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In 2025, with inflation high and wages not keeping up, many millennials are feeling the financial squeeze. Buying a home or saving for retirement has become harder, so people are getting creative to earn extra money. Four popular side gigs have emerged: writing paid newsletters on platforms like Substack, teaching quick online mini-classes on specific skills, helping companies with translation services, and designing AI prompt packs that help digital creators work faster. These side hustles are flexible, can be done from home, and allow millennials to make extra money without the need for a second full-time job.

In July 2025, the U.S. government passed a major tax reform law called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which brought sweeping changes to the way Americans file and benefit from taxes. This new law preserves key parts of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, like lower income tax rates and a higher standard deduction, making them permanent. It also adds several new tax benefits aimed at helping working families and seniors. For the first time, people can now deduct tips, overtime pay, and car loan interest from their taxes. Seniors aged 65 and up can take a $6,000 deduction, even if they don’t itemize their taxes. These changes are designed to put more money back in people’s pockets and reshape how tax policy supports everyday Americans.

Generation Z is changing the way people think about money and spending. Instead of buying expensive items, many in Gen Z prefer to spend their money on experiences—like concerts, travel, and unique events—that create lasting memories. This shift is partly due to rising costs, fewer job opportunities, and the desire to live within their means. At the same time, Gen Z is embracing new financial technology (fintech) apps that help them save money, manage spending, and invest smarter. As a result, industries like travel tech, digital payments, and affordable entertainment are growing fast, showing how this generation is redefining what “value” really means.

As of late 2025, the U.S. economy is feeling the effects of stubborn inflation and high interest rates. Mortgage rates have stayed high, with the average 30-year fixed loan at about 6.54%. Even though the Federal Reserve began lowering rates in 2024, mortgage rates quickly climbed back above 7% in early 2025. This suggests that inflation is still a major concern and the economy remains uncertain. Experts say we likely won’t see the super-low mortgage rates of the pandemic years again unless a major economic crisis happens. On the bright side, high-yield savings accounts are offering better returns, with interest rates of 4–5%, which can help savers grow their money faster during this high-rate period.

In 2025, there has been a sharp rise in scams involving people pretending to be financial regulators, especially the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. Scammers are tricking victims by claiming they’ve recovered money from fake cryptocurrency accounts or past loan frauds. These scams often sound convincing, especially during times of economic stress, when people are more likely to seek financial help. Older adults have been the main targets, with almost two-thirds of victims aged 56 or older. The FCA reported over 4,000 cases in just the first half of the year, with hundreds of people actually sending money to the fraudsters. This trend shows the importance of being cautious and double-checking any unexpected messages that seem too good to be true.

Planning for retirement is more important than ever, especially with inflation slowing and interest rates possibly going down. Wealthy retirees succeed by following smart money habits. One key habit is “paying yourself first,” which means saving part of your income before spending on anything else. They also avoid letting their money sit in regular bank accounts by investing in things like stocks, ETFs (exchange-traded funds), or high-yield savings accounts that currently offer 4% to 5% interest. This helps their money grow and protects it from losing value due to inflation. Another smart habit is living below their means—spending less than they make—so they can consistently save and invest for the future. These strategies can help anyone build a stronger, more secure retirement.

Generation Z, people born roughly between 1997 and 2012, are changing how they think about work and money. Instead of trying to climb the traditional career ladder like older generations, many Gen Zers are choosing "career minimalism." This means they look for stable, lower-stress jobs that pay the bills, while also pursuing side hustles they enjoy—like freelancing, content creation, or running small businesses online. With high inflation, uncertain job markets, and the rising cost of living, this approach helps them balance financial security with personal freedom. Technology and the demand for remote work are making it easier for Gen Z to shape careers that fit their lives, not the other way around.

The One Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act, signed into law in July 2025, brings major changes to how Americans handle their taxes and plan for retirement. One of the biggest updates is the increase in the standard deduction, which lowers the amount of income people are taxed on. This benefits single filers, heads of household, and married couples. Seniors aged 65 and older also get a special $6,000 deduction until 2028, giving them a helpful tax break during retirement. The law also relaxes the limit on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, allowing more people to claim these expenses on their federal taxes. These changes come at a time when many Americans are stressed by higher prices, slow job growth, and uncertainty about their financial futures.

In 2025, many Americans are changing how they spend money due to higher prices, an uncertain economy, and the strong impact of social media. While people are cutting back on things like gadgets and home gym equipment, they are still choosing to spend on experiences such as travel, eating out, and events. In fact, 59% of consumers are prioritizing these types of experiences over buying physical items. Social media plays a big role in shaping these choices, as many people want to share memorable moments online or are influenced by what they see others doing. This trend shows how digital culture is affecting not just what people buy, but why and how they spend their money.

As 2026 approaches, experts are warning people to think twice before taking out new loans or using more credit. This is because inflation—when the prices of things like food, gas, and rent go up—is still very high. At the same time, interest rates, which are the extra amounts you pay when borrowing money, are also high. That means it costs more than ever to use credit cards or take out loans. Financial advisors say borrowing under these conditions could lead to long-term stress and regret, since people may end up paying much more than they expected just to cover basic expenses. Instead of borrowing, it's smarter to focus on budgeting and finding ways to save until the economy stabilizes.