Small Business Spotlight 2022

Can Elon Musk Walk Away From $44 Billion Twitter Deal? Not Really, Here’s Why

Being the world's richest person has its perks, but they don't include abandoning a business deal you've signed on to without facing the consequences. Tesla CEO Elon Musk will find that out if he…

Social Security Payments Need to Be $540 More Today To Equal Value in 2000

This year's Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) isn't nearly enough to help boost seniors' purchasing power. In fact, according to data from The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), high…

Does Rally’s Take SNAP EBT Cards?

Rally's does accept SNAP EBT cards as payment; however, not every EBT cardholder can use their card to pay for meals at restaurants. SNAP Schedule 2022: May PaymentsFind: Surprising Things You Can Buy…

Student Loan Debt Is Now So High Women Are Being Forced To Choose Between Paying Loans and Having a Family

If U.S. lawmakers ever decide to reform the student loan system to reduce the financial burden on borrowers, women stand to gain the most because they are much more likely than men to be negatively…

Retirement: These 13 States Tax Your Social Security Money

Most retirees expect roughly 40% of their retirement income to come from Social Security payments, GoBankingRates reported. Yet, if you live in one of more than a handful of U.S. states (13, to be…

When Social Security Runs Out: What the Program Will Look Like in 2035

The future of Social Security remains uncertain, forcing people to ask questions like, "Will Social Security run out?" According to the 2021 annual report from the Social Security board of trustees,…

Housing Prices Are Expected to Drop in These Cities — Is Yours One of Them?

Housing prices could drop by as much as 10% in many U.S. cities, per Fortune, referencing a new report from Moody's Analytics. However, the dip won't represent a national home price correction,…

Have Any $200 Quarters Lying Around? It’s Worth Checking Your Spare Change

A single quarter could be worth more than $200 — and it has nothing to do with inflation. Learn: 5 Collector's Items Worth Selling for Extra CashExplore: 22 Side Gigs That Can Make You Richer Than a…

Social Security Schedule: When Benefits Will Arrive in May 2022

The next round of Social Security checks is due to go out in early May. Approximately 64 million Social Security beneficiaries are seeing the largest cost-of-living adjustment increase in nearly 40…

7 Places Giving Away Land or Money To Move There

If you've joined the remote-work revolution, you might have the opportunity to move wherever you want for the first time in your career. If you're looking for a change of pace in a brand-new place,…

How Rich Is Marjorie Taylor Greene?

Marjorie Taylor Greene, 47, is an American businessperson and politician who currently serves as a member of the U.S. Congress from Georgia's 14th District and is often referred to by her initials,…

SNAP 2022: Is My State Giving Out Extra EBT Food Stamp Money in May?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, emergency allotments were authorized under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to help address temporary food needs during the pandemic for…

How Rich Is Former President Donald Trump?

Former President Donald Trump lost roughly $600 million of his net worth during his time in office as President of the United States. He lost another $700 million following the Capital Hill riots and…

SNAP Schedule 2022: May Payments

May is almost here, and millions of households are looking forward to their next SNAP payments. See: Surprising Things You Can Buy With Food StampsFind: SNAP 2022 — Is My State Giving Out Extra Money…

7 Best Blockchain Stocks To Buy Right Now

Investing in Bitcoin isn't the only way to get in on the blockchain action. These top blockchain stocks are less expensive but still packed with potential.

Inflation May Have Peaked in April — Producer Price Index Provides Glimmer of Hope for Your Wallet

Americans looking for relief from high inflation could see a tiny glimmer of hope this week if they squinted their eyes really hard, as a pair of reports showed that inflation in April eased slightly…

4 Ways To Ensure Your Job Offer Is Not a Scam

Employment scams use enticing, hard-to-detect approaches to target people who've been out of work. Fraudsters know people are most vulnerable when they're desperate or scared, and they may use crises…

Student Loan Interest Rates Will Go Up More Than 1% in June — Will There Be Any Relief for Borrowers?

With the President Biden-mandated federal student loan moratorium in place until the end of August — and no movement on the broader loan forgiveness front — it has been announced that interest rates…

GO in the Know: Twitter Deal ‘On Hold,’ Meme Stocks Rise & Top Financial News for May 13

Crypto is crashing, the stock market's tanking, and today is Friday the 13th, but some good luck has to be heading our way soon, right? If not, at least the weekend is here. Before you enjoy it, take…

Jerome Powell to Continue Fight Against Inflation as He’s Approved for Second Term

In a show of continued confidence and a united dedication to fight inflation, the U.S. Senate has voted overwhelmingly in favor of approving Jerome Powell to serve a second term as Federal Reserve…

Crypto Crash Continues as TerraUSD Stablecoin Blockchain Fails and Luna Token Drops to Zero

The price of many cryptocurrencies continues to fall — a drop largely driven by widespread anxiety regarding the Federal Reserve's actions to stem inflation and how bond sell-offs (and interest rate…

SNAP Benefits: When Will My Card Be Reloaded?

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits are designed to help low-income families pay for food by providing money once a month. In most states, the benefits are deposited on the same day…

Meme Stocks AMC, GameStop Are on the Rise as Market Volatility Skyrockets – Should You Invest?

Is it the return of a full-fledged meme mania, or just the result of retail investors "buying the dip" on AMC and GameStop stocks? Investors and analysts aren't sure, but trading of the two stocks was…

More Than Half of Americans Believe They Handle Finances Better Than Their Parents

More than half of Americans believe they handle their finances better than their parents, according to a survey about how different generations perceive money. BOK Financial conducted a poll of 2,000…

States Whose Economies Are Failing vs. States Whose Economies Are Thriving

The swiftness with which the coronavirus pandemic wiped out the U.S. economy in early 2020 was breathtaking. Seemingly overnight, the U.S. unemployment rate shot up to an all-time record of 14.7% in…

Elon Musk Tweets Twitter Deal is ‘On Hold’ As He Investigates Spam Accounts

Not so fast on that Elon Musk-Twitter deal, folks. The Tesla CEO on Friday tweeted that his $44 billion bid to acquire Twitter, announced last month, was "temporarily on hold" until he can confirm…

Social Security Has a ‘Treasure Trove’ of Benefits If You Heed These Expert Tips

Oftentimes, taxpayers apply for Social Security, see the benefit they are owed and don't think about it much else. One expert, though, argues that Social Security is an untapped well of potential that…

Social Security Planning: Ways to Avoid Unnecessary Penalties Upon Spouse’s Death

As you plan for retirement, you may want to make sure you can max out your social security benefits. But the death of a spouse can change your retirement plans in many ways — including financially….

Seniors: House Passes a Bill To Help Protect Older Americans From Financial Scams

When it comes to financial scams, seniors are among the most frequent targets — to the tune of $2.9 billion in lost money a year in the United States, according to the U.S. Senate Special Committee…

SNAP FAQ: What Is the Alabama EBT Card and How Can Residents Apply for Benefits?

In Alabama, the Food Assistance Division of the Department of Human Resources administers the SNAP program. SNAP is a federal program that provides food-purchasing assistance to low-income households….

As McDonald’s Prices Go Up, Customers Are Taking Action

When restaurants — or really, any business — sets prices, they take several factors into consideration. First, there's the cost of goods and labor used to create their menu items and serve the food….

How Rich Is Robert Pattinson?

Robert Pattinson has a lot to celebrate as he turns 36 on May 13. As a successful English actor, he made fans swoon as Cedric Diggory in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" and even more so when he…

How Much Is Mark Zuckerberg Worth?

Nearly 20 years have passed since Mark Zuckerberg co-founded Facebook with friends at Harvard. Building on an idea that Zuckerberg, the primary developer, had in 2003, he registered the URL…

Social Security Phone System Delays Could Give You More Time To Enroll in Medicare — Learn How

Seniors who haven't been able to enroll in Medicare in 2022 because of phone system delays at the Social Security Administration can now ask for additional time to sign up, even if their enrollment…

Biden Cancels Alaskan Oil & Gas Lease – What Does This Mean for Prices at the Pump?

The national average gas price for regular unleaded at nearly $4.42 per gallon today — well over $1 more than this time last year, according to gasprices.aaa.com. This week alone, since Monday, May…

Apple’s Holiday Hours

If you're looking to cash in on some holiday deals at Apple, be sure to do it before Christmas Day. Some major retailers keep their doors open during the holidays, but Apple isn't one of them. Apple…

What Is Transitory Inflation? The Economic Impact

As prices continue to increase, the word "inflation" is making news headlines, but what does it mean?

Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift and the Richest Country Star From Each State

Nashville, Tennessee, is known as Music City, and it's the country music capital of the United States. Aspiring stars flock to Nashville, hoping to get their break in a city that the local chamber of…

Elon Musk Investigated Over Late Filing of Twitter Stock Purchase, While FTC Looks at Company Buyout for Antitrust Violation

Elon Musk is under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for his delay in disclosing his stake in Twitter, per The Wall Street Journal. Discover: 10 Dollar Store Items That…

8 Best Cryptocurrencies To Invest In for 2022

Cryptocurrency is digital money that isn't managed by a central system, like a government. Instead, it's based on blockchain technology, with bitcoin being the most popular one.

Coinbase Says Users Could Be Subject to Bankruptcy Filings After Reporting Q1 Loss of $430 Million

Cryptocurrency is currently exhibiting incredibly volatile market behavior, as major cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ethereum have seen value loss over the last six months. To say that…

Instacart Files for IPO – Is Now a Good Time to Invest in a New Public Company?

Online grocery delivery app Instacart has announced it has filed for an initial public offering (IPO) of its company. The filing was confidential, but Instacart's statement confirms an earlier…

How Rich Are Dolly Parton, Beyonce and Other Past Grammy Winners?

Winning a Grammy is a prestigious honor held by some of the most talented people in music. The award itself doesn't come with a paycheck, but it has likely helped open doors for many artists that led…

Crypto Crash: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Polkadot Plunge After TerraUSD Stablecoin Collapse

It has been a brutal couple of days for the global cryptocurrency market, as the price of major players such as Bitcoin and Ethereum crashed following the collapse of the TerraUSD stablecoin….

10 Cheap Cryptocurrencies To Buy

There are plenty of alternatives to Bitcoin and other big-name cryptocurrencies. If you’re ready to invest in some crypto, consider these affordable options.

Musk’s 2018 Tweet About Taking Tesla Private was Deemed Inaccurate in Pre-Trial Decision

Will Elon Musk have to ban Elon Musk from Twitter when he finally takes over the social media platform? Probably not, but the Tesla CEO is in hot water over a tweet he made four years ago. See: Elon…

Social Security Literacy: Are SSI and SSDI the Same Thing?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are both programs under the Social Security Administration (SSA) that pay benefits to those who are disabled or…

Food Stamps: Louisiana Updates and Expands SNAP EBT WIC Farmers Market Program

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) plans to update its Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) by adding new vendors, according to a statement released on May 3 by LDAF….

Dr. Lisa Cook Becomes First Black Woman to Serve on the Federal Reserve Board

In his continuing effort to diversify top federal positions, President Joe Biden's nomination of Dr. Lisa DeNell Cook to serve in the Federal Reserve System was approved and for the first time in its…

McDonald’s Is Hosting a Drive-Up Hiring Day in SoCal — What Are the Perks of Working for the Fast Food Chain?

McDonald's aims to recruit a whole lot of workers through its Golden Arches by hosting another drive-up hiring event, this one in Southern California, where labor shortages are especially challenging….

Does Safeway Accept EBT SNAP Payments?

Safeway is an American supermarket chain (with over 900 locations nationwide) offering grocery items, food and general merchandise as well as a variety of specialty departments. SNAP recipients can…

Crypto Loses Momentum, Yet Younger Generations Continue To Flock — What’s Keeping Them Invested?

Cryptocurrencies at large are taking a beating. Bitcoin, which recently saw 40% of investors underwater, is down 55% from its all-time high of $69,044 in November 2021, according to CoinGecko….

Child Tax Credit: Biden Administration Relaunches Portals to Help Families Claim the Deduction Without Filing Taxes

In a push to ensure more low-income families get a chance to receive enhanced Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments for 2021, the Biden administration, the Treasury Department and the non-profit Code for…

SECURE Act 2.0 Passes House, Signaling Massive Retirement Savings and Investment Policy Shift

On March 29, the House of Representatives voted 414-5 in favor of the Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2022. If passed by the Senate, and then signed into law by President Joe Biden, the act could…

2023 Social Security COLA Estimate Dips Slightly After April CPI Report but Still Sees Highest Adjustment in 41 Years

A slight deceleration in the U.S. inflation rate in April led one senior citizens advocacy group to lower its 2023 cost-of-living adjustment estimate for Social Security recipients, though it's still…

What Is the Next Big Cryptocurrency To Explode in 2022?

With skyrocketing valuations, cryptocurrencies are becoming more popular. Find out which cryptocurrencies could be the next to explode in value in 2022.

Global Chip Shortage Leaves New BMWs Without Access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

You hear it mentioned in car ads all the time: automobile purchases should reflect who you are, right down to the smallest detail. This is especially true when you are choosing a luxury vehicle. Those…

As Interest Rates Climb and Recession Fears Mount, Here’s How Americans Are Cutting Back

Amid continued inflation, as evidenced in the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Americans are cutting back on non-necessities. See: 10…

8 Top Defensive Stocks To Invest In for 2022

Recent volatility has many investors concerned about the current state of their investments. As interest rates start to rise, investors are beginning to shift toward more defensive stocks. Defensive…

Social Security Shortfalls May Have Cost Student Beneficiaries $59.5 Million

An oversight committee has found that the Social Security Administration (SSA) may have underpaid an estimated $59.5 million in benefits due to almost 14,500 students, according to a recent audit of…

GO in the Know: April Inflation Data, Small Business Sentiment & Top Financial News for May 11

Inflation is still near a 40-year high, but it also may be showing signs of slowing. It's a classic case of "glass half full or half empty." Either way, GOBankingRates is staying steady with the…

Stimulus Update 2022: These 8 States Are Sending Checks — Is Yours One of Them?

Although plans of additional stimulus funds to help American households during the pandemic have fallen flat in Congress, eight states are providing additional financial help to those who need it…

Millennials Crushed Negative Financial Stereotypes During the Pandemic, According to New Study

Millennials are beating the stereotypes about living large and being careless spenders. Having been through a recession and a pandemic, a new study finds that millennials are not only proactive about…

Homeownership by Age 30 Is Dwindling by Generation — Factors Causing the Shift and What Needs To Change

Evolving generational differences are having a big impact on homeownership and insurance usage in the U.S., with millennials and the youngest portion of Gen X experiencing significant delays in…

Consumer Price Index April 2022: How Much More Did Gas & Electric Cost You?

The U.S. Bureau of Statistics released the Consumer Price Index for April 2022 on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, revealing that inflation overall continues, with prices across the board rising 8.3% in the…

Consumer Price Index: How Much More Did You Pay To Eat Out Because of Inflation in April 2022?

Personal finance experts often recommend cooking at home as one tactic to save money and stick to a budget. Restaurants charge roughly 300% more for any given meal than it would cost to cook the same…

Consumer Price Index: How Much Did Inflation Increase Your Travel Costs in April 2022?

American travelers didn't get much joy from Wednesday's U.S. inflation report, as the prices of both air fares and gasoline in April rose sharply from the previous year. On a monthly basis, gas prices…

What Homes Will Be Worth in Your State by the End of 2023

Consumers Are More Secure With Personal Debt Levels Than US Economy at Large — What Will Turn the Tide?

With inflation at a 41-year high, and interest rates continuing to rise, plus exploding food and gas prices, it's not surprising that Americans' faith in the economy is waning. However, a new…

Student Loan Debt Becomes Second-Largest Consumer Debt Category Behind Mortgages

In the first quarter of 2022, student loan debt reached an all-time high of $1.59 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and as reported by CNBC. Student loan debt accounts for…

Consumer Price Index: How Much Did Inflation Increase What You Paid for Medical Services in April 2022?

Gas prices are up. Food and housing costs are soaring. U.S. inflation in April was 8.3% before seasonal adjustment, a little below the 40-year high in March of 8.5%, according to the Labor…

Consumer Price Index: How Much Did Inflation Increase the Price of Bacon, Bread and Eggs?

Americans continued to pay more for food in April — particularly for eggs and dairy products — though the rate of inflation eased from previous months, according to the latest U.S. government…

Stablecoin Terra Crash Renews Regulators’ Call for Crypto Legislation

Stablecoin terraUSD (UST) crashed on May 10 and is down 54% at $0.44 on the morning of May 11, prompting regulators to renew calls for cryptocurrency legislation. See: 20 Genius Things Mark Cuban Says…

Consumer Price Index: How Much Did Inflation Increase in April 2022?

If a trip to the grocery store, gas station or your favorite restaurant has you feeling as if prices are still rising, you'd be right. Granted, the first of several planned interest rate hikes by the…

Small Business Optimism Remains Low, Inflation Concerns Highest Since 1980

Small business sentiment did not improve in April, with inflation continuing to be a major problem. Indeed, 32% of small business owners reported it's their single most important problem in operating…

Does Jack in the Box Accept SNAP EBT Cards for Payment?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps low-income families and individuals purchase food they need from participating locations. SNAP benefits typically can't be used to buy hot…

Are Social Security and SSDI the Same Thing?

The Social Security and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs are both managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and provide benefits to those who are unable to work, but each…

Social Security Optimization: Maximize Your Benefits Even If You Start Collecting Early

The rule of thumb for collecting Social Security benefits is the earlier you claim, the less you will receive via your monthly check. Conversely, the longer you wait, the larger your monthly benefit…

SNAP Schedule: Social Security Number Determines When Louisiana Payments Distribute in May

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of low-income households; however, monthly funds account for only a portion of monthly food…

Gas Prices Break All-Time High — Are Biden’s Energy Policies to Blame?

Anyone hoping that gas prices might already have peaked got some bad news on Monday, as average prices hit a new all-time high and left some industry watchers speculating that prices at the pump could…

Philip Morris Looks to Buy European Smokeless-Tobacco Rival — Should You Invest Before It Happens?

As cigarette sales continue to steadily decline post-pandemic — after a brief surge during the pandemic when people were stuck at home — U.S.-based tobacco company Philip Morris International (PMI)…

Want to Make Money in the Metaverse? Here Are Some Classes You Can Take

Job opportunities in the metaverse continue to grow, according to a study from job search engine Adzuna as reported by GOBankingRates. The study showed job listings on the platform as being up 379%…

Baby Formula Shortage Worsens: Recalls and Supply Chain Issues Make It Hard for New Parents To Feed Infants

The baby formula out-of-stock rate nationwide sits at 40%, according to a report from Datasembly. In Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Missouri, Texas, and Tennessee the rates were greater than 50%…

40% of Bitcoin Investors Are Now Underwater – Can the Cryptocurrency Bounce Back?

Bitcoin continued its downward trend, decreasing in value 55% from its all-time high of $69,044, which was reached in November 2021. The crypto was hovering around $31,000 in the morning of May 10 and…

Grindr is Going Public — What’s Behind the $2.1 Billion Valuation?

On May 9, the company behind popular LGBTQ social networking app Grindr announced that it will be going public after merging with special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Tiga Acquisition Corp….

GO in the Know: Gas Prices Peak Again, Musk’s Twitter Plan & Top Financial News for May 10

Today's lowdown on important financial stories is a mixed bag, but it's always a good thing when there's free fast food to be had. That doesn't quite rhyme, but I tried. Read on for that fast food…

McDonald’s Is Offering a Free McChicken or McDouble Sandwich Because Mercury is in Retrograde

Are you one of those folks who occasionally get hit with a craving for a sandwich and a tarot card reading — both at the same time, and especially when Mercury is in retrograde? If so, then hustle…

Elon Musk’s Twitter Buyout Backers: Who Are They & How Much Did They Invest?

Elon Musk revealed in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing on May 4 that he has secured $7.14 billion in funding for his $44 billion Twitter acquisition. The named group of investors…

Student Loan Debt Could Top $3 Trillion – Here’s One Reason Why

Student loan forgiveness has been in the news spotlight for two years. With 44 million Americans that owe $1.7 trillion in student loans, critics are calling for schools to be held accountable and for…

Rise in Summer Vacations Makes Travel Stocks Enticing, but Is the Sector Strong Enough for Investing?

There are indicators everywhere, from packed airports to busy hotels, pointing to tremendous growth in the travel sector as we head into Summer 2022. In addition, the April jobs report showed 78,000…

Why Virtual Job Fairs Are Not a Thing of the Past

Virtual job fairs weren't born of necessity two years ago; they were around long before any notion of a global pandemic. Even as we continue to normalize our work back to pre-COVID times, informing…

How Ford Played a Role in Rivian Stock Drop and Future Implications

Electric vehicle company Rivian saw its stock crash following the announcement that Ford was selling 8 million shares. The stock closed down 21% on May 9 and was down 3% on May 10 in pre-market…

Elon Musk’s Grand Plan for Twitter Revenue and Users Revealed

Much has been speculated about Elon Musk's potential plans for Twitter. Following his $44 billion bid for the social media platform, after securing more than $7 billion in equity from some of his…

Are Social Security and SSI the Same Thing?

Social Security benefits replace a portion of your lifetime earnings when you retire, develop a qualifying disability or go to your spouse, children or survivors after you die. Unlike Social Security…

Food for Thought: Why Investing in These Consumer Staples Is Smart Even as Inflation Persists

While the stock markets were sinking again on Monday, continuing a slide that has sent stocks tumbling to their lowest point in more than a year, shares of companies like Campbell Soup and Kellogg…

Meta Rolls Out NFTs for Instagram — Facebook and Other Apps To Follow

Meta has announced it is rolling out NFTs for Instagram, and will later add them to Facebook. In a Facebook post and video announcement on May 9, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said, "This week, we're starting…

Senator Elizabeth Warren Questions Fidelity’s Offering To Allow Bitcoin for 401(k) Plans

Not everyone's on board with Fidelity's plan to allow bitcoin in 401(k) plans, especially with the asset's recent extreme volatility. Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Tina Smith sent a letter to…

AT&T, Verizon, Comcast & More Will Bring High-Speed Internet to Unconnected US Families

The Biden administration has lined up some heavy telecom hitters to expand high-speed internet access to more Americans, as 20 internet providers — including Comcast, AT&T and Verizon — have…

Major Tax Changes for 2022 You Need To Know

The old saying that nothing is certain except death and taxes is only partly true. Yes, you can certainly expect to pay taxes in 2022, but you may not see the same kind of tax return thanks to a…

GO in the Know: Social Security Meets Politics & Top Financial News for May 9

Another week, another barrage of troubling stock market news, as the S&P 500 just hit a 52-week low. There are more financial stories to follow, though, and GOBankingRates has got you covered….