Finance

Okay, so if you’re about to have a baby or adopt one in New York, this might be the best news you hear all week: the state is rolling out a $1,800 one-time payment for parents. Yep, $1,800 in real cash, not a credit or a voucher — actual…

Let’s face it — buying a home these days feels like trying to climb a mountain. Prices everywhere seem to be going up, and it’s easy to think, “Is there any place left that’s actually affordable?” Good news: there are still some cities out…

Hey, if you live or work in California, you’ve probably heard the minimum wage is getting a bump starting January 1, 2025. The state’s new minimum wage will be $16.50 an hour across the board, no matter how big or small your employer is.…

If you’re a veteran or currently serving and thinking about heading back to school, you’ve probably heard about the Post-9/11 GI Bill, also called Chapter 33. It’s a great program that helps cover tuition, housing, books—you name it. But…

If you’ve been hearing about this “Big, Beautiful Bill” and wondering whether your Social Security checks are finally going to be tax-free, you’re not alone. A lot of people are asking the same thing—and the answer is a bit more complicated…

If you live or work in California, there’s a decent chance your paycheck just got a little bigger. As of January 1, 2025, the state raised its minimum wage from $16.00 to $16.50 an hour. It’s a modest bump, but it’s part of the state’s…

Losing your partner — especially someone who proudly served this country — is one of the hardest things life can throw at you. On top of the grief, there’s often a whirlwind of decisions to make, and figuring out what kind of help you can…

So, here’s the deal: Starting January 1, 2026, if you live in Nebraska and use food stamps (SNAP benefits), you won’t be able to use them to buy soda or energy drinks anymore. Yep — that’s about to change in a big way. Nebraska is…

Hey! If you’re waiting to see how much Social Security money will show up this month, you’re definitely not alone. It’s something a lot of folks think about, especially when planning their budget. So, here’s the scoop on what you can…

Hey! If you’ve been wondering whether the government is sending out another $2,000 stimulus check this May, you’re definitely not alone. People are talking about it everywhere — but here’s the truth, straight up. Right now, there’s no…

Hey! If you’re wondering whether you or your family can get Medi-Cal (that’s California’s Medicaid program) this year, you’re in the right place. I know all this stuff about income limits and eligibility can get confusing, so let me break…

So, there’s been a lot of chatter lately about this idea called the DOGE dividend—and how some folks might get a payout of around $5,000. Sounds kind of like another stimulus check, right? But honestly, it’s a bit different from those usual…

Alright, so here’s the scoop. If you’ve been using Cash App anytime from 2018 up through 2024, there’s a chance you could get some money back—up to $2,500. Sounds pretty sweet, right? Here’s why: some people’s Cash App accounts got hacked…

If you’re a veteran dealing with serious service-connected issues—like needing help just to get through the day—SMC is something you should know about. It's not part of the regular VA disability pay. It’s extra. It’s there to support vets…

Hey, first off — I’m really sorry for your loss. I know this is an incredibly hard time, and the last thing you want is to get tangled up in confusing paperwork or worry about money. If your spouse was a Veteran, there’s some help out there…

If you get Social Security or are thinking about signing up, you’re probably asking yourself, “How much will I actually get this time?” Let’s keep it simple and clear so you’re not left guessing. When Will That Money Show Up? Your…

If you’ve been scrolling through social media or catching snippets of news lately, you’ve probably seen people asking: “Are we really getting another $2,000 stimulus check this month?” It’s a fair question. With everything costing more and…

Let’s be real — no one wants to think about end-of-life care. But if you or someone you love is going through a serious illness, understanding how Medicare handles hospice care in 2025 can make things a lot less stressful. The good news?…

If you work in a job where tips are a big part of your paycheck — like waiting tables, bartending, or doing hair — you might’ve heard about this new bill called the “No Tax on Tips Act.” It’s getting a lot of buzz because it could actually…

Alright, so here’s the deal. If you’ve got federal student loans that you haven’t been able to pay back, you might be worried the government will start grabbing money right out of your Social Security check. Yeah, that sounds pretty rough,…

So, you’ve probably heard about this new tax plan the Republicans are pushing—sometimes called the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Everyone’s wondering: If it actually passes, how much money could I save on my taxes? The truth is, it depends.…

If you’re getting help through SNAP—the program that helps low-income folks afford groceries—you’ve probably heard something about “work requirements.” It can sound a little intimidating, especially if you’re already juggling a lot. But…

There’s a big change brewing in how Medicaid works, and it’s happening faster than expected. Congress just gave the green light to a bill—yes, seriously called the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—that would move up the start of Medicaid work…

If you were hoping for another federal stimulus check this year—sometimes joked about as a “DOGE check”—I’ve got some news: that’s not happening. The federal government isn’t planning any more nationwide payments for 2025. But don’t get…

You’ve probably heard talk about a new Republican tax bill floating through Congress — it’s being hyped as a major win for everyday Americans. But what’s really in it for you? Will you actually see more money in your paycheck or a bigger…

Let’s be real — keeping up with government rules isn’t always easy. If you’re on SNAP (formerly known as food stamps), you’ve probably heard something about needing to work to keep getting benefits. But what a lot of people don’t realize is…

Alright, if you or someone you know is on Medicaid, listen up — there’s some news that might affect you. Congress just gave the green light to a big change: starting sooner than expected, a bunch of folks on Medicaid will have to prove…

So, you might’ve heard people joking or hoping about getting a “DOGE check” — like a government stimulus payment in Dogecoin. Sounds pretty wild and fun, right? But here’s the deal: that’s not happening in 2025. No official DOGE payments…

If you were expecting your Social Security payment on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, and it didn’t show up, don’t stress just yet. Social Security doesn’t send payments to everyone on the same day — it actually depends on your birthday and the…

If you're thinking about retiring soon (or helping a parent or loved one through the process), there’s something new on the table this year: the Social Security Administration (SSA) just made some pretty important changes to how you apply…