First tip prompts, now surcharges. These fees, which typically range between 3% and 5%, are catching on at restaurants across the country. They may cover health insurance, inflation, credit card transactions or even tap water. Similar to ’tipflation,’ the extra expenses can add a significant amount to the cost of dining in or carrying out. More
Personal finance
Supreme Court justices listen to arguments. Artist: Bill Hennessey When the Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness plan at the end of June, it dealt a crushing blow to the president as he runs for reelection and to the tens of millions of Americans who were promised the financial relief. Unsurprisingly,
While the thought of funding your retirement adequately might be daunting, if you start planning now, you’ll certainly be thankful later. It’s never too early to start thinking about retirement and it might not be as difficult as you think. Retirement usually entails replacing your annual salary from a workplace with other income sources to
Jose A. Bernat Bacete | Moment | Getty Images Airfare to Europe hit an all-time high this summer. But those dissuaded by the sticker shock can still travel overseas in coming months and cut costs by perhaps hundreds of dollars a ticket. Flying to Europe from the U.S. during the fall “shoulder season” — in
Jetcityimage | Istock | Getty Images As inflation falls, investors are weighing whether to buy or sell Series I bonds amid other competitive options for cash. Annual inflation rose by 3% in June, the smallest 12-month jump since March 2021, and a hefty pullback from 9.1% in June 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Drazen Zigic | Istock | Getty Images As the rate of inflation continues to fall, Social Security beneficiaries may expect to see a much lower cost-of-living adjustment for 2024. The Social Security COLA may be 3%, according to a new estimate from The Senior Citizens League, a non-partisan senior group, based on new consumer price
Asiavision | E+ | Getty Images The Covid-19 pandemic separated the haves from the have-nots when it comes to finances. Research shows that trend is continuing when it comes to debt, particularly credit cards. More than one-third of Americans — 35% — say they are carrying their highest level of debt ever or close to
The Powerball jackpot for July 10, 2023 has hit $650 million. Here, a cashier at a 7-11 store in Milipitas, California, issues Powerball tickets in 2022. Anadolu Agency | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images With no winner for the Powerball jackpot, the prize has jumped to an estimated $650 million ahead of Monday’s drawing. Of
Atlanta single father Jon had his son Theo after a decade of saving and strategizing with employer benefits and advocacy group help. Jon G. There are many paths to parenthood, and the journey is often a lot more costly for parents who rely on surrogacy. For Jon, 41, the road to becoming a father to
Photo taken in Amalfi, Italy Sergio_pulp | Istock | Getty Images “Have you ever been broke, but no one believes you because you don’t look like a broke person?” New videos trending on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram are asking that very question. “The thing is, like you broke, but like a
Jamie Grill | Getty Images It has been well reported that an economic downturn could be coming. But the big question is when might a recession happen, and how bad could it be? Many Americans fear an economic downturn could be as bad as the 2007 to 2009 Financial Crisis, a recent Nationwide survey of
Sturti | E+ | Getty Images The U.S. job market is gradually cooling but remains hot despite a year-long government campaign to reign it in, amounting to a favorable environment for many jobseekers, economists said. “It still boils down to higher worker leverage, better outside opportunities, an easier time exchanging jobs for better ones and