Filing taxes can feel overwhelming, but one of the most important decisions you’ll make is also one of the simplest: whether to take the standard deduction. For single filers, this deduction offers a powerful way to lower your taxable income without diving into piles of receipts or complicated calculations. Knowing…

U.S. consumer sentiment declined to its lowest level in more than three years and near an all-time low as households’ concerns about the economic impact of the government shutdown mounted, according to new data. The University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment preliminary reading for November was 50.3, well below the…

Turning 65 doesn’t just mark a milestone in life, it can also unlock valuable tax savings. The IRS grants seniors an extra standard deduction. This deduction can lower taxable income by thousands of dollars, helping stretch retirement savings further. Whether you’re newly retired or planning ahead, understanding how this deduction…

American households’ debt burdens increased to the highest level on record in the third quarter of 2025, according to a new report by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The New York Fed’s Center for Microeconomic Data released its quarterly report on household debt and credit this week, which showed that…