IRS: Tax refunds are up this year; here's how much
Tax refunds are surging above past averages. Here's what to know.
Tax refunds are surging above past averages. Here's what to know.
5 common mistakes that could be costing American taxpayers thousands of dollars every year
Tax season is closing soon, and here are 5 common mistakes that could be costing American taxpayers thousands of dollars every year.
Tax season is closing soon, and here are 5 common mistakes that could be costing American taxpayers thousands of dollars every year.
Social Security Administration issues major scam warning for retirees. What to know
The Social Security Administration issued a critical warning for retirees amid a surge in financial scams. Officials are also urging older Americans to protect their benefits by taking these steps.
The Social Security Administration issued a critical warning for retirees amid a surge in financial scams. Officials are also urging older Americans to protect their benefits by taking these steps.
Credit card interest rate cap could reduce access for over 100 million Americans, analysis finds
A new analysis finds that a 10% credit card interest rate cap would shrink access to credit, affecting well over 100 million American cardholders in the process.
A new analysis finds that a 10% credit card interest rate cap would shrink access to credit, affecting well over 100 million American cardholders in the process.
Retirement 'magic number' jumps as Americans grow anxious about their financial futures
Roughly 46% of Americans say they don't expect to be financially prepared when they stop working, a study found.
Roughly 46% of Americans say they don't expect to be financially prepared when they stop working, a study found.
Travel uncertainty: buy tickets now or hold off?
If you’re thinking about a summer getaway, you may want to rethink your timing. The war in Iran is driving up fuel prices, and airlines are already passing those costs on to travelers. Katy Nastro, travel expert for Going.com, gives insight.
If you’re thinking about a summer getaway, you may want to rethink your timing. The war in Iran is driving up fuel prices, and airlines are already passing those costs on to travelers. Katy Nastro, travel expert for Going.com, gives insight.
Student loan borrowers in SAVE plan told to prepare for repayment: What to know
Millions of student loan borrowers will have to find a new repayment plan soon. The available repayment plans will mean higher monthly payments for most.
Millions of student loan borrowers will have to find a new repayment plan soon. The available repayment plans will mean higher monthly payments for most.
Bay Area fashion week navigates global tensions
From rising prices to grounded travel plans, the Middle East conflict is creating ripple effects across the fashion industry. Shirin Hashem, founder of Fashion Community Week, shares how the crisis is complicating efforts to spotlight international and underrepresented designers. Nahyeon Park, a social media and production manager, also talks volunteer opportunities.
From rising prices to grounded travel plans, the Middle East conflict is creating ripple effects across the fashion industry. Shirin Hashem, founder of Fashion Community Week, shares how the crisis is complicating efforts to spotlight international and underrepresented designers. Nahyeon Park, a social media and production manager, also talks volunteer opportunities.
Proposal would limit Social Security benefits to $100K a year for wealthy couples
As Social Security barrels toward broke in less than seven years, a Washington think tank has proposed limiting benefits to $100,000 a year for couples.
As Social Security barrels toward broke in less than seven years, a Washington think tank has proposed limiting benefits to $100,000 a year for couples.
These US cities have the highest debt delinquency rates in 2026, new data shows
A WalletHub analysis of Q4 2025 data across the 100 largest U.S. cities finds that debt delinquency varies significantly by location, highlighting where financial strain is most severe.
A WalletHub analysis of Q4 2025 data across the 100 largest U.S. cities finds that debt delinquency varies significantly by location, highlighting where financial strain is most severe.
The $10,000 car loan tax deduction: Here's who qualifies and how to claim it
The IRS has released guidance on a new deduction that allows eligible taxpayers to write off up to $10,000 in auto loan interest per year.
The IRS has released guidance on a new deduction that allows eligible taxpayers to write off up to $10,000 in auto loan interest per year.
Oil, war, and your wallet: what’s driving prices up
Sara Bazoobandi, visiting researcher at the Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C., explains why Middle East conflict is sending prices up.
Sara Bazoobandi, visiting researcher at the Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C., explains why Middle East conflict is sending prices up.
Tax scams on the rise in 2026: What you need to know
The Internal Revenue Service released its 2026 Dirty Dozen list of tax scams, warning taxpayers about schemes that threaten personal and financial information.
The Internal Revenue Service released its 2026 Dirty Dozen list of tax scams, warning taxpayers about schemes that threaten personal and financial information.
War with Iran sends gas prices up
$5 gas returns to the bay area. Tyler Schipper, associate professor of economics and data analytics at the University of St. Thomas, gives insight.
$5 gas returns to the bay area. Tyler Schipper, associate professor of economics and data analytics at the University of St. Thomas, gives insight.
Americans tap retirement funds at record rates as mounting financial stress takes toll
A record number of Americans tapped into their 401(k) retirement savings for hardship withdrawals last year due to financial challenges, new data shows.
A record number of Americans tapped into their 401(k) retirement savings for hardship withdrawals last year due to financial challenges, new data shows.
Antioch's TNT Smoothie & Juice Bar, community and quality
This Black History Month, we’re spotlighting legacy, ownership, and impact in Contra Costa County. In downtown Antioch, Trevelon Adanandus Jr., founder of TNT Smoothie & Juice Bar, is building more than a juice bar — he’s building legacy.
This Black History Month, we’re spotlighting legacy, ownership, and impact in Contra Costa County. In downtown Antioch, Trevelon Adanandus Jr., founder of TNT Smoothie & Juice Bar, is building more than a juice bar — he’s building legacy.
Stimulus payment February 2026, IRS direct deposit relief, tariff dividend & tax refund fact check
Claims about new stimulus checks, IRS direct deposits, relief payments and tariff dividends spread throughout 2025 — and they’re still circulating in 2026. But is there any truth to them?
Claims about new stimulus checks, IRS direct deposits, relief payments and tariff dividends spread throughout 2025 — and they’re still circulating in 2026. But is there any truth to them?
The cost of money lies
Financial infidelity: hidden debt, secret credit cards, and spending that never makes it onto the shared spreadsheet. Michael McAuliffe, founder and President of Family Credit Management, gives insight on how couples protect both their finances and their trust.
Financial infidelity: hidden debt, secret credit cards, and spending that never makes it onto the shared spreadsheet. Michael McAuliffe, founder and President of Family Credit Management, gives insight on how couples protect both their finances and their trust.
The typical American worker has just $955 saved for retirement, study shows
The median American worker has just $955 saved for retirement through a defined contribution plan like a 401(k) account, a new study found.
The median American worker has just $955 saved for retirement through a defined contribution plan like a 401(k) account, a new study found.
Mastering the dollar: These cities rank as the top budgeters in 2026, data suggests
From credit card debt to daily spending, residents in specific areas nationwide have implemented best practices when it comes to living on a budget, according to a new report.
From credit card debt to daily spending, residents in specific areas nationwide have implemented best practices when it comes to living on a budget, according to a new report.

















