It feels like everything costs more these days – housing, food, gas, all the essentials.  Part of the problem is inflation.  To try to get it under control, the Federal Reserve has hiked interest rates four times this year and more increases are expected to come.  The idea is that...

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that in 2020, 37 million Americans lived in poverty.  If you’re struggling financially, the government has assistance programs that can reduce the cost of food, health care and other basic needs.  Each program has its own set of requirements...

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1.1 million employees were paid at or below the federal minimum wage in 2021.  This represents 1.4% of all hourly paid workers, most of whom are between the ages of 16 and 25.  The federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 per hour...

Many people have busy lives.  They’re working long hours, chauffeuring kids to activities and trying to cross things off their to-do list.  As a result, some people are willing to spend more on things that save time and make their lives easier.  The problem is unless you’re paying...

Deciding how much to tip can be confusing because the rules vary based on the service you receive.  Typically, you’ll want to leave 15 to 20 percent of the pretax bill as a tip at restaurants.  However, your obligation may be a lot lower or nonexistent for other services.  The table...