SmartReads

Florida’s economy has a pull of its own, from tourism and health care to construction and finance. But does working in the Sunshine State pay more? After adjusting for regional price differences, occupational pay gaps can look different than headline salaries suggest. For some workers, Florida offers a meaningful pay advantage; for others, the same… read more…

Social Security is a major source of retirement income for millions of Americans, but its economic importance varies sharply by locality. In some communities, benefits represent a relatively small share of total income. In others, they account for a substantial portion of money flowing into the local economy. That reliance may become more consequential as… read more…

For fathers, work rarely stops at five o’clock. Beyond paid employment, fathers often balance household responsibilities and the daily logistics of family life. Where that balance is most demanding can vary widely based on local economic conditions, commute times and work schedules. SmartAsset analyzed the 50 states based on the number of minutes per day… read more…

Car ownership consumes a major share of many household budgets. Between loan payments, maintenance, fuel and auto insurance, the cost of owning and operating a vehicle now averages more than $11,000 per year. Even as U.S. cities and counties increase investment in public transportation, more than 90% of American households own or lease at least… read more…