How to spot a valuable 1976 Bicentennial Quarter that could fetch you a fortune: Worth Over $500,000

Close-up view of various U.S. quarters, including a 1976 Bicentennial quarter among other coins

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

How to use the IRS tool to ensure your donation reaches the right charity

IRS desk with calculator and computer, showing IRS sign to signify charity verification tool use.

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 US retirees will receive more than $2,000 from Social Security on this day in July 2025

Close-up image of Social Security cards and money representing payments to US retirees in July 2025

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

SSDI recipients advised by Social Security Administration to immediately report these 3 situations

Social Security Administration letter advising SSDI recipients to report important situations

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

Retiring at 70: this is the strategy for getting more benefits from Social Security

Close-up of U.S. dollar bill and coins with a small American flag, symbolizing financial planning for retirement.

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

Confirmed: The famous Tennessee tire brand is closing its factory affecting 658 employees

Close-up of a Bridgestone tire illustrating the closure of the Tennessee factory affecting 658 employees

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

It’s official: Social Security’s email error creates confusion—find out who’s actually getting a tax break

Donald Trump alongside email graphics and American flag representing Social Security email confusion

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

SSA confirms: low‑pension retirees can unlock higher checks with these simple moves

Woman holding cash with Social Security cards and money in background symbolizing higher checks for retirees

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

How can you avoid taking the English exam to obtain US citizenship if you are an immigrant over 50 years of age?

U.S. passport with American flag and citizenship application form

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

This is the largest pool in the world filled with springs: a Caribbean blue oasis located in this state park

Person snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the world's largest spring-fed swimming pool at Balmorhea State Park, Texas

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

Confirmed date: Washington drivers face new speed limits with GPS-controlled devices

GPS speed limiter device displaying current speed and speed limit installed in a vehicle in Washington state

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

Say goodbye to gas in Southern California: New AQMD rule forces millions of Los Angeles homes to replace old appliances

Person turning on gas stove burner affected by Southern California AQMD appliance ban

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

Goodbye to slow driving: Starting August 1, it will be punishable by a $350 fine and jail time under the law

Cars cruise a Louisiana highway’s left lane, illustrating the new August 1 law fining slow drivers $350.

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

It’s official: fines of $500 for people who use this type of leaf blower

Orange gas-powered leaf blower banned in Montgomery County, fines of $500 in effect

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

Farewell to the iconic luxury retailer at the Santa Monica Mall: it is closing permanently this summer

Aerial view of Santa Monica Pier near the mall where Nordstrom will permanently close this summer.

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

Amazon’s latest tiny house costs $10,995: it’s ready to assemble and offers all the comforts of a normal-sized home

Amazon's modern cabin-style tiny house with large windows and cozy interior, placed in an autumn forest setting

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

Official: Trump-era rule revives 50% embargo by July 24 — here’s what beneficiaries who received overpayments need to submit

Former president in front of Capitol beside Social Security cards illustrating upcoming 50 percent benefit garnishment on July 24 for overpaid recipients

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

The popular family favorite chain is opening ten arcades for adults: they are already lighting up these shopping malls, and more are on the way

Chuck's Arcade entrance with retro and modern games for adults in shopping malls across the United States.

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

Goodbye to free television: Amazon will stop offering its streaming service starting today

Amazon Freevee interface on a smart TV showing “The Invisible Man,” popular movies, and Amazon Originals before its 2025 shutdown.

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