As the holiday season comes to a close, many Americans are finding themselves in a precarious financial situation, burdened by new debt. A recent survey by LendingTree reveals that 36% of consumers accrued holiday debt this year, with an average balance of $1,181—a notable increase from $1,028 just a year prior, although it remains lower
Personal
In recent developments, the U.S. Treasury Department has made a critical decision affecting millions of small businesses by pushing back the due date for filing the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report to January 13, 2025. This alteration arises from a combination of legal challenges and the need for businesses to comply with the newly instituted
The U.S. job market is experiencing a significant shift, transitioning from the tumultuous “great resignation” of the previous years to what has been aptly labeled the “great stay”. This transformation reflects a considerable change in employee behavior and employer strategies, shaping a new landscape marked by stability rather than churn. Job seekers in today’s market
The Biden administration recently made headlines by withdrawing significant plans aimed at providing student loan forgiveness. These proposed regulations had the potential to ease the financial burdens of numerous borrowers who have been struggling with student loan debt for years. The plans would have authorized the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education to cancel
In a significant development aimed at providing financial relief, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has revealed plans to issue automatic payments of up to $1,400 to approximately one million taxpayers. This initiative targets individuals who, despite being eligible, failed to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit on their tax returns. The announcement marks a crucial
In the realm of holiday cinema, few films are as iconic as “Home Alone.” Released in 1990, the film follows the misadventures of Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old boy accidentally left behind when his family sets off for a Christmas vacation in Paris. While audiences have delighted in Kevin’s antics, a more serious question has emerged
As the holiday season approaches, a surge in consumer spending becomes evident, with estimates suggesting record-breaking figures this year. However, as joyous as the shopping season may seem, it is swiftly succeeded by a much less cheerful phenomenon: an avalanche of product returns. Dubbed “Returnuary,” January experiences a flurry of activity as consumers send back
In recent years, the financial landscape for millennials has shifted dramatically, revealing both challenges and opportunities for retirement savings. One striking example is Wes Bellamy, a 38-year-old political science department chair at Virginia State University, whose journey to financial stability exemplifies a growing trend among younger workers. While preparing to invest in a home in
The landscape of American social welfare is witnessing a potential shift as lawmakers grapple with the pressing task of avoiding a government shutdown while simultaneously considering the Social Security Fairness Act. This proposed legislation aims to address longstanding issues surrounding the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which have long affected public
The potential resumption of tariffs by President-elect Donald Trump on imported goods has reignited concerns regarding the financial implications for American consumers, particularly in the automotive market. With Trump’s suggestion of a 10% tariff on Chinese imports and a striking 25% on products from both Mexico and Canada, industry analysts are proposing that the outlay