Monday, January 26, 2026

Cost of living is up. Pay is not.

eNewspaper | Crosswords | Horoscopes

The Daily Money

ALL THE MONEY NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Mon Jan 26 2026

Daniel de Visé | Personal Finance Reporter

Good morning. . . er, afternoon! It's Daniel de Visé with your Daily Money. Sorry, we've had a few technical difficulties. We hope your day has gone better.

American workers have one big complaint about their jobs, Jessica Guynn reports: They don't get paid enough to keep up with the soaring cost of living.

Check out the results of a new USA TODAY/SurveyMonkey survey.

Should you hire a tax pro in 2026?

The IRS begins accepting 2025 tax year returns today, and there are many new provisions in the tax code, Medora Lee reports.

It's time again to decide if you're going to slog through your own tax forms or enlist a pro.

Expecting a refund? Here's how to get it fast.

Speaking of taxes, IRS refunds could be big this year because of the aforementioned changes to the tax code. Here are some tips on how to get your refund quickly.

📰 More stories you shouldn't miss 📰

•	Will the Fed pause interest rates?
•	Future of consumer watchdog hangs in the balance
•	This Social Security mistake can reduce your lifetime pay
•	Minnesota CEOs call for ICE de-escalation
•	Foreign automakers tout budget models

Daniel de Visé covers personal finance for USA TODAY. The Daily Money breaks down complex consumer and financial news. Subscribe here.

Cost of living is up. Paychecks are not. Workers are not OK.

People shop at a grocery store in Brooklyn on December 12, 2025 in New York City.

Workers' biggest gripe: They don't get paid enough to keep up with the soaring cost of living, a new USA TODAY/SurveyMonkey Workforce survey says.

Judy Stephenson, right, a tax preparer for H&R Block, assists Larry Crissup of Nashville with his income tax return.

DIY or tax pro? How to decide this year amid major tax law changes

Tax season's about to open amid some of the biggest tax law changes since 2017. Is that a reason to hire a pro or will DYI cut it? Here's how to know.

A pedestrian wearing a facemark walks past an H&R Block tax preparation office as efforts continue to help slow the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Seattle, Washington, U.S. March 31, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Redmond

Tax refunds may be 30% larger this year. Steps to get yours faster

The average tax refund may be as much as 30% larger this year due to Trump's tax laws. Take these steps to ensure you get yours as fast as possible.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell arrives at the U.S. Federal Reserve in Washington, U.S., January 13, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Howard

Will the Fed pause rates? Meeting comes amid legal uncertainty.

The meeting will mark the first since Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell confirmed he is under investigation by the Department of Justice.

Erie Meyer, former Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) chief technologist, stands in front of the building that housed the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau in Washington, DC. Meyer and her team built the CFPB consumer protection complaint database in 2011. She resigned from the agency in February 2025.

Financial guardrail hangs in the balance as court weighs cuts

An appeals court will decide if further cuts can be made to the CFPB, a key agency tasked with protecting consumers

A shocked person staring at a laptop with their hands over their mouth.

One Social Security mistake that can reduce your lifetime pay

Don't sabotage your earnings. The problem is correctable, but only if you know it exists.

A demonstrator holds a sign to protest the presence of federal agents in Minneapolis prior to the start of an NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Jan. 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn.

The CEOs of 60 MN-based companies call on 'de-escalation.' See why.

The CEOs of 60 major Minnesota-based companies, including Target, Best Buy and General Mills, urged 'de-escalation' of tensions.

New and used Volkswagen vehicles are shown for sale at a Volkswagen car dealership in San Diego, California.

Foreign car brands say they're making the most affordable cars - in the US

Foreign-owned carmakers touted number the number of domestically produced models they have for sale that retail for under $35,000 as consumer concerns about affordability continue to mount.

Barbie is launching its first autistic doll, which was developed in partnership with the nonprofit Autistic Self Advocacy Network.

Barbie launches first autistic doll. Here's what it looks like.

The new autistic Barbie aims to represent how individuals with autism experience the world around them, Mattel said.

Download USA TODAY's app to get to the heart of news

Our app gives you award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, eNewspaper and more.

Sign up for the news you want

Exclusive newsletters are part of your subscription, don't miss out! We're always working to add benefits for subscribers like you.

SEE ALL NEWSLETTERS ➔

Newsletters | eNewspaper | Crosswords

Follow Us

Unsubscribe • Manage Newsletters • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights • Privacy Notice • Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy • Feedback

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)