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By Sarah Foster, Bankrate.com

If it feels harder to get ahead right now, that’s because it is. Many Americans are navigating a “worst-of-both-worlds” economy: a cooling job market on one side and stubborn inflation on the other.

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Prices aren’t rising as rapidly as they once were when the U.S. economy roared back after the coronavirus pandemic. Yet, the largest share of workers in four years (62 percent) say that their paychecks have not kept pace with increases in their household expenses due to inflation over the past 12 months, according to Bankrate’s annual Pay Raise Survey. read more

By Andrew Dehan, Bankrate.com

If you remember the turmoil of the global financial crisis, hearing that foreclosure activity is up might make your knees weak and palms sweaty. I know I can’t help it.

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  Average long-term US mortgage rate drops to 6.19%, lowest level in more than a year

After reading recent reports of climbing foreclosures, I spoke with experts ranging from real estate data companies to non-profit debt counselors to foreclosure auction sites. Their opinion? The national foreclosure rate is still quite low.

So take a deep breath. This isn’t 2008. The housing market isn’t about to crash. The picture is much more complex than one statistic lets on. Here’s why they aren’t panicking and neither should you. read more

By Sarah Foster, Bankrate.com

Andy Challenger is the person businesses call when it’s time to let workers go. And for the past year and a half, his phone hasn’t stopped ringing.

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A third-generation outplacement consultant at Challenger, Gray & Christmas — the firm his grandfather founded in the 1960s after his own layoff — Challenger has heard a variety of reasons over the past few months for trimming headcount. Companies looking to cut staff after the pandemic-era hiring boom. Executives debating how to integrate artificial intelligence. Businesses worrying about eating the cost of higher tariffs. Firms tightening their belts in a slowing economy. read more

TALLAHASSEE — In an unusual move, the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings on Monday asked an appeals court to allow it to resume deciding Citizens Property Insurance Corp. claims disputes after a Hillsborough County circuit judge halted the process.

Lawyers for the Division of Administrative Hearings filed an emergency petition at the 2nd District Court of Appeal, arguing that Circuit Judge Melissa M. Polo overstepped her authority when she issued a temporary injunction. Polo ruled Aug. 1 that the process, which involves arbitrating disputes at the Division of Administrative Hearings, is likely unconstitutional.

Monday’s petition said Polo’s ruling has “indefinitely” put on hold all pending Citizens arbitration cases. It said 390 Citizens policyholders are awaiting resolution of disputes.

“The order thus completely shuts down the claims dispute resolution procedure authorized by the Florida Legislature, irreparably harming DOAH (the Division of Administrative Hearings), Citizens and the thousands of policyholders whose current and future claims will be in limbo unless the circuit court’s order is stayed,” said the petition filed by lawyers from the Lawson Huck Gonzalez, PLLC, law firm, including former Florida Supreme Court Justice Alan Lawson. read more

By MICHAEL CANTU

Don’t buy that new car yet. If you can wait, you’ll have new 2026 model year options that aren’t out yet. Although some models barely change, others are completely redesigned and often get the latest features and improvements. Whether you’re interested in improved fuel economy, cutting-edge technology, or maybe just fresh and distinctive styling, there’s likely a car on the horizon that you’ll be interested in. To ensure you don’t miss out on the latest and greatest, the car experts at Edmunds highlight five vehicles you should consider waiting for.

Small SUV: 2026 Toyota RAV4

America’s bestselling SUV is getting completely redesigned for the 2026 model year. Notably, the new RAV4 is going all-hybrid for 2026. Trust us, this is a good thing. The base RAV4 should get about 40 mpg for combined city/highway driving and produce a respectable 226 horsepower. Alternatively, you can get the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. It makes a sporty 320 horsepower and can drive an estimated 50 miles on all-electric power with a fully charged battery. Toyota has also modernized the RAV4’s interior with a fresh design featuring large display screens and the brand’s latest tech. The RAV4 will be available in several trim levels, including the outdoorsy RAV4 Woodland and the new sporty GR version. read more