Mega Millions $1.1 billion jackpot winner could face these pitfalls

Mega Millions .1 billion jackpot winner could face these pitfalls

The Mega Millions jackpot grew to more than $1.6 billion on Aug. 9, 2023. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images State taxes can be hefty “None of these winners think about taxes until they have a third of it going right to Uncle Sam and the state government,” said Andrew Stoltmann, a Chicago-based lawyer who has … Read more

Why gray divorce is a significant financial risk for women

Why gray divorce is a significant financial risk for women

Laylabird | E+ | Getty Images Breaking up in old age can be costly, especially for women. The rate of “gray divorce” — a term that describes divorce at age 50 and older — doubled from 1990 to 2019, according to a 2022 study published in The Journals of Gerontology. It tripled for adults over … Read more

How interest rates have changed even as the Fed holds steady

How interest rates have changed even as the Fed holds steady

Hinterhaus Productions | Digitalvision | Getty Images Savings accounts Higher rates mean that consumers have to pay more to service their debt, but it also means that banks pay higher rewards to savers. It’s one of the silver linings to the current rate environment, said Ted Rossman, chief credit card analyst at Bankrate. “There’s also … Read more

Mega Millions jackpot hits $977 million. What to know if you win

Mega Millions jackpot hits 7 million. What to know if you win

A person plays lottery at a 7-eleven store as Mega Millions jackpot reaches $ 1 billion 580 million, in Redwood City, California, United States on August 8, 2023. Tayfun Coskun | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images ‘Keep your mouth shut’ Hundreds of millions of dollars can be life-changing for a lottery winner, their family and … Read more

How the Federal Reserve’s next move impacts your money

How the Federal Reserve’s next move impacts your money

Economists expect the Federal Reserve to leave interest rates unchanged at the end of its two-day meeting this week, even though many experts anticipate the central bank is preparing to start cutting rates in the months ahead. In prepared remarks earlier this month, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said policymakers don’t want to ease up too quickly. Powell … Read more

Why consumers might be getting less for their money

Why consumers might be getting less for their money

Pixelseffect | E+ | Getty Images Some grocery store products are providing less for your money. And everyone from President Joe Biden to Cookie Monster has noticed. Blame shrinkflation. The term — which is increasingly used in conversation — refers to products becoming smaller in size, weight or quantity as their prices stay the same … Read more

Here’s how to calculate crypto taxes amid the latest bitcoin rally

Here’s how to calculate crypto taxes amid the latest bitcoin rally

Whether you’re a longtime crypto investor or recently purchased digital assets, here are some key things to know from crypto tax experts.  How to answer Form 1040 ‘digital assets’ question Cryptocurrency has become a priority area for the IRS, and the agency shared guidance in January about reporting digital currency this tax season. Since tax … Read more

Why Social Security cost-of-living adjustment may be smaller in 2025

Why Social Security cost-of-living adjustment may be smaller in 2025

Peopleimages | Istock | Getty Images Early estimates for the 2025 Social Security COLA New government data points to a 2.4% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2025, The Senior Citizens League estimates, based on new government inflation data released this week. To be sure, that estimate is subject to change. The Social Security Administration typically … Read more

Here’s where prices fell in February 2024 — in one chart

Here’s where prices fell in February 2024 — in one chart

A customer shops for food at a grocery store in San Rafael, California, March 12, 2024. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images News | Getty Images The U.S. is still grappling with higher inflation, government data released this week shows. But there are some bright spots for consumers. Inflation is lower than its 2022 peak. And … Read more

Here’s what Trump’s proposed tariffs could mean for your wallet

Here’s what Trump’s proposed tariffs could mean for your wallet

This combination of pictures created on February 17, 2024, shows U.S. President Joe Biden waving from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 1, 2023, and former President Donald Trump waving to the media outside the White House on Jan. 12, 2021. Jim Watson | Brendan Smialowski | AFP | … Read more