July 15, 2024 - Telecommunications giant AT&T has revealed that cybercriminals have stolen phone records belonging to nearly all of its 110 million customers. The compromised data includes millions of phone numbers, call and text logs, and location information, raising concerns over consumer privacy. But outside of phone numbers, it apparently dosent include much in the way of what is normally considered personally identifiable information.

July 8, 2024 - In recent years, the dream of homeownership has become increasingly elusive for many Americans. A new study by Zillow highlights a dramatic shift in the housing market, showing a 42% surge in home prices and a 96% increase in mortgage payments since 2020. This spike has created substantial barriers for those looking to buy a home.

June 30, 2024 - The IRS is grappling with a growing crisis as the backlog of identity theft cases has surged to more than 500,000. This has left many taxpayers without refunds and waiting years for case resolutions. This alarming situation, highlighted in a recent report by National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins, reveals an average resolution time of over 22 months, severely undermining the IRS’s ability to provide timely assistance to identity theft victims.

June 23, 2024 - The Biden administration's reported job growth figures for 2023 were significantly overestimated, leading to a substantial gap between perceived economic health and the reality faced by many Americans, based on government revisions.

June 18, 2024 - President Biden has announced plans to allow the tax cuts enacted during the Trump administration to expire. This proposal, if implemented, would have significant financial implications for American families, particularly those with children. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 introduced several tax benefits but it also set an expiration date for the cuts that arrives in 2025. In a recent speech, the president stated that if he is reelected in November, he will let these provisions lapse. Since roughly 90% of Americans saw their taxes reduced when the TCJA was enacted, Biden’s proposed change means that roughly 90% of us will see our taxes increased if he actually follows through with his statement. That’s something which will be particularly difficult for families with young children.

June 15, 2024 - You are probably not aware of it but there is a hidden feature within Google accounts that allows the tech giant to quietly record users' voices. Google saves audio recordings from web and app activities, as well as verbal interactions with Search, Assistant, and Maps. The company states that these recordings help "develop and improve its audio recognition technologies." However, this practice should raise privacy concerns with just about everyone.

June 14, 2024 - The Biden administration has implemented several policies to make home financing more accessible for borrowers with lower credit scores. While these measures aim to address housing affordability, they actually pose significant risks for both borrowers and the broader economy.

June 12, 2024 - In recent years, a noticeable shift has emerged in the career paths chosen by young Americans. Disillusioned by the traditional college route, many are turning to the trades, drawn by the promise of stable, well-paying jobs without the crippling debt that often accompanies a four-year degree.