Mortgage Rates Surge to 7% Amid Tax Turmoil, Tariffs, and Credit Concerns

As of May 24, 2025, mortgage rates in the United States have jumped significantly to around 7%, driven largely by growing economic worries and uncertainty. Several factors have contributed to this sharply rising trend, including the GOP's new tax proposal potentially increasing the national deficit, as well as President Trump's introduction of new tariffs that may impact trade relations. Additionally, Moody's recent downgrade of the U.S. credit rating has made bond investors nervous, causing bond yields to rise, which directly affects mortgage rates. This sudden increase in rates makes purchasing a home more expensive and could further complicate economic growth in the near future.

Love or Lies? America’s Seniors Losing Billions to Romance Scams

Romance scams have become a growing problem in the United States, causing billions of dollars in losses every year, especially among retirees and older adults. Victims are often approached through social media sites, dating apps, or even email, and scammers pretend to build genuine relationships before asking for money. Many seniors live on fixed incomes and have limited savings, making each loss especially devastating. In 2022 alone, about 70,000 Americans lost a combined total of $1.3 billion to these scams. Because victims feel embarrassed or ashamed, many cases go unreported, complicating investigations and recovery efforts. Experts warn that awareness and education about this kind of fraud are essential to help older adults protect themselves financially and emotionally.

Harnessing the Sun: How Solar Panels Turned Debt Into Savings

Installing solar panels can significantly reduce household energy costs and lead to impressive financial savings, as seen through one homeowner's story from Houston. By taking out a personal loan of $15,000 to cover installment costs, this homeowner successfully cut their energy bill in half, saving about $500 per month or $6,000 each year. This example highlights how using well-planned debt to fund home improvements like solar panels can create long-term savings, especially as energy prices continue to rise and traditional investments face uncertainty.

Side Hustle Surge: How Americans Boost Income Amid 2025’s Economic Uncertainty

As of 2025, many Americans are using side hustles to earn extra income because economic conditions remain uncertain. Concerns about tariffs under President Trump and continued high interest rates have led individuals to look for ways to boost their financial security. Common side jobs that have become popular this year include freelance writing, where writers can earn anywhere from $30 to $100 per article with very little startup expense. Driving for rideshare and delivery apps such as Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart is another favored choice, often bringing in $20–$35 hourly depending on how busy their region is. Tutoring has also become increasingly common among college students who use their academic strengths as a way to earn additional money.

House Passes “One Big Beautiful Bill,” Boosting Tax Relief and SALT Cap

The House of Representatives recently approved the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," a proposal designed to extend key aspects of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) beyond their original 2025 expiration. The bill aims to keep current income tax rates and maintain a higher standard deduction, which lowers taxable incomes for many families. Additionally, it permanently removes certain miscellaneous tax deductions, such as fees paid for investment advisors. One major change included in the bill is raising the limit on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction from the current $10,000 to $40,000 in 2025. This adjustment could significantly affect taxpayers living in states with high income or property taxes. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it may undergo considerable revisions before becoming law.

Wealth vs. Flash: Habits That Build True Financial Freedom

The recent article "Rich vs. Frugal: The 10 Habits That Make All the Difference" examines how personal finance habits impact people's ability to build true wealth amid today's economic challenges. The author highlights the differences between appearing wealthy through flashy spending versus practicing careful financial management and planning. Key habits include living below your means even after your income rises, investing consistently instead of only saving money, choosing fewer high-quality items over many cheap bargains, and practicing delayed gratification—waiting patiently before buying something you want. These simple but powerful habits encourage individuals to prioritize long-term financial security over short-term appearances of success, especially crucial as inflation and economic uncertainty persist in 2025.

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