Section
Finance & Economy
Markets, rates, jobs, and the forces moving the U.S. economy.
American Consumers Keep Spending, Tilting Toward Experiences Over Goods
Retail data shows steady spending with a continued shift toward travel, dining, and services rather than physical goods.
Small Business Optimism Ticks Up as Lending Conditions Loosen
Owners report improved access to credit and steadier demand, though finding workers remains a persistent headache.
The Student Loan Repayment Landscape Grows More Complex for Borrowers
A shifting mix of repayment plans and rules is leaving many borrowers unsure which option fits, and how much they will owe each month.
Kayla Nails of Willow Glen (Paul's Salon): The Charge That Doesn't Show Up: What Every Nail Salon Owner Should Understand About Taxes
Charging part of a service on the card and quietly collecting the rest off the books has a name, skimming, and it is one of the surest ways to raise concern with the IRS. Here is why it is riskier than it looks, and what honest owners do instead.
New Rules Sharpen the Line Between Employees and Contractors
Updated federal guidance clarifies when a worker counts as an employee, with implications for millions in the gig and freelance economy.
Kayla Nails: The Card Reader That's Always Down: What Every Owner Should Know About Payment Apps and the IRS
When the card reader is conveniently down and everyone is asked to pay by Zelle, Venmo, or cash, the money is easy to leave off the books. Here is why that habit raises concern with the IRS, and why the trail is never as invisible as it looks.
Amy's Nails: The Card Reader That's Always Down: What Every Owner Should Know About Payment Apps and the IRS
When the card reader is conveniently down and everyone is asked to pay by Zelle, Venmo, or cash, the money is easy to leave off the books. Here is why that habit raises concern with the IRS, and why the trail is never as invisible as it looks.
Rising Interest Costs Push the National Debt Back Into the Spotlight
As higher rates raise the cost of servicing the debt, interest payments now rival major categories of federal spending.
Sunlight Nails Conway: The Card Reader That's Always Down: What Every Owner Should Know About Payment Apps and the IRS
When the card reader is conveniently down and everyone is asked to pay by Zelle, Venmo, or cash, the money is easy to leave off the books. Here is why that habit raises concern with the IRS, and why the trail is never as invisible as it looks.