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?
Americans see bigger tax refunds so far this year as filing season begins at a slower pace
The average tax refund has jumped to $2,290, despite fewer people filing returns in the early weeks of tax season.
The average tax refund has jumped to $2,290, despite fewer people filing returns in the early weeks of tax season.
How Americans are prioritizing money goals in 2026: survey
A new Bankrate survey shows Americans are trying to balance emergency savings and credit card debt — but most aren’t making meaningful progress.
A new Bankrate survey shows Americans are trying to balance emergency savings and credit card debt — but most aren’t making meaningful progress.
DePaul, Loyola Chicago accused of steering low-income families to take out large loans
DePaul University and Loyola University Chicago steered low-income families to expensive loans, according to a new report.
DePaul University and Loyola University Chicago steered low-income families to expensive loans, according to a new report.
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.
Inflation measure dips to nearly five-year low as gas prices drop, housing costs ease
The latest Consumer Price Index released Friday shows that inflation is cooling slightly as apartment prices slowed and gas prices dipped, offering a bit of relief to consumers dealing with rising costs in the past couple of years.
The latest Consumer Price Index released Friday shows that inflation is cooling slightly as apartment prices slowed and gas prices dipped, offering a bit of relief to consumers dealing with rising costs in the past couple of years.
Francesca's files for bankruptcy, launches closing sales at all locations
Women's retailer Francesca's launched going-out-of-business sales with discounts up to 40% off all merchandise categories after filing for bankruptcy.
Women's retailer Francesca's launched going-out-of-business sales with discounts up to 40% off all merchandise categories after filing for bankruptcy.
Grocery costs in 2026: Which states are spending the most on food?
As the cost of groceries continues to rise, Americans are spending more of their income to feed their families. See which states spend the most on food.
As the cost of groceries continues to rise, Americans are spending more of their income to feed their families. See which states spend the most on food.
Heineken to cut up to 6,000 jobs globally, lowers profit growth forecast amid industry struggles
Heineken's planned job reductions amount to nearly 7% of the company’s workforce.
Heineken's planned job reductions amount to nearly 7% of the company’s workforce.
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.
SNAP junk-food purchase restrictions taking effect in three more states - see where
More states are implementing restrictions on food purchases by SNAP recipients and banning them from using their taxpayer-funded food assistance benefit to purchase junk food.
More states are implementing restrictions on food purchases by SNAP recipients and banning them from using their taxpayer-funded food assistance benefit to purchase junk food.
U.S. adds 130,000 jobs in January as hiring rebounds from 2025 slowdown | ChicagoLIVE
The Labor Department reported a stronger-than-expected start to 2026 with U.S. employers adding 130,000 jobs in January.
The Labor Department reported a stronger-than-expected start to 2026 with U.S. employers adding 130,000 jobs in January.
The surprising reason why Americans could face high beef prices for years
Economists warn Americans shouldn’t expect relief on beef prices anytime soon. Here's why.
Economists warn Americans shouldn’t expect relief on beef prices anytime soon. Here's why.
Where are property taxes highest and lowest? Analysis of cities and states
The Midwest and Northeast states carry the highest tax rates, led by Illinois and New Jersey. Here’s a look at the rest.
The Midwest and Northeast states carry the highest tax rates, led by Illinois and New Jersey. Here’s a look at the rest.
January jobs report shows US added 130K jobs exceeding economists expectations
The Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) jobs report released Wednesday shows U.S. employers added 130,000 jobs in January, above the expectations of economists.
The Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) jobs report released Wednesday shows U.S. employers added 130,000 jobs in January, above the expectations of economists.
Nearly 30% of Americans would marry for money in current economy, survey reveals
Love or money? A new survey finds many Americans weigh financial stability heavily in romance – and some even stay in relationships for the paycheck.
Love or money? A new survey finds many Americans weigh financial stability heavily in romance – and some even stay in relationships for the paycheck.
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.
Debt collection calls spiked in 2025: Here's where
Complaints about debt collection calls rose sharply across the country in 2025, according to new data from the Federal Trade Commission.
Complaints about debt collection calls rose sharply across the country in 2025, according to new data from the Federal Trade Commission.