Tanza Loudenback

1 week ago | realestate.usnews.com | Liisa Rajala |Tanza Loudenback |Dawn Bradbury |Josephine Nesbit

Key Takeaways You have a few avenues for finding a cleaner, whether it's hiring an individual through a reputable platform, asking friends for a recommendation or contacting a local cleaning service or franchise. Communicate your cleaning needs and agree upon payment in advance. While you don't need to clean before a professional arrives, pick up belongings or move children and pets into appropriate spaces so they don't get in the way.

2 weeks ago | money.usnews.com | Kimberly Lankford |Barri Segal |Tanza Loudenback

Key Takeaways: Income taxes will increase for most taxpayers in 2026 unless Congress extends the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Congress may face pressure to add additional tax cuts proposed on the campaign trail, such as eliminating taxes on tips, overtime pay and Social Security benefits, and to change the cap on deducting state and local taxes. Congress has to balance the cost of these breaks with the benefits.

2 weeks ago | money.usnews.com | Emily Sherman |Barri Segal |Tanza Loudenback

Key Takeaways The Consumer Price Index for all items increased by 0.4% in December 2024, on a seasonally adjusted basis, reported the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The CPI continually increased throughout 2024, according to BLS data, but was still in line with expectations. Rates are predicted to continue increasing by about 2.6% to 2.9% based on economic forecasts, though the actual figure is hard to predict.

2 weeks ago | money.usnews.com | Dawn Papandrea |Barri Segal |Tanza Loudenback

Key Takeaways The U.S. national debt is the accumulation of money borrowed to cover the national deficit over time. The highest level of national debt in the last century was right after World War II, while the lowest was in 1974. Increased spending during the financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and changing demographics have driven national debt higher. If unchecked, national debt will reach historic highs by 2029, and continue to balloon thereafter.

2 weeks ago | money.usnews.com | Erica Sandberg |Barri Segal |Tanza Loudenback

Key Takeaways Direct File is the IRS free tax preparation software program. Direct File is currently in its pilot phase, available in 25 states. To use Direct File, you have to meet certain criteria. If you don’t qualify, you may be able to use the Free File program instead. Completing and sending required income tax paperwork to the IRS can be a complicated and sometimes costly process.