Older Americans face significant Social Security benefit losses as Trump rolls back Biden-era protections

Trump and Biden in front of American flag during debate on Social Security benefit losses for older Americans.

Major reversal threatens retirement Income for many older Americans. Retirees who have defaulted on their student loans could soon see their federal benefits dip as low as $750 a month. This stark change, triggered by the Trump administration’s revival of an older garnishment rule, comes after a Biden-era provision had planned to shield a significantly … Read more

The second wave of Big Lots reopenings is here: This is the complete list of stores that are back in business

Big Lots storefront sign with orange exclamation mark, highlighting the retailer’s second-wave reopenings scheduled for May 1 and May 15

Fans of discount retail giant Big Lots have reason to celebrate this week. The company is rolling out the second phase of its nationwide revival, with 54 stores reopening on Thursday, May 1, followed by another 78 on May 15. In total, Big Lots aims to reopen 219 locations in a four-phase plan that began … Read more

From real estate agent to queen of the skies: the 51-year-old entrepreneur who earns over $70,000 a year without a college degree

Bridgette Tena, a 51-year-old businesswoman wearing a hard hat and high-visibility T-shirt at a roofing job site in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

A roofing entrepreneur in Santa Fe proves that a degree isn’t always required. For many, the idea of climbing onto rooftops and working with power tools might sound intimidating. But for 51-year-old roofer and business owner, Bridgette Tena, it’s a dream come true. Tena has joined a small group of women in construction, earning over … Read more

15,000 rare coins reappear in a World War II hiding place: the auction will take place on May 20, 2025

15,000 rare coins from WWII hiding place heading to May 20 2025 auction

A couple’s incredible discovery is reshaping numismatic history and captivating enthusiasts worldwide. A rediscovered coin hoard of 15,000 pieces, known as the Traveller Collection, has just been revealed to the public, sparking excitement across collector circles everywhere. Estimated at $160 million in value, this hidden fortune was buried decades ago to keep it safe from … Read more

Extra check of up to $650 will arrive in May for SSI recipients

Stack of Social Security cards illustrating the May 2025 SSI extra check of up to $650 for eligible seniors and people with disabilities

Next month, many Americans who depend on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will see a significant boost in their bank accounts. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is set to deliver an extra check worth around $650, with some recipients qualifying for as much as $967. This additional payment aims to help seniors and individuals with disabilities … Read more

Confirmed: Social Security payments face suspension if retirees miss this new federal requirement

Social Security card with red-white-blue ribbon underscores login.gov requirement for retirees payments

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a major policy change that could affect millions of older Americans who rely on retirement and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Beginning in 2025, the SSA will require all beneficiaries to transition from the My Social Security platform to a Login.gov account. Those who do not complete this … Read more

May payment dates confirmed for retirees and disability recipients

Social Security cards backdrop stressing May 2025 payment dates for retirees and disability recipients

A new COLA increase, possible shifts in retirement age, and updated payment schedules highlight the latest Social Security developments. Millions of beneficiaries—including retirees, people with disabilities, and veterans—will feel the impact this month. Since January 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been rolling out important updates designed to protect beneficiaries from rising living expenses … Read more

180-degree turn: Microsoft halts construction of $1 billion data centers in Ohio to focus on agriculture

Split image showing a Microsoft data-center corridor beside lush Ohio farmland, symbolizing the company’s pivot from servers to agriculture

The tech giant has decided to postpone its ambitious initiative to establish multiple data centers across Licking County. Although Microsoft still plans to own the land and partner with local organizations, many residents wonder what this change could mean for future development in the region. A cautious retreat with future possibilities in sight Microsoft initially … Read more

The payment date for the May stimulus check has been confirmed in this state: $1,702 for those who meet the requirements

Close-up of a suited man pointing forward against an Alaska state map, illustrating news on the May 2025 $1,702 stimulus payment

Thousands of Alaskans are gearing up for the $1,702 stimulus check, a benefit drawn from the state’s oil and gas revenues. This annual distribution provides significant economic relief, especially considering Alaska’s higher living costs. In May 2025, eligible recipients will see a boost from the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), which has long been a pillar … Read more

The dollar is no longer king: 11 countries will break away in 2025

Crumpled U.S. dollar bills overflowing from a trash can symbolizing global decline of the dollar in 2025

A quiet but decisive shift is underway: Eleven post-Soviet republics have announced they will stop using the U.S. dollar in international transactions. In 2025, the U.S. dollar will lose its place as the default currency in a bloc of eleven countries spanning Eastern Europe and Central Asia. This decision, spearheaded by members of the Commonwealth … Read more

Claim your Verizon refund before the deadline: here are the exact dates and who is eligible to get up to $100

Verizon storefront sign photographed on brick and metal façade, illustrating news about claiming up to $100 refund before the deadline

Some Verizon customers may soon receive part of a $100 million payout after a class action lawsuit that accused the communications giant of adding extra “junk fees” to billing plans. The settlement, linked to postpaid wireless or data plans, could bring eligible users anywhere from $15 to $100, depending on how long they maintained service … Read more

Countdown to Big Lots: Big Lots’ comeback gains momentum as shoppers set their alarm clocks for the grand reopening

Big Lots storefront with “The comeback starts soon” banner ahead of May 1 grand reopening across 12 states

Discount retailer brings back beloved brand with deep discounts and fresh inventory. Big Lots is set to reopen 54 additional stores on May 1 in what executives are calling the second wave of the retailer’s revival. These locations will operate under the guidance of Variety Wholesalers, the discount retail company that acquired hundreds of Big … Read more

Bank of America closed five branches in March: they have already updated the map with alternative routes on their official website for affected customers

Small standalone Bank of America branch with bright red signage in an empty parking lot, illustrating the bank’s recent U.S. branch closures

A growing digital focus has led to the closure of several Bank of America locations, and many Americans are watching closely to see how this trend could affect their banking experience. In March 2025, five Bank of America branches across four states officially closed, according to recent reports. Now that we are in April, many … Read more

Goodbye to the Zelle app: users who don’t have a compatible bank are trying PayPal or ACH transfers after the app shut down

Smartphone displaying the white Zelle logo on a purple screen, illustrating the shutdown of Zelle’s standalone payment app

A new era for digital payments? Here’s what consumers need to know right now. Zelle, a widely used platform for peer-to-peer money transfers, has discontinued its independent mobile app. This change, effective Tuesday, will not affect most Zelle transactions, as the majority of users already access the service through their own bank’s online system. Still, … Read more

A 93-year-old retiree retired with $130,000: now she has part-time jobs and a roommate to help pay the bills

93‑year‑old retiree wearing a straw sun hat sits on a park bench in Manhattan, illustrating active senior life on a tight budget

Retiring two decades ago on limited savings sounded risky for 93-year-old Manhattan resident, Leila Lieberman. Yet, she’s happier than ever, proving that companionship and passion projects can matter more than a hefty bank account. Lieberman spent years working as a counselor in both Illinois and New York, earning a modest income. When she retired, she … Read more

Elon Musk orders cancellation of a large number of government credit cards to cut costs: they could stop working at any moment

Business executive announcing large‑scale cancellation of inactive government credit cards to reduce federal spending

More than 300,000 federal credit cards face immediate deactivation under a bold new plan. The U.S. Department of Efficiency (DOGE) aims to curb excessive costs and close accounts linked to inactive or suspicious activity. The surprise decision targets accounts deemed redundant or abandoned within various government agencies. In total, DOGE has already identified over 300,000 … Read more

Parents arrested and deported after 35 years in the US, leaving behind their three American daughters

Smiling couple deported after 35 years in the US, parents of three American daughters, during a family outing

For nearly four decades, Gladys and Nelson Gonzalez built a life in California. They came to the United States in 1989, fleeing violence in Colombia. Their three daughters, all American citizens, never imagined they would one day watch their parents be deported. “We’ve been living in disbelief since it happened,” said Stephanie Gonzalez, the eldest … Read more

A man leaves his six-figure job on Wall Street and now earns $1,000 an hour tutoring from home

Former Wall Street trader Steven Menking sitting in his home office, now tutoring online for up to $1,000 an hour

For many people, leaving a high-paying finance position sounds risky. But for one former equities trader, it was the key to rediscovering his passion. After realizing the long hours and intense environment weren’t sustainable, he took a leap of faith and returned to what truly inspired his: education. Today, he tutors students and young professionals … Read more

Mega Millions officials still looking for $344 million winner: ticket bought at ‘general store’

Mega Millions officials still looking for $344 million winner: ticket bought at ‘general store’

Jackpot remains unclaimed, raising questions about key deadlines and the importance of acting quickly. A staggering $344 million Mega Millions prize remains in limbo after lottery officials confirmed that a single winning ticket was sold in Illinois. The unknown winner guessed the correct numbers, including the crucial Mega Ball, in Tuesday’s draw. However, with no … Read more