Regulators usually go after what's on the screen. This time they went after how the screen works. In late August, Meta settled claims from nearly every state attorney general in the country over how Facebook and Instagram were built for young users. [1] Florida rejected its share and is heading to trial. New Mexico had already won a separate $942 million judgment of its own. [2] The money is the least interesting part, and it is also the part most often reported wrong. Meta o

AI has moved fast. The share of Americans using AI to help manage their finances jumped from 10% in 2025 to 55% in 2026. That’s not a trend. That’s a shift. It makes sense. AI tools are available around the clock, answer questions instantly, and don’t charge by the hour. For someone trying to understand a financial concept, draft a budget, or get a general sense of their options, these tools can genuinely help. But there’s a difference between AI as a financial resource and A

Have you recently received a bonus from your employer? While bonuses can be a welcome boost to your income, they often come with questions, and surprises, at tax time. Understanding how bonuses are taxed and withheld can help you plan more effectively and avoid confusion. Why Do Bonuses Seem to Be Taxed More? The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) classifies bonuses as supplemental wages. Because of this, employers often withhold federal income tax from bonuses at a flat rate, wh

Deciding when to retire may not be one decision but a series of decisions and calculations. For example, you'll need to estimate not only your anticipated expenses but also what sources of retirement income you'll have and how long you'll need your retirement savings to last. You'll need to take into account your life expectancy and health as well as when you want to start receiving Social Security or pension benefits, and when you'll start to tap your retirement savings. Eac