Jeff Greenberg | Universal Images Group | Getty Images Inflation has eased gradually across the broad U.S. economy, and some areas of consumer spending, such as furniture and gasoline, have even deflated over the past year. Deflation is when prices decline for goods and services. It is rare for prices to fall from their current […]
Here’s why the Social Security COLA is smaller for 2025
Lordhenrivoton | E+ | Getty Images The Social Security Administration on Thursday announced that the cost-of-living adjustment will be 2.5% in 2025. When that increase goes into effect, it will be the lowest adjustment to benefits that beneficiaries have seen since 2021, when the cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, was 1.3%. The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment […]
Hiring a questionable contractor may come with risks, experts say
Visoot Uthairam | Moment | Getty Images Home repairs and renovations are expensive. To lower costs, 1 in 3 homeowners are willing to hire a contractor with holes in their resume. About 33% of surveyed homeowners say they’d consider hiring a contractor with a questionable reputation to save money, according to a new report by […]
How to file a homeowners insurance claim after Hurricane Helene, Milton
David Hester inspects damages of his house after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Horseshoe Beach, Florida, on September 28, 2024. Chandan Khanna | Afp | Getty Images It’s crucial to understand how to file a homeowners insurance claim after a natural disaster. Insured losses alone for Hurricane Helene are now estimated at more than $6 […]
Crypto relationship scams pose ‘catastrophic harm,’ SEC says. How to avoid them
krisanapong detraphiphat | Moment | Getty Images Investors are at a heightened risk of cryptocurrency scams tied to fake relationships established over social media, dating apps and networking sites, federal officials warn. Such frauds occur when scammers use dating apps, social media platforms, professional networking sites or encrypted messaging apps to pose as a romantic […]
Secrets investors need to know
Josh Brown Photo: Duncan Hill Josh Brown once had this idea that in order to be a financial advisor, you needed to be buttoned up and fit a particular mold. Brown, a CNBC contributor who often takes a casual and accessible tack with investors for his commentary, has since learned that there’s more than meets […]
Students going into skilled trades are finding secure jobs, good pay
Angela Ramirez-Riojas, 18, is enrolled in Riverview High School’s construction academy. Courtesy: Riverview High School For Angela Ramirez-Riojas, 18, going to college was always plan B. Her grandfather works in construction, and that motivated Ramirez-Riojas to follow in his footsteps. “I’ve gone with him to work,” she said. “He frames houses and I really enjoyed […]
Gender inequality flagged in pop culture
Damircudic | E+ | Getty Images Women have been making significant strides in their education and careers and working as much, if not more, than their male counterparts. Today, women who are just starting out, between the ages of 20-24, account for about 50% of total employment, which means that young women are just as […]
How to avoid being a victim of post-storm scams
A van flows in floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Sept. 28 in Asheville, North Carolina. Sean Rayford | Getty Images News | Getty Images States affected by Hurricane Helene are warning residents to watch for the risks of scams in the aftermath of the storm, including price gouging. Price gouging happens when […]
Why your Roth IRA conversions could have ‘unintended’ tax consequences
Baona | E+ | Getty Images As year-end approaches, you may be eyeing Roth individual retirement account conversions. The strategy, however, boosts your income, which can have other tax consequences, experts say. Roth conversions shift pretax or nondeductible IRA funds to a Roth IRA, which provides future tax-free growth. But the converted balance boosts your […]