Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124

In 2025, many popular side hustles, especially gig jobs like rideshare driving and food delivery, are becoming harder to rely on for extra income. As the Trump Administration imposes new tariffs—10% on most imports and 25% on vehicles—the cost of buying and maintaining a car has shot up. With new cars now averaging over $49,000, many gig workers are struggling to keep up with expenses like gas and repairs. On top of rising costs, more people are entering these jobs, making it harder to find steady work. As a result, pay has either stayed the same or gone down, and many workers are now putting in longer hours just to earn the same amount as before.

On July 4, 2025, a major tax law called the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" was passed, bringing big changes to how Americans plan their finances. The law keeps current tax rates in place, especially stopping the top income tax rate from increasing back to 39.6%. This gives people more confidence to plan for the future. It also introduces new investment tools, like the "Trump Accounts," which are designed to help people grow their wealth faster and save more for the long term. These changes come at a time when the economy is still facing inflation and budget concerns, making smart financial planning more important than ever.

Over the past ten years, inflation has made a big impact on how far your money goes. In 2015, $100 could buy a lot more than it can today. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, what cost $100 back then now costs about $138 in 2025. That means prices have gone up around 38% in just a decade. This rise in prices—called inflation—means that people may feel like their money doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. Everyday items like groceries, gas, and utilities have all gotten more expensive, making it harder for many families to keep up without earning more income.

The Federal Reserve recently cut interest rates for the first time this year, lowering its benchmark rate to between 4.0% and 4.25%. This decision shows the Fed is now more focused on helping a slowing job market than fighting inflation. Even though prices are still high, the economy is showing signs of weakness, like slower job growth and tighter credit. That’s why more rate cuts could happen later this year. Lower interest rates can make borrowing cheaper, which may help consumers with things like credit cards and mortgages. Still, many Americans are feeling the squeeze from high prices on everyday essentials like food, gas, and housing.

A 19-year-old from London has been arrested for allegedly playing a key role in a massive cyber extortion operation connected to the hacking group "Scattered Spider." Authorities say the teen, Thalha Jubair, used trickery—known as social engineering—to fool help desk workers at major companies into giving him access to secure systems. Once inside, the hackers would lock up important data and then demand huge ransoms, mostly in Bitcoin, threatening to delete or leak the data if the companies didn’t pay. The FBI reports that more than $115 million was paid by victims, which included large U.S. businesses and financial institutions. One company reportedly paid over $36 million. This case shows how serious and damaging cybercrime has become, especially for major industries and government systems.

Social Security, the program that helps millions of retired Americans, is facing serious challenges. Experts say the program could run out of money by 2032 if nothing changes. Frank Bisignano, the head of Social Security under President Trump, says big changes may be coming—including raising the age when people can retire or changing how benefits are calculated. These possible reforms come at a time when the U.S. is dealing with high inflation, rising national debt, and a growing number of older citizens. With the 2026 presidential election coming up, there’s more pressure than ever on lawmakers to fix the system and protect the future of retirement for younger generations.

As the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates to support the economy, more Americans are turning to side hustles to earn extra money. High living expenses, job uncertainty, and easier access to digital work platforms have led over half of U.S. adults to take on gig work, like freelancing or delivery services. The trend is especially strong among younger people—nearly three out of four Gen-Z individuals have a side hustle. New technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are also opening up new types of work, from online tutoring to content creation, making it easier for people to earn on their own terms. This shift shows how today’s workers are adapting to economic change by finding new ways to make money outside of traditional 9-to-5 jobs.

Starting September 30, 2025, the U.S. Treasury will stop sending out paper checks for most federal payments, like Social Security benefits and tax refunds. Instead, people will receive their money through electronic methods, such as direct deposit. This change, part of Executive Order 14247 signed earlier in 2025, aims to make government payments faster, safer, and more cost-effective. Going digital is not only more efficient, but it also reduces the chances of checks getting lost or stolen. This move reflects the growing use of technology in handling money and government services.

In 2025, American consumers are changing the way they spend money because of ongoing inflation, high interest rates, and uncertain economic conditions. Although inflation has cooled since its peak in 2022-2023, many people still feel the pressure on their budgets. As a result, more individuals and families are cutting back on unnecessary purchases, using more coupons, choosing cheaper alternatives, and focusing on saving. Big home improvement projects are being replaced by smaller, more affordable DIY tasks. Companies like Home Depot have noticed this shift, with customers avoiding debt and instead paying for smaller improvements in cash. Overall, people are becoming more careful with their money, focusing on getting the most value rather than spending on luxury or non-essential items.

On September 17, 2025, the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates for the first time this year, cutting its target range to 4.00–4.25%. This change comes after months of keeping rates the same and reflects growing concerns about the U.S. economy. The job market has shown signs of weakness, with fewer new jobs being added and more people filing for unemployment. At the same time, inflation remains higher than expected, partly due to ongoing tariffs that raise prices on goods. The Fed has two main goals: keeping prices stable and making sure there are enough jobs. Right now, achieving both is proving difficult. While the rate cut was expected, officials at the Fed are divided on what should come next.