by Amanda O'Brien | Accounting News, Credit Card Debt, Debt, Financial goals, News, Newsletter, Retirement Savings
Recent surveys reveal that Americans spend hours each week thinking about their finances. Rising prices, mounting debt, and uncertainty about the future all contribute to financial stress. Add in steep housing costs, concerns over tariffs raising the price of goods, and lingering worries about retirement savings, and it’s no surprise that, according to a Bankrate survey conducted earlier this year, more than 43% of Americans say money negatively affects their mental health. In this article, we discuss what’s driving financial worries and offer strategies to boost financial security.
The Pressure of Rising Costs
Inflation continues to affect nearly every aspect of daily life. Food prices have increased more than 20% over the past three years, straining household budgets. And home prices and mortgage rates remain high. This puts a big question mark on home ownership for the younger generations. In fact, according to NAR (National Association of REALTORS) data, the number of first-time home buyers—typically led by younger Americans—dropped to 1.14 million in 2024. That’s the lowest level on record since the NAR started tracking first-time buyers in 1989. Renters face struggles as well, with average rents increasing more than 25% since 2019.
Tariffs also play a role in pushing prices higher, which trickles down to consumers. For small businesses and households alike, higher costs on goods and materials add to financial pressure.
Debt and Retirement Worries
Credit card debt has been on an upward trend since 2021. The rising costs of necessities like housing, groceries, and gas have pushed many Americans to reach for credit cards just to make ends meet.
At the same time, Americans are concerned about their financial futures in retirement due to a lack of savings, market volatility, and uncertainty surrounding Social Security. A 2024 Bankrate survey discovered that 57% of Americans worry they are falling behind on building an adequate nest egg.
What Helps Ease Financial Stress
Three main factors that contribute to easing concerns about money are: higher income, reduced debt, and broader economic improvements. For example, when inflation cools and wages go up, people are better prepared to plan and save.
Younger Americans, in particular, worry about job security, with layoffs and limited career opportunities top concerns. A strong labor market creates stability and more spending power. When jobs are steady and paychecks grow, people feel more secure about their money. That confidence shows up in how they spend, save, and invest, and it gives the economy an extra boost.
Practical Solutions
While we can’t control factors like inflation, tariffs, or the broader economy, there are steps to take to get back on the right path. Here are some ways to improve financial stress:
- Build a budget. Tracking income and expenses provides a clear picture of where money is going and helps pinpoint areas to cut back.
- Start an emergency fund. Even starting with a small cushion of $500–$1,000 can ease stress and help prevent the need to rely on high-interest credit cards when financial emergencies happen.
- Focus on paying down high-interest debt. Prioritize credit cards and personal loans first. Knocking out those high-interest balances frees up money in your budget and helps create financial security.
- Increase retirement contributions gradually. Setting up automatic transfers into a 401(k) or IRA, even starting with 1–2% of income, helps build long-term savings.
- Seek advice and guidance. It’s no secret that many Americans are facing financial insecurity right now, but the good news is that there are plenty of trusted voices and perspectives to lean on. Seek out free tools and workshops that can help with decisions and planning, which you can find through many employers, banks, and community organizations. And don’t discount reading articles and newsletters, listening to podcasts, and following social media accounts of reliable sources. These can all improve financial literacy and help you make informed moves with your money.
Inflation, housing affordability, and rising debt continue to weigh on Americans’ minds, but the information and strategies above can help ease worries and create a path to financial stability.
by Amanda O'Brien | Accounting News, News, Newsletter, Retirement, Social Security
President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” has been making headlines, particularly for what it could mean for older Americans collecting Social Security. While many headlines have suggested that the bill would eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits, that’s not entirely accurate. Instead, the legislation includes a targeted tax deduction for seniors that could lower or eliminate federal taxes on their benefits, depending on their income. Here’s what to know about this $6,000 “senior bonus.”
What Is the $6,000 Senior Bonus?
This so-called senior bonus is technically a $6,000 additional standard deduction available to taxpayers who are 65 years and older. Rather than eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits across the board, the bill increases the standard deduction for older Americans, which could result in significantly lower taxable income, especially for middle-income seniors.
For a married couple where both spouses are 65 or older, the deduction could be doubled, potentially reducing taxable income by up to $12,000.
How the Deduction Affects Social Security Taxes
A portion of Social Security benefits becomes taxable if an individual’s combined income exceeds $25,000, or $32,000 for couples. This could potentially result in federal taxation of up to 85% of their benefits. The $6,000 senior deduction doesn’t directly eliminate those taxes, but it reduces the taxable income portion of a retiree’s income. This could potentially push them below the thresholds that trigger Social Security taxation.
By lowering taxable income, the deduction could:
- Reduce or eliminate federal tax on Social Security benefits for some filers.
- Keep more of retirees’ benefits in their bank accounts, particularly if they fall into the middle-income tax bracket—a group that tax experts predict will benefit most from this bill.
Who Qualifies for the Deduction?
Taxpayers must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the $6,000 deduction:
- Be age 65 or older by the end of the tax year
- File as single, head of household, or married filing jointly
- Have taxable income that would otherwise make their Social Security benefits partially or fully taxable.
The deduction applies only to federal income taxes. It doesn’t change how Social Security benefits are taxed at the state level—some states still tax benefits independently, though Indiana does not.
How Long Will the Deduction Be Available?
As of right now, the deduction is scheduled to be effective for tax year 2025 through 2028. Keep in mind that future legislative changes could alter this timeframe.
Who Stands to Benefit Most?
The deduction is expected to provide the greatest relief to middle-income seniors—those earning just above the current taxation thresholds. Taxpayers with up to $75,000 in modified adjusted gross income — or up to $150,000 if married and filing jointly — may receive the full deduction. For wealthier retirees with higher investment income, the deduction gradually phases out.
For example, a retired couple with a combined income of $40,000-$60,000, much of which comes from Social Security, pensions, or part-time work, could see a significant reduction in their tax liability.
While the One Big Beautiful Bill doesn’t eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits, the $6,000 deduction offers a step toward protecting more benefits from federal taxation.
by Amanda O'Brien | Accounting News, News, Newsletter, Retirement, Retirement Savings
A 401(k) is often thought of as a set-it-and-forget-it kind of account—set a contribution amount, bank on a company match, and let the market do its thing. But if you haven’t checked in on your plan lately, you might be missing out on some significant new features.
Thanks in part to the SECURE Act 2.0, a handful of updates are giving retirement savers more flexibility, more control, and more ways to grow their money. Whether you’re just starting out or racing toward retirement, here are some under-the-radar 401(k) features worth knowing about.
Super Catch-Up Contributions
Starting this year, if you’re between the ages of 60 and 63, you can contribute an extra $11,250 to your 401(k) beyond the standard catch-up amount ($7,500 for workers over 50). This is due to a provision in the SECURE Act 2.0, and it gives late-career workers a valuable second wind to boost their savings.
Easier Access to Hardship Withdrawals
Hardship withdrawals have always been part of the 401(k) landscape, but the SECURE Act 2.0 made the process simpler. The updated rules remove some of the documentation hurdles, and many plans now allow participants to self-certify the hardship, thereby bypassing the need for an employer to sign off on the paperwork. While no one wants to dip into their retirement funds early, if life throws you a curveball with a hefty price tag, you’ll have an easier time taking a penalty-free withdrawal.
Access to Financial Advisors
Not every 401(k) offers the same cookie-cutter investment options anymore. Some plans now include a self-directed brokerage account (SDBA), which opens the door to a broader range of investment options that you can manage on your own or with the assistance of a personal financial adviser.
For seasoned investors (or those who simply want more choice and guidance), this is a major step forward. You don’t have to go it alone, and you’re not limited to just a handful of mutual funds. However, be aware that a financial advisor’s guidance will come with a fee.
Automatic Enrollment for New Hires
One issue the SECURE Act 2.0 aims to address is boosting employees’ retirement savings. Starting this year, new 401(k) plans are required to enroll eligible employees automatically. That means if you’re starting a new job with a qualifying employer, you’ll likely be opted into the plan by default. Automatic enrollment typically begins at 3% of your salary and increases by 1% each year, up to a maximum of 10%. It will be up to the employee to opt out if they wish to do so.
This move could make a big difference for younger workers who might otherwise delay saving. Even a modest contribution early on can grow significantly over time, thanks to the power of compound interest.
Smarter Digital Tools
Gone are the days of randomly selecting investment funds. Most 401(k) providers now offer access to online dashboards and planning tools. Although the specific digital tools may vary across providers, they can help you calculate how much to save, project your retirement income, and compare investment choices. These tools are typically free, and they’ve quietly become one of the most useful (yet overlooked) features of a modern retirement plan. Much like a GPS, these digital tools can’t drive the car for you, but they’ll guide you on the most efficient route.
Annuities
In an effort to give savers a way to turn part of their retirement savings into guaranteed lifetime income, the SECURE Act includes a provision that allows 401(k) plans to offer annuities as investment options. Despite the potential benefits, annuities are still relatively uncommon in 401(k) plans. However, interest is on the rise, so watch for them to become a more common part of 401(k) retirement planning.
Take Action
401(k) plans have evolved from an add-on feature of retirement to flexible tools that can adapt to your changing financial goals. If it’s been a while since you reviewed your plan, take a few minutes to log in and see what’s available. That small step could end up making a big difference in your retirement.
by Amanda O'Brien | Accounting News, IRS, News, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax Planning
If you use Venmo, PayPal, or CashApp to accept payments for freelance work, side gigs, or online sales, you’ll want to pay close attention to this year’s tax changes. New tax rules are making it harder to fly under the radar, even if you only earn a few thousand dollars on the side. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and avoid costly surprises next year.
Why the IRS Changed the Rules
In recent years, the rise of freelance and gig work and online selling has presented challenges for the IRS in tracking taxable income. To close this gap and improve transparency, the IRS lowered the reporting threshold for third-party payment platforms.
Previously, platforms like PayPal only had to issue Form 1099-K if you earned over $20,000 and had more than 200 transactions in a calendar year. Originally, the IRS planned a $600 threshold in total payments for goods or services to trigger the reporting requirement, but revisions to the new rules now include a phase-in period as follows:
- 2024: If you received $5,000 or more in business-related payments, payment platforms automatically sent a 1099-K.
- 2025: You will only need to earn $2,500 to receive a 1099-K.
- 2026: The originally planned $600 in total payments—regardless of the number of transactions— will take effect.
This change is part of a broader effort to ensure platforms and users have time to adjust, but by 2026, even small side gigs could trigger a tax form.
What Types of Payments Are Taxable?
The IRS is not interested in your birthday gifts or splitting brunch with friends. However, earned income for goods or services paid through PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp is taxable and must be reported. Examples include:
- Freelance services or contract work
- Tutoring
- Online product sales
- Crafts or handmade items
- Side jobs like dog walking or delivery driving
Not taxable:
- Personal gifts
- Reimbursements (e.g., a friend paying you back for concert tickets)
- Payments for shared expenses
To help avoid confusion, label your transactions clearly within the app whenever possible.
Who Needs to Pay Attention
This change affects more people than you might expect. If you:
- Earn just a few thousand dollars freelancing
- Resell items online as a hobby or side hustle
- Pick up occasional gigs on platforms like TaskRabbit or Fiverr
…you could now receive a 1099-K and be expected to report that income.
Keep Business and Personal Transactions Separate
One of the best ways to stay organized and avoid a potential IRS headache is to use separate payment apps or accounts for personal and business use. For example, use one Venmo account for freelance payments and another for splitting rent or reimbursing friends. Mixing business and personal transactions can lead to confusion and inaccurate tax reporting.
What to Know About Form 1099-K
If you receive a 1099-K, it shows the gross amount you were paid—not your actual income after expenses. That means it doesn’t subtract your platform fees, it doesn’t account for refunds or chargebacks, and it doesn’t reflect your net profit. To report your income accurately, you must keep records of how much you actually earned, what you spent on business-related costs, and any fees charged by the platform. Use spreadsheets or accounting software to track income and expenses throughout the year, and save receipts for anything you plan to deduct.
What to Do If You Receive a 1099-K
If you get a 1099-K in January 2026, here’s what to do:
- Compare the reported amount to your own records. Make sure it only reflects business transactions.
- Report the income on your tax return. Use Schedule C if you’re a sole proprietor or freelancer.
- Deduct legitimate expenses. These may include supplies, platform fees, mileage, or home office costs.
- Work with a tax professional if you’re unsure how to handle it, especially if it’s your first time dealing with this form.
The bottom line is that the IRS is cracking down on unreported income in the gig economy. If you earn money through PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp, take steps now to organize personal and business transactions, keep detailed records, and prepare for tax time.
by Amanda O'Brien | Accounting News, Business Growth, News, Newsletter, Small Business
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has introduced a new program as part of its ‘Made in America’ initiative to boost domestic manufacturing and help small businesses expand. The initiative focuses on two critical areas: cutting regulatory red tape and expanding access to financing for small business owners.
Cutting $100 Billion in Regulatory Burden
The SBA’s initiative includes a $100 billion plan, led by its Office of Advocacy, to cut outdated regulations that limit small manufacturers’ growth and global competitiveness.
To ensure that small business owners have a voice in the process, the SBA has also introduced a Red Tape Hotline—a new channel for entrepreneurs and manufacturers to report excessive or unnecessary regulations directly. Business owners can share real-world examples of regulatory challenges and suggest changes that would streamline compliance without sacrificing safety or quality standards.
This feedback loop is essential for shaping future policies that truly reflect the needs of small businesses. For many manufacturers, fewer regulatory obstacles can lead to faster project timelines, reduced operating costs, and increased opportunities for innovation.
Expanded Loan Access for Manufacturing Growth
In addition to regulatory reform, the SBA is making it easier for small business owners to secure financing. The agency is revising loan eligibility guidelines and increasing flexibility regarding how funds can be utilized—especially for real estate, construction, and equipment investments. These changes aim to reduce the barriers many small manufacturers face when obtaining capital for expansion or facility upgrades.
Loan programs like the SBA 504 and 7(a) loans are expected to play a central role in this expansion. These programs already offer favorable terms for fixed-asset purchases, and the new initiative will streamline the application process while expanding eligibility to a broader range of business types and credit profiles.
Why It Matters for Small Business Owners
This initiative provides small manufacturers a timely opportunity to scale their operations and invest in long-term growth. Rising material costs, global competition, and ongoing supply chain issues have created an increasingly complex environment for small business owners. By reducing regulatory hurdles and increasing access to capital, the SBA empowers manufacturers to invest in automation, expand their facilities, and create more U.S.-based jobs.
The initiative also reflects a broader push toward reshoring American manufacturing—a trend that gained momentum during the pandemic and continues to shape economic policy. With increased tools and support from the federal government, small businesses are better positioned to lead that movement.
How to Take Advantage
If you’re a small business owner in the manufacturing space, now is a good time to evaluate your financing needs and explore long-term investments. You can:
- Contact your local SBA district office or lending partner to learn about new loan opportunities
- Submit feedback through the Red Tape Hotline to help shape smarter regulations
- Explore SBA-backed loan options like the 504 or 7(a) program for equipment or facility upgrades
As the SBA continues to roll out this initiative, staying informed and proactive could mean new growth opportunities and fewer administrative challenges in the future.
