A customer shops at a supermarket in Rockville, Maryland, on July 18, 2025. Sha Hanting | China News Service | VCG | Getty Images Social Security beneficiaries may see a 2.7% cost-of-living adjustment in 2026, according to new estimates from policy experts, based on the latest government inflation data. That projected increase would be higher […]
How to know if a travel credit card with an annual fee is worth it
Oleksandra Yagello | Moment | Getty Images As some popular travel credit cards boost annual fees and amend benefits, experts say it’s time to reassess which cards — if any — merit a spot in your wallet. “Annual fees are not inherently bad; you just need to make sure that you’re getting value from [the […]
These states have 2025 sales tax holidays. Who stands to benefit
Sales tax free week at the Connecticut Post Mall, in Milford, Conn. Aug. 19, 2024. Connecticut Post/hearst Newspapers | Hearst Newspapers | Getty Images Every year, a handful of states offer shoppers a temporary tax break to encourage spending. This year, some of those “sales tax holidays” are happening as President Donald Trump’s tariffs threaten to […]
Using buy now, pay later loans for concert tickets
Fans enjoy Taylor Swift’s performance during The Eras Tour at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, Aug. 7, 2023. Allen J. Schaben | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images Many Americans have become accustomed to breaking up big purchases with buy now, pay later loans — including tickets for concerts and other live events. Going to […]
EV sales soar as Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ axes $7,500 tax credit
Halfpoint Images | Moment | Getty Images Consumers are racing to buy electric vehicles before a fast-approaching deadline to claim tax credits worth up to $7,500, according to auto analysts. Legislation championed by Republicans on Capitol Hill and signed by President Donald Trump in July eliminates the tax breaks — available for new, used and […]
What private assets in retirement plans mean for investors
Johner Images | Johner Images Royalty-free | Getty Images Investors may soon have greater access to private assets — that is, investments that are not publicly traded — in their 401(k) or other workplace retirement plans. Financial advisors say that for many workers, the risks may outweigh the rewards. President Donald Trump signed an executive […]
Paying for college gets increasingly difficult as tuition rises
The Janss Steps at UCLA in Westwood, California, April 8, 2025. Myung J. Chun | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images With the start of fall semester just weeks away, sky-high college costs are an extreme pain point for most students and their parents. A recent survey by Citizens Financial Group found a growing “confidence […]
Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ slashes tax break for higher earners
Beau Lark | Corbis | VCG | Getty Images President Donald Trump‘s “big beautiful bill” enacted trillions in tax breaks that could benefit wealthy Americans — but some will see a smaller deduction for charitable gifts starting in 2026, experts say. When you itemize tax breaks, you can claim the charitable deduction, depending on earnings […]
What happens to student loan borrowers who stay in SAVE forbearance
Mementojpeg | Moment | Getty Images Some student loan borrowers are not currently required to make student loan payments. But not doing so can have expensive consequences, experts say. On Aug. 1, the Trump administration resumed charging loan interest to borrowers who remain in the so-called SAVE forbearance. The Biden administration had offered the payment […]
What to know about the Senate affordable housing bill
UNITED STATES – JULY 29: From left, Chairman Tim Scott, R-S.C., Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., and ranking member Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., attend the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee markup of the ROAD to Housing Act, in Dirksen building on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) Tom Williams […]