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.

July job losses were concentrated in local government education, leisure and hospitality, retail, and financial services. At the same time, high housing costs are becoming a recruiting problem for employers, leading some school districts to develop affordable housing for teachers.

The U.S. economy lost 23,000 jobs in July as earlier payroll estimates were revised sharply lower, changing expectations for the Federal Reserve’s September rate decision. Here’s what weaker hiring could mean for interest rates, mortgages and household finances.

A newly released ALICE report found that 39% of Maryland households are living in poverty or earning too little to consistently afford housing, food, child care, transportation and other necessities.