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

As of October 2025, the U.S. housing market is at a critical turning point. Mortgage rates are still high, with the average 30-year fixed rate sitting at 6.152%, much steeper than the pandemic lows of about 2.65% just a few years ago. Although the Federal Reserve cut rates slightly in September, borrowing costs remain well above what many Americans were used to. At the same time, growing government debt and new economic policies—like tariffs and immigration crackdowns—are fueling uncertainty. Because of this, people looking to buy homes need to be extra cautious about what they can afford, how much to put down, and whether now is the right time to take on a mortgage.

In 2025, many people are turning to side hustles to help deal with rising prices and an uncertain economy. With traditional jobs feeling less secure, more workers are using digital skills like writing, graphic design, and social media management to earn extra income from home. These online jobs often don't require a full-time commitment and can be started with just a laptop and internet connection. Experts say that having a strong online presence—such as a personal website or online portfolio—can help people find more clients and grow their income. In today’s fast-changing job market, being flexible and learning new skills are key to staying ahead.

In October 2025, the federal government agreed to start processing student loan forgiveness again after being sued by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and some borrowers. The lawsuit came after the Trump Administration paused and blocked loan forgiveness earlier in the year, leaving many struggling with debt. This change affects about 2.5 million people in income-driven repayment plans, including those in Public Service Loan Forgiveness. The deal not only brings back relief for eligible borrowers but also makes sure they won’t be hit with unexpected taxes on forgiven loans. This decision gives new hope to those who have worked hard to qualify for loan forgiveness.

In 2025, many Americans are struggling to build and maintain emergency savings. Although people say they would rather use cash in a crisis, most are relying on credit cards when unexpected expenses arise. This shift is largely due to ongoing economic trouble, including inflation, job insecurity, and changing government policies. A recent survey found that two-thirds of Americans have six months or less saved for emergencies, which puts them at risk during tough financial times. Young adults from Gen Z are especially affected—they're comfortable with digital money and payment apps, but many haven’t built strong savings habits yet, making them more financially vulnerable.

In September 2025, the U.S. inflation rate stayed steady at 3.8% for the third month in a row. This means that prices for everyday items like food, gas, and rent are still going up faster than usual, although not as fast as some experts feared. Since this rate is almost double the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%, the Fed is unlikely to lower interest rates soon. High inflation affects people’s wallets—household budgets are stretched, and borrowing money, like through credit cards or loans, may stay expensive. On the upside, some government programs like Social Security automatically increase payments when inflation stays high, so people who rely on those benefits may see a small boost to help keep up with the cost of living.

As economic uncertainty grows due to threats of a government shutdown, a new wave of job recruiting scams is spreading across the U.S., especially through scam text messages offering fake remote jobs with high pay. These scams are mainly targeting people who may be struggling financially, including government workers and contractors who could lose their income during a shutdown. Experts say scammers are taking advantage of this stressful time by sending out convincing messages that seem like real job offers. Many of these texts are created and sent using artificial intelligence, making it easier for scammers to reach large groups of people quickly. It's important to be cautious and double-check any job offer that comes through an unexpected text or email.

Many baby boomers are being forced to delay retirement because of rising costs and financial pressure. Right now, nearly 30% of boomers are choosing to work longer due to inflation, higher healthcare bills, and expensive housing. These growing costs are making it harder to stretch retirement savings. In some cases, boomers are also helping pay for adult children or aging parents, which adds to the burden. Experts say retirees should take smart steps like paying off high-interest credit cards, reviewing their budgets every year, and putting more money into safe investments and emergency funds. These moves can help protect their savings and ease retirement stress.

As the economy faces high inflation and unstable job markets, many Gen Z workers are turning to gig jobs in rural areas to make money and feel more secure. These young people are using their digital skills for online work like writing, social media, design, and AI consulting—jobs they can do from anywhere with an internet connection. Thanks to platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and others, it’s easier than ever to find remote freelance work. This shift is also being driven by fears about job security and low wages, leading more young workers to create flexible side hustles instead of relying on a single job.

In October 2025, the Social Security Administration continued sending out monthly payments to millions of Americans, especially retirees born between the 21st and 31st of the month. These payments are a major source of income for many seniors, people with disabilities, and survivors. With inflation still high and lawmakers in Washington struggling to agree on financial policies, many older Americans are relying more than ever on their Social Security checks. While most people now get their money through direct deposit or a benefit card, paper checks are hardly used anymore. The payment amount depends on a person’s work history and the age they started collecting benefits. Those who waited until age 70 to claim could receive up to $5,108 each month.

In 2025, the cost of relocating—whether for work or lifestyle—has become more expensive for many Americans. This is mainly due to rising inflation, high interest rates, and continued housing shortages that began after the pandemic. On top of that, many buildings now include ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) features, like energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials, which make them more eco-friendly but also more expensive. Contractors say these upgrades can cost as much or more than traditional construction, and those costs are often passed on to the people moving in. As a result, both individuals and companies are feeling the pressure of higher moving costs during an already uncertain time for the economy.