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Generation Z, people born roughly between 1997 and 2012, are changing how they think about work and money. Instead of trying to climb the traditional career ladder like older generations, many Gen Zers are choosing "career minimalism." This means they look for stable, lower-stress jobs that pay the bills, while also pursuing side hustles they enjoy—like freelancing, content creation, or running small businesses online. With high inflation, uncertain job markets, and the rising cost of living, this approach helps them balance financial security with personal freedom. Technology and the demand for remote work are making it easier for Gen Z to shape careers that fit their lives, not the other way around.

The One Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act, signed into law in July 2025, brings major changes to how Americans handle their taxes and plan for retirement. One of the biggest updates is the increase in the standard deduction, which lowers the amount of income people are taxed on. This benefits single filers, heads of household, and married couples. Seniors aged 65 and older also get a special $6,000 deduction until 2028, giving them a helpful tax break during retirement. The law also relaxes the limit on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, allowing more people to claim these expenses on their federal taxes. These changes come at a time when many Americans are stressed by higher prices, slow job growth, and uncertainty about their financial futures.

In 2025, many Americans are changing how they spend money due to higher prices, an uncertain economy, and the strong impact of social media. While people are cutting back on things like gadgets and home gym equipment, they are still choosing to spend on experiences such as travel, eating out, and events. In fact, 59% of consumers are prioritizing these types of experiences over buying physical items. Social media plays a big role in shaping these choices, as many people want to share memorable moments online or are influenced by what they see others doing. This trend shows how digital culture is affecting not just what people buy, but why and how they spend their money.

As 2026 approaches, experts are warning people to think twice before taking out new loans or using more credit. This is because inflation—when the prices of things like food, gas, and rent go up—is still very high. At the same time, interest rates, which are the extra amounts you pay when borrowing money, are also high. That means it costs more than ever to use credit cards or take out loans. Financial advisors say borrowing under these conditions could lead to long-term stress and regret, since people may end up paying much more than they expected just to cover basic expenses. Instead of borrowing, it's smarter to focus on budgeting and finding ways to save until the economy stabilizes.

A new scam called the “Phantom Hacker Scam” is costing older Americans millions, stealing over $1 billion from retirement accounts. This high-tech scam uses artificial intelligence (AI) to make fake emails and messages seem more real and personal. Scammers study victims’ interests through social media and send them tempting offers, like rare cars or collectibles. Once someone replies, fake tech support agents trick them into giving remote access to their computers. Then, pretending to be from the victim’s bank, the scammers convince them to transfer money—thinking it’s to protect their funds. The FBI has issued warnings, especially as many retirees may not spot these highly convincing tricks.

In 2025, financial experts are urging Americans to be careful with their money, especially those close to retirement. With inflation rising again and the Federal Reserve choosing not to lower interest rates further, the economy is uncertain and unpredictable. Experts warn that emotional reactions to market changes—like pulling money out of investments too quickly—can damage long-term financial goals. Instead, people should stick to their plans and stay calm. Managing debt is also more important than ever, as the average American owes over $7,000. Reducing debt and avoiding rash financial decisions are key to staying financially secure during these uncertain times.