Personal finance
CFPB fines Equifax $15 million for errors on credit reports
Key Points The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau fined Equifax $15 million for credit reporting errors. The CFPB alleged the credit bureau failed to properly investigate consumer disputes. Credit reports have a significant impact on consumer finances, experts said. They may dictate someone’s success in qualifying for a loan, renting an apartment or getting a job. […]
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Cushion your portfolio in 2025 with these fixed income assets. Where to put your cash to work
Investors are facing the prospect of “higher for longer” interest rates, and that presents an opportunity for those who want to build up portfolio income. The Federal Reserve dialed back its expectations for 2025 rate cuts at its December meeting, penciling in only two reductions this year – down from the four predicted in September. […]
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Here’s the inflation breakdown for December 2024 — in one chart
Key Points The consumer price index, an inflation gauge, rose 2.9% on an annual basis in December. That’s up from 2.7% in November. Energy, food, new and used vehicles, car insurance and airline fares were among the contributors to the increase. There was some good news: “Core” CPI saw disinflation, as did shelter prices. Source
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Health care jobs are in demand in 2025 — one of the top roles can pay $385,000
Key Points The health care sector claimed the highest share of top jobs for 2025, according to Indeed. They accounted for five of the top 25 jobs: Physician, clinical psychologist, radiologist, registered nurse and director of clinical services. An aging U.S. population, retirements among workers and low risk of A.I. replacement have led to high […]
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Biden’s total student debt relief passes $183 billion, after he forgives another 150,000 borrowers
US President Joe Biden speaks about student loan debt relief at Madison Area Technical College in Madison, Wisconsin, April 8, 2024. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds | AFP | Getty Images In his final days in office, President Joe Biden announced that his administration would forgive student debt for more than 150,000 borrowers. That relief includes nearly 85,000 […]
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Why you may be paying to help make the mattress industry more eco-friendly
Key Points Four states now levy an extra fee of $16 to $22.50 when consumers buy a new mattress or box spring. The fees help fund mattress recycling efforts. Oregon launched its program Jan. 1. California and Connecticut raised their fees in 2025. Other states are considering the programs, an example of “extended producer responsibility” […]
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This ETF provider launches a new way to play Tesla
ETF Edge This ETF provider launches a new way to play Tesla Published Sat, Jan 11 202511:00 AM EST Krysta Escobar WATCH LIVE Source
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It’s ‘Dry January.’ Here’s how much you can save by not drinking for a month
Ryanjlane | E+ | Getty Images The start of a new year is the most popular time to make a resolution or two. For many, those include giving up alcohol for the first 31 days. This year, 22% of adults are participating in Dry January, five percentage points higher than in previous years, according to a […]
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Target-date funds — the most popular 401(k) plan investment — don’t work for everyone
Key Points Target-date funds, known as TDFs, are a one-stop shop for retirement savers. They are poised to capture about two-thirds of all 401(k) plan contributions by 2027, per one estimate. They are well-suited for hands-off investors who crave simplicity, but there may be drawbacks for others with more complex finances, advisors said. Source
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This money bias is ‘the biggest barrier to building wealth,’ says financial psychologist
It’s officially the time of year when you get around to that thing you’ve been putting off. And for millions of Americans, that means coming to grips with their finances. If you’ve been avoiding funding your 401(k) or opening a brokerage account, you’re not alone. Nearly half of U.S. adults — 48% — report owning […]
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