‘Meager’ Social Security bump for 2026 sparks fury among recipients, experts — why COLA will ‘hurt’ US seniors next year (and how to respond)
They may call it COLA, but many seniors say there’s nothing sweet about the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) cost-of-living adjustment for 2026. The SSA’s 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase, announced on October 24, falls short of the current rate of inflation — which is what it’s supposed to help offset for those collecting Social Security […]
Economist Mark Zandi says these 22 states have slipped into recession based on 2 clear indicators — could the ripple effects hit your wallet next?
The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) defines a recession as a "significant decline in economic activity that is spread across the economy and that lasts more than a few months." In practice, a recession is generally defined as at least two consecutive quarters of a decrease in gross domestic product. (1) Must Read Thanks […]
Starbucks is closing 1% of its North American stores — and here’s what it’s offering those laid-off workers. Plus what to know if you ever get the axe
Starbucks is closing close to 1% of its stores across the United States, eliminating retail staff as well as more than 900 non-retail workers (1). Using the company’s annual reports, the business reporting site Sherwood News estimated that as of last year, Starbucks had an average of just under 20 employees per store (2). Starbucks […]
New Hampshire man in his 70s says his wife’s compulsive shopping is eating away at their savings — and Dave Ramsey says it’s time for tough love
While retail therapy can seem like a harmless way to blow off some steam after a long week at work, the urge to splurge has a dark side. For some, it can become a full-blown addiction — complete with secrets, shame and a serious financial mess from which it may take years to recover. Must […]
Leave more than money: practical legacy planning for Canadians
Many Canadians dream about the legacy they will leave behind — not just money, but the values, traditions and lessons for loved ones. Thinking ahead about how your wealth and life experiences will shape the future can provide clarity and peace of mind. That’s where legacy planning comes in. Legacy planning is the process of […]
70% of US businesses now use AI — but this Amazon executive says tech can’t replace American workers’ ‘most important skill.’ Here’s how to develop it
While artificial intelligence has been around for years, its presence in the workplace is growing — and not everyone is comfortable with that. According to a 2025 Pew Research Center study, 52% of Americans said they’re worried about the future impact of AI on jobs, and 32% believe it will ultimately reduce job opportunities. Although […]
Canadians are increasingly keeping more cash on hand as the world becomes more digitized — Is this a smart move?
“Cash is king." For millennials and generations before them, this phrase reminds them of a time before digital wallets, online payments and plastic payment methods. Now you might think the notion is obsolete given the technology in our pockets. But, according to a recent Bank of Canada (BoC) report surveying payment methods of Canadians, it […]
Dave Ramsey tells Wisconsin cardiologist earning $650K he doesn’t ‘deserve’ a $250K Porsche — how he says to appease his inner 4-year-old instead
Recently, a caller toThe Dave Ramsey Show asked whether he should buy a $250,000 Porsche, seemingly expecting the famously frugal finance guru to quash the idea — but his answer was surprising. Ramsey was actually not opposed to the luxury car purchase in theory, given the caller’s high income, but he discouraged him from heading […]
Rich, young Americans are ditching the stock market — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead
This article adheres to strict editorial standards. Some or all links may be monetized. Warren Buffett, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos are among the wealthiest Americans who ever lived. The majority of their wealth is in stocks. But when it comes to investing in the stock market, today’s rich young Americans are not following in […]
Americans have abandoned as many as 31.9 million 401(k) accounts — with average balances of $66,691. What to do if you’ve lost track of your savings
If you’ve switched jobs, what did you do with your 401(k)? If you don’t remember, or if it’s still with your previous employer, you may be leaving hard-earned cash on the table. More than half (54.3%) of working-age American families had a retirement account with a median value of $86,900, according to 2022 data from […]