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Inflation starts taking a back seat to other household debt and credit concerns, Achieve survey finds

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57% of consumers rely on credit cards to make ends meet

SAN MATEO, Calif., Aug. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — While inflation remains a lingering challenge for consumers as they strive to make ends meet and pay their bills on time, other financial challenges are starting to become a more pressing concern, according to the results of a new study by Achieve, the leader in digital personal finance.

Achieve’s think tank, the Achieve Center for Consumer Insights, surveyed 2,000 consumers with active accounts across categories of consumer debt, including credit cards, mortgages and home equity lines of credit, and auto and student loans. The survey format and respondent panel are designed to complement the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit by providing qualitative insights into consumer borrowing trends. To further examine the causes and ramifications of rising loan delinquencies, the survey panel included a subset of borrowers who were 30 days or more past due on their payments at least once during the past six months.

Inflation’s impact lessens

Job loss or reduced income was the leading reason consumers said they have recently fallen behind on their bills, with 18% of respondents citing this as the primary reason they missed a payment on a debt account. Meanwhile, the share of consumers who cited inflation as the primary reason they missed a payment on one of their debt accounts fell by more than half in the third quarter, to 10%, compared to 21% during the second quarter.

While the share of consumers who said they missed a debt payment because they didn’t want to pay the bill remains low, the percent who cited this as their primary reason grew both across all debt accounts and among credit card, auto and student loan borrowers.

“Recent positive news about the pace of inflation slowing, and in some cases, even reversing course, appears to be overshadowed by other financial concerns for struggling consumers,” said Achieve Co-Founder and Co-CEO Andrew Housser. “In a sign of the beginnings of a choppy job market, more and more consumers are being impacted by reduced income or job loss.  Combine that with interest rates still near decades-long highs, and consumers with significant levels of debt are finding it difficult to make ends meet.”

57% of consumers rely on credit cards to get by

Over half (57%) of respondents in Achieve’s survey said they are carrying a credit card balance to cover the cost of essential expenses, including 27% who said spending on living expenses has accrued on their credit card balances for more than six months.

During the third quarter, 36% of consumers said it is very difficult or difficult for them to pay their recurring debts on time, a slight increase from 31% in the second quarter. Among these respondents, 64% said paying their debts on time is challenging because they don’t make enough money to cover their spending. Almost a third (32%) said having too many accounts to repay contributes to their debt challenges, down from 39% last quarter. The share of respondents who said timing cashflow between receiving income and payment due dates was identical in the second and third quarters, at 27%. Meanwhile, 16% said they have difficulty tracking how much they owe across their accounts, up slightly from 14% last quarter.

“Households that find themselves relying heavily on credit cards to pay for basic necessities often get caught up in a cycle of indebtedness that they cannot get out of,” Housser said.

Economic optimism is growing

Consumer sentiment about how their financial situation has evolved over the past three years is mixed, with a nearly even share of respondents saying their situation has improved (37%) and worsened (36%). But expectations for the future are much stronger, with most consumers expecting their financial circumstances to improve in both the short and long term. Over the next year, 56% of consumers expect their finances will improve, with that rate growing to 64% when asked about their outlook three years from now.

Methodology

The data and findings presented are based on an Achieve survey conducted in June 2024 consisting of 2,000 U.S. consumers ages 18 and older with an active account for one or more of the following categories of consumer debt: auto loan; major credit card with a minimum outstanding balance of $100; first-lien mortgage; home equity line of credit (HELOC); student loan; and other (unsecured personal loan, store-branded credit card, buy now, pay later loan, or closed-end home equity loan). The sample was augmented to include a statistically significant subset of credit card, auto loan and student loan borrowers who have been 30 days or more past due at least once in the past six months.

About the Achieve Center for Consumer Insights

The Achieve Center for Consumer Insights is a think tank that leverages Achieve’s team of digital personal finance experts to provide a view into the state of consumer finances. In addition to sharing insights gleaned from Achieve’s proprietary data and analytics, the Achieve Center for Consumer Insights publishes in-depth research, bespoke data and thoughtful commentary in support of Achieve’s mission of helping everyday people get on the path to a better financial future.

About Achieve

Achieve, THE digital personal finance company, helps everyday people get on, and stay on, the path to a better financial future. Achieve pairs proprietary data and analytics with personalized support to offer personal loans, home equity loans, debt resolution and debt consolidation, along with financial tips, education and Achieve MoLO (Money Left Over), a free mobile budgeting app. Achieve has 2,500 dedicated teammates across the country with hubs in Arizona, California, Florida and Texas. Achieve is frequently recognized as a Best Place to Work.

Achieve refers to the global organization and may denote one or more affiliates of Achieve Company, including Achieve.com (NMLS ID #138464); Achieve Home Loans, Equal Housing Lender (NMLS ID #1810501); Achieve Personal Loans (NMLS ID #227977); Achieve Resolution (NMLS ID # 1248929) and Freedom Financial Asset Management (CRD #170229).

Contacts

Erica Bigley

Austin Kilgore

Vice President

Director

Corporate Communications

Corporate Communications

ebigley@achieve.com

akilgore@achieve.com

415-710-9006

214-908-5097

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SOURCE Achieve

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Markets Show Resilience Ahead of End-of-Year Options Expirations: Bybit x Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Report

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DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, released the latest Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report in collaboration with Block Scholes, highlighting the muted market volatility despite major options expirations on Friday. BTC and ETH‘s realized volatility has increased, but short-term options haven’t adjusted to this change. This indicates that while spot prices are fluctuating, the options market is not fully reacting to these shifts, although BTC and ETH volumes have displayed slightly different patterns.

With more than $525 million in BTC and ETH options contracts expiring on Dec 27, 2024’s end-of-year options expiration looks set to be one of the biggest yet, yet expectations for volatility have remained subdued. The report highlights an unusual inversion in ETH‘s volatility structure, but BTC has not mirrored the reaction. Additionally, a change in funding rates—sometimes turning negative as spot prices drop—signals a new market phase. Notably, BTC’s volatility structure has been less responsive to changes in spot prices, whereas ETH‘s short-term options are exhibiting more noticeable fluctuations.

Key Findings:

BTC Options Expirations:

In the past month, BTC’s realized volatility has been higher than implied volatility on three occasions, each time reaching a relatively calm equilibrium. Open interest in BTC options remains high, contributing to potential increased volatility as we near the end of the year. Around $360 million worth of BTC options (both puts and calls) are set to expire soon, which can affect price movement.

ETH Options: Calls Dominate

Despite a mid-week inversion, ETH‘s volatility term structure has flattened, maintaining levels similar to those seen over the past month. In the final week of 2024, calls overwhelmed puts in open interest in ETH options, although market movements and trading activities are more on the put side. 

Access the Full Report:

Gain deeper insights and explore the potential impacts on your crypto trading strategies by downloading the full report here: Bybit X Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report (Dec 24, 2024)

#Bybit / #BybitResearch

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com

For more information, please visit: https://www.bybit.com

For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/markets-show-resilience-ahead-of-end-of-year-options-expirations-bybit-x-block-scholes-crypto-derivatives-report-302339295.html

SOURCE Bybit

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Simple Exit Notifier Plugin Launches to Improve Compliance and User Transparency

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The newly launched Simple Exit Notifier plugin helps WordPress site owners meet compliance requirements and improve user transparency with customizable external link notifications.

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — WordPress site owners have struggled to find reliable tools for external link notifications in industries where compliance and user transparency are critical. Recognizing this need, Artin Hovhanesian, veteran web developer and founder of CHRS Interactive, and his team launched Simple Exit Notifier—a free plugin now available on WordPress.org. This lightweight and customizable solution helps site owners meet compliance recommendations by notifying users when they are about to leave a website.

Simple Exit Notifier was built with site owners in mind—a straightforward yet powerful tool to ensure compliance, build trust, and elevate the user experience.

With many existing plugins either outdated or discontinued due to security issues, Simple Exit Notifier fills a critical gap. Whether used to adhere to industry guidelines or build trust with users, this tool simplifies managing external links and enhances the user experience.

**Designed for Compliance and Trust**

Simple Exit Notifier is an intuitive and effective solution that addresses the challenges of notifying users about external links. By ensuring transparency, it empowers businesses to maintain trust and meet compliance requirements.

**Key Features**

Customizable Notifications: Personalize the popup heading, message, and button texts to align with your branding or compliance needs.CSS Class Exceptions: Easily exclude specific links by applying a designated CSS class.Support for HTTP and HTTPS Links: Works seamlessly with all external links, regardless of protocol.Tab Compatibility: Ensures smooth functionality for links that open in either the same or a new tab.

The plugin is tailored to meet the needs of diverse WordPress users, from small business owners to developers managing complex, compliance-heavy websites.

**Future Enhancements in Development**

The CHRS Interactive team is actively working on new features to make Simple Exit Notifier even more powerful, including:

Styling customization options for a more branded look.Conditional content to display notifications based on user geo-location or other parameters.Visual Indicators to enhance user awareness with clear cues for external links.

**The Inspiration Behind Simple Exit Notifier**

The idea for Simple Exit Notifier stemmed from a common problem: industries often recommend notifying users when they leave a website, yet no reliable solutions exist. Many plugins were outdated or removed due to security concerns, leaving WordPress users without options. Simple Exit Notifier was created to address this gap with a secure, easy-to-use, and actively maintained solution.

**Download Simple Exit Notifier Today**

Simple Exit Notifier is available for free on WordPress.org. To learn more, visit the plugin’s page or contact CHRS Interactive for additional details.

Media Contact

Artin Hovhanesian, CHRS Interactive LLC, 1 818-568-4798, hello@chrsinteractive.com, https://www.chrsinteractive.com/

Artin Hovhanesian, CHRS Interactive LLC, 1 818-568-4798, hello@chrsinteractive.com, CHRS Interactive LLC

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/simple-exit-notifier-plugin-launches-to-improve-compliance-and-user-transparency-302337053.html

SOURCE CHRS Interactive LLC

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Snail Games Celebrates Major Expansions for ARK Franchise with Launch of ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition, ARK: Extinction Ascended, and Bob’s Tall Tales: Wasteland War

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 1 million mobile player downloads in 24 hours and a 62% DAU Surge for ARK: Survival Ascended on Steam During Extinction’s Launch Weekend

CULVER CITY, Calif., Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) (“Snail Games” or the “Company”), a leading global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Snail Games USA, in collaboration with Studio Wildcard, and Grove Street Games, marks a significant moment in the expansion of the ARK franchise with the launch of ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition worldwide on App Store® and Google Play Store™ and two major updates for ARK: Extinction Ascended and Bob’s Tall Tales: Wasteland War. These releases underscore Snail Games’ commitment to growing the ARK ecosystem and offering new opportunities to engage an ever-expanding global audience.

ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition

Available now on the App Store® and Google Play Store™, ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition delivers a complete dinosaur survival experience tailored for mobile devices. This new free adaptation includes the massive content from PC and console versions of ARK: Survival Evolved and its acclaimed Expansion Packs—Scorched Earth, Aberration, Extinction, Genesis Parts 1 & 2, and fan-favorite maps like Ragnarok. With its debut, players can explore massive worlds, tame and train over 150 dinosaurs, and build and craft in an expansive multiplayer environment. The title also introduces the ARK Pass, a subscription-based service offering exclusive perks, including monthly bonuses, expanded access to in-game content, and the ability to unlock all current and future expansions. Within just 24 hours of launch ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition had 1 million downloads and was listed on the Apple store’s “New Games We Love”. ARK: Ultimate Mobile Edition aims to expand the reach of the ARK franchise making the game more accessible to gamers around the globe.
Watch the gameplay trailer here!

ARK: Extinction Ascended

For PC and console players, ARK: Survival Ascended expands with the launch of Extinction Ascended, the final chapter in the ARK storyline. Returning players to Earth, this update challenges survivors to defeat massive roaming Titans and uncover the mysteries of the ARKs’ origin. The addition of the Dreadnoughtus, ARK’s newest community-voted creature, introduces new strategic gameplay opportunities with its immense size, strength, and disruptive abilities. Extinction Ascended enriches the ARK: Survival Ascended experience with new tameable creatures, unique structures, and gameplay mechanics, enhancing the game’s long-term appeal across platforms.

The highly anticipated conclusion to the Bob’s Tall Tales trilogy also launched, bringing narrative-driven adventures and innovative gameplay mechanics. With the introduction of modular BattleRigs and over 10,000 customization options, Wasteland War redefines the survival gameplay experience. Additionally, the loyal Armadoggo companion and new wasteland-themed weapons and structures add depth and replayability. ASA celebrated the launch weekend of ARK: Extinction Ascended and Bob’s Tall Tales: Wasteland War with its biggest sale yet—40% off during Steam’s Winter Sale—driving a 62% surge in Daily Active Users on Steam! The sale continues until January 2, 2025!

Watch the trailer here!

By expanding the reach of ARK: Survival Evolved through mobile adaptations and advancing ARK: Survival Ascended with substantial updates, the franchise remains a keystone title in Snail Games’ growth strategy.

In addition to these major launches, Snail Games is participating in the Steam Winter Sale. This seasonal event is the perfect chance for longtime ARK fans to complete their collections at unbeatable prices and for new players to explore the ARK franchise and discover other Snail titles with incredible discounts during the Steam winter sale, including PixARK at 75% off, Bellwright at 10% off, and Survivor Mercs and West Hunt at 50% off, until January 2, 2025.

For creators interested in covering the game please reach out to creatordirect@noiz.gg

ABOUT SNAIL GAMES

Snail is a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment for consumers around the world, with a premier portfolio of premium games designed for use on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PCs and mobile devices. https://www.snailgamesusa.com/ 

ABOUT STUDIO WILDCARD

Since revealing its flagship game ARK: Survival Evolved in 2015, Studio Wildcard has tirelessly strived to bring its dinosaur-filled vision to the masses. With millions of players worldwide, the team has delivered an amazing amount of new content and leveraged cutting-edge technology to keep fans engaged. With a transmedia universe, the ARK story can be discovered on all gaming platforms, within spin-off titles, and now as a new epic narrative featuring a star-studded cast in ARK: The Animated Series on Paramount+. www.studiowildcard.com 

ABOUT GROVE STREET GAMES

Located in Gainesville, FL, Grove Street Games has been an influential game developer since 2007. They have delighted fans of the world’s greatest games with bold interpretations on new platforms, and have delivered fresh and original games to millions of happy players. They have grown to be a leader in the industry because of their commitment to building incredible and accessible gaming experiences. Their games can be found worldwide across all major gaming devices, including consoles, PC, and mobile. www.grovestreetgames.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,” “intend,” “may,” “predict,” “continue,” “estimate” and “potential,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Snail Games USA, in collaboration with Studio Wildcard, and Grove Street Games, marks a significant moment in the expansion of the ARK franchise, which releases underscore Snail Games’ commitment to growing the ARK ecosystem and offering new opportunities to engage an ever-expanding global audience. The Company is aiming to expand the reach of the ARK franchise making the game more accessible to gamers around the globe. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed by the Company with the SEC on April 1, 2024 and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC, including the Company’s Forms 10-Q filed with the SEC. The Company does not undertake or accept any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Contacts:
Investors:
investors@snail.com
Press:
media@snail.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/snail-games-celebrates-major-expansions-for-ark-franchise-with-launch-of-ark-ultimate-mobile-edition-ark-extinction-ascended-and-bobs-tall-tales-wasteland-war-302339298.html

SOURCE Snail, Inc.

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