Latest news with #ValuePenguin
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump's tariffs could cause price of fireworks to skyrocket ahead of July 4
CHICAGO () — The cost of fireworks could rise significantly following President Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs. Trump's April 2 announcement imposed a baseline 10 percent tariff on imports and targeted dozens of countries with higher 'reciprocal' tariffs. Import tax rates on nearly all Chinese goods raised to 145% as part of the tariffs, that are currently paused for 90 days to allow the two sides to negotiate a longer-term deal. The United States imports about 96% of its fireworks from China. Officials say the tariffs could cause the cost of fireworks to increase dramatically. A study done by ValuePenguin found that in 2024, the U.S. imported $452 million in fireworks from China. Spain is the closest next country with $9.7 million of imports. Officials say if the tariffs hold up, the $452 million would equate to $1.1 billion. The study found that Missouri imports the most fireworks per capita with $85.7 million in fireworks in 2024. Illinois ranked 34th with nearly $4 million worth of fireworks last year. The Trump administration has imposed tariffs on countries worldwide, but its fight with China has been the most intense. More: Trump sued over 'Liberation Day' tariffs Trump's import taxes on goods from China include a 20% charge meant to pressure Beijing into doing more to stop the flow of the synthetic opioid fentanyl into the United States. As trade and political tensions mount, so could the price of celebrating America's independence this summer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
NC among worst states for reckless driving deaths, study shows
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – North Carolina is ranked among the worst in the United States for reckless driving fatalities, a new study unveiled. According to a new study from the personal finance website ValuePenguin, the state had the fifth-highest rate of reckless driving deaths in the nation. This number is three times more than the national average and 115 times higher than in South Carolina, the report shows. Forbes report shows who the wealthiest person living in North Carolina is Researchers analyzed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System, analyzing fatal crash data from 2018 through 2022, and compared fatalities in vehicle crashes. To identify incidents connected to reckless driving, those who conducted the study evaluated wrecks where drivers were recorded operating their vehicles in an erratic, reckless or negligent manner. The report utilized annual vehicle miles traveled data by state from the Federal Highway Administration for 2022. Fatalities were calculated per billion miles traveled. Nationwide, the study concluded that reckless driving was a factor in 6.4% of motor vehicle deaths from 2018 through 2022, or 12,654 fatalities in total. During this period, 2021 recorded the highest number of reckless driving fatalities with 3,075 deaths, or 7.1% of motor vehicle deaths that year. In North Carolina, 1,372 reckless driving deaths were reported in 2018-2022, with 11.5 fatalities per billion miles traveled, according to the study. Montana topped the rankings over the course of that same time at 22.3 deaths per billion miles traveled. Meanwhile, Colorado (19.5), West Virginia (15.3) and Alaska (15.3) followed, with North Carolina rounding out the top five. Click here to read the full report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Miami Herald
25-04-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Here's what the average American spends on their pets each year
If your dog's bed is nicer than your own or your cat's snacks cost more than a dinner out, you're not alone. Pet care isn't just a line item anymore - it's a lifestyle. From gourmet treats and luxury grooming to holiday gifts and birthday parties, pet spending has gone far beyond the basics. In many households, pets are the most pampered family members, and the receipts show it. Related: White Board Finance shares how to not get ripped off buying a car According to a new survey from ValuePenguin, American pet owners are spending big on their furry friends, and many are doing it without a financial plan. In fact, most aren't just willing to stretch their budgets - they're willing to break them. The survey reveals that 73% of pet owners would be willing to go into debt to save their pet's life, but just 28% have pet insurance to help them do it. That mismatch highlights a growing financial tension in the U.S. People treat pets like family, but don't budget for them the same way. On average, Americans spend about $1,750 per year per pet - a total that includes food, grooming, toys, and medical expenses. Related: Here's Kim Kardashian's key to business success But it's the surprise vet visits that can throw even the most loyal pet parent off course. Nearly half of pet owners (49%) have faced an emergency vet visit or serious medical issue. When those unexpected moments hit, they cost an average of $902 - a sum many households aren't prepared for. Despite rising costs, most owners are still operating without a safety net. Pet insurance adoption remains low, with many citing confusing policies or believing they simply "won't need it." But the data suggest otherwise. From unexpected injuries to chronic conditions, veterinary care is one of the fastest-growing segments of pet spending. And unlike a phone or a car, skipping a fix isn't an option. This financial strain doesn't always look like a crisis. Sometimes it's just one more credit card charge. Other times, it's a tough decision at the vet's office. Either way, the survey shows one thing clearly: Americans are emotionally ready to do anything for their pets - but financially, most aren't even close to being prepared. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
How to get the most affordable car insurance for your teen driver
There's a reason car insurance rates are notoriously high for teen drivers. Teens aged 16 to 19 are almost three times more likely to be in a fatal car accident, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Insurance carriers know this, which is why it typically costs more to insure a young driver. As your child gains more experience behind the wheel, their insurance costs should come down. If they maintain a good driving record, that should start happening at around 18 or 19. Here are some simple steps you can take to help you get the most affordable car insurance for your teen driver. You can expect your premium to go up when adding a teen driver to your car insurance policy, but having a low rate to begin with can help prevent sticker shock. Parents, consider the following strategies to bring down your car insurance rate before adding a teen to your policy: Look for discounts. Many insurers allow you to save by bundling your home and auto policies, being a safe driver, keeping your mileage low, and much more. Check with your insurer to see all the car insurance discounts that might be available to you. Improve your credit. In some states, insurers can consider your credit-based insurance score when calculating your rate. That means a higher credit score could lead to lower car insurance premiums. Evaluate your coverage. When it comes time to add a teen driver to your policy, be sure that you have the proper coverage to protect them and the vehicle they're driving. At the same time, consult with a licensed insurance agent to make sure you're not paying for any coverage you don't need. Consider a new insurance carrier. Gathering insurance quotes and comparing offers from different insurers is never a bad idea. You might find a comparable policy for a cheaper price. Just be sure to maintain a level of coverage that feels appropriate for your risk tolerance and meets your state's minimum car insurance requirements. Increase your deductible. A higher car insurance deductible usually results in a lower premium. The opposite also tends to be true. But be aware that if you need to file an insurance claim, you'll have to cover the higher deductible before your insurance kicks in. Can a teenager get their own car insurance policy? Yes, teen drivers who are at least 18 can either take out a new policy on their own or be added to their parents' policy. The latter is usually the most cost-effective way to insure a teenage driver, but be prepared for your premium to go up. How much it increases will depend on where you live, whether you're adding a new vehicle for your teen, your teen's gender, and your level of coverage, among other factors. On average, adding a 16-year-old driver increases car insurance costs by 158%, according to ValuePenguin's analysis of Quadrant data. As long as they continue to live with you, your child can stay on your car insurance policy for as long as you like. Even college students who are away at school can remain on your policy if your home address is still listed as their primary residence. If your child grows into a young adult who's still living with you, you can decide as a family when it's the right time for them to get their own car insurance policy. Check to see if your insurance carrier offers any discounts for teen drivers. Your child may be eligible for one of the following: While this might sound counterintuitive from a price perspective since increasing your coverage will likely result in a higher premium, having more robust coverage could save you money in the long run if your teen is in an accident and needs to file a claim. Most states require drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, which protects you if your teen driver causes injuries or property damage. Some states also require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which could come in handy if your teen is involved in an accident with a driver who doesn't have adequate insurance. Your auto loan lender may also require some degree of collision and comprehensive insurance. Beyond that, you could customize your car insurance by adding coverage that's in line with your risk tolerance – especially if you've got a teen driver in the house. You might choose to add: Personal injury protection. Also called no-fault insurance, this coverage protects your teen and their passengers if they're injured in an accident, no matter who's at fault. Roadside assistance. This can provide 24/7 coverage from a network of local mechanics and tow trucks for services such as towing, flat tire repair, fuel delivery, battery replacement, and locksmiths. Accident forgiveness. Some insurers offer this as a reward for maintaining a good driving record; others offer it as an add-on. Either way, this coverage keeps your insurance rates from going up after a first at-fault accident, which can be valuable when covering an inexperienced teen driver. Insurance companies typically view young male drivers as a higher risk than their female counterparts – and there's data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to support that. The IIHS indicates that males are twice as likely to die in fatal crashes than females. As a result, car insurance tends to be more expensive for teenage boys than girls. Now, let's talk about car insurance for new drivers. New drivers of any age typically pay higher premiums, thanks to their lack of experience – but the cost tends to be steeper for teens. According to most insurers won't consider lowering a new driver's rate until they gain at least three years of driving experience and maintain continuous car insurance coverage. The Zebra analyzed Quadrant data for car insurance premiums for new drivers of all ages. Here's how the numbers shook out: Insurance companies view new drivers as risky to insure because of their lack of experience on the road. As a result, they pay higher insurance premiums (or their parents do). Insurance rates typically start to decrease when they turn 18 or 19. If you're shopping around for coverage for your teen, the average cost will likely be high to start but should gradually come down with good driving behavior. A teenager may be able to get their own car insurance policy, but it depends on their age. Insurance companies generally require that individuals be at least 18 years old to obtain their own policy. If your teen is younger, they'll likely need to be added to your policy. Whether your teen is attending an in-state or out-of-state college, they'll likely be able to stay on your car insurance policy if your home remains their primary residence. Depending on your insurer, it's possible you could also qualify for an away-at-school discount to lower your premiums. The cost of car insurance for teens varies widely by location, the parent's driving record, type of vehicle, and other factors. That means the cheapest car insurance for a 16-year-old driver will vary depending on your family's situation. To find the best car insurance for your teen, comparing policies from multiple insurance providers is the first place to start. You can gather quotes and compare premiums, deductible amounts, and coverage limits to find the most affordable option. This article was edited by Tim Manni
