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  • Joined: July 9, 2024
  • Articles: 975

Mortgage Rates Dip Slightly as Fed Pauses Rate Hike, Offering Housing Market Relief

On June 20, 2025, mortgage rates in the United States fell slightly after the Federal Reserve chose not to increase its key interest rate. The popular 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 6.82%, down a bit from the previous week's 6.87%. Similarly small decreases were seen in 15-year fixed and adjustable-rate mortgages. This minor but important decline happened because inflation rates are slowly moving closer to the Fed’s target, but uncertainty remains due to global issues and possible trade conflicts. Experts suggest these lower rates could help stabilize the housing market somewhat, offering some relief to buyers and homeowners who've struggled with high inflation and economic uncertainty.

2025 Side Hustle Surge: Americans Embrace Freelancing Amid Economic Uncertainty

As economic uncertainty continues in 2025, more Americans are taking on side hustles and freelance work to boost their income and gain job flexibility. High inflation, increased interest rates, and a competitive job market are pushing many workers to explore extra opportunities through platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. These websites make it easier for people with skills—such as writing, design, coding, or marketing—to find freelance jobs online. However, freelancers should be cautious about steep competition, high platform fees (sometimes up to 20%), and responsibilities like managing their own taxes carefully to ensure financial success.

Senate Shakes Up Taxes With Bold “One Big, Beautiful Bill”

On June 16, 2025, the Senate Finance Committee proposed major changes to U.S. tax policy as part of the new "One Big, Beautiful Bill," reflecting concerns over a shaky economy and uncertain financial outlook. Key changes include extending the controversial "revenge tax" for one additional year, keeping the limits on state and local tax (SALT) deductions unchanged, and permanently allowing certain tax deductions for U.S. businesses. Additionally, lawmakers introduced significant updates to how multinational corporations based in the U.S. and abroad are taxed. These proposals aim to balance competing demands and political pressures as lawmakers navigate the nation's financial challenges.

2025 Consumer Shift: Navigating Tariffs, Prices, and Personal Values

In 2025, rising tariffs and changing values are transforming the spending habits of American consumers. Tariffs, which are taxes placed on imported items, have significantly raised prices for many everyday products. Retail prices are expected to grow at nearly twice the already high inflation rate, causing consumers to rethink how and where they shop. Because of this, consumers now pay close attention to both price and personal values, such as buying locally produced goods or supporting companies aligned with their beliefs. This shift has created two main consumer groups: those focused mostly on low prices, making up nearly 40%, who often purchase generic brands to save money, and those who balance cost with ethical choices, carefully considering the broader impact of their spending decisions.

Student Loan Scams Thrive Amid Forgiveness Confusion

Student loan scams have become increasingly common as confusion grows about the future of federal forgiveness programs. Many borrowers feel anxious due to political debates and policy changes, making them easy targets for scammers. Often, these scams pretend to offer quick loan forgiveness or debt relief but require upfront fees or sensitive information, causing borrowers to lose money or put their personal data at risk. Experts stress that borrowers should be cautious, verify information directly through official government websites, and report suspicious activity immediately.

2025 Finance Alert: Invest, Don’t Just Save!

In 2025, financial experts emphasize that investing—not just saving—is key to growing your money wisely. This is because inflation remains high, meaning prices continue rising faster than most savings accounts can keep up with. On top of that, mortgage interest rates have stayed high, between 6.5% and 7%, making it harder for families to stretch their budgets. According to personal finance expert Ramit Sethi, saving alone isn't enough anymore; you also need to invest strategically. While having some emergency savings is still important, putting extra money into options like retirement accounts, stocks, or bonds helps you build wealth faster and protects your finances against inflation.

Side Hustle Nation: America’s New Financial Lifeline

Side hustles have become increasingly common as many Americans struggle with rising living costs, ongoing inflation, and economic uncertainty. With traditional jobs often failing to meet financial needs, more than 40% of Americans now earn extra money through side jobs or freelance work. Many report using side income to manage basic living expenses, build savings, or reduce debt. The demand to find extra income is driven by persistent high inflation and recent tariffs, making everyday goods and services more expensive for consumers. This trend highlights the growing importance of side hustles as a financial safety net during tough economic times.

“One Big, Beautiful Bill”: Senate Unveils Major Tax Overhaul Amid Economic Uncertainty

The Senate Finance Committee recently announced major new tax legislation aimed at addressing economic uncertainty in the United States. Nicknamed the "One Big, Beautiful Bill," this proposal makes several notable changes, including extending Section 899 "revenge tax" rules by one year and deciding against raising the cap on deductions for state and local taxes (often called SALT deductions). Additionally, it permanently continues certain tax deductions that support U.S.-based corporations. Another significant part of the proposed law involves updates to how multinational corporations—which operate in multiple countries—are taxed. These changes reflect ongoing challenges such as rising inflation and international tensions that have led lawmakers to carefully balance raising government funds with efforts to support business growth.

Gen Z Wallets: How Sustainability and Social Savvy are Shaping Spending in 2025

Gen Z's spending habits are reshaping how we think about money and living, especially as they navigate a changing economy in 2025. Growing up in times defined by climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic instability, this generation is digitally focused and mindful of global issues. They place importance on sustainability and transparency from brands they buy from and financial services they use. Despite ongoing challenges like rising prices, job changes, and uncertainty over tariffs, Gen Z stays more hopeful about their finances than older generations. Their unique outlook and habits show they will play a big part in influencing how businesses and money management evolve in the coming years.

Mortgage Rates Stay High, Homeownership Dreams Stall

As of June 2025, mortgage rates in the U.S. remain consistently high at close to 7%, despite expectations of relief from previous Fed rate cuts. The Federal Reserve recently chose to maintain their current interest rate level, meaning borrowing costs haven't significantly dropped as many hoped. Current average mortgage rates are around 6.86% for a 30-year loan and about 6.08% for a 15-year loan. High housing prices, along with extra costs like taxes and insurance, continue to create challenges for families wanting to own homes. Because income levels have lagged behind rising housing expenses and inflation, a large number of Americans still find homeownership hard to achieve.

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