Simon2579 | E+ | Getty Images Stephen Gilliam works 40 hours a week as a graphic designer for a government contractor. In the evening, Gilliam comes home, eats dinner and takes a little break. He then opens his laptop and works on freelance projects designing movie posters. He usually tries to wrap up by 10 p.m., […]
Investment fraud is on the rise. Here’s how to protect yourself
South_agency | E+ | Getty Images Consumers lost $5.7 billion to investment scams in 2024 — more than in any other type of fraud and up 24% from 2023, according to new data from the Federal Trade Commission. Investment scams generally involve claims that a consumer will get big returns by investing in a hot […]
As Social Security faces uncertain future, some say it should be privatized
BlackRock CEO Larry Fink speaks during the New York Times DealBook Summit in New York City, Nov. 30, 2022. Michael M. Santiago | Getty Images News | Getty Images President Donald Trump‘s efforts to slash federal government spending have ignited a new debate about the future of Social Security. One idea that has been brought […]
Trump sued by 20 states to halt ‘dismantling’ of Education Department
A security guard walks past the U.S. Department of Education headquarters in Washington, D.C., March 12, 2025. Nathan Howard | Reuters A group of Democratic state attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration Thursday over its moves to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and its termination of nearly half the agency’s staff. […]
Senators warn Trump Social Security nominee of consequences of staff cuts
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., speak to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The Washington Post | The Washington Post | Getty Images Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Ron Wyden of Oregon are warning Frank Bisignano, the nominee to lead the Social Security Administration, that he will be […]
Student loans shouldn’t be handled by Education Dept., Trump says
U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he walks to board Marine One, while departing the White House en route to Florida, in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 7, 2025. Evelyn Hockstein | Reuters SBA, Commerce or Treasury could take student loans Student debt transfer could lead to major disruptions Transferring the loan accounts of tens of […]
Rules for repaying Social Security benefits just got stricter
Fertnig | E+ | Getty Images If you receive more Social Security benefits than you are owed, you may face a 100% default withholding rate from your monthly checks once a new policy goes into effect. The change announced last week by the Social Security Administration marks a reversal from a 10% default withholding rate […]
How work requirements may reduce access to Medicaid
Protect Our Care supporters display “Hands Off Medicaid” message in front of the White House ahead of President Trump’s address to Congress on March 4 in Washington, D.C. Paul Morigi | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images Cuts to Medicaid will have to be on the menu if House Republicans want to meet their budget […]
Many investors aren’t planning for traditional IRA taxes in retirement
Guido Mieth | Moment | Getty Images ‘Your IRA is an IOU to the IRS’ Traditional IRAs are the oldest and most common type of IRA, owned by 31.3% of U.S. households as of mid-2023, according to research from the Investment Company Institute. Nearly two-thirds of families with traditional IRAs have accounts with retirement plan […]
Trump to sign order limiting Public Service Loan Forgiveness
U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 7, 2025. Leah Millis | Reuters President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order later on Friday excluding certain student loan borrowers from the popular Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Speaking from the Oval […]