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On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed a major new tax law called the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act,” which changes how taxes work in the U.S. for good. This new law makes the tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent. Before this law passed, those cuts were set to expire at the end of 2025, meaning people and businesses would have paid more in taxes. Now, the top income tax rate will stay at 37% instead of rising to 39.6%, which had been expected. This means families and companies can plan their finances with more certainty for the future.

In 2025, homebuyers in the U.S. are dealing with a new normal when it comes to buying a house. The typical down payment—a portion of the home’s price paid upfront—has jumped to $30,400, more than double what it was in 2019. Even though mortgage interest rates have come down slightly to the low-6% range, they’re still too high for many people trying to afford a home. Combined with high home prices, this makes it harder for buyers to enter the market. As a result, fewer people are buying homes, and the usual increase in down payments during the spring and summer has mostly disappeared. This shows that home affordability is still a big problem for many Americans.

As of October 2025, the U.S. economy is dealing with higher-than-normal inflation and rising interest rates. Inflation, which measures how much prices are going up, is still above the Federal Reserve's 2% target, mainly because of tariffs that are making everyday goods more expensive. In August, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed prices had risen 2.9% compared to the previous year, and experts think September's data might show a small increase too. Core inflation, which leaves out food and energy prices, is staying around 3.1%. Because of these numbers, the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates slightly in September to help support the economy. However, people are keeping a close eye on the delayed September CPI report, which will give more clues about whether or not we’re heading toward a recession.

In recent years, Americans have been hit hard by a wave of scam text messages, also known as "smishing." These scams are often run by organized crime groups, including some based in China, and have stolen more than $1 billion from U.S. consumers in just three years. The messages usually pretend to be from trusted sources, like government offices or utility companies, and are designed to make people feel like they must act quickly—such as paying a fake toll charge or claiming a refund. These scams take advantage of today’s nervous economy and our growing habit of handling business over text or online. Criminals use technology like “SIM farms” to send out thousands of messages at once, and they often trick ordinary people into helping move stolen money without knowing it. As digital communication becomes more common, it’s easier than ever for scammers to reach victims and harder to spot what’s real.

As retirement approaches, it's important to protect the money you've worked hard to save. A recent article suggests that instead of keeping most of your investments in stocks — which can be risky during times of inflation and market ups and downs — you should gradually move your money into more stable mutual funds. This process can be done using something called a Systematic Transfer Plan (STP), which helps shift your investments over time, rather than all at once. By doing this, you reduce the chances of big losses if the market suddenly drops and help stretch your savings further during retirement. In today’s uncertain economy, playing it safe with a well-planned transition can make a big difference in your financial security.

As 2025 ends, many people are looking for smart ways to earn extra money and prepare for a better financial future in 2026. Rising costs, slow wage growth, and economic uncertainty are pushing Americans to find new income sources. One popular solution is starting a side hustle—small jobs or businesses you can do in your free time. These can include things like baking, offering handyman services, digital content creation, or using online platforms to sell products. By using personal skills and interests, it's possible to create steady income outside of a regular job. With more companies open to freelance and remote work, now is a great time to explore new earning opportunities before the new year begins.