The $10,000 car loan tax deduction: Here's who qualifies and how to claim it
The IRS has released guidance on a new deduction that allows eligible taxpayers to write off up to $10,000 in auto loan interest per year.
The IRS has released guidance on a new deduction that allows eligible taxpayers to write off up to $10,000 in auto loan interest per year.
How the student loan move to Treasury affects your payments | ChicagoLIVE
Bankrate analyst Ted Rossman breaks down the Trump administration's move to transition federal student loans to the U.S. Treasury.
Bankrate analyst Ted Rossman breaks down the Trump administration's move to transition federal student loans to the U.S. Treasury.
Record number of Americans dipping into retirement savings amid rising costs | ChicagoLIVE
With rising costs putting pressure on household budgets, a growing number of Americans are tapping into their retirement savings to cover everyday expenses. Rebecca Smith of Benemoney joined ChicagoLIVE to discuss the risks of early withdrawals, alternatives people can consider, and financial steps that may help avoid dipping into a 401(k) too soon.
With rising costs putting pressure on household budgets, a growing number of Americans are tapping into their retirement savings to cover everyday expenses. Rebecca Smith of Benemoney joined ChicagoLIVE to discuss the risks of early withdrawals, alternatives people can consider, and financial steps that may help avoid dipping into a 401(k) too soon.
Tax scams on the rise in 2026: What you need to know
The Internal Revenue Service released its 2026 Dirty Dozen list of tax scams, warning taxpayers about schemes that threaten personal and financial information.
The Internal Revenue Service released its 2026 Dirty Dozen list of tax scams, warning taxpayers about schemes that threaten personal and financial information.
Simple financial moves to make now if you want to qualify for a mortgage later
Mortgage expert Jen Poniatowski from Key Mortgage Services explains the simple financial steps buyers can take now—like reducing debt, boosting savings, and improving credit—to get mortgage-ready for a home purchase later this year.
Mortgage expert Jen Poniatowski from Key Mortgage Services explains the simple financial steps buyers can take now—like reducing debt, boosting savings, and improving credit—to get mortgage-ready for a home purchase later this year.
Americans tap retirement funds at record rates as mounting financial stress takes toll
A record number of Americans tapped into their 401(k) retirement savings for hardship withdrawals last year due to financial challenges, new data shows.
A record number of Americans tapped into their 401(k) retirement savings for hardship withdrawals last year due to financial challenges, new data shows.
More Americans tapping 401(k) savings early as financial pressures rise
With a growing share of workers withdrawing early from their 401(k) retirement plan, financial advisor Aristotle Makris of Goldstone Financial Group explains what’s driving the trend and alternatives for people facing financial emergencies.
With a growing share of workers withdrawing early from their 401(k) retirement plan, financial advisor Aristotle Makris of Goldstone Financial Group explains what’s driving the trend and alternatives for people facing financial emergencies.
Proposed payment changes could affect credit card rewards | ChicagoNOW
A new poll from The Points Guy finds many Americans are concerned they could lose credit card rewards if changes are made to electronic payment systems.
A new poll from The Points Guy finds many Americans are concerned they could lose credit card rewards if changes are made to electronic payment systems.
Illinois ranks last in overall tax burden, survey says | ChicagoLIVE
With Tax Day approaching, WalletHub releases findings showing many Americans feel squeezed by taxes and other expenses.
With Tax Day approaching, WalletHub releases findings showing many Americans feel squeezed by taxes and other expenses.
How to avoid tax scams this filing season
As tax filing season begins, scammers are ramping up efforts to steal money and personal information from taxpayers.
As tax filing season begins, scammers are ramping up efforts to steal money and personal information from taxpayers.
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.