A lot moved in personal finance this week. Here’s your condensed briefing — the key facts, and what each one means for your wallet right now.
The One Big Beautiful Bill creates a $25,000 tip deduction for freelancers and gig workers, covering tax years 2025 through 2028. There’s also an overtime deduction and a new $400 QBI minimum. If you earned tip income in 2025 and haven’t filed yet, this changes your return. Already filed? You can amend with Form 1040-X.
Markets price in 89% odds the Fed holds rates at 3.5-3.75% for the fifth straight meeting. HYSA rates above 4% won’t last indefinitely — now is a good time to move idle cash there. If you’re carrying credit card debt at 22% APR, it won’t come down until the Fed moves. That’s your clearest action item right now.
Tomatoes are up 32%, orange juice 26%, ground beef 22% year-over-year. Eggs dropped 31% from their spring 2025 peak and are one of the best protein values in the store right now. Canned goods, dried beans, and oats have stayed relatively flat. The overall grocery number is 2.7% — but the spread across individual items is wide enough to matter if you’re shopping with a budget.
41% of working-age Americans carry medical debt, totaling $220 billion nationally. The average silver-plan deductible is $5,304 — meaning most people with insurance still owe thousands before coverage kicks in. If a bill arrives, ask for an itemized statement and the hospital’s charity care policy before agreeing to a payment plan. Hospitals routinely accept 40-60% of billed charges as payment in full.
Buying beats renting on a monthly basis in 23 of the 50 largest U.S. metros, including markets in Ohio, Michigan, and the South. Nationally, all-in homeownership runs $3,000-plus per month on a median-priced home versus $1,450 for median rent. If you’re in a buy-favorable market and planning to stay five or more years, the math may be closer than you think — even at 6%-plus mortgage rates.
Credit card APRs average 22.15%. The best personal loan rates start at 6.2% for top-tier borrowers, with most falling between 12% and 17%. If your rate gap is at least 4-5 points and you won’t keep spending on the cleared cards, consolidation can save thousands over the payoff period. If the rate difference is small or the cards go back to carrying a balance, it doesn’t pencil out.
HSA contribution limits are $4,400 for individuals and $8,750 for families in 2026. Contributions are pre-tax, growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free. Balances roll over with no deadline and can be invested. If you’re on an HDHP with a deductible above $1,700, confirm your eligibility and contribute at least enough to cover your expected out-of-pocket costs this year.
This Week in Money publishes every Monday. It covers what’s moving markets, your bills, and your financial future — without the noise.
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