Side Hustle Surge: Digital Income Thrives Amid Economic Uncertainty in 2025

As the U.S. economy remains uncertain due to inflation, job fluctuations, and political debates, many Americans are turning to side hustles for extra income in 2025. Experts say popular side hustles include selling handmade or resale items online, creating digital products such as online courses, and building paid membership groups or communities. Digital side hustles continue to be attractive because they often require low start-up costs and offer flexibility. With financial uncertainty expected to persist, people are looking to develop income solutions they can rely on—no matter how the overall economy moves.

House Approves Permanent Tax Relief Boost for Small Businesses

In June 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives approved important tax legislation aimed at making certain tax deductions permanent, especially for small businesses. This new law focuses mainly on the popular Section 199A pass-through deduction, originally set to expire at the end of 2025. This deduction helps individuals who run small businesses, partnerships, or S corporations by allowing them to deduct a certain percentage of their business income from the taxes they pay. The new bill proposes not only keeping this deduction permanently, but also increasing the deduction rate from 20% to 23% and adjusting income limits each year based on inflation, benefiting many business owners.

2025 Shoppers: Prioritizing Memories, Embracing ‘Doom Spending’ Amid Economic Uncertainty

In 2025, younger consumers are shifting their spending habits towards experiences rather than material goods, even though the economy remains uncertain. Recent studies indicate that nearly a third of young shoppers plan to spend more on activities that create fun, lasting memories over the next few years. At the same time, a notable trend called "doom spending" has emerged, where 30% of this younger group admit they are purchasing items even when worried about their financial future, noticeably higher than the national average of 21%. These changes are happening during a time when the Federal Reserve has lowered interest rates, making borrowing cheaper and influencing people's choices about saving and spending money.

Mortgage Rates Ease Slightly After Months of Highs, But Don’t Expect Pandemic Lows

After months of staying near 7%, mortgage rates have recently begun to decrease slightly. While many people expected mortgage rates to drop sooner due to actions by the Federal Reserve, rates stayed stubbornly high, surpassing the 7% mark earlier this year. Today's rates represent a sharp spike compared to the record-low rate of 2.65% seen in January 2021 when the government aimed to support the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts now suggest that rates will probably not return to such low levels anytime soon, but we may see them stabilize closer to around 6% in the near future.

Identity Theft Alert: Protecting Young Lives in a Digital Age

In today's digital landscape, financial fraud presents a significant risk, especially through identity theft, which increasingly affects younger individuals. Alarmingly, around one out of every fifty children fall victim each year to identity theft, with criminals often creating "synthetic identities" by combining real and fake personal information. Hackers target personal data through online scams, social media deception, and data breaches, selling stolen information on hidden digital markets. Payments in these illegal transactions are typically done using cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, making them challenging for law enforcement to track. As digital fraud continues to grow in scope and sophistication, individuals should practice smart online habits, protect their personal information, and regularly monitor financial activities to help ensure they don't become the next victim.

Trump’s 2026 Budget: Tax Relief for Seniors—But at What Cost?

President Trump's 2026 budget proposal, titled the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," could affect retirees and those saving for retirement in significant ways. The bill plans to extend the tax cuts originally introduced in 2017, which means that many Americans might see lower taxes and higher after-tax income. However, against some expectations, it doesn't eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits; seniors will still need to consider this when budgeting their retirement income. A new feature of the proposal is a $4,000 standard deduction specifically designed for people 65 and older, potentially helping seniors who meet specific income guidelines. While these changes could provide immediate financial relief for some, they are also expected to significantly increase the national debt by about $3.8 trillion over the next ten years.

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