Alex's Latest Posts
States With the Highest (And Lowest) Credit Card Delinquency Rates
Access to credit is an important resource for managing personal finances, whether to pay for major purchases, serve as a bridge to cover regular expenses, or smooth out spending when something unexpected happens. But reliance on debt like credit cards…
Personal Finance & Credit Card Statistics for 2022: A Look Inside the Piggy Bank
Americans’ can have a strained relationship with their personal finances. Individuals have different philosophies on how — and where — their money is allocated. Perhaps you’re a saver and not a spender, or maybe you fall victim to those 2…
Average American Debt: Where Debt Is Concentrated & How It Has Changed Over Time
It’s no secret that Americans are in debt. Whether you stumble into credit card debt due to out-of-control spending habits or you suffered an unexpected injury and racked up thousands in medical debt at no fault of your own, Americans…
The Cost of a Cannabis Vacation Around the U.S. in 2022
The tourism landscape is swiftly changing as more and more states legalize the recreational use of marijuana. Legal pot sales are expected to hit $33 billion in 2022. Cannabis vacations, coined “canna-cations,” are on the rise, and this brand of…
States Whose Residents Have the Most Cash To Spend (Or Save)
The economy has been a roller coaster for consumers over the last 2.5 years, and the ride isn’t slowing down yet. As COVID-19 and its ripple effects have continued to shape the economy, U.S. households have navigated both prosperity and…
7 Best Ways To Use 80,000 Points with the Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the most popular credit cards on the market and has been for several years. This card earns valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can be transferred to both airline and hotel partners for award…
Credit Card Fraud and ID Theft – Facts & Statistics [2023 Data Study]
If you have shifted to be more of an online shopper and banker like many Americans did during the COVID-19 pandemic, you might have thought about how safe your information is on the websites you enter it onto. Credit card…
Expert Credit Card Reviews [Travel, Business, Airline, Hotel, Cash-Back and No Annual Fee]
Here at Upgraded Points, our experts do a thorough analysis of all of the most popular credit cards on the market. We take care of the hours of reading, researching, and writing, so you can focus on what’s most important…
The Best U.S. Cities for Boosting Your Credit Score [2022 Data Study]
Lower interest rates, better insurance coverage, and access to better credit cards are just a few of the benefits you can experience when establishing a good line of credit. In this post-pandemic world of car shortages, rising interest rates, and…
The Most Popular Liquor in Every U.S. State [2022 Data Study]
No matter if you’re a fancy scotch, cheap vodka, or tequila shots kind of person, pretty much every adult that doesn’t completely abstain from alcohol has a favorite type of liquor. But do liquor preferences vary across the country? In…
The Average Cost of Travel Insurance – Facts & Statistics [2023 Data Study]
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans have changed the way they travel and the way they book their travel experience. Booking without travel insurance may have been something you did pre-COVID-19, but is not a risk many are…
The Most Popular Shark Tank Product in Every State [2022 Data Study]
“Shark Tank” has taken the country by storm ever since its first season aired in 2009. In each episode, we witness promising entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel of self-made, multi-millionaires (“sharks”) in the hopes of securing funding for…
Disney vs. Pixar: Surveying American Preferences [2022 Data Survey]
“Cars” or “Cinderella?” “Moana” or “WALL-E?” “The Lion King” or “Toy Story?” Disney and Pixar have come out with tons of great movies, and there’s no denying that one of these might be your favorite. Are you passionate about one…
The Average Savings Account Balance in the U.S. — Facts & Statistics [2023 Data Study]
A savings account is necessary in 2023. In case of unexpected expenses and peace of mind, it’s nice to have a little money set aside. But many Americans struggle to save money every paycheck, and the thought of saving can…
Americans Rank the Best Sauces by Restaurant [2022 Survey]
Whether you’re traveling between states or need a quick last-minute dinner, nothing hits the spot quite like a bag of french fries paired with your favorite fast-food sauces. Foodies everywhere rejoice when fast-food restaurants offer an array of tantalizing dipping…
Credit Card Spending Facts & Statistics in the U.S. [2022 Data Study]
A credit card transaction is such an easy way to spend money. Just swipe, buy, and deal with the credit card bill in a month or so. But do you ever think about how much more money you spend when…
The Best U.S. Cities for Glamping [2022 Data Study]
If you love the outdoors but don’t want to squat behind a tree when nature calls, then glamping is the perfect alternative for you! Besides proper bathroom facilities, luxury glamping can offer air conditioning, kitchens, and private outdoor hot tubs….
The Purchases Each State Puts on Credit Cards [2022 Survey]
With credit card companies raking in a whopping $12 billion in late fees in 2020 alone,¹ we started wondering: what types of purchases are people putting on their credit cards? The allure of a credit card can be difficult to…
The Best U.S. Cities for a Backyard Pool Party [2022 Data Survey]
There is nothing more wholesome than gathering with friends and family for a backyard pool party. One person mans the grill, one makes the strawberry daiquiris, and one is on sunscreen duty. As the weather warms up and we’re in…