Inflation, one of the key indicators of an economy’s health, has been the focus of attention in recent times. As the Federal Reserve closely monitors data to make informed interest rate decisions, we delve into the implications of September’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) report. Expected to show a slight deceleration in headline inflation, this article…
Interest rate hikes can have a significant impact on the real estate market. The most direct effect is that higher interest rates increase the cost of borrowing capital, making mortgage payments more expensive for consumers. This can lead to a decrease in demand for housing, resulting in fewer sales and lower prices. Additionally, homebuyers may…
In a recent development, the House Ways and Means Committee has passed a bill that has the potential to significantly impact your standard deduction, potentially providing you with substantial tax savings. The Tax Cuts for Working Families Act, also known as H.R.3936, proposes to temporarily expand the standard tax deduction for most taxpayers in the…
Oil prices have surged in recent weeks as tensions between the US and Iran have continued to escalate in the Middle East. This conflict has caused a disruption in oil supply, which has caused prices to rise. This could potentially have a major impact on oil-related investments, depending on where investors have their money invested….
Gasoline prices have been on a rollercoaster ride in 2023, hitting highs that left many drivers feeling the pinch at the pump. However, the outlook is changing, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that gas prices are about to drop significantly. In this article, we will delve into the factors behind this decline and explore why…
In a move aimed at keeping up with soaring inflation, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently unveiled higher federal tax brackets and standard deductions for the year 2023. These new tax brackets, applicable to tax year 2023 and returns filed in 2024, come as a response to the changing economic landscape. In this comprehensive…
California’s Fast Food Franchise Law: Impacts on Small Business Owners California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed into law the AB 1228 legislation, known as the Fast Food Franchisor Responsibility Act, which aims to increase wages for fast-food workers across the state. While this development has been celebrated as a historic moment for workers’ rights, it…
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits to their beneficiaries beyond their own life. When you pass away, your family may be able to qualify for benefits from the Social Security Administration. Depending upon the circumstances, your surviving spouse and minor children may be entitled to receive monthly payments. Your dependent parents and siblings may…
Title loans have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their quick and easy application process. The idea behind these loans is simple: you can borrow a certain amount of money using the title of your vehicle as collateral. Title loans are typically used to cover short-term financial emergencies such as medical bills or…
Imagine the surprise and relief experienced by individuals like Karin Engstrom and Patricia Vener-Saavedra when they discovered that their student loan debt, which had loomed over them for decades, was suddenly erased. In a historic move by the Biden administration, 804,000 long-term borrowers will see $39 billion in student loans forgiven. This article explores the…
In the midst of political turmoil and the looming threat of a federal government shutdown, the House of Representatives has taken swift action by approving a 45-day funding bill. This emergency measure aims to keep federal agencies operational as Speaker Kevin McCarthy abandoned demands for steep spending cuts, relying on bipartisan support to send the…
With the Federal Reserve’s hawkish outlook shaking up the financial markets, investors are preparing for another turbulent week. This article covers the key developments and events that could shape the financial landscape in the upcoming days. From labor strikes to economic data releases and corporate earnings reports, we’ll provide necessary insights to help you make…
The 10-year Treasury note is a highly-regarded indicator in the world of finance. In recent times, this benchmark yield has reached a 2007 high, causing wide concern among investors and economists alike. This article will discuss the factors causing this rise in Treasury yields, its implications for the economy, and how it may impact investors….
The Federal Reserve recently made a highly anticipated decision to keep interest rates steady, providing some relief to anxious markets. However, the central bank also hinted at a more hawkish tone, suggesting that rates may remain elevated for an extended period of time. This move has massive implications for the economy, consumers, and investors alike….
If you’re a borrower with student loan debt, it’s important to take action now and not wait until the last moment to figure out your payments. Justin Draeger, President and CEO of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), has emphasized the need to explore different repayment options available. From deferment and forbearance…
Gas prices experienced a surge this week, reaching 2023 highs, with an average of $3.87 per gallon nationwide according to AAA. Nonetheless, analysts deem that it is likely peaking and the use of winter-grade gasoline could start to bring prices down. Despite the relief consumers may experience soon, energy prices have caused worries regarding their…
At the Federal Open Market Committee’s Sept. 19-20 meeting, economists surveyed by Bloomberg News believe the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates in the 5.25% to 5.5% range steady and stay at this peak level through May of 2024, two months longer than previously expected. Despite this, policymakers are likely to forecast one additional rate…
Stocks dropped on Friday, with a $4 trillion triple witching options event potentially magnifying volatility as traders weighed the impacts of a strike hitting Detroit automakers and combed through a deluge of economic data in advance of next week’s Federal Reserve meeting. The S&P 500 erased this week’s gains, while the Nasdaq 100 underperformed as…
China’s economic data show signs that the slowdown may be easing as the central bank acts to support growth. Retail sales climbed 4.6% in August from a year earlier and industrial output rose 4.5%, suggesting that demand is slowly picking up from its post-pandemic malaise. However, despite busy activity in restaurants and stores, investment in…
This week, mortgage rates again stayed above 7%, maintaining a five-week streak of exceeding the 7% mark. According to Freddie Mac, the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 7.18%, up from 7.12% the week before. The increase is attributable to higher-than-expected core inflation in August and anticipation of the Federal Reserve’s upcoming…