SmartReads

Nationwide, the median household income reached $83,730 in 2024, growing just 1.3% year over year. This means many households did not keep pace with the roughly 3% inflation rate during the same time period, but that was not true everywhere. Especially in large cities where residents often pay a premium for convenience, infrastructure and amenities,… read more…

Provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) offer Americans additional tax deductions and credits that will take effect for tax year 2025, with many lasting through 2028 and beyond. Many people should expect some tax savings, as the provisions incentivize a wide net of statuses and activities, including young families, seniors, tipped workers,… read more…

City safety – or lack thereof – can lead to great disparity in quality of life and return on dollars invested by residents, businesses and government alike. In August, the Trump administration issued an Executive Order declaring a crime emergency in Washington, D.C. The federal government subsequently leveraged the local police force and deployed over… read more…

Community college can be the pathway to creating more lifelong income, with associate’s degree holders earning 14% more – or $6,496 more per year – than those with a high school education. But while tuition and fees tend to be less expensive for community colleges than four-year degrees, it still costs a median $5,040 per… read more…