California Launches FFESP: $800 Monthly Relief for Struggling Parents

FFESP

As the cost of living continues to rise, one California program is stepping up to support struggling families—right in time for summer. The Sacramento Family First Empowerment Support Program (FFESP) is providing nearly $800 per month to eligible families, aiming to ease the burden of inflation and help parents with young children find financial footing. … Read more

BABY Benefit: The New $2,000 Boost for NY Parents in 2025

BABY Benefit

Welcoming a new baby brings immense joy—and major financial responsibility. One U.S. state is taking action to ease that burden with a new cash support program designed to give first-time parents a head start. The BABY Benefit (Birth Allowance for Beginning Year) is New York’s latest initiative to position itself as a family-friendly state by … Read more

Supreme Court Gives DOGE Access to Social Security Data: What It Means for You

DOGE

In a move that’s sparking national debate, the U.S. Supreme Court has granted the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) unprecedented access to Americans’ Social Security data. While framed as a step toward modernizing federal oversight and reducing fraud, the decision has triggered alarm bells for privacy experts, civil liberties advocates, and millions of citizens alike. … Read more

The $54 Billion Question: Tax-Free Social Security and Its Consequences

Social Security

As America’s retirement crisis deepens, Social Security continues to dominate headlines—and political promises. One of the boldest proposals during Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign was the complete elimination of taxes on Social Security benefits. It was pitched as a way to boost seniors’ incomes, but when Congress passed the highly anticipated “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the … Read more

Social Security COLA 2026: What a 2.5% Increase Could Mean for You

Social Security COLA 2026

Social Security beneficiaries could see a modest increase in their monthly payments in 2026. According to a June estimate by The Senior Citizens League and analyst Mary Johnson, the projected cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 is now 2.5%, a slight bump from last month’s 2.4% projection. While this figure is far from final, it offers … Read more

Retiring in 2025? Here’s What to Know About Your Social Security Check at Age 67

Social Security Check

Understanding how much you can expect from Social Security is crucial when planning for retirement. The amount varies based on your earnings history, the age at which you start claiming benefits, and whether you qualify for spousal or survivor benefits. In 2025, the average and maximum Social Security payouts offer key insights for anyone nearing … Read more

IRS Set to Deliver Nearly $3,000 Refunds This Week — Are You Included?

IRS

As the IRS continues issuing tax refunds throughout June 2025, many Americans are on the lookout for their expected payments. The next wave of refunds is scheduled for the week of June 16 to June 22, and for many eligible taxpayers, it brings a substantial payout. According to recent IRS data, the average tax refund … Read more

3 Groups to Receive $1,700 Checks in Alaska — Full Payment Dates & Eligibility

Checks

A fresh wave of financial relief is making its way to Alaska residents through the 2024 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), with $1,702 checks being deposited into bank accounts across the state. This year’s payout is one of the highest in recent years, offering much-needed support to about 600,000 residents. Divided into three scheduled payment groups, … Read more

Why Social Security Claims Are Surging in 2025—and What It Means for You

Social Security

Rising Social Security claims in 2025 are raising eyebrows—and for good reason. The number of retirees opting to take benefits early has surged well beyond historical trends. While some of this increase is due to the aging population, much of it reflects growing concerns about the economy, inflation, and political uncertainty. But does that mean … Read more