IRS giving out major tax break for certain expenses in 2026: What you need to know
People who use their cars for work will be able to deduct more money per mile on their taxes in the new year.
People who use their cars for work will be able to deduct more money per mile on their taxes in the new year.
SNAP junk-food purchase restrictions take effect Jan. 1 in five states, others to follow in 2026 — see where
The new year brings new restrictions on food purchases by SNAP recipients. On Jan. 1, five states are banning SNAP recipients from using their taxpayer-funded food assistance benefit to purchase junk food.
The new year brings new restrictions on food purchases by SNAP recipients. On Jan. 1, five states are banning SNAP recipients from using their taxpayer-funded food assistance benefit to purchase junk food.
Top scams to watch out for in 2026
If you made it through 2025 without getting scammed, now isn't the time to let down your guard. Here are some tips for continuing to evade scammers in the new year.
If you made it through 2025 without getting scammed, now isn't the time to let down your guard. Here are some tips for continuing to evade scammers in the new year.
2025 Lone Star Coins, Gold Redback Notes debuted by Texas Bullion Depository
Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced a new program, administered through the Texas Bullion Depository, that offers authorized commemorative precious metal products to investors and collectors.
Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced a new program, administered through the Texas Bullion Depository, that offers authorized commemorative precious metal products to investors and collectors.
Dog biscuits recalled due to possible salmonella contamination
Dog biscuits sold in several states have been recalled due to possible salmonella contamination.
Dog biscuits sold in several states have been recalled due to possible salmonella contamination.
Shoppers who purchased beef in certain years may be eligible for cash payment: See eligibility and how to file
Shoppers in several states may be eligible for part of an $87.5 million antitrust class action lawsuit settlement with several beef processors.
Shoppers in several states may be eligible for part of an $87.5 million antitrust class action lawsuit settlement with several beef processors.
Tax moves to make before the year ends
You still have a few days left in the year to take steps that could help reduce your income tax bill. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan talked with financial professional Michael Neuenschwander with Outlook Wealth Advisors.
You still have a few days left in the year to take steps that could help reduce your income tax bill. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan talked with financial professional Michael Neuenschwander with Outlook Wealth Advisors.
Setting financial goals for 2026
Setting financial goals is a popular New Year’s resolution and can help you get back on track after a lot of holiday spending. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan talked with Aleshia Tripps with Family Houston about ways to set and reach your 2026 financial goals.
Setting financial goals is a popular New Year’s resolution and can help you get back on track after a lot of holiday spending. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan talked with Aleshia Tripps with Family Houston about ways to set and reach your 2026 financial goals.
IRS reveals updated retirement contribution limits for 2026
The IRS unveiled contribution limit changes for popular retirement plans, including 401(k) plans and IRAs.
The IRS unveiled contribution limit changes for popular retirement plans, including 401(k) plans and IRAs.
American Airlines ends advantage miles program for basic economy fares
American Airlines has made a change that affects how millions of travelers earn rewards on its cheapest tickets — and now the airline is facing some backlash for it.
American Airlines has made a change that affects how millions of travelers earn rewards on its cheapest tickets — and now the airline is facing some backlash for it.
Save buying car at the end of the year
If you’re in the market to buy a car, now could be the best time. Late December is when dealers discount inventory to make room for new models. Plus they must meet sales quotas and can offer big incentives, like rebates. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan talked with James Bell with Kia America to get insights from an automaker on how to score a good deal.
If you’re in the market to buy a car, now could be the best time. Late December is when dealers discount inventory to make room for new models. Plus they must meet sales quotas and can offer big incentives, like rebates. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan talked with James Bell with Kia America to get insights from an automaker on how to score a good deal.
Social Security January payment schedule: Here's when recipients get their checks
Social Security payments for millions of Americans are set to begin as we move into the new year.
Social Security payments for millions of Americans are set to begin as we move into the new year.
Ford shatters decade-old recall record with 152 safety alerts issued this year alone across multiple models
Ford Motor Company logged far more recalls in 2025 than any other automaker, according to federal safety data, eclipsing a decade-old industry record and underscoring ongoing quality issues affecting millions of vehicles across multiple model lines.
Ford Motor Company logged far more recalls in 2025 than any other automaker, according to federal safety data, eclipsing a decade-old industry record and underscoring ongoing quality issues affecting millions of vehicles across multiple model lines.
Electrical safety during the holiday season
If you've decked your halls with lights, candles, or a Christmas tree, the U.S. Fire Administration warns that 156,000 fires happen each holiday season, often from dry trees or faulty wiring. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan talked with Joe Bany with John Moore Services on ways to keep your holiday decor safe.
If you've decked your halls with lights, candles, or a Christmas tree, the U.S. Fire Administration warns that 156,000 fires happen each holiday season, often from dry trees or faulty wiring. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan talked with Joe Bany with John Moore Services on ways to keep your holiday decor safe.
Holiday return policies you should know
If you're thinking of returning some of the gifts you received this holiday sense, it's important to keep in mind the policies in place. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan has details on store changes and what to know.
If you're thinking of returning some of the gifts you received this holiday sense, it's important to keep in mind the policies in place. Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan has details on store changes and what to know.
Student loan borrowers in default face wage garnishment starting Jan. 7
The Department of Education will begin garnishing wages from borrowers who have defaulted on federal student loans starting in early January.
The Department of Education will begin garnishing wages from borrowers who have defaulted on federal student loans starting in early January.
Texas may be holding money for you. Here's how to claim it
Texas keeps track of the unclaimed property and money owed to residents, and laying claim to yours is easy.
Texas keeps track of the unclaimed property and money owed to residents, and laying claim to yours is easy.
Stimulus payment December 2025, IRS direct deposit relief payment & tariff dividend fact check
Hold off on that purchase! Online rumors of new stimulus checks by year’s end are out there.
Hold off on that purchase! Online rumors of new stimulus checks by year’s end are out there.
Leaving cookies, milk, and carrots for Santa and his reindeer now costs over $8, study finds
Before children around the world get ready for a good night’s sleep on Christmas Eve, they’ll leave out cookies, milk, and carrots for Santa and his reindeer.
Before children around the world get ready for a good night’s sleep on Christmas Eve, they’ll leave out cookies, milk, and carrots for Santa and his reindeer.
Powerball jackpot spikes to $1.7 billion for Christmas Eve drawing
After there was no big winner in last night's drawing, the Powerball jackpot for the upcoming drawing will be one of the largest in lottery history.
After there was no big winner in last night's drawing, the Powerball jackpot for the upcoming drawing will be one of the largest in lottery history.