Confidence in college is falling, and AI is now a big reason why. Here's what the data shows and how to think about a degree's actual return on investment.

Affordable housing built decades ago is losing its subsidy protections one building at a time. Here's what's driving it, who's fighting back, and what to check if it could affect you.

Credit card delinquency just hit its highest level since the Great Recession — nearly 13% of balances are seriously past due. Here's what's driving it and what it means for your own debt.

Buy now, pay later loans are expanding from splurges into rent and utility bills. Here's what the data shows and how to think about it before you finance a bill you'd normally just pay.

Fewer than half of Americans could cover a $1,000 emergency from savings. Here's what the data shows and how to start building a cushion without a big windfall.

Black unemployment in Washington, D.C. has reached 10.1%, concerns are growing around the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, TreasuryDirect users face an October authentication deadline, and AI is changing the college ROI conversation. Here’s what the August 17 financial headlines could mean for households.

The national average annual price of childcare reached $13,184 in 2025, while care for two children costs more than median rent in every state with available data. Here's how childcare expenses are affecting work, savings, debt and other financial decisions for families.

A proposed FTC policy on artificial intelligence has sparked debate over how companies should balance AI accuracy with efforts to identify and correct bias. The outcome could matter when automated systems influence credit, housing, employment and other financial decisions.

A Michigan Supreme Court ruling narrowed a longstanding exemption in the state's Consumer Protection Act, potentially giving consumers greater ability to challenge unfair or deceptive business practices. Here's what changed and why it matters.

The Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration will end after 2026, potentially increasing standalone prescription drug plan premiums for millions of beneficiaries. Learn what is changing, when final 2027 prices will be released, and how to compare Medicare drug plans during Open Enrollment.

Federal banking regulations help determine how much investment flows into underserved neighborhoods, affordable housing developments, and small businesses.

Brief market context and practical takeaways for financial wellness decisions.

A simple estate planning mistake can cost families hundreds of thousands in unnecessary taxes. Learn how the step-up in basis works and why proper planning matters.

Brief market context and practical takeaways for financial wellness decisions.

While headline employment numbers remain relatively stable, an estimated two million Americans continue experiencing long-term unemployment.

The CFPB will no longer publish consumer complaint narratives publicly. Here’s what changed, what didn’t, and how to protect your own paper trail.

D.C. now has the nation’s highest unemployment rate, and Black unemployment there has reached 10.1%. Here’s what’s driving it and how to protect your finances if your income feels uncertain.

Black unemployment is rising while national numbers look stable. Here’s what the data actually says about recession risk — and what it doesn’t.

Michigan unemployment recipients must now report three job searches a week, up from one. Here’s what counts, what changed, and how to avoid a delayed payment.

California Uber and Lyft drivers have cleared a key threshold toward forming the world’s largest gig worker union. Here’s what’s next and what it could mean for drivers and riders.

The 30-year Treasury yield just hit its highest level since 2007. Here’s why it’s climbing and what it means for mortgage and loan rates.

Mortgage rates ticked down for the first time in six weeks, and cash buyers are losing some of their pandemic-era edge. Here’s what it means for affordability.

Construction material costs are up 7.4% year-over-year, and contractor backlogs are shrinking fast. Here’s why that matters for housing supply and prices.

Mortgage loan defects jumped in Q1 2026 as refinancing surged. Here’s what’s driving it and what it means if you’re mid-process on a loan.

Retail sales dropped, sentiment tumbled, and gas prices hit record August highs — all in the same stretch. Here’s what’s behind the pullback and what it means for your budget.

Wholesale inflation came in flat in July — good news — but the emergency oil reserve just hit its lowest level in over 40 years. Here’s why both matter for your budget.

Small caps, emerging markets, and international stocks are all hitting new highs — while household budgets tell a very different story. Here’s the gap, and what it means for your own finances.