Homes burn above Pacific Coast Highway during the Palisades Fire on Jan. 8, 2025, in Pacific Palisades, Calif. Photo by Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images Alicia Kalvin awoke the morning of Jan. 7 to an urgent text from a friend: “There’s a fire on your street.” She hurried outside, alarmed to see […]
These are the 10 most underrated places to travel, say travel agents
Klaus Vedfelt | Digitalvision | Getty Images Looking for travel inspiration for 2025 and beyond? Look no further: CNBC asked 10 travel agents for their recommendations of the most underhyped destinations in the world. We compiled their written answers below, including can’t-miss activities for each locale and the best times of year to visit. You’ll […]
Concert ticket prices soar, but music fans don’t care
From Billie Eilish and Sabrina Carpenter to Kendrick Lamar and SZA, 2025 promises to be another big year for live music events. That may also mean concertgoers will be shelling out more for their favorite shows. After rising steadily post-pandemic, admission to movies, theaters and concerts jumped 20% since 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor […]
What federal employees need to consider when evaluating offer to resign
A “Do not cross” sign is illuminated at a crosswalk outside of U.S. Capitol building in Washington, US, November 10, 2024. Hannah Mckay | Reuters The Trump administration emailed more than 2 million federal workers this week, giving them the option to resign now and get pay and benefits through Sept. 30. Workers have until […]
What to know about retirement funds if your employer merges or is acquired
Momo Productions | Digitalvision | Getty Images Mergers and acquisitions happen all the time between companies of varying size and notoriety. These can be a great opportunity for businesses and owners to achieve their strategic or long-term goals, but often leave employees feeling uneasy and confused about what the deal means for them — especially […]
Key things to know before you file your taxes
Rockaa | E+ | Getty Images Many taxpayers qualify for free filing options If you’re eager to file your taxes for free, there are several options for your 2024 filing, according to financial experts. This season, more than 30 million taxpayers may be eligible for Direct File, the IRS’ free tax filing program, according to […]
Why some call it phantom wealth
Millennials have come a long way since their days of being called lazy or entitled. Despite reaching key milestones later than their parents once did, they are now wealthier than previous generations were at their age. “Younger families in the U.S. made remarkable gains,” according to an analysis of 2022 data by the St. Louis Federal […]
Retirees may feel it’s not enough
Sporrer/Rupp | Image Source | Getty Images Millions of Social Security beneficiaries have now received their first benefit checks for 2025. The new 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment — which adds $50 per month to retirement benefits on average — marks the lowest increase since 2021, when inflation spiked shortly thereafter. With prices still high, many beneficiaries […]
Here are key changes for investors nearing retirement in 2025
Miniseries | E+ | Getty Images Leverage the 401(k) ‘super catch-up’ For 2025, investors can save more with higher 401(k) plan limits. Employees can defer $23,500 into 401(k) plans, up from $23,000 in 2024. The catch-up contribution limit is $7,500 for workers ages 50 and older. But thanks to Secure 2.0, there’s a “super catch-up” […]
How an emergency fund can alleviate financial stress
Hispanolistic | E+ | Getty Images Many young adults have financial stress, and experts say there’s a simple safety net that could help. About 61% of surveyed Americans of ages 18 to 35 are financially stressed, according to a new Intuit survey. About 21% of respondents say their stress has gotten worse over the past year. […]