Side Hustle Slump: Americans Ditch Extra Jobs Despite Rising Costs

In 2025, fewer Americans are picking up side hustles despite rising living costs, according to a recent Bankrate survey. Only 27% of adults in the U.S. have a side job this year, a significant drop from 36% the year before and the lowest percentage since 2017. Higher costs for housing, groceries, and other essentials mean many don't have the time or energy for extra work, even though wages at their regular jobs aren't rising enough to keep up. Those who are still taking side jobs, however, manage to earn about $885 per month on average—only slightly less than last year's earnings—by focusing on better-paying opportunities.

“America’s Tax Reset: Lower Rates, Fairer Futures”

On July 4, 2025, the U.S. government passed new tax laws called the "One Big Beautiful Bill," making important changes in how Americans pay taxes. These reforms permanently fixed lower tax rates from 2017 and increased how much income people can deduct without itemizing. The updated standard deduction is now $15,750 for single people, $23,625 for heads of households, and $31,500 for married couples who file taxes together. Additionally, the bill continued limits on deductions for things such as home mortgage interest payments. These changes came in response to ongoing conversations in America about fairness, rising prices, and how to keep the economy competitive.

Inflation Eases, Consumer Confidence Climbs Amid Cautious Optimism

Americans are becoming more confident that inflation won't rise significantly again in the near future. According to a recent Federal Reserve Bank of New York survey, people's expectations for inflation over the upcoming year are stabilizing, currently at around 3.0 percent, down from slightly higher levels earlier in the year. Additionally, consumers feel better about their personal financial situations and expect greater access to credit compared to last year, signaling cautious optimism. Despite this positive outlook, the economy still faces challenges, especially since interest rates for important financial products like 30-year home mortgages remain high, close to 6.7 percent.

Fake News, Real Losses: How Investment Scams Imitate Trusted News Websites

Online investment scams are increasingly tricking people by creating fake websites which imitate popular news outlets like CNN and BBC. Scammers copy the branding, logos, and layouts of these trusted news sites and use them to advertise fake investment opportunities, especially involving cryptocurrencies. These fake websites convince individuals that these investments are safe and approved by respected organizations. Scammers rely on people's economic worries about inflation and their desire to quickly make money, using social media to rapidly spread these schemes. Experts advise carefully checking links and website addresses to avoid falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams.

Inflation-Proof Your Future: Why Retirement Savings Are America’s Priority

With inflation creating challenges like higher groceries, gas, and housing costs, more Americans are prioritizing saving for retirement through 401(k)s and IRAs. Despite economic uncertainty, these retirement accounts remain popular because they offer a steady approach to saving, often include employer matching programs, and can help manage financial risks during difficult times. Financial expert Dave Ramsey highlights that regularly contributing to a retirement fund should be a financial priority, even more important than saving for children's education, since retirement plans offer financial security in the long run.

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