The 2025 tax season is officially underway, and millions of Americans are preparing to file their returns. Whether you’re a first-time filer or a seasoned taxpayer, understanding this year’s updates can help you save time, avoid penalties, and potentially keep more money in your pocket. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes, important deadlines, and…
In a major legal win for consumers, Visa and Mastercard have agreed to a $197.5 million settlement over claims they improperly inflated ATM fees for years. If you’ve ever been hit with an ATM surcharge, you could be eligible for a payout. Here’s what you need to know. Why the Settlement Happened The lawsuit accused…
Millions of families across the United States are about to get a financial boost as the IRS prepares to distribute a $1,500 Child Stimulus Payment. Designed to help with the rising costs of raising children, this payment could provide much-needed relief before the year’s end. Who Can Get the $1,500 Stimulus Check? The payment is…
The IRS has revealed that $7,500 stimulus checks will soon be issued to help Americans who missed previous rounds of stimulus payments. This new payout aims to correct oversights in 2021 tax returns where many eligible individuals didn’t claim their Recovery Rebate Credit. Here’s what you need to know about eligibility, payment details, and when…
Chicago residents are getting another chance to benefit from monthly financial aid as the city relaunches its $500 monthly stimulus checks. The program aims to provide much-needed relief to low-income families struggling with rising living costs. What is the $500 Monthly Stimulus Program? The program, officially known as the Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot, was first…
Following the devastating impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Florida has activated its Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) to help residents in disaster-declared areas get access to food. If you’re dealing with damage, lost income, or unexpected expenses from the storms, this program could provide you with much-needed support. Here’s everything you need to…
As the new year kicks off, many seniors are buzzing about the potential to receive a whopping $4,130 monthly Social Security check. But this benefit isn’t automatic—only those who meet certain criteria can qualify. Here’s everything you need to know about maximizing your Social Security income in 2025. What Is the $4,130 Monthly Check? The…
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently updated the annual earnings requirement for 2025, setting the amount at $7,240 to earn the maximum of four credits for the year. These credits are essential for qualifying for Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability, and survivors’ benefits. Here’s a breakdown of how this works and why it’s important….
Veterans across the nation are set to receive a welcome boost in their disability compensation in 2025. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has confirmed a 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) that will result in an estimated $94 monthly increase for those with a 100% disability rating. This change is part of an annual…
Millions of Social Security recipients kicked off 2025 with news they didn’t expect: major changes to how their benefits are calculated, alongside a small but important cost-of-living increase. The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law on January 5, 2025, has repealed two long-standing rules—the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO)—which…