The number of tax returns the IRS has received so far this tax season is down from last year, but refunds are up double digits, IRS data show. The average refund through Feb. 6 was $2,290, up nearly 11% from $2,065 at the same time in 2025 while total returns received fell 5.2%. The IRS … Read more

The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn a big chunk of President Donald Trump’s tariff policy sparked concerns about how he will deal with domestic budgeting and international dealmaking. Tariffs had been projected to generate $2.5 trillion over the next decade. The loss of the portion of the tariffs the court ruled unlawful leaves a gaping … Read more

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