Fail to act on IRS letters and your bank balance could vanish, officials caution: Bank accounts at risk of immediate seizure

by
Rolled hundred-dollar bill on an IRS notice beneath the U.S. flag, symbolizing the risk of bank-account seizure for unpaid taxes.

Contact from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about unpaid taxes should never be taken lightly. Every year, the agency investigates individuals who fail to settle outstanding balances, sending repeated notices in the process. The final step could be the cancellation—or more accurately, seizure—of bank accounts if there is no response or effort to negotiate. The … Read more

SNAP recipients in this state can no longer buy soft drinks: This is a historic ban

by
Grocery shelf stocked with soft-drink 2-liter bottles like 7UP, now off-limits to SNAP recipients after Nebraska ban.

Nebraska becomes the first state to ban soda purchases with SNAP benefitsHistoric ruling aims to reshape how low-income families make nutritional choices. Nebraska has officially become the first state in the country to receive federal approval to prohibit the purchase of sodas and energy drinks with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Set to take … Read more

VA disability benefits 2025: What forms you need to list new dependents

by
Exterior sign for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, symbolizing 2025 VA disability benefit updates for adding new dependents.

An updated guide for veterans who want to ensure their monthly compensation reflects their current family situation. If you receive VA disability compensation, changes in your household—such as marriage, divorce, or a child turning 18—can directly affect how much you receive every month. Knowing how to properly add or remove a dependent is crucial, especially … Read more

NHTSA opens inquiry into millions of Hondas over idle-stop stall risk

by
Chrome Honda badge on gray vehicle linked to NHTSA probe into idle-stop stall risk affecting 2.2 million cars

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an engineering analysis into 2.2 million Honda cars, focusing on potential problems with the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) function. Officials say the probe seeks to clarify whether certain models pose a safety risk due to engines failing to restart after a complete stop. Drivers across the … Read more

Trump’s promised Social Security tax break missing: What the House bill really offers seniors

by
Close-up of a Social Security card and U.S. passport on an American flag, symbolizing senior benefits in the House tax bill debate.

Trump campaigned on a promise to reduce Social Security taxes, but the latest Republican-backed tax bill moving through the House seems to have left that pledge on the sidelines. Instead, lawmakers have introduced another form of tax relief that could benefit millions of seniors. In this article, we explore what happened to the proposed cuts … Read more

Chapter 33 VA: This is how veterans can obtain 90% Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits

by
Veteran in camouflage taking notes with textbook while using 90 percent Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) education benefits

Many service members aiming for higher education or vocational training turn to the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33). Wondering how to receive 90% of the full benefit? Here’s what you need to know. Veterans who served on active duty after September 11, 2001, may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, a tiered benefit system managed … Read more

Older Americans face shrinking benefits as student loan offsets kick back in

by
Social Security cards, $100 bills and a “Student Loans” label illustrate benefit offsets that can cut income for older Americans.

Elderly Americans who rely on Social Security to cover daily expenses could soon see smaller monthly checks. Federal authorities have resumed garnishing benefits to recoup unpaid student loan debts, raising widespread concerns. Millions of borrowers are once again subject to these collection efforts, and approximately 425,000 are 62 or older. For seniors already living on … Read more

Beyond the three-month limit — Who still gets SNAP with zero work hours

by
SNAP logo on tablet surrounded by fresh vegetables, representing recipients exempt from new 80-hour work requirements

Ensuring that no one goes hungry in the United States is the cornerstone of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). At the same time, the program aims to promote responsibility and workforce participation. This balance between support and work-related obligations can sometimes create confusion—especially around who is exempt from these requirements. If you are worried … Read more

Millions of Costco shoppers face new changes: the new membership strategy

by
Costco Wholesale storefront with visible ‘Members Only’ sign at the entrance, illustrating the retailer’s tightened pay-to-enter membership policy

Costco just flipped the script, revealing a fresh membership approach that could change how millions of Americans shop. By emphasizing loyalty over flashy promotions, the retailer hopes to reinforce its position as a top destination for bulk savings. In a surprising move, Costco is doing what it does best: focusing on its exclusive club model … Read more

Retirees must wait longer — 65 no longer guarantees full Social Security benefits

by
Close-up of Social Security cards on U.S. dollar bills illustrating higher retirement age and delayed full benefits.

Changes will take effect from May 2025, signaling a major shift for American workers planning their retirement. This update affects those who expected to claim full Social Security benefits upon turning 65 and now face a longer wait. Starting next spring, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will continue implementing reforms enacted decades ago, gradually increasing … Read more

Social Security sends a letter to a 65-year-old widow: A decades-old error leaves her $70,000 in debt

by
Official Social Security Administration envelope with $70,000 overpayment notice sent to a 65-year-old Ohio widow.

The Social Security Administration is demanding a substantial amount back from a grieving widow, raising questions for other retirees who may be facing similar overpayment claims. In Sheffield Lake, Ohio, 65-year-old widow Ruth Podmanik recently received a distressing notice from the Social Security Administration (SSA). After applying for her late husband’s benefits, she discovered she … Read more

The SSA is preparing May 28 payments with a COLA increase for a group of people: You can check if you are on the list

by
Calendar displaying “May 28” atop a Social Security card and scattered $100 bills, illustrating the upcoming COLA-boosted benefit payment date.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will release its final May payment on Wednesday, May 28, offering critical support for retirees, people with disabilities, and survivors. Many beneficiaries are eager to see this deposit, especially since it includes a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) intended to help with rising expenses. This round primarily goes to individuals born between … Read more

New Dollar Tree salary report for 2025: How much do cashiers, stockers, managers, forklift operators, and warehouse staff earn per hour?

by
Exterior view of Dollar Tree store with bright green signage, illustrating 2025 hourly wage report for cashiers through warehouse workers

Dollar Tree offers varying pay rates for its staff members across the United States, factoring in the role, prior experience, and regional differences. Although many people know this chain as a budget-friendly store, it also serves as a potential workplace for a wide range of job seekers. Who might find an opportunity here, and why … Read more

From shoe boxes to secret compartments: the popular practice of keeping cash at home comes with these costly risks, according to experts

by
Hands hiding a bundle of fifty-dollar bills under a mattress, illustrating the risks of storing cash at home without protection

Experts are warning that stashing money around the house can lead to unexpected losses and missed opportunities. Many Americans do keep some emergency funds at home, but the big question is: Are you putting your savings at risk without even realizing it? Recent findings from financial management app Piere show that the average person has … Read more

Nationwide Toyota safety alert: more than 147,000 Tacoma trucks recalled for urgent rear-brake hose repairs

by
Toyota logo on dealership facade; brand recalls 147,000 U.S. vehicles for potential brake-hose leaks

Toyota, General Motors, Volvo, and Hyundai are issuing a far-reaching recall that could affect thousands of drivers nationwide. Are you wondering if your vehicle is part of this list? Read on to find out why these recalls matter, which models are involved, and how to take immediate action. Toyota’s recall centers on more than 147,000 … Read more

New DMV “Beat-the-Clock” program: shorter lines, online preparation tools, and same-day card issuance to obtain Real ID

by
Residents line up outside a California DMV to apply for Real ID during the agency’s new early-morning processing hours

California drivers have fresh options to secure their Real IDs before 2025. Find out how you can benefit from the DMV’s latest schedule changes. The California Department of Motor Vehicles recently announced extended hours at 18 locations across the state. This move aims to help residents obtain a Real ID more conveniently, ensuring compliance before … Read more

A 180-degree turn in Social Security: these are the government’s changes to retirement applications

by
Elon Musk raises his hands before a backdrop of Social Security cards, symbolizing the government’s U-turn on retirement application changes.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has just rescinded a key part of its anti-fraud policy, which had caused confusion among retirees and sparked nationwide concern. The announcement follows a wave of criticism from senior advocacy groups who claimed the measure delayed much-needed retirement benefits. Under pressure from a growing backlog of nearly 575,000 retirement claims, … Read more

Avoid airport delays: Everything you need to know about getting a free Real ID in California this year

by
California DMV worker wearing blue gloves hands a Real ID-compliant driver’s license to an eligible resident under the fee-waiver program.

Since May 7, 2025, all travelers boarding a domestic flight or entering certain federal buildings in the United States will be required to carry a Real ID. This is a significant change, but there is good news for Californians: a new program allows eligible residents to obtain this document at no cost. Think you might … Read more

Social Security Fairness Act boosts monthly checks—see which retirees qualify for the larger payments

by
Close-up of overlapping Social Security cards, symbolizing benefit increases for retirees under the Social Security Fairness Act

This is the list of those who will receive more money from this year. Thousands of retirees across the United States are already feeling the impact of the Social Security Fairness Act, which officially removes the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). If you previously saw your Social Security benefits reduced … Read more

Act now or lose access: Wells Fargo’s crackdown on inactive accounts could redirect your emergency stash to the state

by
Wells Fargo branch sign and ATMs illustrate policy to close dormant accounts and transfer unclaimed balances to state treasuries

Wells Fargo has begun strictly enforcing a longstanding policy that could lead to the abrupt closure of countless accounts. This policy targets dormant or inactive accounts, meaning you might suddenly lose access to your money if you haven’t used your account in a while. If you haven’t made a deposit, withdrawal, or transfer for more … Read more