Personal finance

Tom Brenner | Reuters A second set of stimulus checks could be in the works for millions of Americans, based on Congress’ ongoing negotiations for more coronavirus relief legislation. But a fight is brewing over the amount that will be written on those checks. Currently, those talks point to new direct payments to Americans of

It’s the season of giving — and New England Patriots linebacker Brandon Copeland is doing his part. This holiday season, he got together with 19 other current and former NFL players to surprise 200 underserved families each with $800 Amazon gift cards. The total giveaway: $160,000. The players are “guys who we are literally competing

XiFotos | E+ | Getty Images If you planned to max out your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan before the end of the year, you’ve likely run out the clock. An employee contribution deadline is Dec. 31 or the year’s final paycheck. Employers generally need a few weeks to process requests such as putting

Getty Images It’s looking more likely that direct payments to Americans will be included in the new coronavirus aid Congress aims to pass before lawmakers head home for the holidays. Those stimulus checks could be around $600 to $700 per individual, Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., told reporters on Wednesday. That’s just about half of the

Although a second stimulus plan is still up in the air, the Federal Reserve is determined to push consumer borrowing costs even lower as the economic recovery takes hold — giving everyday Americans a reason to be optimistic. In addition to holding interest rates near zero, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said Wednesday the central bank will continue

Getty Images There’s still a chance — though small — that some Medicare beneficiaries could receive some money to help with prescription drug costs. Nearly three months after President Donald Trump announced his intent to send $200 drug-discount cards to millions of people on Medicare, the stalled plan has cleared one big hurdle: An industry

Hero Images | Hero Images | Getty Images The coronavirus pandemic threw everyone for a loop in 2020. And as the year winds down, it’s time to reflect, reset and prepare for 2021. It may be especially important for families to assess their financial health for the new year. The coronavirus pandemic had a major

Bill Clark | CQ-Roll Call, Inc. | Getty Images The Covid relief bill released Monday by a bipartisan group of senators has many helpful — if temporary — provisions for unemployed workers, according to experts. The relief package — which, if passed, would be the first since the CARES Act in early spring — extends

Ergin Yalcin | E+ | Getty Images For the nation’s oldest individuals who are eager for protection against Covid, the waiting game has commenced. Shipment of 2.9 million doses of the first U.S.-authorized coronavirus vaccine began Sunday, headed for hundreds of sites around the country. With initial supply limited — the total U.S. population is

Erin Scott | Reuters Capitol Hill lawmakers are wrestling with a big question that’s plagued them for months: How to put together another coronavirus relief package that will garner enough support from both parties. On Monday, a new $908 billion bipartisan proposal aims to do just that, except it lacks one key area of aid

Bill Clark | CQ-Roll Call, Inc. | Getty Images Millions poised to lose benefits A lag would be consequential for millions of Americans poised to lose their benefits the last weekend in December, when temporary programs enacted by the CARES Act will expire. Federal eviction protections also end after December. A bipartisan group of moderate

AscentXmedia | iStock | Getty Images When it comes to managing money, most everybody has doubts as to whether they’re doing it right. So you may breathe a sigh of relief to know that no one is crazy, according to Morgan Housel, author of the book “The Psychology of Money.” That goes for both the

It appears that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are in favor of extending the student loan forbearance. Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images Student loan borrowers may not have to worry about their monthly bills until at least May of next year. In a summary of bipartisan legislation circulated on Wednesday that could become

In this unusual holiday season, many consumers have said they plan to spend less than they did last year due to the Covid-19 crisis. Not all plan to be frugal. Here are answers to some financial questions I received from CNBC viewers about holiday budgeting and keeping your finances straight going into the New Year. 

Roger Ferguson sees a bright light ahead for investors, but only at the end of a dark tunnel. Ferguson, 69, is president and chief executive officer of TIAA. He is the former vice chairman of the Board of Governors of the U.S. Federal Reserve System. He also represented the Federal Reserve on several international policy

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders speaks at a protest calling for the Republican Senate to delay the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Nominee Amy Coney Barrett at the U.S. Capitol on October 22, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Care In Action) Jemal Countess | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images The

Signs lay on the ground after people gathered outside of an apartment complex with the intention to stop the alleged eviction of one of the tenants in Mount Rainier, MD, U.S., August 10, 2020. Leah Millis | Reuters One of the main ways that state and local governments have tried to slow the spread of

Hundreds of unemployed Kentucky residents wait in long lines outside the Kentucky Career Center for help with their unemployment claims on June 19, 2020 in Frankfort, Kentucky. While the economic recovery has brought back jobs since the lowest point of the Covid-19 crisis, millions of Americans remain unemployed. John Sommers II The U.S. is weeks

Hero Images | Hero Images | Getty Images Personal finance experts go by many names – coaches, advisors, planners, therapists and more. For some, these names signal different types of education and regulatory oversight. For others, they may just be a brand, making it important for people seeking financial help to know the difference. “The

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) attends a confirmation hearing of Judge Amy Coney Barrett on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., October 12, 2020. Susan Walsh | Pool | Reuters As questions loom on Capitol Hill over whether or not there will be second stimulus checks , one senator is introducing a bill to make those