Author: troyashbacher

Key Takeaways Despite a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, 39% of middle-class Americans fear Social Security benefits will be cut in the coming years, according to a recent report. Many retirees say the annual COLAs haven’t kept up with real-world costs, and polling shows broad skepticism that the raise is “enough.” Retirees now know the Social Security COLA for next year is 2.8% Payments reflecting the increase begin in January 2026, but the modest bump of $56 per month, on average, won’t likely quell deeper concerns about the program among. Many retired workers fear that their actual costs are rising…

This week, I am thankful: for a few days off I worked five 12-hour shifts in the last six days, and while I didn’t really mind it (they were day shifts!), I’m definitely glad for some days off. My body and brain are a little tired!  I love hospital life for sure, but it’s also nice to spend some time in non-hospital world. I’ve barely been outside the hospital since last Thursday, so these thankfuls will probably be pretty hospital-centric! that it’s not dark when I leave for work  The end of daylight saving time has not changed the light…

Dave:Housing demand is up, but prices are dropping. Mortgage rates have been a little bit better, but layoffs are all around us. The upside down economy that we’ve been in for years is rolling on, but we’re here to help you make sense of it. Everyone, welcome to On the Market. I’m Dave Meyer, joined by James Dainard, Kathy Fettke and Henry Washington today to talk about the latest news and try and instill some sense, some narrative that makes sense about what’s going on. Kathy, I think I’m gonna call on you first ’cause you got an uplifting story…

An IRS notice said employers and other payers will not face penalties for tax year 2025 if they do not provide a separate accounting of amounts reasonably designated as cash tips or the total amount of qualified overtime compensation as required by information-reporting provisions in the sweeping new tax law. In Notice 2025-62, the IRS also said employers and other payers will not be penalized for not providing the occupation of the person who received the tips. The penalty relief applies only to tax year 2025, the IRS said, because it will not issue new forms for that year. It…

In a world of crypto volatility, gig-economy side hustles, and AI-driven investing apps, timeless wisdom often gets overlooked.Yet the Bible—written thousands of years before compound interest calculators existed—contains financial principles that remain remarkably relevant in 2025.These aren’t prosperity-gospel shortcuts or get-rich-quick schemes. They’re practical, counter-cultural guidelines that have helped generations build wealth with integrity.Whether you’re paying off student loans, saving for a home in a high-interest-rate environment, or planning retirement amid economic uncertainty, these seven biblical money principles can serve as your financial north star.1. Contentment Over Comparison“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what…

In today’s episode, we’re tackling a wide range of listener questions. We’ll break down the pros and cons of reinvesting dividends automatically vs. manually, explore how to balance the risk of relying on a pension and 457(b) without over-saving for retirement, and discuss whether side-gig income warrants forming an LLC or carrying separate insurance. We’ll also address common 1099 pitfalls and wrap up with some timely guidance on 401(k) decisions.   Reinvesting Dividends  “Hi WCI team, this is Matt from Florida. I was wondering if you could speak to the pros and cons of reinvesting your dividends automatically vs. having…

Budget By Paycheck Vs Budget By Month (Which Is Best?) – Penny Pinchin’ Mom Facebook Pinterest Twitter

Selling continued on Wall Street to start Friday, with sentiment taking a hit from lofty equities valuations and the ongoing government shutdown. But two of the three main indexes finished in positive territory as media reports refreshed hope that the funding standoff could end sooner rather than later.The October jobs report was slated to be released today, but due to the government shutdown, the data are delayed for a second month in a row. Based on the private data we’ve seen, Comerica Chief Economist Bill Adams believes “employment likely fell in October as weak private hiring failed to offset a…

Key Takeaways Median monthly housing costs for homeowners with a mortgage rose to $2,035 in 2024, and median gross rent reached $1,487, outpacing the rate of inflation. These costs are 43% (homeowners) and 31% (renters) of the median household income, both higher than the 28% that financial experts recommend for housing costs. A household earning $5,000 per month ($60,000 per year) before taxes should aim to spend no more than $1,400 on monthly housing costs (rent or mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and utilities). Financial experts recommend spending no more than 28% of your monthly pre-tax income on housing costs. But…

Another awesome deal on shoes from Target.  You can save 40% off all sorts of styles for the entire family.  These little toddler boots are so cute and only $12 after discount.  Perfect with dresses for the holidays.  There are also rainboots, dress shoes, sneakers and more. The Ugg dupe mini boots are $24 and the dupe Boston Clogs are the lowest price I have seen at $18. Click here to see all the shoes on sale- the sale ends today (11/8).