Finance
As President-elect Donald Trump signals a rollback of federal health care initiatives, states are becoming the new battleground for medical debt relief. Advocates are focusing on legislation to keep medical debt off credit reports, regulate predatory medical credit cards, and expand hospital financial aid programs. This shift comes as fears grow that Trump’s administration may […]
Visa is expected to increase some fees it charges merchants and banks for credit card payments starting Jan. 1, according to a notice last month from the processor Global Payments. That Oct. 10 notice says Visa’s “misuse” fee paid by merchants will jump by two-thirds to 15 cents, from 9 cents per transaction, while a […]
With cyber shopping season approaching for Christmas there was a report about the buy now pay later options also known as (BNPL) saying how this is very convenient for customers to be able to receive their products before paying in full, but the dark side of these options could cost more money or leave you […]
Starting January 1, 2025, workers in New York will see an increase in Paid Family Leave benefits, according to the state’s Workers’ Compensation Board. Eligible employees can now receive up to $14,127.84 in total benefits, a $313.92 increase from 2024. Additionally, pregnant workers will gain more paid time off for prenatal care under the state’s […]
The personal finance world is awash with different strategies and challenges aimed at reducing spending, avoiding debt and bulking up savings. This time of year, you might encounter people trying out “No Spend November.” But finance experts warn this challenge is not for everyone, and there are some serious drawbacks to consider before you embark […]
As Thanksgiving approaches, Monroe County grocery stores are gearing up for one of the busiest shopping weeks of the year. Gates Big M in North Gates has been preparing for the holiday rush by stocking shelves and readying its baking and meat departments. This year, the cost of Thanksgiving dinner is down 2% from 2023, […]
Jay-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation, in partnership with the Wharton School and Toyota Motor North America, has launched the Champions for Financial Legacy (CFFL) initiative to enhance financial literacy among HBCU students. Based on Wharton’s Bridges to Wealth program, CFFL emphasizes real-world applications, equipping students with skills in budgeting, investing, and wealth-building to foster economic success […]
The predictions are in. And experts believe Americans are going to open their wallets this holiday season. That’s the topic of today’s Consumer Alert. In fact, the National Retail Federation predicts Americans will spend up to $989 billion, about $298 billion of which will be spent online. That’s about 30 percent. Scammers follow consumer behavior. […]
Robin McElroy, a Morgan Park resident, has cherished her Chicago home since purchasing it in 2012. But now, she’s facing panic and frustration over a mix-up involving unpaid property taxes. Despite proof of consistent payments since 2012, McElory recently received a letter from the Cook County Circuit Court stating her home was sold for delinquent […]
Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection Monday, as mounting losses, unaffordable debt, increased competition for bargain-seeking airline passengers and the inability to merge with other airlines left it little choice. The airline said it will continue to operate as it restructures its debt. “Spirit expects to continue operating its business in the normal course throughout […]