New rule nearly doubles eligibility for Illinois ABLE savings accounts

The change nearly doubles the number of Illinois residents who can use the program, which lets people with disabilities save and invest money tax-free for qualified expenses.

A cure for cancer would deliver $185T economic windfall, report says

A new report from free-market policy group Unleash Prosperity argues that curing cancer would deliver a staggering $185 trillion boost to the U.S. economy over 35 years.

Oil prices spike as Iran war intensifies: What to know

The price of oil has jumped as the Iran war is now in its second week and it's impacting consumers at the pump in the U.S.

Simple financial moves to make now if you want to qualify for a mortgage later
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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.

More Americans tapping 401(k) savings early as financial pressures rise
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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
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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.

Six Flags to sell 7 of its amusement parks in $331M deal: See the list

Six Flags, the largest regional theme park company in the world, has faced financial struggles and leadership changes after an $8 billion merger with Cedar Fair in 2024

Market volatility rises as Iran conflict rattles investors
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Stephen Kates, a financial analyst at Bankrate, explains how the war in Iran is driving market swings, higher oil prices and uncertainty for investors and consumers.

SNAP junk food purchase ban: Four more states to implement restrictions — See other states with bans

Kansas, Ohio, Nevada, and Wyoming are the latest states that will implement restrictions on food purchases by SNAP recipients and banning them from using their taxpayer-funded food assistance benefit to purchase junk food.

Haven't filed your taxes yet? Here's how to get a bigger refund under new law

Many Americans could see changes to their tax refunds this year due to updates in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB)—here’s what to know.

Shoppers line up in Lincoln Park for Canada Goose spring sample sale
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A Canada Goose sample sale at North and Halsted is drawing a huge crowd, with shoppers bundling up and waiting in a line that at one point stretched two blocks. The popular winter coats are deeply discounted, and the turnout shows just how eager people are to grab a deal.

No tax on tips and overtime - IRS publishes instructions for claiming deductions

The IRS has published filing instructions for the new Schedule 1-A and Form 1040 instructions for taxpayers to claim no tax on tips, overtime, and other deductions.

These states rank among the places with the highest tax rates, data suggests

Tax rates vary significantly by location, and residents in certain states are finding themselves facing a much higher tax burden than those in neighboring states.

Chicago's credit rating downgraded | The Chicago Report
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Prominent credit ratings agencies just dinged Chicago's credit rating down to triple B+, which means taxpayers will foot the bill for higher borrowing costs. 

higher borrowing costs after credit downgrades | ChicagoLIVE
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Budget disputes between Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City Council contributed to credit downgrades from Fitch and Kroll, signaling rising interest rates on municipal borrowing.