The cost of bringing home a puppy has climbed sharply. For some popular breeds, the upfront purchase price alone can easily be several thousand dollars if not more. While the emotional bond still drives most decisions, the financial commitment begins long before food bowls and vet visits. General pet care costs have surpassed increases in essential … Read more

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that he would impose a 10% global tariff for 150 days to replace some of his emergency duties that were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. Trump said that his order would be made under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 and the duties would … Read more

Losing a loved one is hard enough, but some are still forced to deal with the IRS for more than a year afterward, data show. After someone died, it took the Internal Revenue Service an average of 444 calendar days to issue refunds due to the deceased person’s beneficiaries from January 2021 through July 2024, … Read more

It pays to plan ahead on American Airlines – and you may pay extra if you don’t. Customers who prepay for checked luggage can now get a $5 discount on their first and second bags for domestic U.S. and select international flights. Prepayment is available up until 2 hours before departure. However, if you wait to pay in person at the airport, a second checked bag will now cost you more on those same itineraries. This specifically applies to flights within the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii and the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and … Read more

Wells Fargo has agreed to pay $56.85 million to settle a class‑action lawsuit that claims some customers’ credit scores were harmed during the COVID‑19 pandemic. The bank did not admit wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement after a lawsuit claimed it violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act by improperly reporting mortgage forbearances, which allows borrowers … Read more

This week is National Random Acts of Kindness Week, and if you’re in need of some kindness, a pep-talk line that includes nuggets of wisdom from elementary school students from kindergarten to sixth grade could help. The Peptoc Hotline embodies the spirit of kindness to others and to yourself. In 2022, artists and educators Jessica … Read more

A major labor union is working to put a new wealth tax proposal in front of Californians in November. But the proposal would only actually impact a small few — billionaires. The California Billionaire Tax Act is a one-time tax that, if realized, would unlock revenue from the wealthiest in the state to support a … Read more

Ready-to-eat chicken fried rice sold at Trader Joe’s stores across the United States is being recalled due to possible glass contamination, according to a notice shared on the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service website. Ajinomoto Foods North America, an Oregon-based food manufacturer, notified the FSIS after receiving customer complaints. Four customers reported finding glass … Read more

The landmark Supreme Court ruling that struck down many of President Donald Trump’s import tariffs could yield savings for consumers in the coming months, economists say. But the savings might evaporate if Trump enacts a new round of import taxes, as he vowed to do in an impassioned news conference hours after the high court … Read more

Cue up the spy music and strap on your jewelry thief gear. Did you know that the most expensive diamond in the world, often called the Mountain of Light diamond, weighs over 105 carats?  It’s hard to think of a diamond so big, especially when we’re used to seeing the largest ones on the fingers … Read more