‘What’s the point’ of saving money

Xavier Lorenzo | Moment | Getty Images Gen Z seems to have a case of economic malaise. Nearly half (49%) of its adult members — the oldest of whom are in their late 20s — say planning for the future feels “pointless,” according to a recent Credit Karma poll. A freewheeling attitude toward summer spending … Read more

How beauty expenses affect your finances

Katie Gatti Tassin Courtesy: Katie Gatti Tassin There are many unique hurdles that women face when it comes to money, such as the wage gap and caregiving responsibilities. Yet, there’s another challenge in women’s financial lives that is less-discussed — beauty costs, which can be an “insidious force in women’s financial lives,” said Katie Gatti … Read more

The second-quarter estimated tax deadline for 2025 is June 16

Pra-chid | Istock | Getty Images The second-quarter estimated tax deadline is June 16 — and on-time payments can help you avoid “falling behind” on your balance, according to the IRS. Typically, quarterly payments apply to income without tax withholdings, such as earnings from self-employment, freelancing or gig economy work. You may also owe payments … Read more

The Fed held interest rates steady, but credit card APRs keep going up

Emirmemedovski | E+ | Getty Images Even with the Federal Reserve on the sidelines, credit card rates are edging higher. In June, credit card interest rates rose for the third straight month, hitting the highest level since December, according to a recent report by LendingTree. Now, the average annual percentage rate is just over 20%, according to Bankrate. For … Read more

Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ adds SALT deduction ‘torpedo,’ pro says

U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer, D-NJ, speaks during a press conference about the SALT Caucus outside the Capitol on Wednesday February 08, 2023 in Washington, DC.  Matt McClain | The Washington Post | Getty Images President Donald Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ delivers a temporary higher limit on the federal deduction for state and local taxes, known … Read more

Salary needed to live comfortably in 2025

With higher prices now firmly entrenched, and President Donald Trump’s tariffs fueling inflationary concerns, most Americans say they need an income boost to get by, according to a new report. Nearly half, or 45%, of all adults said they would need to make $100,000 or more a year to feel financially secure, Bankrate’s financial freedom … Read more

The average 401(k) savings rate is at record-high levels, report finds

Milan Markovic | E+ | Getty Images The average 401(k) savings rate has maintained a record high, as some retirement plans make it easier for workers to enroll and contribute. In 2024, the average combined savings rate for employee deferrals and company deposits was an estimated 12%, according to Vanguard’s newly released yearly analysis of … Read more

Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ cuts SNAP for millions of families: Report

People shop at a grocery store in Manhattan, New York City, on April 1, 2025. Spencer Platt | Getty Images Republicans’ “big beautiful” reconciliation package includes tax cuts that policy researchers have found primarily benefit the wealthy.  To help pay for that, the legislation also includes “substantial” cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or … Read more

Paying for your own cell phone plan

These days, it’s common for parents to give their adult children some financial support. But it wouldn’t take a lot to be considered independent. About three-quarters, or 76%, of Americans say that coming off a parent’s cell phone plan is one of the “ultimate signs” of adulthood, according to a recent survey of over 2,000 … Read more

How ‘revenge saving’ can improve your finances

Americans are tightening their belts, as concerns about tariffs, inflation, job security and market volatility have prompted many consumers to pare back their spending and increase their savings, financial experts say. The U.S. personal saving rate — the percentage of disposable income that U.S. households save, after they pay taxes and spend money — has … Read more