Jenny Kerr
Jenny Kerr
30 articlesEditor
Personal Finance Editor
Jenny Kerr is a Editor at FinancialSumo, specializing in personal finance, consumer financial services and corporate financial developments. Her reporting covers household spending, credit, savings, lending trends, company announcements and changes affecting consumers and businesses. She focuses on explaining financial costs, identifying risks and helping readers understand how economic and corporate decisions influence everyday money management.
30 latest articles by Jenny Kerr
Western Retirees Weigh Home Prices Against Care Costs
Some Western towns have home values below the national average. Remote locations can add specialty-care travel costs, while state tax rules can shift the budget.
Inflation Hits 3.7% as Savings Rates Face a New Test
September CPI inflation reached 3.7%, while many standard savings accounts pay far less. High-yield accounts and CDs offer stronger yields, but variable rates and fixed terms come with different trade-offs.
Childcare Costs Can Squeeze Retirement Contributions
Childcare can consume as much as 19.3% of household income. Parents face those bills during the years when retirement contributions have the most time to compound.
Retirees Face an $806,000 Home Price in Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach offers retirees favorable state tax rules and a retiree-heavy community, but its median home value is about $806,000. The cost of buying near the coast is the test for anyone weighing the town's amenities.
Retirement Savings Can Run Short Without a Market Crash
Market losses are only part of retirement risk. Spending habits and withdrawal timing can put savings under pressure too.
A Serious Illness Can Change When You Claim Social Security
A serious diagnosis can make waiting for a larger Social Security check a costly gamble. The breakeven age helps compare options, but taxes, investment alternatives, family circumstances and immediate income needs also matter.
Texas Can Stretch Retirement Savings, but County Costs Matter
Texas has no state income tax and offers comparatively affordable housing, but a retiree's budget still depends on local costs, health care access and distance from major airports.
Nine U.S. Retirement Cities with Arts and Affordability
These nine cities offer galleries, performances and hands-on arts programs alongside beaches, trails and other outdoor amenities. Housing costs and state tax rules vary, so retirees will need to weigh the full budget.
The Middle Class Is Shrinking as Basic Milestones Move Further Away
A home and a secure retirement are harder to afford as housing and child-rearing costs rise faster than wages. The middle class still exists, but income alone does not show how financially secure many households feel.
Nine U.S. Retirement Cities Put Wine Country Within Reach
These nine cities pair access to wineries and wine trails with outdoor recreation and local amenities. Housing costs and state tax rules vary widely.
Eight U.S. Cities Where Retirees Find Top Live Music and Lower Costs
Retirees seeking vibrant music scenes and manageable living costs have more options than just big cities. From Nashville to Sarasota, these eight U.S. destinations offer diverse venues, festivals, and retiree-friendly amenities that can shape your retirement budget.
Retirees Weigh Knoxville Iowa for Low Housing Costs and Tax Relief
With home values far below the national average and state tax breaks on retirement income, Knoxville Iowa is drawing attention from retirees seeking to stretch their savings without sacrificing access to healthcare or community life
Divorce Can Leave Your Ex as Beneficiary Unless You Act Fast
Many Americans overlook a critical step after divorce that can let an ex-spouse inherit retirement accounts, life insurance, or other assets despite a new will. Here's what actually overrides your intentions and how to fix it before it's too late
Net Worth for Americans in Their 30s Tripled After Historic Crash
Americans in their 30s saw their net worth more than triple from 2010 to 2022, but higher balances have not translated into easier day-to-day finances as housing and living costs continue to climb
Social Security Gaps Leave Women Facing Lower Retirement Income
Women in the U.S. routinely receive smaller Social Security checks than men due to lower lifetime earnings and interrupted careers. The difference can reach thousands of dollars per year and compound over decades of retirement.
Adobe CEO Shakeup: Anil Chakravarthy to Succeed Shantanu Narayen
Adobe is set for a major leadership transition as Anil Chakravarthy prepares to take over as CEO in December 2026, while the company faces mounting investor pressure and a sharp decline in its stock price
Rising Bond Yields Hit Governments, Companies, and U.S. Borrowers
A global surge in bond yields is driving up borrowing costs for governments, businesses, and households, with ripple effects on public budgets, corporate growth, and consumer debt across the U.S. and beyond
Nvidia's $12.9 Billion Hugging Face Deal Signals AI Power Shift
Nvidia is set to acquire Hugging Face for $12.9 billion, moving deeper into AI software and raising the stakes for developers, investors, and institutions relying on open-source tools
Rising Bond Yields Threaten Borrowers as War Drives Up Costs
U.S. Treasury yields have surged to multi-year highs as war spending and energy shocks push up inflation, raising borrowing costs for households, businesses, and the government.
Stephen Curry's $136.7M Extension Decision Raises Warriors' Stakes
Stephen Curry can now sign a two-year, $136.7 million extension with the Golden State Warriors, a move that could lock in his future but limit the team's financial flexibility as it looks to rebuild its roster
Sudden Loss of Actor Lee Yongju Raises Financial Planning Questions
The unexpected passing of actor Lee Yongju highlights the financial and emotional challenges families and colleagues face after a sudden loss, underscoring the importance of emergency planning and support systems
Tesla Data Reveals Autopilot Was Active in Texas Fatal Crash
Tesla confirmed to federal regulators that its driver-assist system was engaged during a deadly Model 3 crash in Texas, raising new questions about transparency and the public's access to critical safety data
Charity Music Festival Raises $10 Million for Women's Nonprofits
A sold-out festival headlined by Olivia Rodrigo pledged $10 million to support organizations focused on women's and girls' rights, with additional matching funds announced during the event
September Social Security Payment Dates and What to Expect
Social Security beneficiaries will see payments arrive on four different dates in September, depending on when they started benefits and their birth date, while SSI recipients have a separate schedule to track
Trump Threatens FCC Complaint Over 'Meet the Press' Election Coverage
Donald Trump says he will report 'Meet the Press' host Kristen Welker to the FCC, raising questions about regulatory pressure on media coverage of political endorsements and the independence of federal oversight
United Airlines Emergency Landing Raises Questions on Flight Safety Costs
A United Airlines flight from Venice to Newark diverted to London after a mechanical issue, highlighting the operational and financial risks airlines face when handling in-flight emergencies and passenger disruptions
Ross Fire Threatens Homes and Infrastructure in North Texas
The Ross Fire has scorched 80,000 acres in Palo Pinto and Jack counties, forcing evacuations and straining local resources as shifting winds complicate containment and threaten critical infrastructure
Core Inflation Rises 3.3% as Fed Faces Persistent Price Pressures
The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge showed core prices up 3.3% year-over-year in July, matching forecasts but keeping inflation well above the central bank's 2% target as policymakers weigh their next move
ARM Mortgage Rates Edge Higher as Fixed Loans Dominate Market
Adjustable-rate mortgages offer lower initial rates but come with payment uncertainty after the fixed period ends. See how current ARM rates compare and which borrowers might benefit-or face risk-from these loans in today's market
Trump's Beef Tariff Waiver Sparks Clash Over Food Prices and Ranchers
A new White House plan to allow 300,000 metric tons of tariff-free ground beef imports aims to cut grocery costs but faces backlash from U.S. ranchers and lawmakers worried about long-term industry harm
