A record number of passengers flew in 2024. Izusek | E+ | Getty Images Southwest Airlines, once known for its first-come, first-served approach to boarding and seating, on Tuesday began selling its first tickets with assigned seats. That change — and with it, new boarding groups — goes into effect for flights in late January. […]
Why the U.S. job market has soured
Ozgur Donmaz | Photodisc | Getty Images The U.S. job market has been showing signs of a gradual weakening. But new federal data issued Friday suggests it may have hit a long-awaited wall. “We’re finally in the eye of the hurricane,” Daniel Zhao, chief economist at career site Glassdoor, wrote in a note. “After months […]
Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ and other laws benefit ABLE accounts
A former line haul driver, Brandon Dickerson, 34, became disabled after a ruptured aneurysm caused bleeding in his brain. His sister, Geneva, is one of his caregivers. Courtesy: Dickerson Family Brandon Dickerson collapsed in his Louisiana home in March 2022, after suffering from a ruptured brain aneurysm. The sudden burst of a blood vessel caused […]
What that means for your money
Five ways the Fed affects your finances “Rates have slowly increased recently as banks guard against the risks they see in an uncertain economy, and I think the growth is likely to continue until the Fed moves,” said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. “Any jumps are unwelcome news for cardholders already being pushed […]
Senate introduces tariff rebate checks bill after Trump suggestion
Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) reacts, on the day where a potential government shutdown looms during the holidays, after a spending bill backed by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump failed in the U.S. House of Representatives, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., December 20, 2024. Nathan Howard | Reuters Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., on Monday introduced a […]
TSA PreCheck still has value amid airport screening changes: expert
Passengers walk through the entrance of a TSA PreCheck in Terminal One at O’Hare International Airport Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) Armando L. Sanchez | Chicago Tribune | Getty Images As airport security checkpoints undergo changes that may help travelers get through faster and with […]
Why high-earning Americans do not feel rich
About 14% of all U.S. households make $200,000 or more per year, according to 2023 Census data. But a significant salary hasn’t translated to big account balances for some of these consumers — which experts have dubbed “HENRYs,” or “high earners, not rich yet.” Rising costs, debt and lifestyle creep can leave them feeling stuck, […]
Using credit cards to pay for your wedding: pros and cons
Westend61 | Westend61 | Getty Images Many engaged couples in the U.S. are relying on forms of credit to pay for their wedding. Experts say that approach can be smart, if done carefully. While 46% of surveyed newlyweds — couples who tied the knot within the past two years — used mostly savings to pay […]
Trump floats tariff ‘rebate’ for consumers. Here’s what to expect
U.S. President Donald Trump talks to reporters as he departs the White House on July 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump is traveling to his Balmedie golf courses in Scotland this week. Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images President Donald Trump said the administration is considering a rebate for some consumers from revenue raised by higher […]
How to lower capital gains on home sales as Trump eyes ending the tax
Martin Barraud | Ojo Images | Getty Images As President Donald Trump weighs ending capital gains taxes on home sales to bolster the housing market, experts say it’s possible to lower your bill without legislative changes. When asked about the idea this week in the Oval Office, Trump told reporters, “we’re thinking about that.” Under […]