DATA from WalletHub recently found that New Hampshire has the second-highest average credit score nationally, at 723. That’s one point higher than Vermont, with 722, but slightly under Minnesota’s 726 average. The national average score is 701 based on the Vantage-Score model, where good credit starts at 700. Experts recommend Americans strive for at least 750.

IN the 25-34 age group, women are continually more likely to have a bachelor’s degree than men, according to the Pew Research Center. They began outpacing men in 1995, though the gap has widened today to 47% women and 37% men. The share of women with a bachelor’s has increased 22 points from 25% in 1995.

REAL estate data firm Clever ranked Manchester the 17th up-and-coming city nationwide for 2025 among 150 U.S. metros. Results were determined from metrics like the city’s unemployment rate (3.0%, compared to a 4.4% national average), median household income of $103,727 and typical home price of $483,913. Other regional metros Portland, Maine, and Hartford, Connecticut, ranked above at ninth and 10th, and Madison, Wisconsin, topped the list.

A recent survey of 900 business leaders by Resume.org indicates that nearly three-quarters of companies require employees to work in the office three or more days each week, with a third mandating a full five-day schedule. Two-thirds of those surveyed currently rent office space, and over half of those renting cite lease terms influencing their return-to-office policies. When their lease expires, 23% say they will decrease the amount of offer space they rent.

THIS season, American shoppers planned to spend more for the holidays than last year, jumping from an average of $975 in 2023 to $1,012 this year, Gallup’s final measure found last month. Nearly as many say they will spend more on gifts (19%) as those who will spend less (23%).