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1 day ago | 
money.usnews.com | Geoff Williams |Barri Segal |Tanza Loudenback
Key Takeaways Unless the red flags signaling a recession become more pronounced, it probably won’t be clear whether the United States is in a recession until July. A recession requires at least two quarters of negative GDP growth, which has not happened yet. There are indicators that suggest a recession is imminent, but also some that suggest there won’t be one. With all of the headlines about how tariffs could hurt the economy, you may wonder if we are in a recession.
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1 day ago | 
money.usnews.com | Maryalene Laponsie |Barri Segal |Tanza Loudenback
Key Takeaways: With tariffs expected to raise prices, consumers may be wondering if they would better off repairing rather than replacing some items. Outdated electronics and HVAC systems are two categories of products that should probably be replaced. Repairing an appliance typically makes sense if the repair cost is less than 50% of the replacement cost. Tariffs are expected to increase prices for many items, leaving consumers with a dilemma.
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2 days ago | 
money.usnews.com | Jessica Walrack |Barri Segal |Tanza Loudenback
Key Takeaways: Hobbies don't have to just be fun, they can also be lucrative. You can profit from writing, photography, baking, pet sitting, gaming and more. Monetizing hobbies will take great dedication, perseverance and effort. Wondering how to make money doing something you enjoy? After several years of above-average inflation rates, many are looking for ways to boost their incomes.
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5 days ago | 
money.usnews.com | Jessica Walrack |Barri Segal |Tanza Loudenback
Key Takeaways: Build an emergency fund that can cover six to 12 months of essential expenses. Compare CDs, high-yield savings accounts and money market funds. Use a zero-based budget to manage spending. Consider investing in the stock market while prices are down. Many Americans have been bracing for a recession since the pandemic, and the recent tariff developments are adding to the concern.
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6 days ago | 
money.usnews.com | Geoff Williams |Barri Segal |Tanza Loudenback
Key Takeaways: Before investing for retirement, saving for a rainy day and paying off high-interest debt is better. Sometimes, a rocky economy can be a good time to make certain financial moves, such as continuing to invest in the stock market at a discount. Try not to feel overwhelmed: Navigating finances in your 20s has never been easy, no matter the economy. It seems likely and logical that the tariffs will impact Gen Z's spending and saving habits.
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1 week ago | 
money.usnews.com | Erica Sandberg |Barri Segal |Tanza Loudenback
Key Takeaways Americans are less optimistic about the economy and their personal finances than they were before Trump took office. To adapt to economic upheaval, consumers are adding more to savings and changing their investment holdings. With jobs uncertain, some workers are exploring ways to augment their incomes. President Donald Trump has been in office for his second nonconsecutive term for five months. Since January, the U.S. economy has experienced significant shifts.
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1 week ago | 
money.usnews.com | Erica Sandberg |Barri Segal |Tanza Loudenback
Key Takeaways: Cinco de Mayo honors a victorious battle in Mexico, which is celebrated today in the U.S. with parties. Set your spending limit and decide where you want the party based on your budget. Decorate with inexpensive colorful items, succulents and piñatas, and arrange for free or well-priced activities. On May 5, 1862, Mexico claimed victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla.
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2 weeks ago | 
money.usnews.com | Aja McClanahan |Barri Segal |Tanza Loudenback
Key Takeaways Set your budget according to factors such as your personal financial circumstances, your relationship with the bride and additional wedding-related expenses. You can find bridal gifts for every budget, from modest to extravagant. The thoughtfulness of the gift is more important than the amount you spend. Attending a bridal shower is a special way to celebrate a bride-to-be, but it also comes with an important question: How much should you budget for a gift?
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2 weeks ago | 
money.usnews.com | Dawn Papandrea |Barri Segal |Tanza Loudenback
Key Takeaways Most consumers care about sustainability, but some worry that it can be expensive in practice. Instead of large green purchases like EVs or solar panels, focus on switching to greener habits like buying used items, reducing energy costs or repurposing what you have. Spending more up front for more sustainable items can save you money in the long run. Having good intentions to live more sustainably can seems at odds with your budget.
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1 month ago | 
money.usnews.com | Jessica Walrack |Liisa Rajala |Barri Segal
Key takeaways: Personal tax deductions are available both above and below the line. Business tax deductions are allowed for ordinary and necessary business expenses. In one case, breast implants were deemed a depreciable asset in a business. Extra costs incurred by a prescribed diet may qualify as deductible medical expenses in certain situations. You can write off the costs of service and working animals and their ongoing care (e.g., food, vet bills, etc.).
