finances

I've heard it said that perception is reality. That's apparently not true after all after my perception of how well a city in Missouri is doing is the opposite in reality when it's just been ranked among the top 20 poorest places in America.

Where's the cheapest gas in Missouri? Believe it or not, Hannibal made the top 5 list.

I would argue that you can't completely define how rich a person or place is solely on money. But, if you're just looking at the bling, it's hard to argue the fact that Missouri and Illinois were both just ranked among the least rich states in America.

Most of us find out we owe the state of Missouri when it's tax time. But, did you know that the state of Missouri might owe you and there's a quick and easy way to find out.

Times are hard, but they are harder for some than others. There's one Missouri city that has the poorest middle class in the state and it has been through a lot over the past decade or so.

I'll start by saying that I don't blame her. If I had the kind of wealth she has, I'd be a recluse, too. One of the world's most secretive billionaires lives in Missouri based on a new report.

Say what you want about the Missouri bootheel, but is sure is affordable. How affordable is it? Well, it's the home of the new cheapest place to live king in the Show Me State now.

A very underrated word is "cheap". Some think of that as a negative thing, but in my book being affordable is a plus. If you agree, you'll be pleased to learn (I hope) that the cheapest place you can live in Illinois is located in the western part of the state.

I had completely forgotten about this, but starting in July everyone that shops in Illinois will get reminded of the tax relief that we've been enjoying for the past year when it comes to gas and groceries because it's about to end.

This just in. I am not a rich man as far as finances go. Oh, and I was born in raised in Missouri. What do these facts have in common? Perhaps it's purely coincidence, but Missouri was just named one of the most financially-challenged state in America. Believe it or not, even worse than Illinois and that's saying something.