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.
Student loan borrowers in default warned of wage garnishment as federal notices go out
Federal officials are notifying student loan borrowers who have missed payments for at least nine months that wage garnishment could begin, as an Illinois Student Assistance Commission expert explains how to avoid default and explore repayment options.
Federal officials are notifying student loan borrowers who have missed payments for at least nine months that wage garnishment could begin, as an Illinois Student Assistance Commission expert explains how to avoid default and explore repayment options.
Treasury confirms rollout of car loan tax break for US-assembled cars
The tax break allows up to $10,000 for an annual deduction on car loan interest.
The tax break allows up to $10,000 for an annual deduction on car loan interest.
Credit scores are down in all 50 states: Here's where they dropped the most
Credit scores have dropped in all 50 states over the past year.
Credit scores have dropped in all 50 states over the past year.
Effort to ban lawmakers from stock trading gains momentum
The effort to further regulate stock trading by congressional lawmakers has been talked about for a long time. Will 2026 be the year it finally happens?
The effort to further regulate stock trading by congressional lawmakers has been talked about for a long time. Will 2026 be the year it finally happens?
These states are increasing the minimum wage in 2026
Significant wage hikes kick in Jan. 1 for millions of workers across these states. See if your area made the list.
Significant wage hikes kick in Jan. 1 for millions of workers across these states. See if your area made the list.
Your 2026 tax guide: All the changes to know before filing
New tax deductions have been enacted for many working Americans and seniors. Here’s what you need to know about the new laws that could impact your return.
New tax deductions have been enacted for many working Americans and seniors. Here’s what you need to know about the new laws that could impact your return.
Crucial strategies for saving money in 2026
Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza shares tips on budgeting, saving, and reducing debt as part of New Year’s resolutions to help families start 2026 on a stronger financial footing.
Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza shares tips on budgeting, saving, and reducing debt as part of New Year’s resolutions to help families start 2026 on a stronger financial footing.
Stimulus payment December 2025, IRS direct deposit relief payment & tariff dividend fact check
Hold off on that purchase! Online rumors of new stimulus checks by year’s end are out there.
Hold off on that purchase! Online rumors of new stimulus checks by year’s end are out there.
Finance expert shares tips to teach teens smart money habits | ChicagoNOW
Bank of America executive, Barry Mullan, shares practical advice for helping teens learn budgeting, credit, and financial independence in real-life exercises. | ChicagoNOW is a fast-paced, conversational show that spotlights what’s trending in and around Chicago.
Bank of America executive, Barry Mullan, shares practical advice for helping teens learn budgeting, credit, and financial independence in real-life exercises. | ChicagoNOW is a fast-paced, conversational show that spotlights what’s trending in and around Chicago.
Gen Z drives Black Friday shopping, survey says | ChicagoLIVE
A new survey shows Gen Z drives Black Friday shopping. | A live look at what happened today, what’s happening now, and what’s coming tonight—no script, just real news.
A new survey shows Gen Z drives Black Friday shopping. | A live look at what happened today, what’s happening now, and what’s coming tonight—no script, just real news.
Stimulus payment November 2025, IRS direct deposit relief payment & tariff dividend fact check
Don’t spend that money just yet! Rumors are circulating online that the federal government will issue new stimulus checks before the end of the year. But Congress has not passed any legislation authorizing payments, and the IRS has not confirmed that any new stimulus checks are scheduled in the coming weeks.
Don’t spend that money just yet! Rumors are circulating online that the federal government will issue new stimulus checks before the end of the year. But Congress has not passed any legislation authorizing payments, and the IRS has not confirmed that any new stimulus checks are scheduled in the coming weeks.
US jobs report shows promise despite pessimistic outlook
The newest jobs report is finally out and despite the delay, the U.S. added a lot more jobs than expected. It shows U.S. employers added 119,000 jobs, more than double what economists initially projected.
The newest jobs report is finally out and despite the delay, the U.S. added a lot more jobs than expected. It shows U.S. employers added 119,000 jobs, more than double what economists initially projected.
Why residents of one Chicago neighborhood are burning their property tax bills | ChicagoLIVE
Community leader Dr. Richard Townsell joins ChicagoLIVE to talk about the “Property Tax Bill Bonfire,” a protest and organizing event meant to highlight how tax hikes and slow billing hurt working families. He explains how residents are turning frustration into action — and why he believes solutions should come from the people, not just politicians.
Community leader Dr. Richard Townsell joins ChicagoLIVE to talk about the “Property Tax Bill Bonfire,” a protest and organizing event meant to highlight how tax hikes and slow billing hurt working families. He explains how residents are turning frustration into action — and why he believes solutions should come from the people, not just politicians.
More Americans living paycheck to paycheck, data shows
Bank of America data shows more Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. Here's where it is the worst.
Bank of America data shows more Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. Here's where it is the worst.
Is a new stimulus payment coming? November 2025 IRS direct deposit fact check
Trump's $2,000 tariff dividend is fueling a new stimulus buzz.
Trump's $2,000 tariff dividend is fueling a new stimulus buzz.
IRS direct deposit relief payment in November? Here’s what we know
Rumors continue swirling online about IRS relief payments landing in bank accounts by November or year’s end — but are they true?
Rumors continue swirling online about IRS relief payments landing in bank accounts by November or year’s end — but are they true?