Economy and Your Money

The U.S. government shapes how money flows through the economy through policies on taxes, spending, interest rates, and trade. Understanding these policies helps you navigate personal financial decisions—from retirement savings to housing to credit access. This category covers how government decisions affect everything you earn, spend, invest, and borrow.

Trade Policy and Its Impact

Trade policy directly affects prices and jobs. Learn who actually wins and loses in trade conflicts and how tariffs affect prices. Recent developments include changes to presidential tariff authority and how trade agreements work between nations. If your business paid tariffs, understand what potential refunds might mean.

Retirement and Investment Strategies

Tax policy shapes how much you keep from your investments and retirement savings. Compare Trump Accounts, 529 Plans, and Roth IRAs to understand which tax benefits work best for your situation. Don’t overlook basics like how Social Security adjustments affect your 2026 benefits.

Housing, Banking, and Personal Finance

Government policies affect housing affordability and financial security. Review deposit protection limits at credit unions and understand proposed changes like housing rules affecting certain families. If interest rates concern you, learn about proposed federal interest rate caps.

Work, Wages, and Economic Sentiment

Labor policies and economic conditions shape job security and earnings. Explore how unions have evolved and why federal workers face unique risks during disruptions. Understanding why people feel worse about the economy than data suggests can help you make informed financial decisions regardless of headlines.

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The Tariff Ruling Eliminated Nine Percentage Points of U.S. Trade Barriers Overnight

In Learning Resources, Inc. V. Trump, six justices formed a majority opinion, and with it, nearly half of America's tariff…

If the Tariff Case Goes One Way, Billions in Collected Revenue Must Be Refunded

The Supreme Court will announce a decision within days that could force the federal government to refund approximately $130 billion…

If TSA Agents Walk Out, Can They Be Fired? What Federal Workers Risk in Shutdowns

On February 14, 2026, roughly 47,000 to 50,000 Transportation Security Administration agents reported to work at America's airports knowing their…

Your Company Paid Tariffs. Here’s How to Prepare for Possible Refunds.

The Supreme Court has spent approximately 100 days deliberating over whether President Trump's tariffs violated federal law—a timeline measured from…

Billions Collected in Tariffs Could Be Refunded If the Supreme Court Rules Against Trump

If the Supreme Court rules these levies were illegal—a ruling that could arrive any day now—every dollar may need to…

Estate Tax Rules for High Earners in Entertainment: A Primer

Catherine O'Hara died on January 30, 2026, at age 71. Her estate illustrates why entertainment professionals face tax planning challenges…

Medical Loss Ratio Rules Limit Insurer Profits. Here’s How They Work.

The nation's largest health insurer spent more than 92 cents of every premium dollar on medical claims in the fourth…

China’s $1.19 Trillion Surplus Suggests U.S. Tariffs Aren’t Working as Intended

China announced this week that its trade surplus hit $1.19 trillion in 2025—a 20 percent jump from the year before,…