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1 week ago | 
financebuzz.com | Roxana Loomes |Lauren Wellbank
Historically, being middle class refers to white-collar occupations and people whose incomes are within the median range for their area of residence. A 2025 study from SmartAsset says that middle-class incomes range between $49,500 and $148,500. However, this range isn't the same wherever you may live. For example, the low tier of this range only qualifies as middle class in states like West Virginia or Louisiana. As inflation grows, your financial fitness needs to evolve accordingly.
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1 week ago | 
financebuzz.com | Roxana Loomes |Esther Carlstone
Dining out has become more challenging as inflation forces consumers to tightentheir purse strings and eliminate discretionary spending. Buffet restaurantshave been hit extra hard, with many closing their doors since the pandemic. So what are consumers who want to go out to eatmore supposed to do? Luckily, they can still indulge without worrying aboutbreaking the bank with these 15 all-you-can-eat buffet options.
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1 week ago | 
financebuzz.com | Roxana Loomes
If you're ready to retire, but your budget isn't, you may have conflictingfeelings about ending your career. After all, living on a budget of $1,500 amonth during your golden years isn't easy. At just $18,000 per year, it's evenlower than most Social Security benefits. So, what can you do? One way to avoid wastingmoney so you can live comfortably during retirement involves picking theright spot to retire. Here are 10 charming southwest towns where you can do justthat.
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2 weeks ago | 
financebuzz.com | Roxana Loomes |Calista Headrick
Many people think that to land a well-paying job, you must have years or decades of experience. For certain occupations, this is an unfortunate fact. But many jobs still exist that pay a salary high enough to lower your financial stress and require minimal experience. Whether you're considering switching careers or are curious about breaking into a new industry, here are 12 jobs where experience isn't a barrier to entry — and they all pay at least $35 an hour.
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2 weeks ago | 
financebuzz.com | Roxana Loomes
Florida has always been the favorite of retirees. But, just because it's apopular option, it doesn't mean that it's the best pick for everyone. Plenty ofcities across the country can offer seniors more perks than Florida, including ahigher quality of life, a lower cost of living, and a more temperate climate. If you're ready to formulate your retirement plan, hereare 12 cities that may be a better fit for your needs than the Sunshine State.
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3 weeks ago | 
financebuzz.com | Roxana Loomes |Lauren Wellbank
If you're looking forward to spending retirement in an exotic, tropical place, Costa Rica is right up your alley. The country seemingly has everything — including affordable healthcare, scenic sights, fair weather, and a large expat community. Besides, Costa Rica is a great choice because of several tax benefits that may allow you to live a little more comfortably than you would if you retired in the U.S., which can help you enjoy the stress-free retirement of your dreams.
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4 weeks ago | 
financebuzz.com | Roxana Loomes |Amanda Machado
In January 2025, Kohl's announced its plans to close 27 stores before April — with a total of 15 states affected by the closures. If you're a lifelong fan of Kohl's, this may be devastating news. However, worry not. There are plenty of alternatives where you can continue to save money shopping for your favorite brands. Here are 15 alternatives worth exploring. Burlington Kirk Fisher/Adobe An off-price retailer, Burlington Stores sells high-quality name brands and home goods.
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1 month ago | 
financebuzz.com | Roxana Loomes |Lauren Wellbank
It's not uncommon for people to downsize as they get ready to retire. And, while buying a smaller home may be appealing, you could be in store for even bigger benefits when you try renting instead. That's because renting can sometimes help you avoid wasting money by lowering your housing and maintenance costs. This not only gives you a flexible lifestyle, but it can also reduce your overall financial responsibilities, something many people on a fixed income may find appealing.
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1 month ago | 
financebuzz.com | Roxana Loomes |Calista Headrick
You might dream of retiring in Hawaii, from incredible beaches and the Pacific Ocean to a slow, laid-back lifestyle and fantastic food. But what if you can't afford it? Believe it or not, some places in the Lower 48 can help you recreate Hawaii's vibe for much less. Check out these 12 mainland cities where you can save money and enjoy Hawaii's most desirable features for a stress-free retirement.
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1 month ago | 
financebuzz.com | Roxana Loomes |Lauren Wellbank
A budget of $1,800 a month — which translates to $21,600 a year — is less than the average Social Security payment. You may think of it as too little for retirement, especially in highly desirable locations in the South, but you'd be surprised by how easy it is to find cities with a low cost of living, no state income tax, and warm climates if you know where to look. In fact, you can even get ahead financially on a $1,800 budget that includes rent and other expenses.
