Stimulus payment February 2026, IRS direct deposit relief, tariff dividend & tax refund fact check

Claims about new stimulus checks, IRS direct deposits, relief payments and tariff dividends spread throughout 2025 — and they’re still circulating in 2026. But is there any truth to them?

Every state's median household income has increased since 1970 – except one

Is your state better off than it was 50 years ago? U.S. incomes are up since 1970, but not everywhere. A new report shows which states gained the most.

Stimulus payment November 2025, IRS direct deposit relief payment & tariff dividend fact check

Don’t spend that money just yet! Rumors are circulating online that the federal government will issue new stimulus checks before the end of the year. But Congress has not passed any legislation authorizing payments, and the IRS has not confirmed that any new stimulus checks are scheduled in the coming weeks.

IRS direct deposit relief payment in November? Here’s what we know

Rumors continue swirling online about IRS relief payments landing in bank accounts by November or year’s end — but are they true?

Trump administration may sell student loan debt. What it means for borrowers

Top Trump administration officials are exploring the possibility of selling some of the student debt portfolio, which covers millions of borrowers, to the private market.

Student loan payments are the highest in these states in 2025, data shows

Ongoing research shows that having a college degree leads to higher earnings over your lifetime and is still worth the investment to ensure a life of financial stability and well-being. But for many students, earning a degree also means incurring student loan debt.

Social Security retirement age could jump as White House considers options

The Social Security Administration commissioner said “everything is being considered" when asked during an interview about raising the retirement age.

Here's how many Americans have a side hustle -- and what they're doing

Taking on a second job for extra cash is a way of life for many, and these industries are the ones people are choosing based on a new study.

How much money you need to retire in your state – without Social Security

With Social Security's future uncertain, the amount of money to retire comfortably varies substantially by state. Here’s where your area ranks.

Inflation fell in March despite Trump tariffs: Here's why

Inflation fell to its lowest numbers since September last month, despite President Trump’s back-and-forth on tariffs and uncertainty surrounding the economy.

IRS stimulus check update: Deadline, eligibility, and how to claim your refund

Time is running out for individuals who missed claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. This refundable credit is available to those who did not receive one or more Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), commonly referred to as stimulus checks.