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The Federal Reserve is closely watching how inflation changes, especially with the new Consumer Price Index (CPI) report coming soon. July’s numbers are expected to show prices going up faster again, with inflation likely staying around 3%—higher than the Fed’s goal of 2%. Economists say that rising tariffs on imported goods are making prices climb even more. At the same time, job growth is slowing down, which worries some Fed officials. While a softer job market usually pushes the Fed to cut interest rates, high inflation could delay any rate cuts. All of this affects borrowing costs, savings, and what you pay at the store, making the Fed’s next decision important for your wallet.

A new scam called “Magic Mouse” is stealing credit card information from hundreds of thousands of people each month. It works by sending fake text messages that look like they’re from delivery companies, toll agencies, or the government. These messages trick people into clicking on links and entering their personal info on fake websites. The group behind Magic Mouse uses that information to charge people’s accounts through mobile wallets right away. This scam is especially harmful now, as many families are already struggling to manage their money due to inflation. Unfortunately, law enforcement hasn’t been able to fully stop the group, and the scam continues to grow.

In 2025, mortgage rates in the U.S. have slightly dropped to an average of 6.58% for a 30-year fixed loan. While this is lower than the recent peak, it’s still much higher than the record-low rates during the pandemic. Because of this, many homeowners are choosing to stay in their current homes instead of selling and taking on a new, more expensive mortgage—this situation is often called the “golden handcuffs.” As a result, people are focusing more on saving money, investing wisely, and paying down other debts. Buyers are also feeling the pressure of high housing costs and are encouraged to shop around with different lenders. Doing so can save them $600 to $1,200 a year, which helps ease the burden of rising prices in other areas.

In 2025, many Americans are finding it harder to grow their income because of high interest rates and rising everyday costs. Mortgage rates are around 6.6% for a 30-year loan and over 7% for adjustable-rate mortgages, which makes borrowing money more expensive. A lot of homeowners who got low-rate mortgages during the pandemic are now “locked in” and don’t want to move or refinance. Instead, they’re boosting their income in other ways—by switching to higher-paying jobs, doing freelance work, or starting side hustles. These efforts help fill the gap between how much they earn and how much everything costs, something experts are calling the “earning power gap.”

President Trump’s "One Big Beautiful Bill," passed in 2025, brings big changes to the U.S. tax system, especially for upper-middle-class families and business owners. One of the major updates is a boost to the standard deduction and the child tax credit, which means many families will get to keep more of their money. However, the cap on State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions stays the same, which still limits benefits for people living in high-tax states like California and New York. Business owners and high-earning professionals, like doctors, are urged to take advantage of the higher Section 179 expensing limits. This lets them deduct more money upfront for things like equipment and upgrades, helping lower their taxes. Experts say planning ahead is key to making the most of these new tax rules.

Gen Z, the generation born roughly between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, is changing what it means to be financially smart. Facing high living costs, slow wage growth, and an uncertain economy, many young adults are choosing to live simply and save money on purpose—not just out of necessity. For them, being frugal isn’t about being cheap; it’s about spending with intention. Instead of showing off with flashy purchases, they value minimalism, sustainability, and financial security. Gen Z is more likely to skip luxury items and expensive outings in favor of saving for long-term goals, like owning a home or building a safety net. For this generation, living within their means is not a sacrifice but a statement of values.

In August 2025, inflation in the U.S. has picked up again, mainly because of new tariffs on imported goods and ongoing supply chain issues. These tariffs make everyday items, like household goods and electronics, more expensive for consumers. Although gas prices have gone down slightly, helping to ease overall inflation a bit, most people are still noticing higher prices at the store. The Federal Reserve is now in a tough spot—if it raises interest rates to control inflation, it could hurt the job market even more. This rise in inflation comes at a time when the economy is already uncertain, and officials are trying to find the right balance to keep things steady.

As the 2025 U.S. election approaches, many people are feeling nervous about how politics might affect their retirement savings. Some recent actions by the Trump administration—like efforts to replace the head of the Federal Reserve and new rules that let people invest in riskier assets like private equity and cryptocurrency through their 401(k) plans—are making investors uneasy. While these changes could impact the economy, financial experts warn against making big changes to your retirement plan based on political news. Instead, they recommend staying focused on long-term goals, keeping your investments balanced, and not letting fear drive your decisions.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's latest Small Business Outlook, most small business owners are feeling hopeful about the future. In fact, 75% say they are optimistic about 2025, and 72% are planning to grow their businesses next year. Over half expect to bring in more revenue, which could lead to more jobs and stronger local economies. However, many still feel frustrated by high interest rates and government policies that they believe don't support small businesses. While they remain determined to succeed, rising costs and stricter regulations continue to make it harder for small businesses to expand and thrive.

In August 2025, the U.S. government passed a major law called the "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OB3), bringing big changes to how taxes work and how certain financial programs affect people’s everyday lives. This new law changes rules around Social Security, overtime pay, student loans, car loan interest, and 529 education savings plans, which are used to help pay for college. The bill comes at a time when many Americans are struggling with high prices and job uncertainty. Experts say people should pay close attention, because these changes might impact how much money they take home in their paychecks and how they should plan for things like retirement and education costs in the future.