In an unusual mid-year action, the Internal Revenue Service has announced an increase in the optional standard mileage rates for computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, medical, and moving expense purposes for the second half of 2026. This change was announced in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2026-29. The mid-year change was attributed […]
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Employer Beliefs vs Worker Reality in Today’s Workplace
Employer beliefs vs worker reality can differ significantly when it comes to the financial and workplace challenges employees face today. A recent survey by Transamerica Institute found that many workers are struggling with inflation, caregiving responsibilities, financial stress, and changing job requirements, while employers may underestimate the extent of these pressures and their impact on […]
Read MoreTariff Update 2026: Supreme Court Blocks Key Tariffs
Starting in early 2025, President Trump issued executive orders to impose tariffs on goods from nearly all trading partners under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), as well as targeting industries seen as critical to national security with Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, which the administration […]
Read MoreTravel Tips 2026: What U.S. Travelers Need to Know
Travel tips 2026 are more important than ever as geopolitical tensions, airport disruptions, rising airfare costs, and long TSA lines make travel more complex. Staying informed, planning ahead, and remaining flexible can help ensure a smoother trip. Geopolitical tensions One of the biggest factors shaping travel is global instability. Political unrest, military conflict, and security […]
Read MoreMining Maelstrom: Why Rare Earths Are Making Headlines
Over the past several years, news reports have grown more intense about the precarious global supply of rare earth minerals. Yet outside scientific and national security arenas, many people may not fully understand the importance of rare earths. What are these mysterious materials and why are they receiving so much attention? Essential elements of everyday […]
Read MoreREAL ID Deadline Fast Approaching
After years of numerous delays, the REAL ID enforcement deadline is scheduled for May 7, 2025.1 What is a REAL ID? A REAL ID is a type of enhanced identification card that is signified by a star marking in the upper top portion of the card. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, […]
Read MoreIRS Releases Standard Mileage Rates for 2025
The IRS has increased the optional standard mileage rates for computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business purposes for 2025. However, the standard mileage rates for medical and moving expense purposes remain the same for 2025. The standard mileage rate for computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for charitable purposes […]
Read MoreInfographic: Global Spending Power by Generation
While older generations control the largest share of global spending today, Gen Z is on track to become the fastest-growing force in global expenditures over the next decade. This graphic shows the share of global population and spending each generation represents in 2024. Why Gen Z could soon drive spending growth In 2024, Gen X, […]
Read MoreChaos in the Sky: New Consumer Protections for Weary Airline Passengers
Banks, hospitals, retailers, and airlines are still dealing with the fallout from the massive CrowdStrike IT outage in July. The tech meltdown impacted businesses across the globe, and airlines were hit particularly hard. This was not good news for the airline industry, which just last year had the highest number of flight delays ever recorded.1 […]
Read MoreReal Estate Commission Changes Around the Corner
In March 2024, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reached a landmark $418 million settlement after losing an antitrust lawsuit filed by a group of home sellers. As many as 50 million people who paid commissions on homes sold in recent years could receive a small amount from the class-action settlement. The powerful industry group […]
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