Personal finance news
Household budgeting, consumer finance, and money headlines that affect everyday finances.

July PCE Stays at 3.7%, Above Forecasts
Inflation held firm in July, squeezing household budgets with $4 gas.

Forbes 2026 Fintech 50: 20 New Startups
20 debut companies join Forbes Fintech 50, innovating banking, credit, and

Student Loan Plan Shifts Hurt Borrowers
Millions may lose income-driven plans, raising monthly payments significantly.

Top Savings Rates Reach 4.50% in August
High-yield savings accounts now offer up to 4.50% APY in August 2026.

Calls Mount for Student Loan Payment Pause
Advocacy groups demand a pause as loan errors hit borrowers nationwide.

1 in 4 Filers Used AI for Taxes, No Disclosure Required
More Americans are using AI to file 2025 taxes, but the IRS still has no rules for it.

AI Tools for Confusing Medical Bills
AI chatbots can now help households understand and dispute medical bills.

Credit Cards Beat BNPL at Its Own Game
Card installments now outpace standalone BNPL among US consumers 2-to-1.

Loan Payment Errors Force Reapplications
Education Dept. admits miscalculations, forcing some borrowers to start over.

Overdraft Repeal Costs Consumers $7.5B
The rollback of federal overdraft protections has cost U.S. households billions since 2025.

Student Loan Defaults Reach Record High
9.5 million federal borrowers are now in default, up from 5.3 million since mid-2025.

Grocery Slowdown: Shoppers Buying Less
Americans are putting fewer items in their carts, squeezing companies and households.

AI Money Tools Like ChatGPT Give Inconsistent Advice
New research finds AI financial advice tools produce inconsistent, potentially biased results.

Loan Overhaul Forces Borrowers Into Extra Jobs
Trump's repayment overhaul sends monthly bills soaring, forcing borrowers to delay retirement

Credit Card Debt Hits New Highs in 2026
Average American credit card balances are rising in 2026, squeezing household budgets.