A former service member recently wrote to MarketWatch’s Moneyist with a pressing question: can he and his wife afford to retire by the end of the year? With combined monthly income of around $7,000 from pensions and Social Security, and $140,000 in cash, the short answer is yes—but there are important caveats. Their financial foundation … Read more
More than 39 U.S. states could soon be required to reimburse Social Security benefits taken from foster children, following federal warnings that money meant to support vulnerable youth has been improperly diverted for years. At the center of the dispute is how states handle Social Security survivor benefits, disability payments, and Supplemental Security Income paid … Read more
Changes are coming to grocery store trips for millions of Americans who rely on SNAP benefits. Starting in 2026, nearly 20 states will begin restricting the kinds of foods that can be purchased with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. At the top of the banned list? Processed items like soda, candy, and sugary snacks. These … Read more
Good news for senior homeowners in Illinois: a new law is making it easier to get property tax relief. Starting in the 2025 tax year, more seniors will qualify for a program that allows them to delay paying their property taxes. This change is designed to help older adults stay in their homes while managing … Read more
In 2025, Capital One agreed to a massive $425 million class action settlement, one of the largest payouts involving a U.S. bank in recent memory. The big news? Nearly all customers who held qualifying accounts during the affected time period are eligible to file a claim. That means if you were a Capital One customer, … Read more
Starting January 2026, workers across New York earning minimum wage will once again see an increase in their paychecks. As part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2024 budget plan, this marks the second of two scheduled 50-cent increases and is part of the state’s broader plan to boost earnings and adjust wages for inflation over time. … Read more
The FBI and local law enforcement are urgently calling on the public for help after the tragic mass shooting at Brown University on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The shooter, still unidentified, left the community shaken and grieving. Now, a $50,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the identification, arrest, and conviction of … Read more
As the cost of living continues to rise, the IRS is stepping in with a major relief effort: a one-time $2,000 direct deposit set for December 2025. This move is meant to support millions of Americans struggling with holiday expenses, inflation, and daily necessities. Think of it as a financial breather before the year ends … Read more