoric and policies of the right and insisting on treating transgender people with dignity and respect. Preventing transgender Americans from getting passports that reflect their gender identity, threatening to defund suicide hotlines, kicking them out of the military — all of this is gratuitous and mean, and voters agree. In fact polling shows solid support for non-discrimination protections of transgender people even as Trump has rolled out an anti-trans agenda. And once they move to the center, Democratic policymakers will have far better standing to vote against Republican proposals to ban health care, impose gender checks on girls' sports at every age or attempt to erase the very existence of transgender people. Lastly, Democrats must cancel the gender language police. If someone's heart is in the right place, that's what counts, not using what advocates may deem the politically correct words on a subject for which the language is in flux. Insisting on, and even using, new and controversial terms like 'pregnant people' unnecessarily puts Democrats outside the mainstream. Similarly, no one should be pressured to introduce themselves with their pronouns — a practice many Americans find at best annoying and at worst deeply alienating. This middle ground will not satisfy the advocacy groups on the left. Indeed, it may well upset them. That's OK; it's their job to push. But there's nothing in such a principled and pragmatic approach that throws anyone under the proverbial bus. A centrist stance also won't be a feature on Megyn Kelly's podcast, since nuance doesn't generate clicks, while outrage is a ratings bonanza. I recognize the backlash I will likely face in proposing that Democrats seize the center on this issue. But many in the Democratic coalition share, if only among close and trusted friends, the sense that we are walking on eggshells. They fear they'll be berated or ostracized by making public any viewpoints or using language that diverges from progressive groupthink or online orthodoxy. That silence is proving a political disaster. It's time for real discussion, dissent and debate, without fear of being canceled. Because if we feel that way, imagine how it strikes swing voters, who are tired of being lectured to and feeling judged. They will give the party a serious second look only if they see a heterodox and welcoming space in the Democratic coalition, including for Americans who are deeply uncomfortable with these issues for personal or religious reasons. If you ask voters to name their top 20 policy priorities, few would put transgender issues on that list. But what Trump and Republicans understood was that a cultural issue like this one can be made into a defining characteristic. There may be no 'winning' on transgender issues. But if Democrats hope to flip the House, expand the Senate map and take back the White House, it is imperative they pivot decisively to meet Americans where most of them are now: in the sensible center.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Think You're Middle Class? You Might Not Be — Surprisingly Most People Are Really Off On What It Takes To Fall Into This Category
Middle class. It sounds safe. Sensible. Maybe even a little smug — like a reliable sedan with a good credit score. For many Americans, it's the label that feels right: not too rich, not too poor. But according to the latest numbers, there's a good chance that what you think is middle class... isn't. A Pew Research Center analysis, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, found that only about 51% of Americans actually fall into the middle-income tier. That means nearly half the country is either above or below the range — and most don't even realize it. Don't Miss: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Pew defines the middle class as households earning between two-thirds and double the national median income. For a three-person household, that's anywhere from $56,600 to $169,800, adjusted for cost of living in metro areas. That range might sound wide — because it is. But even within it, the middle class is shrinking in influence. Middle-income households now account for just 43% of total U.S. household income, down from 62% in 1970. Meanwhile, upper-income households have grown their share from 29% to 48%. What's more telling is who falls outside the middle. Pew's breakdown shows that Black, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native populations are disproportionately represented in the lower-income tier. For example, 47% of American Indian or Alaska Native households are classified as lower income, compared to just 24% of white households. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Net worth paints an even starker picture. According to the Federal Reserve, middle-income households have a median net worth of $356,300 — a noticeable jump from the $204,100 figure previously cited by Pew, which uses a different methodology. For comparison: Lower-income households: $93,300 Upper-income households: $1,036,200 If that sounds dated, it's not by accident. Most federal surveys — including the Fed's Survey of Consumer Finances — are conducted on a three-year cycle. The data being referenced here is the most recent available, with the next major update expected in yes — you might earn a "middle class" income but still be way off when it comes to wealth. Or you might fall short on income but have accumulated assets that bump you up. If you're trying to figure out where you land, this might be a good time to review more than just your paycheck. Take stock of your full financial picture — savings, debts, home equity, retirement accounts. You may want to consult a financial advisor to see where you really stand, and whether you're building toward the class you think you're in. Because these days, just feeling middle class doesn't mean you are. And assuming you're on track could mean you're ignoring cracks in the foundation. Read Next: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:. 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. Image: Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Think You're Middle Class? You Might Not Be — Surprisingly Most People Are Really Off On What It Takes To Fall Into This Category originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. 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
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
How many Americans believe in astrology and rely on fortune-telling? A new survey has answers
NEW YORK (AP) — A lot of American adults — about 3 in 10 — make use of astrology, tarot cards or fortune tellers at least once a year. But only a small fraction of them rely on what they learn from these practices to make major decisions. That's according to a nationwide survey released Wednesday by the Pew Research Center, encompassing 9,593 U.S. adults who were interviewed last October. Overall, according to Pew, about 2 in 10 U.S. adults say they engage in at least one of these activities mostly "just for fun," while about 1 in 10 say they engage mostly because they 'believe the practices give them helpful insights.' Only about 1% say they rely 'a lot' on what they learn from these practices when making major life decisions. Yet it's a big business. The psychic services industry — which encompasses various specialties such as astrology, palm-reading, psychic readings and fortune-telling — generated an estimated $2.3 billion in revenue in 2024 and employed 105,000 people, according to market research firm IBIS World. 'Traditional skepticism about consulting psychics has waned, with more consumers embracing these services, especially in times of uncertainty,' wrote IBIS World analyst Michal Dalal. The biggest astrology fans? Younger women and LGBTQ+ people There were some major demographic differences in responses to the Pew survey, notably finding that younger adults — and especially younger women — are more likely than other major age groups to consult astrology or horoscopes. According to Pew, about 4 in 10 women ages 18 to 49 say they believe in astrology. That compares with about 3 in 10 women 50 and older and about 2 in 10 men under age 50. Another distinctive group: LGBTQ+ adults. According to the survey, about half of them consult astrology or a horoscope at least yearly — roughly twice the share among U.S. adults overall. Pew found that about 2 in 10 LGBTQ+ adults say that when they make major life decisions, they rely at least 'a little' on what they've learned from a fortune teller, tarot cards, astrology or a horoscope — a considerably larger share than any other demographic subgroup. On the other hand, the survey found that adults ages 65 or older, those with high incomes and college degrees, and those who identify as politically conservative are less likely than other adults to believe in astrology and engage with tarot cards and fortune tellers. Among other questions, Pew asked respondents if they were religiously affiliated, and about 7 in 10 said yes. Of that group, about 3 in 10 said they believe in astrology — very similar to the percentage of astrology believers among the religiously unaffiliated respondents who identified as atheist, agnostic or 'nothing in particular.' About one-third of Black Protestants, Hispanic Catholics and adults who say their religion is 'nothing in particular' said they believe in astrology, according to Pew. Atheists, agnostics, white evangelical Protestants and Jewish Americans, meanwhile, were less likely than the general public to say they believe in astrology. Among Hispanic Catholics, about 1 in 10 said they rely on insights from these practices at least 'a little' when making major life decisions, which was more than most of the other religious groups featured in the survey. A growing industry On the specific question of astrology, the new survey found that 27% of U.S. adults believed in it — similar to the 29% who answered affirmatively in a 2017 Pew survey. According to IBIS World, the psychic services industry's total revenue has increased by more than 4% annually since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago, 'when business closures, sickness and loss of loved ones prompted a surge in demand for spiritual guidance services.' 'Astrology and aura reading are leveraging digital platforms to extend their reach,' IBIS World said. 'Thanks to easy access via mobile apps and social media platforms, personalized reports and virtual readings are gaining traction with younger consumers.' Bias based on astrological signs? Expert says that's 'irrational' Astrology, throughout its long history, has been embraced by its believers and treated with bemusement or even ridicule by skeptics. It was the subject of extensive research led by a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor, Jackson Lu. His team, using a sample of more than 170,000 people, determined in 2020 that there was extensive discrimination in China against Virgos, but that the bias was 'irrational' because astrological signs predict neither personality or job performance. For supporters of psychic services, there have been positive developments more recently. Among them: — Last year, the City Council in Norfolk, Virginia, repealed a 45-year-old ban on 'the practice of palmistry, palm reading, phrenology or clairvoyance, for monetary or other compensation.' Under that ban, various forms of fortune-telling could lead to as much as a year in jail. — ' Look Into My Eyes,' a full-length documentary about psychics in New York, received numerous positive reviews after it was released in September. AP film critic Lindsey Bahr called it 'unjudgmental, funny and poignant.' ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
