WASHINGTON, D.C. — When voters across the United States head to the polls this November, they will do much more than select candidates for local, state, and federal office. In an increasing display of direct democracy, citizens in 17 states will encounter roughly 40 distinct ballot measures dealing directly with tax policy. From proposed wealth…
Death is an inevitable reality, yet the financial shock of funeral costs often catches families unprepared. With the average cost of a traditional funeral now exceeding $9,000, the burden of these expenses—coupled with outstanding medical bills and lingering personal debts—can place a significant strain on survivors. Burial insurance, frequently referred to as "final expense" or…
International travel offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in new cultures, explore breathtaking landscapes, and create lifelong memories. However, beneath the allure of foreign adventures lies a stark reality that many globetrotters overlook until it is too late: domestic health insurance policies rarely cross borders. From minor ailments like food poisoning to catastrophic events…
WASHINGTON — As the expiration date for key provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) approaches at the end of 2028, Washington lawmakers face a critical fiscal crossroads. A comprehensive new economic and distributional analysis from the Tax Foundation, published in Options for Reforming America’s Tax Code 3.0: A Policymaker’s Guide to Tax…
WASHINGTON — Prospective homebuyers caught a brief moment of relief as average mortgage rates edged slightly downward, interrupting a persistent upward trajectory that has dominated the housing market for months. According to market data provided to financial analysts by Zillow, the average interest rate on a benchmark 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage ticked down to 7.32% annual…
For millions of Americans, a single misstep—a forgotten utility bill, a medical emergency, or an unexpected period of unemployment—can result in a negative mark on their credit report. These marks, whether they appear as late payments, charge-offs, or collection accounts, are not merely temporary inconveniences. They are persistent shadows that can linger for up to…
The summer of 2026 finds the real estate market in a state of complex equilibrium. For investors, the current environment is defined by a paradoxical blend of excitement and trepidation. As interest rates remain sticky and property valuations struggle to find a clear direction, the fundamental question for both individual and institutional players is simple…
Owning a vehicle is a significant financial commitment, and with that investment comes the legal and practical necessity of auto insurance. Across all 50 states, drivers are mandated to carry a minimum level of liability coverage to protect against the financial fallout of accidents. However, for those financing or leasing their vehicles, insurance transcends mere…
By PYMNTS | June 18, 2026 In an effort to stem the rising tide of financial crime, Representative Young Kim has officially introduced the "Strengthening Transaction Oversight and Preventing Payments Fraud Act of 2026" (STOP Payments Fraud Act of 2026). The proposed legislation aims to overhaul current regulatory frameworks that critics argue inadvertently tie the…
In a move designed to deepen its foothold in the small-to-medium business (SMB) credit market, payments giant Stripe has announced the acquisition of Parafin, a San Francisco-based fintech startup specializing in embedded financing. The deal marks another milestone in Stripe’s aggressive expansion strategy, signaling a transition from a pure-play payments processor to a comprehensive financial…
