Facts & Figures 2022: How Does Your State Compare?

How do taxes in your state compare regionally and nationally? Facts and Figures, a resource we’ve provided to U.S. taxpayers and legislators since 1941, serves as a one-stop state tax data resource that compares all 50 states on over 40 measures of tax rates, collections, burdens, and more. For visualizations and further analysis of 2022 state tax data, explore…

How the hotel industry is fighting its human trafficking problem

In this article HLT H MAR Human trafficking generates about $150 billion a year globally in illegal profits, according to the International Labour Organization, and poses a complicated challenge for major hotel chains. In 2020 there were more than 10,000 reported cases of human trafficking in the U.S., with 72% of those related to sex…

U.S.-listed Chinese stocks jump after China reportedly considers sharing company audits

A security personnel stands guard at the opening session of Baidu’s annual AI developers conference Baidu Create 2019 in Beijing, China, July 3, 2019. Jason Lee | Reuters New York-listed Chinese stocks jumped Friday after a report that China is considering sharing key information that would allow the firms to continue trading publicly in the…

From saving money to paying down debt, here’s why financial literacy is so important

Morsa Images | Digitalvision | Getty Images To achieve financial success, knowledge is key. Yet many Americans lack financial literacy. That can impact everything from the amount of money saved to debt owed. The situation is dire for more than a few. More than half of Americans can’t cover a $1,000 emergency expense with savings,…

Should I itemize or take the standard deduction?

Should I Itemize or Take the Standard Deduction? To itemize or not to itemize? This is a question many taxpayers find themselves asking when tax season rolls around. Thankfully, deciding whether you should itemize your deductions or take the standard deduction is usually straightforward. The main question you need to answer is: “Which method leads…

Starbucks’ New York City Reserve Roastery becomes the 9th cafe to unionize

In this article SBUX Employees serve customers at a newly opened Starbucks’ Reserve Roasteries in the Meatpacking District on on December 14, 2018 in New York City. Spencer Platt | Getty Images Starbucks baristas at its New York City Reserve Roastery voted 46-36 in favor of forming a union on Friday, dealing a blow to…

Goldman Sachs is betting that you’ll want a $10,000 home improvement loan from the investment bank

David Zalik, founder and CEO of GreenSky. Chris Hamilton | GreenSky Goldman Sachs, the 153-year old investment bank, is now officially in the home improvement loan business as it continues a push into the finances of ordinary Americans. The bank expects to add one million customers a year to its budding Marcus retail division through…

Mill Road calls for a sale of Big Lots. Here’s what we might learn from the firm’s earlier deals

A customer exits a Big Lots store in Clifton, New Jersey. Emile Wamsteker | Bloomberg | Getty Images Company: Big Lots (BIG) Business: Big Lots operates as a retailer in the United States. The company offers products under various merchandising categories, such as furniture, seasonal, soft home, consumables and food. As of March 15, 2021,…

Biden’s plan to bring down gas prices could take weeks. Here’s how to get relief now

Filling up at the pump comes with a hefty dose of sticker shock. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and global supply concerns have sent gas prices to record highs — hitting $6 in some parts of the country. To combat the spike in energy costs, the White House said it will release 1 million barrels of…

Cramer’s week ahead: Brace for negativity

CNBC’s Jim Cramer on Friday advised investors to brace themselves against Wall Street’s negativity next week as concerns over a possible recession mount. “I do believe that our economy’s headed for a slowdown — that’s just what rate hikes do. But a slowdown doesn’t necessarily translate into a horrific, crash-landing recession. … There are many…

Investing may be getting too complex for retail investors — and even professional brokers

As more cutting-edge investment products work their way into the marketplace, there’s growing fear retail investors and even professional brokers are getting in over their heads. Former SEC attorney David Gorman, who’s now a partner at Dorsey & Whitney, contends complex products designed for profits are creating unprecedented risks and U.S. regulators are taking notice….

There are big shake-ups in the latest list of Asia’s 100 ‘best’ restaurants

Hong Kong is the top destination in Asia for foodies this year, according to new rankings released by the 50 Best organization. The city is home to 16 of the region’s “best” 100 restaurants, as shown in the list, released in two parts in March. Thailand and Japan tied for second place, each with 13…