Personal finance

Chris Wattie | Reuters The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday that it will leave interest rates unchanged. Fresh inflation data issued earlier in the day showed that consumer prices are gradually moderating though remain above the central bank’s target. The Fed’s benchmark fed funds rate has now stood within the range of 5.25% to 5.50% since

John Paraskevas/Newsday RM via Getty Images Inflation fell slightly in May, as positive trends like lower gasoline prices were counteracted by others like stubbornly high costs for housing. Trends under the surface suggest the fight against inflation continues to bear fruit, albeit slowly, economists said. The consumer price index, a key inflation gauge, rose 3.3%

Martonaphoto | Moment | Getty Images A federal benefit program for people with disabilities and older adults made its first benefit payments 50 years ago. In 1974, Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, began sending the first monthly checks starting at around $140 per individual, or $210 per couple. In 2024, the maximum monthly benefit is

Joe Biden and Donald Trump 2024. Brendan Smialowski | Jon Cherry | Getty Images Presumptive nominees President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have both pledged to extend expiring tax breaks for most Americans — but questions remain on how to pay for it. Trillions in tax breaks enacted by Trump via the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Sturti | E+ | Getty Images It’s no secret that buying a home has gotten more expensive in the U.S. But the cost of keeping and maintaining a home has gotten significantly pricier, too, which might come as a surprise to some buyers.  The “hidden costs” of homeownership add up to an average $18,118 annually, or