A new tax benefit aimed at older taxpayers promises major savings, with many seniors potentially paying $0 in taxes. Here’s what you need to know. A new tax deduction designed to help seniors with lower incomes is now being proposed in the United States. Known as the “senior bonus,” this tax break aims to relieve … Read more
You might have one of the most valuable coins in American history without even knowing it. The 1976 Bicentennial quarter, which was minted to mark the 200th anniversary of America’s independence, could be worth up to $500,000 in rare cases. So, how can you tell if you’re sitting on a small fortune? Let’s take a … Read more
As natural disasters and charitable causes prompt many Americans to open their wallets, it’s essential to ensure that your donation goes to a legitimate charity. The IRS offers a powerful tool to help you verify whether an organization is truly tax-exempt and eligible for tax-deductible donations. Unfortunately, charity scams are on the rise, especially during … Read more
Millions of retirees are waiting eagerly for their Social Security payments this month. Every month, retirees in the U.S. rely on Social Security benefits to support their financial well-being. With July 16, 2025, just around the corner, thousands of beneficiaries are preparing for the second Wednesday payment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is set to … Read more
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is designed to help people who can’t work due to a disability. But, did you know that your benefits can be suspended or even stopped under certain circumstances? Here’s a breakdown of what could cause your SSDI benefits to end, and how you can avoid penalties. Once you’re approved for … Read more
Waiting until age 70 to claim Social Security benefits instead of age 62 can lead to a 77% increase in monthly payments. However, for many retirees, funding the years before reaching 70 can be a challenge. Fortunately, a financial strategy known as a “bridge strategy” can help ease the wait. Retirees are eligible to claim … Read more
After decades of providing jobs in Rutherford County, the Bridgestone Americas plant in La Vergne has closed its doors earlier than planned. Originally scheduled to stop production on July 31, the company made the unexpected announcement of ceasing operations on July 2, impacting 658 workers. Bridgestone Americas, Inc. informed employees of the early shutdown through … Read more
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently sent a misleading email to beneficiaries, claiming that the “One Big Beautiful Bill” signed into law would eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits. However, the actual changes are not as dramatic as the email suggested. Here’s a breakdown of the confusion and what beneficiaries need to know. On July … Read more
Thousands of older Americans living on modest Social Security benefits now have a clearer path to bigger monthly payments. The agency’s latest guidance spells out who can ask for more, which forms to file, and when to act. Many retirees discover—sometimes too late—that early claiming locked them into a paycheck that barely covers the basics. … Read more
Some long‑time permanent residents may take the citizenship civics exam in their own language, saving time and stress. If you have held a green card for decades and dread the English portion of the naturalization test, relief could be closer than you think. Two little‑known USCIS provisions—the 50/20 and 55/15 rules—let qualified applicants skip the … Read more
Hidden in West Texas, Balmorhea State Park offers crystal‑clear water, year‑round 70‑degree swims, and a welcome break from city crowds. Tourists speeding along Interstate 10 may picture nothing but cactus and sand, yet a two‑hour detour reveals the world’s largest spring‑fed swimming pool—1.3 sparkling acres where desert heat meets Caribbean‑blue bliss. Everyone from weekend road‑trippers to … Read more
Drivers with serious speeding histories will soon need tech that keeps their cars in check—literally. Reckless driving is still claiming lives across the Evergreen State, but lawmakers have settled on a new fix: GPS speed‑limiting devices that cap how fast repeat offenders can travel. Signed into law this week, House Bill 1596 sets the countdown clock … Read more
New Air Quality Management District rules set a tight timeline for millions of heaters and ovens. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has approved a landmark measure that will steadily pull gas‑powered ovens and water heaters out of homes across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. If you rely on a blue‑flame … Read more
Starting Aug. 1, motorists who linger one mile under the speed limit in the passing lane could face escalating tickets and even 30 days behind bars. Louisiana drivers who cruise in the left lane will need to pick up the pace. A law taking effect August 1 lowers the threshold for “impeding traffic” from roughly 10 mph under the limit … Read more
Countywide law began July 1, ending a year-long phaseout and ushering in quieter electric equipment. After a year of warnings and rebates, Montgomery County’s ban on handheld, backpack, and walk-behind gas-powered leaf blowers officially took effect on July 1, 2025. Homeowners, landscapers, and government crews who ignore the rule now face a $500 citation—part of … Read more
Luxury chain cites “difficult decision,” promises support for affected workers. Shoppers at Santa Monica Place have a new date to circle on their calendars: Aug. 26 will mark the last day of business for the mall’s Nordstrom, the company confirmed this week. The closure ends a roughly 15‑year run for the upscale department store inside the … Read more
Priced at $10,995, the two‑bedroom kit ships ready to assemble and delivers full‑size comfort in roughly 400 square feet. If the idea of trading rent for rustling pines has ever crossed your mind, Amazon’s newest cabin‑style tiny house may be the nudge you needed. The prefab unit pairs a wood‑look exterior with dark trim and wrap‑around … Read more
Over a million recipients could lose up to half of each monthly payment because of past overpayments. The good news? Federal rules give you several ways to fight back before the deadline hits. For retirees and disabled workers alike, a Social Security check often means the difference between comfort and hardship. Beginning July 24, the Social … Read more
Retro cabinets, animatronic hosts, and a slice of pizza—no kids required. Chuck E. Cheese isn’t just a birthday‑party destination anymore. The family‑favorite chain has quietly opened a grown‑up spin‑off called Chuck’s Arcade, pitching it as a modern love letter to the games and guests that built the brand. Ten pilot arcades are already lighting up … Read more
Retail giant confirms its free TV app is on the chopping block just as Prime subscriptions, ad revenue, and profits hit new highs. Amazon is moth‑balling Freevee, the free, ad‑supported streaming service it rolled out in 2019, and the countdown is short. A notice inside the app warns that shows and channels “will be accessible … Read more