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US Money

How to manage your finances is a top priority for many people and we’re here to help.

The US Money team is here with news, features and insights that cover consumer and personal finance news – from 401(k)s, retirement, credit cards, savings, insurance, social security, investments, real estate and budgeting – to explain how to do the most with the money you’re making.

Whether your goal is to improve personal finances, increase your credit score, create long-term wealth-building plans or tap into the latest banking, markets and business news, our team provides trusted, quality information in a way that is accessible and can be understood by everyone.

<p><a href="https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/films/features/wicked-for-good-wizard-of-oz-ariana-grande-cynthia-erivo-b2869266.html"></a>Wicked: For Good was released in theaters November 21. The cost of movie production and promotion all ‘trickles down to the consumer in the form of ticket and concession prices,’ one expert said</p>
US Money

Fancy a movie? Theater tickets for a family-of-four could hit $108

<p>Widespread economic uncertainty has seen Americans planning to cut back on gifts this holiday season</p>
US Money

2 in 5 Americans plan to cut holiday spending amid uncertainty

<p>Nearly half of the money spent at small businesses returns to the local economy</p>
US Money

Nearly 80 percent of shoppers prefer to spend at small businesses

US Money

Black Friday expected to see record foot traffic spending less

<p>The U.S. housing market has more inventory than it has buyers, but that hasn’t stopped sellers from demanding inflated asking prices, and later slashing those prices when their homes don’t sell.</p>
US Money

More than half of homes sold in 2025 cut their prices at least once

<p>Retailers are increasingly offering store credit instead of refunds</p>
US Money

Retailers are tightening return policies. How not to get caught out

<p>Pet insurance can help cover the cost of common holiday pet accidents like eating toxic foods or swallowing ornaments</p>
US Money

Here’s why pet insurance is the right move ahead of the holidays

<p>Customers often do their shopping on Black Friday in hopes of securing cheaper prices — but more than a third of items might not be discounted at all, a new report reveals</p>
US Money

A third of Black Friday ‘deals’ aren’t what they seem: report

US Money

A third of Black Friday ‘deals’ aren’t what they seem: report

<p>Customers often do their shopping on Black Friday in hopes of securing cheaper prices — but more than a third of items might not be discounted at all, a new report reveals</p>
<p>The Tom Turkey float seen during the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Americans could face higher turkey prices this Thanksgiving, experts say</p>
US Money

Experts break down costs of your holiday meal amid rising prices

<p>The rising cost of everyday items is cutting into consumers’ purchasing power</p>
US Money

Is your paycheck not going as far? A new study may explain why

<p>Nearly half of consumers feel fatigued going into Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales</p>
US Money

Nearly half of consumers feel fatigued going into Black Friday

<p>The problems are understood to have stemmed from a global payments company (Alamy/PA)</p>
US Money

Friendly fraud to spike 25% between Black Friday and Cyber Monday

<p>The problems are understood to have stemmed from a global payments company (Alamy/PA)</p>
US Money

Friendly fraud to spike 25% between Black Friday and Cyber Monday

<p>The fear of that abuse impacting premiums is legitimate, according to a June <a href="https://www.iii.org/press-release/new-consumer-guide-exposes-hidden-costs-of-legal-system-abuse-in-america-061625">survey</a> from the Insurance Information Institute and Munich Reinsurance America. The survey found that excessive lawsuits drive up insurance premiums by $6,664 for a family of four</p>
US Money

More than 80% of consumers fear ‘excessive lawsuits’ impact premiums

<p>‘Luxury buyers are still able to move forward in ways that many typical buyers can’t right now,’ one expert said. </p>
US Money

Luxury home prices rise - here’s what it means for the housing market

<p>Travelers can typically buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy up until the day before departure - and experts say it can be worth it. </p>
US Money

Why travel insurance for your Thanksgiving trip is still a good idea

<p>The Kohl's logo is displayed on the exterior of a Kohl's store on January 24, 2022 in San Rafael, California</p>
US Money

Kohl’s names new CEO after former boss was ousted amid sex scandal

<p>Budgeting can help keep you in control of your money, according to a personal finance expert</p>
US Money

Four ways to stay in control of your spending this Black Friday

<p>‘Customers really need to do their part by making use of the various tools provided to protect their accounts,’ one expert said</p>
US Money

Nearly 1 in 4 credit card users dealt with fraud in the past 12 months

<p>‘This rate stability is a positive sign for both buyers and sellers, as it helps provide greater certainty in the housing market,’ Freddie Mac noted</p>
US Money

Mortgage rates are up - what does it mean for homebuyers?

<p>Under its new Panera RISE program, Panera Bread says it aims to clear $7 billion in sales by 2028 by improving its food quality, offering new menu items, and scheduling more workers at its stores</p>
US Money

Panera plans to clear $7B in sales by 2028 in effort turn around slump

<p>Protesters picket outside a Starbucks, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Philadelphia</p>
US Money

Starbucks strike expands as more stores join ‘Red Cup Rebellion’

<p>A luxury retail store stands in Manhattan on July 14, 2025, in New York City</p>
US Money

Luxury shoppers spurning high-end brands for surprising reason

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