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More Americans are ‘revenge saving’ — ending an era of ‘revenge spending’ when COVID-19 lockdowns eased, and people were itching to splurge on vacations and expensive restaurant dinners. Now, as economic volatility and rising prices continue to persist, Americans are trying to cut costs and save more. The U.S. personal saving rate has climbed steadily from 3.5% in December 2024, reaching a high of 4.9% in April 2025 and remaining strong at 4.5% in May, according to data by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. That means more people are putting away a percentage of their disposable income after they pay taxes and spend money every month. But depending on where they’re putting their savings, their cash might not be keeping up with inflation. Thanks to three rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in late 2024, the national average interest rate for regular savings accounts has crept downwards to 0.38% as of June 2025, according to the FDIC. So, if you’re a ‘revenge saver’ — or maybe thinking of becoming one, the question is: Where do you stash your cash so your hard-earned money can earn you even more?

By Marie Alcober | 07.10.25

President Donald Trump’s so-called “big, beautiful bill” just became law and has unleashed far-reaching impacts that both supporters and critics are scrambling to unpack. The 940-page legislative document touches on everything from immigration to healthcare, but it’s the modifications to the tax code that could be most noteworthy if you’re over a certain age. Here’s why these new rules are a big deal for American seniors across the income spectrum, and why the next four years are a crucial window for you to adjust your tax plans accordingly.

By Vishesh Raisinghani | 07.10.25

Facing a deep struggle after losing her job four months ago, one single 43-year-old job seeker has exhausted her emergency fund and can’t rely on her close network for help. But it’s not like she’s been sitting idly by watching her savings dwindle — she has applied to more than 200 positions yet hasn't been able to land a new role. Now, relying on unemployment benefits and racing the clock, she still can't cover daily expenses and is urgently seeking to rebuild her financial safety net. And she's not alone: Americans aged 35–44 have limited savings — a median of just $7,500 and an average of $41,540, according to Credit.com. Meanwhile, U.S. unemployment currently stands at 4.1%, with 7 million people jobless. Depleting your financial safety net can feel dire for anyone, but if you're facing something similar, the good news is there are ways to rebuild strategically, step by step.

By Emma Caplan-Fisher | 07.10.25

Sarah, a 43-year-old from Anaheim, California, has finally had it with her partner of 20 years. “He’s financially irresponsible,” she told The Ramsey Show cohosts John Delony and George Kamel in a clip posted July 2. “He’s 56 and he’s got maybe $8-10,000 in retirement savings.” Now, Sarah is seeking a path forward after admitting to both her partner and the cohosts she’s unhappy with how things have turned out. “He has shown you his cards,” Delony bluntly put it. “You cannot do one single thing about anything that’s come before this phone call. You’re holding a pen and a blank piece of paper. You get to decide what story you write next.”

By Emma Caplan-Fisher | 07.10.25

Edison Woods Park is tucked away in a quiet residential pocket of Edison Township, New Jersey. It's so quiet that many locals don’t even know it’s there, and residents who live around the park say that’s exactly why they love it. “It’s our little slice of heaven,” one neighbor told NBC 4. Now, residents are worried that could soon change. The township plans to revitalize the park by adding a new pickleball court, a relocated basketball court, building a tennis court and installing new walkways — and residents are pushing back hard.

By Danielle Antosz | 07.10.25

As summer grilling season kicks off, Americans may be in for a costly surprise at the meat counter. Beef prices are climbing — and the latest government data confirms it. According to the Consumer Price Index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. beef and veal prices have jumped 8.6% over the past year. Ground beef surged 9.9%, beef roasts rose 9.5% and beef steaks were up 6.3%. Omaha Steaks President and CEO Nate Rempe says the problem boils down to supply. “The number of head of cattle in the United States is at a low, really not seen since the 1950s. In fact, it's wild,” Rempe recently told Fox Business. As of Jan. 1, 2025, there were 86.7 million head of cattle and calves on U.S. farms, according to the Department of Agriculture — the lowest count since 1951. With domestic beef demand still strong, Rempe warned that tight supply is “putting a lot of upward pressure” on prices — and it won’t be resolved overnight. “Supply is a tricky issue. You can't just flip a switch [or] adjust a tariff. We need to rebuild the herd, and that's going to happen over the next roughly 12 months. My guess is by Q3 [20]26 we'll kind of start to come out of this,” he said in the interview with Fox. Beef isn’t the only grocery item getting more expensive. The food index from the CPI has surged 26% over the past five years, and the USDA expects food prices to rise another 2.9% in 2025. To be sure, headline inflation has cooled from its 40-year high of 9.1% in June 2022. But the cost of essentials like food and housing remains persistently high. Fortunately, history has shown that savvy investors and consumers can take steps to protect themselves from inflation’s impact.

By Jing Pan | 07.10.25

Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs have sparked a chorus of criticism from across the political and economic spectrum — with lawmakers, CEOs and economists warning of rising costs and escalating trade tensions. But the president isn’t backing down. Even after announcing a pause on some tariffs, Trump is doubling down on his hardline stance. “The businessmen who criticize tariffs are bad at business, but really bad at politics,” he declared in a fiery Truth Social post on April 20. “They don’t understand or realize that I am the greatest friend that American capitalism has ever had!” For Trump, the tariff fight isn’t just about economics — it’s about leverage.

By Jing Pan | 07.10.25

The stock market has long been the go-to choice for people looking to invest their money. But that could be about to change as a younger generation — with a preference for alternative investments outside the shaky stock market — enters the scene. According to a recent survey from Bank of America, individuals aged 21 to 43 with at least $3 million in assets only have 25% of their portfolio invested in stocks — compared to 55% for wealthy investors aged above 43. Most rich, young Americans (93%) say they plan to allocate more of their portfolio to alternatives in the next few years. So, what alternative investments are capturing the interest of these young millionaires?

By Phil Osagie | 07.10.25

Many experts are warning that America may be headed for a recession as a result of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. But according to Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki, something far worse is looming. “In 2025 credit card debt is at all time highs. U.S. debt is at all time highs. Unemployment is rising. 401(k)’s are losing,” he wrote in an X post on April 18. “U.S.A. may be heading for a GREATER DEPRESSION.” According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Americans now owe a record $1.21 trillion on their credit cards, while the U.S. National debt has climbed to $36.22 trillion. “For those who take action today, when the crash crashes, those who invest in just one Bitcoin, or some gold, or silver … You may come through this crisis a very rich person,” Kiyosaki wrote. That advice should come as no surprise — Kiyosaki has long been a vocal proponent of these alternative assets, which he backed by making a bold prediction. “I strongly believe, by 2035, that one Bitcoin will be over $1 million. Gold will be $30K and silver $3,000 a coin,” he wrote. Let’s take a closer look at the assets he’s championing.

By Jing Pan | 07.10.25

If you’re planning your own retirement, you probably have a retirement savings goal in mind. Americans believe the “magic number” they need to retire comfortably is $1.26 million, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual. Comparing your number with the actual net worth of retirement-age seniors should give you an idea of how realistic your long-term financial plan is and what kind of lifestyle you can expect in your golden years. Here are the six levels of wealth for senior-led households between the ages of 65 and 69, based on the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances from 2022.

By Vishesh Raisinghani | 07.10.25

For bargain hunters, Costco has long been a go-to destination. Case in point: gold bars. In late 2023, Costco began selling two types of 1-ounce gold bars: the PAMP Suisse Lady Fortuna Veriscan bar and the Rand Refinery bar, priced at $1,979.99 and $1,949.99, respectively, according to Business Insider. Despite the hefty price tag, both quickly became hot sellers. “When we load them on the site, they're typically gone within a few hours,” then-CFO Richard Galanti said during a September 2023 earnings call. “And we limit two per member.” As of June 11, 2025, the Rand Refinery 1-ounce bar was listed at $3,399.99, the same price the PAMP Suisse version was listed at. That marks a 74% and 71% increase, respectively, in less than two years. But the jump in price is in line with the broader gold market, which has surged roughly 72% over the same period. What’s more surprising is the continued demand.

By Jing Pan | 07.10.25

It’s not always easy to leave a relationship in the past, especially when there’s a child involved. But sometimes, those ties to an old flame can burn your finances in the here and now. That’s the situation Beth from Philadelphia is in. She called into The Ramsey Show because her husband rents out his New Jersey house to his ex-girlfriend. The reason for this tie is that they have a daughter together, and his goal with that arrangement has been to maintain a stable environment for the child. The problem is that Beth’s husband’s ex is consistently late with payments, which is negatively impacting his credit score. And since Beth and her husband now want to buy their own house together, that’s a problem.

By Maurie Backman | 07.10.25

When Steve and Tammy Wright had the idea to renovate their kitchen in 2024, they likely never imagined a civil lawsuit would be part of the process. The Wrights’s renovation disaster began when they placed an order at Riverwoods Home Furnishings in Tennessee for $16,200 worth of custom cabinets. Since the company was well-known for offering custom-made cabinets and handcrafted furniture, the retired couple had no reason to doubt Ronnie Wheelock, the company's owner. In fact, as WATE reports, the Wrights happily gave Wheelock an $8,100 deposit upfront. But the delivery date for the cabinets came and went before the couple discovered the store had unexpectedly closed in October 2024. And while some people might have given up in this situation, the Wrights took a different approach — one that required a little creativity and some legal expertise.

By Christy Bieber | 07.10.25

A Lee’s Summit, Missouri, IHOP restaurant is accused of making their staff wait weeks for their paychecks — and on top of that, the air conditioning isn’t working either. One staffer, identified only as Linda, told KMBC 9 Investigates that it’s going on six weeks with no paycheck. “People might say, 'Well, why do you continue to work here?'” a reporter asked her. “We’re like family here,” she said. “I've been here almost a year now. A lot of these people have been here a way long time.” Another employee, Chelsea Stoker, says she has filed a complaint with the Department of Labor along with some fellow employees, but she’s afraid to quit her job. “I'm kind of too scared to leave, because if I leave, I’m concerned that I'm not going to get my other paychecks,” Stoker said. “And that's about $1,200. And I got four kids, I need it.”

By Rebecca Holland | 07.10.25

Money mastery isn’t always taught in school. In fact, only 11 U.S. states guaranteed students access to a personal finance course in high school before 2021, according to Next Gen Personal Finance — meaning, if you’re an adult in the U.S., there’s a good chance you were never taught how to manage your money. But Ramit Sethi’s goal in life is to bridge that knowledge gap. “Many people drift through their 20s and 30s hoping money just figures itself out,” Sethi said in a video posted to his Youtube channel in June. With his website, I Will Teach You To Be Rich, he created an empire built around clear, no-nonsense financial advice that anyone can put into practice today. If you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s or beyond, his 9 money milestones are worth considering.

By Lisa Lagace | 07.09.25

Almost 19.6 million students are expected to head off to college in the fall of 2025. If this includes your child or even your grandchild, you may be wondering how best to prepare them for this new phase in their life — and how you can support them financially. College is an expensive phase of life for both students and parents. The average tuition price has hit an eye-watering $9,308 for public institutions and $53,949 for private colleges. And yet, college remains the best way to secure a good job and a comfortable salary. Georgetown University reports that by 2031, 85% of jobs that pay at least $43,000 to early-career workers will require a post-secondary education. Despite the importance of post-secondary education for young people, the cost of college can be prohibitively expensive. The typical American family paid an average of $28,409 on college expenses between 2023 and 2024, according to the annual Sallie Mae/Ipsos “How America Pays for College” survey. At the same time, families reported that financial aid from scholarships and grants only covered 27% of college costs. To make up the difference — and help set your child up for success — you might consider borrowing from a private lender. A private student loan has pros and cons over a federal loan. They typically have higher borrowing limits, more flexibility for using the loan and different repayment windows. The flip side is higher interest rates and credit checks.

By Rebecca Holland | 07.09.25

The City of Oakland has cleared a large homeless encampment on East 12th Street, relocating about 70 people to the Mandela House — a former hotel turned shelter, now funded through a state grant. The move marks one of the city’s most visible steps toward addressing homelessness, a crisis that has more than doubled in Oakland over the past decade. Driven by rising rents, stagnant wages and a chronic shortage of affordable housing, more than 4,000 people in the city are currently unhoused. Oakland officials say the clearance is part of a broader push to connect unhoused residents with long-term housing support. It follows Governor Gavin Newsom’s rollout of a model ordinance aimed at helping cities respond to what he calls the “dangerous” and “unhealthy” conditions of encampments. “There’s nothing compassionate about letting people die on the streets,” Newsom said in a press release. “Local leaders asked for resources — we delivered the largest state investment in history.” As Oakland aligns with statewide efforts to address homelessness, the impact of encampment closures — and whether they help — remains at the center of the conversation.

By Victoria Vesovski | 07.09.25

A couple was caught on camera allegedly stealing thousands of dollars worth of copper wire from a northwest Houston office building. While one suspect has been arrested, the other is still on the run. Investigators allege the pair stripped roughly $300,000 worth of copper from the 12,000-square-foot building and took two elevator control panels worth around $50,000. To get inside, they allegedly caused an additional $12,000 in damage by smashing windows and jimmying locked doors. Justin Franklin and Christina Pivirotto have been charged with theft in connection with the June 2 incident. Franklin was arrested and later released on bond, but Pivirotto is still wanted by authorities. A cellphone video taken by an employee shows Franklin stuffing bags of copper wire into a red Toyota RAV4 as the worker confronts him. “That doesn’t look like your stuff. Those are wires,” the employee says in the footage.

By Victoria Vesovski | 07.09.25

The tables are turning in the U.S. housing market, and this time, buyers are calling the shots. There are an estimated 1.9 million homes for sale across the country, but only about 1.5 million active homebuyers. That leaves a gap of nearly 500,000 — the largest on record, according to Redfin. “The balance of power in the U.S. housing market has shifted toward buyers, but a lot of sellers have yet to see or accept the writing on the wall,” said Redfin Senior Economist Asad Khan. “Many are still holding out hope that their home is the exception and will fetch top dollar.” U.S. home prices were still up 3.9% year over year in February — a slight dip from January’s 4.1% gain — but a growing supply of homes and easing mortgage rates are cooling the market, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index. That’s left some sellers — especially those who bought at the peak — trying to recoup their investment just as buyer demand starts to slow. With listings rising and buyers getting more selective, the big question is: Is now the best time to sell?

By Victoria Vesovski | 07.09.25

Payday should be routine — but for a Wayne County, Michigan, employee, it turned into a million-dollar-plus shock. At the end of May, the woman — a 20-year county employee — discovered her paycheck had ballooned to an astonishing $1.6 million. She quickly did the right thing by notifying her manager and returning the money. But the mistake had broader consequences: Two county employees were fired over the error and a third was suspended. County officials told WXYZ 7 News Detroit that no such payment should’ve been authorized, yet the massive sum landed in her account anyway — raising serious questions about how such a glaring error slipped through.

By Chris Clark | 07.09.25