Personal Finance

Families of veterans may qualify for VA cremation benefits that help pay for funeral, burial, and transportation costs. Payments depend on service history and cause of death, offering important financial relief.

Aldi will roll out two major changes in 2026, including a full redesign of its private-label products and a big expansion with new stores across the U.S., including Times Square.

Ohio will raise its minimum wage on January 1, 2026, increasing pay for both non-tipped and tipped workers. The adjustment follows state inflation rules and applies to larger businesses statewide.

Social Security beneficiaries paid on December 10, 2025 will receive normal monthly amounts. The SSA says retirees, SSDI recipients and survivors will get their average and maximum checks based on the updated 2025 rates.

Alaska is sending $1,000 stimulus-style PFD payments to eligible residents, covering about 90% of the state. New payment rounds arrive in November, December and January for people listed as “Eligible-Unpaid.”

Medicare’s 2025 open enrollment ends on December 7. People can change plans, switch coverage, or enroll for the first time. Missing the deadline may limit options until the next enrollment period.