Category: Articles

McDonald’s Built a 515-Page File on One Customer. Yours Could Be Bigger.

Stacy Johnson CPA on August 26, 2026

A reporter asked McDonald’s what it knew about him. The epically long answer should scare every one of us.

Billionaire Ray Dalio’s Advice for Protecting Your Retirement Savings From a Possible Debt Crisis

Kendall Blythe on August 26, 2026

If he’s right, gold and bitcoin may be in your future.

Americans Spend Money to Find Joy. Then Comes the Guilt

Rachel Barber and USA TODAY on August 26, 2026

A survey found 13% of consumers take on card debt for happy purchases, while boomers spend an average of $298 a month on joy.

Shopping Malls Are Charging for Prime Parking. It’s Not Going Well

Jessica Guynn and USA TODAY on August 26, 2026

Premium spaces at 23 malls can cost up to $10.45 a day, while backlash has already forced some operators to reverse course.

Invisalign vs. Braces: Why One Might Be Better for You

Alexandra Frost and USA TODAY on August 26, 2026

Clear aligners require about 22 hours of daily wear, while treatment needs, metal sensitivities and insurance coverage can shape the better choice.

Average FICO Score Steady, but Don’t Be Fooled: Americans Are Pinched

Medora Lee and USA TODAY on August 25, 2026

A $2,563 monthly payment and $7,793 average card balance show why a stable credit score may hide growing pressure on household budgets

Hertz Includes a 100K-Mile Warranty on Certified Used Cars. What to Know

Keith Laing and USA TODAY on August 25, 2026

The coverage applies only to newer former rentals under 75,000 miles, with a $100 deductible for each covered repair visit

The Semester Has Started. Can You Still Take Out Student Loans?

Faith Wakefield and USA TODAY on August 25, 2026

A late tuition bill does not automatically close the door on federal or private aid, but school deadlines can move faster than loan processing.

Prepare to Be Disappointed by the Value of These 8 Inherited Items, Professional Reseller Warns

Kentin Waits on August 25, 2026

Although they may carry a lot of emotional value, these items have little market value.

8 Things You Should Not Be Putting in the Mail

Gael F. Cooper on August 25, 2026

Some of these no-no’s are no-brainers, but others might surprise you.

8 Genius Moves to Make When the Price of Everything Is Going Up

MTN Staff on August 25, 2026

It feels like the price of everything goes up every time you leave the house. But before you start slashing your budget, here are a few clever, under-the-radar moves you can make today to put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket.

‘Pitting Farmer’ Against ‘Consumer,’ GA Cattleman Says of Beef Imports

Irene Wright and USA TODAY on August 25, 2026

A proposed 25% discount on imported ground beef could lower grocery bills, but ranchers warn it may cut U.S. cattle prices.

These Midsize Cars Have the Most Legroom for 2026

Charles Singh and USA TODAY on August 25, 2026

Rear-seat space ranges from 34.8 to 40.8 inches, while starting prices stay below $30,000 on four sedans aimed at families and commuters.

Piggly Wiggly Closures Reported in Multiple States: See Where

Saleen Martin and USA TODAY on August 25, 2026

Independent operators have closed or rebranded stores in several states, while the grocery chain still has locations across 17 states

10 Cheapest Cars to Insure in 2026 Are Dominated by Subaru

Keith Laing and USA TODAY on August 25, 2026

The average full-coverage premium for a new vehicle is $2,879, but these models cost substantially less to insure each year

What Pennsylvania Measles Deaths Mean for Pittsburgh as School Starts

Finch Walker and USA TODAY NETWORK on August 25, 2026

Pennsylvania reported 393 measles cases this year, including 86 in one week, while officials urged exposed residents to watch for symptoms and seek care