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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Illinois lawmakers want to end seizure of homes over delinquent property taxes
Illinois lawmakers also want to provide a $500 non-refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers.
Illinois lawmakers also want to provide a $500 non-refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Here's what most Americans say the country's top problem is – and it's a familiar one
A new poll is revealing Americans’ top concern in February. Here’s what the survey found.
A new poll is revealing Americans’ top concern in February. Here’s what the survey found.
Chicago students dive into blockchain technology at hands-on camp
At an innovative tech camp, Chicago students are learning how blockchain works and how it supports cryptocurrency.
At an innovative tech camp, Chicago students are learning how blockchain works and how it supports cryptocurrency.
Chicago's credit rating downgraded | The Chicago Report
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.
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
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.
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.
Social Security March payment schedule: Here’s when recipients get their checks
Social Security March payment dates are set for millions of Americans. Here’s when recipients can expect to receive their checks.
Social Security March payment dates are set for millions of Americans. Here’s when recipients can expect to receive their checks.
Here's where to find free tax help in Chicago
Need to do your taxes? Ladder Up is providing free tax services across Chicago and the suburbs.
Need to do your taxes? Ladder Up is providing free tax services across Chicago and the suburbs.
Trump announces 401k match of up to $1,000 for those without employer contribution
During Tuesday's State of the Union address, Trump announced a plan to give workers without employer retirement plans a 401k match up to $1,000. Here’s what to know.
During Tuesday's State of the Union address, Trump announced a plan to give workers without employer retirement plans a 401k match up to $1,000. Here’s what to know.
Is employee leverage quietly shrinking in the 2026 job market? | ChicagoLIVE
Workplace expert Lauren Winans says a subtle recalibration is underway as job seeks begin to outnumber open roles in many industries.
Workplace expert Lauren Winans says a subtle recalibration is underway as job seeks begin to outnumber open roles in many industries.
Mortgage rates fall to lowest level since 2022
Mortgage rates fell this week to their lowest level since September 2022, with the average 30-year fixed rate dropping to 6.01% from 6.09% last week, according to Freddie Mac.
Mortgage rates fell this week to their lowest level since September 2022, with the average 30-year fixed rate dropping to 6.01% from 6.09% last week, according to Freddie Mac.