Stimulus payment February 2026, IRS direct deposit relief, tariff dividend & tax refund fact check
Claims about new stimulus checks, IRS direct deposits, relief payments and tariff dividends spread throughout 2025 — and they’re still circulating in 2026. But is there any truth to them?
Claims about new stimulus checks, IRS direct deposits, relief payments and tariff dividends spread throughout 2025 — and they’re still circulating in 2026. But is there any truth to them?
The typical American worker has just $955 saved for retirement, study shows
The median American worker has just $955 saved for retirement through a defined contribution plan like a 401(k) account, a new study found.
The median American worker has just $955 saved for retirement through a defined contribution plan like a 401(k) account, a new study found.
Tax tips to know before you file | ChicagoNOW
Tax season is here and there are new tax breaks you may not know about. Rachel Richards, CPA and head of Tax at Gelt, joins via zoom to breakdown these new deductions.
Tax season is here and there are new tax breaks you may not know about. Rachel Richards, CPA and head of Tax at Gelt, joins via zoom to breakdown these new deductions.
New federal “Trump Accounts” offer $1,000 savings boost for newborns
Bankrate analyst Stephen Kates breaks down how the new Trump Accounts work, who qualifies for the $1,000 seed money, and how families can use 529 plans to build long-term savings for their children.
Bankrate analyst Stephen Kates breaks down how the new Trump Accounts work, who qualifies for the $1,000 seed money, and how families can use 529 plans to build long-term savings for their children.
Average U.S. worker has less than $1,000 saved for retirement, study finds | ChicagoLIVE
Even with retirement accounts, most Americans remain far from the $1.5 million experts say is needed for a comfortable retirement.
Even with retirement accounts, most Americans remain far from the $1.5 million experts say is needed for a comfortable retirement.
What happens if you can’t afford to pay your taxes in 2026? IRS options explained
If you can’t pay your tax bill in full, the IRS offers payment plans, settlements and hardship options — but penalties and interest can grow quickly.
If you can’t pay your tax bill in full, the IRS offers payment plans, settlements and hardship options — but penalties and interest can grow quickly.
Expert explains why money can make or break couples | ChicagoNOW
Many couples avoid serious money talks before marriage. A relationship and finance expert explains why finances cause conflict and what partners should discuss early on.
Many couples avoid serious money talks before marriage. A relationship and finance expert explains why finances cause conflict and what partners should discuss early on.
Mastering the dollar: These cities rank as the top budgeters in 2026, data suggests
From credit card debt to daily spending, residents in specific areas nationwide have implemented best practices when it comes to living on a budget, according to a new report.
From credit card debt to daily spending, residents in specific areas nationwide have implemented best practices when it comes to living on a budget, according to a new report.
Are new cars becoming a luxury item in America?
Americans are increasingly getting priced out of the new car market.
Americans are increasingly getting priced out of the new car market.
Every state's median household income has increased since 1970 – except one
Is your state better off than it was 50 years ago? U.S. incomes are up since 1970, but not everywhere. A new report shows which states gained the most.
Is your state better off than it was 50 years ago? U.S. incomes are up since 1970, but not everywhere. A new report shows which states gained the most.
IRS opens e-file as tax season brings new confusion for many filers
Tax expert Lisa Greene-Lewis from TurboTax explains why filing early matters, what’s changed under the new tax law, and how Americans can avoid common mistakes and get free help this season.
Tax expert Lisa Greene-Lewis from TurboTax explains why filing early matters, what’s changed under the new tax law, and how Americans can avoid common mistakes and get free help this season.
What the Fed’s meeting could mean for rates in 2026 | ChicagoLIVE
Bankrate financial analyst Stephen Kates breaks down the Federal Reserve’s decision to pause interest rates.
Bankrate financial analyst Stephen Kates breaks down the Federal Reserve’s decision to pause interest rates.
Survey tracks Americans' No-Spend January efforts | ChicagoNOW
Nerd Wallet’s Kimberly Palmer shares insights on No-Spend January 2026.
Nerd Wallet’s Kimberly Palmer shares insights on No-Spend January 2026.
Tax season surprise: Illinois families could be owed thousands in refunds
As tax season begins, new and expanded credits mean many Illinois families may qualify for thousands of dollars in refunds—but only if they know how to claim them.
As tax season begins, new and expanded credits mean many Illinois families may qualify for thousands of dollars in refunds—but only if they know how to claim them.
Cost of living is rising the most in these US cities
According to new data, the cost of living is rising in cities across the United States. Here’s where it’s the worst.
According to new data, the cost of living is rising in cities across the United States. Here’s where it’s the worst.
Tax season is here — Why bigger refunds aren’t guaranteed this year
A lot of taxpayers are hoping for bigger refunds, and new IRS rule changes could help — but experts say it’s not that simple.
A lot of taxpayers are hoping for bigger refunds, and new IRS rule changes could help — but experts say it’s not that simple.
Will tax refunds be bigger this year? Here’s what you need to know | ChicagoLIVE
Tax season is here and your refund could be bigger than usual.
Tax season is here and your refund could be bigger than usual.
Households with 2 kids need to earn over 400K to comfortably afford child care in US
Raising two kids takes a six-figure salary to comfortably afford child care for two children, new data shows.
Raising two kids takes a six-figure salary to comfortably afford child care for two children, new data shows.
President Trump wants to cap credit card interest at 10%: the pros & cons for borrowers
The president's proposal could help consumers save billions of dollars and pay off debt faster. But financial experts say it could also make it harder for consumers with lower credit scores to get credit cards.
The president's proposal could help consumers save billions of dollars and pay off debt faster. But financial experts say it could also make it harder for consumers with lower credit scores to get credit cards.
Tax season is almost here: What’s changed and how to get organized before you file
Outlook Financial Center CEO Rob Burnette breaks down key tax changes this year, how life and income shifts from 2025 could affect your return, and common filing mistakes that can lead to penalties.
Outlook Financial Center CEO Rob Burnette breaks down key tax changes this year, how life and income shifts from 2025 could affect your return, and common filing mistakes that can lead to penalties.