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☆ Meet a Gen X ALICE in Michigan who struggles to pay for prescriptions and can only afford one meal a day: 'I make too much to get help.'
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. As the main income earner for her household, Tobias works to support her 19-year-old son, her fiancé, and her fiancé's mother. Advertisement"I make too much to get help," she told Business Insider. AdvertisementAnd, guaranteed basic-income programs — which are being tried in cities across the US — typically only apply to families living below the poverty line. Tobias works full-time but struggles to afford utilities and healthcareElectricity and mortgage bills are Tobias' top expenses.

Persons: —, Cherie Tobias, hasn't, Tobias, ALICE, Applebee's doesn't Organizations: Service, Business, Survey, United Way's Locations: Hastings , Michigan, Michigan

☆ How 2 participants in Houston's basic-income program plan to spend the $500 a month: 'When you live paycheck to paycheck, it's horrible'
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-23 | by ( Allie Kelly | Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

He knows the GBI money will help him breathe a little easier. Uplift Harris' program will begin payments in the meantime, according to the office of Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis. Uplift Harris participants hope the program will make them more financially stableGuaranteed basic income is an increasingly popular solution to combat poverty in US cities. GBI participants have previously told BI that they used the funds to secure housing and food, pay off debt, and afford school supplies for their children. Have you benefited from a guaranteed basic income program?

Persons: —, Delwin Sutton, doesn't, Sutton, Ken Paxton, Harris, Paxton, Rodney Ellis, Sutton doesn't, Dustin Palmer, We've, Palmer, Jay Carter, isn't, Carter, Still, Harris County Attorney Christian D, Menefee Organizations: Service, Business, Harvard, Yale, Texas Attorney, Services, American, Republican, Harris County Attorney, Austin, South Dakota Republicans, doesn't Locations: Houston, Harris, Harris County, GBI, Texas, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso County, The Arizona, South Dakota, Iowa

☆ The growing reason people can't afford to own a home
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-20 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Rising insurance costs could keep homeownership out of reach for many. AdvertisementAdding to that, as the climate crisis escalates, it's likely homeowners insurance will only become more expensive. The climate crisis is causing homeowners' insurance costs to riseThe average American homeowner pays $1,915 a year in insurance costs — about $160 a month — per NerdWallet. For instance, insurance rates increase in states with more severe natural disasters. Have you chosen to rent or move because of homeownership costs?

Persons: Laura Longero, Zers Organizations: Service, Business, Federal Reserve, Insurance, Farm, Allstate, Casualty Insurance, US Bureau of Labor Statistics Locations: Oklahoma, California, California , Florida, Texas, Florida

☆ Hospital wait times will still be bad this year, even with labor gains
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Small businesses are seeing labor growth this year, but hospitals still have staffing shortages. Healthcare worker numbers are steadily growing but remain below pre-pandemic trends, according to a Bank of America report published in April. Outpatient care centers are 9.4% behind on growth, while the hospital labor force has seen small gains at 0.3%. In fact, healthcare workers made up a significant portion of the people leaving their jobs during the Great Resignation. Patients will still see labor shortages in ERs and care facilitiesDespite labor gains, patients could still experience the impacts of the physician shortage.

Persons: —, Per, KFF Organizations: Service, Bank of America, The Bank of America Institute, of Labor Statistics, Centers, Medicare, Services, Kaiser Family Foundation, American Hospital Association, of America, Peterson Center, Healthcare, of Health, Bank of

☆ What's so great about Australia's retirement plan — and what it means for America
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Australia's superannuation system mandates employer-funded retirement contributions. Meanwhile, the US retirement system has become anxiety-inducing for many, as older adults struggle to make ends meet. AdvertisementAustralian retirement system puts saving responsibility on employers, not employeesAmerica's current retirement infrastructure includes two major categories: defined contribution plans and Social Security. This differs from the American system, where retirees' money is often held between a 401(k), other accounts, and outside investments. Still, Reilly cautioned that applying Australia's retirement system to the US could negatively affect employee wages.

Persons: —, Sen, Bernie Sanders, Catherine Reilly, Reilly, Larry Fink, Fink Organizations: Service, Challenger Limited, Money, TIAA Institute, Georgetown University's Center for Retirement, Social Security, BlackRock, Employers, Pew Charitable Trust Locations: Australia, America, California, Colorado

☆ A millennial with side hustles as a startup founder booking 6 figures and a professional dancer shares her tips for balancing both
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-14 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Danielle Shultz is a professional dancer and runs her own corporate wellness business. Her business, Triangle Sessions, has landed contracts with Google, Meta, and Deloitte. She also runs her startup Triangle Sessions, which offers corporate wellness and team-building events. When she's not at dance rehearsal, Shultz teaches Triangle Sessions classes on topics like relaxation and terrarium building. Danielle Shultz, 36, is a dancer with The Metropolitan Opera and runs her own corporate wellness business.

Persons: Danielle Shultz, Shultz, —, Zers, Bankrate —, she's, I've, Robert Nickelsberg, It's, Schulz Organizations: Triangle, Google, Deloitte, Service, Metropolitan Opera, YouGov, Triangle Sessions, The, Sessions Locations: Philadelphia, New York City, York

☆ The Adderall shortage highlights a key issue for voters in 2024. Here's what the Biden Administration is doing about it.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-12 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Adderall supply issues, which began in October 2022, are making the medication more expensive. The Biden Administration said it's focused on strengthening manufacturing supply chains for Adderall. AdvertisementIt's been 18 months since the US Food and Drug Administration announced an Adderall shortage. The prescription fill rate for ADHD medications fell from 44.5% in December 2022 to 40.7% in February 2023, the study found. Have you been impacted by the Adderall shortage or high prescription drug costs?

Persons: it's, —, It's, Biden, Biden's, Joe Biden's, Adderall —, aren't, Dr, David Goodman Organizations: Biden Administration, Service, Food and Drug Administration, KFF, Kaiser Family Foundation, Business, Drug, Biden's Administration, Department of Health, Human Services, Defense, FDA, CNN, USA, DEA, USA Today, Johns Hopkins University, Medscape Medical, Government

☆ Here's how guaranteed basic-income programs get their funding
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Allie Kelly | Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Cities like San Antonio, Austin, Denver, Boston, and Minneapolis have turned to basic-income pilot programs to explore ways to reduce those poverty levels. Republicans in Texas, Arizona, Iowa, and South Dakota are making efforts to ban GBI programs at the municipal and state level. AdvertisementStates and cities sometimes fund basic-income programsMany basic-income programs receive funding directly from state and local governments. Nonprofits and philanthropy play a key role in basic-income fundingOther basic-income programs are organized through a nonprofit, or receive funding from foundations and private donors. Along with funding cash payments, the Economic Security Project said that philanthropic donations can help a GBI programs pay for income policy research.

Persons: —, Monique Gonzalez, John Gillette, Flint, Joe Biden, Jack Dorsey, UpTogether Organizations: Service, Economic Security, Business, SNAP, Republicans, BI, American, ARPA, Chicago's Department of Family, Support Services, Mayors, Georgia Resilience, GRO Fund, Colorado Trust Locations: Cities, San Antonio, Austin, Denver, Boston, Minneapolis, Texas , Arizona , Iowa, South Dakota, Arizona, California, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Michigan, Massachusetts, Texas, Chicago, Somerville , Massachusetts, GBI, Harris, Houston, Georgia, Atlanta, Colorado

☆ Here's what the Credit Card Competition Act could do to your airline miles and travel rewards
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-07 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Major airlines' bottom line depends on credit card companiesThe Credit Card Competition Act , which was introduced to Congress in June 2023 would require major banks to use at least one credit card payment network that isn't Mastercard or Visa — companies that control more than 80% of US credit card transactions — to introduce more competition into the credit card market. AdvertisementSen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, is the lead sponsor of the Credit Card Competition Act. AdvertisementCredit card rewards incentivize travelersBusinesses typically make up for these credit card swipe fees by raising prices for customers. Bohorquez, however, said increased credit card competition is unlikely to lower prices in practice. "I hope that people continue to earn and enjoy their credit card points and take a lot of free trips."

Persons: —, Jess Bohorquez, Bohorquez, she's, Banks, Sen, Dick Durbin, Durbin, I'm Organizations: Service, Sydney Opera House, Business, Federal, Mastercard, Visa, Airlines, United, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, BI, Airlines for America, American Airlines, America, Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs, House Locations: Illinois, Delta

☆ Support like child tax credits and basic income reduces child abuse, researchers found
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-05 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

AdvertisementCities that offer financial support to low-income families could see a decline in child abuse rates, researchers say. Welfare referrals can stem from suspected physical harm of a child, sexual abuse of a child, or situations where a child isn't given basic necessities. Economic stress creates risk factors for abuseDarwiche is a pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and specializes in cases of child abuse. Financial safety nets could reduce child neglectDarwiche called income support a prevention strategy for child abuse. Child tax credits, similarly, allow some families to rise out of poverty by offering ongoing financial relief to adults with dependents.

Persons: —, Dr, Sabrina Darwiche, Darwiche, hospitalizations, Zoe Bouchelle, Bouchelle Organizations: Service, Children's Hospital, Philadelphia's, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Financial, SNAP, Denver, Biden Administration, ARPA, Denver Health, Children's Locations: America, San Antonio, Austin

☆ Gen Zers and millennials are skipping the doctor's office because they can't afford the bills
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

She has health insurance, but couldn't afford to pay the $1,800 cost of her insulin pump prescription, she said. And, Gen Zers reported avoiding medical appointments at more than twice the rate of boomers. Over a quarter of Gen Zers and millennials, however, say they do not have sufficient coverage to meet their needs, per the report. Because Gen Zers and some millennials are newer to the workforce, many of them are working these entry-level roles. Eight in 10 Gen Zers also said they are stressed on a daily basis — more than other generations, the report found.

Persons: —, Zers, Grace Cochran, Cochran, millennials, Gen Xers, Gen Zers, aren't Organizations: Service, Wakefield Research, Federal

☆ A Massachusetts city is giving families at risk of losing their homes $750 a month, no strings attached
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-02 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewA Massachusetts city is giving low-income families $750 a month, no strings attached. The guaranteed basic income program will focus on residents who are in danger of losing their homes. The Somerville GBI Pilot will serve about 200 low-income families currently experiencing housing insecurity. Related stories"My life was always just a couple hundred dollars short," a participant in San Antonio's income program told BI. St. Louis, Missouri recently distributed $500 monthly payments to low-income families, and Flint, Michigan is offering funds to new mothers.

Persons: —, Boston —, Somerville, Katjana Ballantyne, Ballantyne, Joe Biden's, hasn't, John Gillette Organizations: Service, Somerville, Business, Greater Boston Area, Boston, ARPA, The University of Massachusetts, Republican Locations: Massachusetts, —, Boston, San Antonio, Austin, Minneapolis, Durham , North Carolina, Denver, Antonio's, City, Somerville, Greater Boston, Arizona , South Dakota , Iowa, Texas, Arizona, Louis , Missouri, Flint , Michigan, Atlanta

☆ A San Antonio grandmother used guaranteed basic income to afford groceries and rent a house: 'It's changed my station in life'
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-01 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

With basic income, Sullivan said she has been able to pay for food, buy gas for her car, and achieve her goal of renting a house. The GBI money was the help she needed to afford a deposit and first and last month's rent. She added that the element of choice is what made basic income more helpful for her than other support programs. Some lawmakers have called basic income socialist and raised concerns that it makes people too reliant on the government. Going forward, Sullivan said she is committed to helping other families like San Antonio basic income helped her.

Persons: —, Ingrid Sullivan, Sullivan, they've, GBI, It's, UpTogether Organizations: Service, Business, BI, UpTogether Locations: San, Antonio, Denver, Houston, Boston, Minneapolis, Austin, Harris County , Texas, Durham , North Carolina, San Antonio's, San Antonio, Arizona , South Dakota , Iowa, Texas

☆ The benefit that pays for itself and increases worker productivity
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The organization advocates for company and government policy that supports working parents. All companies offered some form of childcare benefits — stipends, on-site care, or backup care. And, for each company, its annual net return for childcare benefits far outweighed the cost. But, when a company offers childcare benefits, retaining just 1% of eligible working parents could cover the price a company pays for those benefits, the study said. Childcare benefits boost employees' career prospects and earning potentialNot only do childcare benefits support a company's bottom line, but the study shows it improves the earning potential and career growth of individual employees.

Persons: —, it's Organizations: Service, Business, Companies, Bank of America, UPS

☆ Car insurance rates are at a 50-year high. Here's 3 ways you can keep your costs low, according to an expert
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

American car insurance rates have reached a 50-year high, outpacing inflation. "All of these work together to create a situation where car insurance is a lot more expensive," she said. Additionally, the state drivers live in — and the local impact of the climate crisis — has a significant effect on car insurance rates. According to personal finance company NerdWallet, full coverage car insurance premiums nearly double if a driver is at fault for a crash. Car insurance rates are higher for families with teenagers, with rates going up 70% to 150% once someone under 18 is added to a family car insurance policy.

Persons: Laura Longero, Longero, What's Organizations: Service, Insurance, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, . Insurance, US Department of Transportation Locations: —

☆ A millennial who left her full-time job at PwC when her freelance side hustle took off shares the 3 ways to build a new business
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

When the pandemic hit, DeStefano-Tangorra joined the freelancing platform Upwork, pursuing technology and data analysis projects. Soon after, she left her corporate job to work full-time with clients on their data and intelligence strategy. "I decided, because my business started doing really well on the Upwork platform, that it was no longer a side business." Last year, there were 64 million Americans who freelanced for part or all of their income, making up 38% of the US workforce, per Upwork data. "I'm a salesperson, I'm a marketing person, I'm an accounting person, I'm a technology consultant."

Persons: —, Jacqueline DeStefano, Tangorra, DeStefano, OBIS, I'm Organizations: Service, Omni Business Intelligence Solutions, Business, BI Locations: PwC

☆ Mother of 6 says San Antonio basic-income program allowed her to rent a home and buy shoes for her kids
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-23 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Monique Gonzalez, 41, is a participant in San Antonio's guaranteed basic-income program. With basic-income, Gonzalez has started renting a house and can afford school supplies for her kids. Gonzalez, 41, is a participant in San Antonio's guaranteed basic-income program. AdvertisementSan Antonio is one of several cities nationwide — and a few cities in Texas — piloting guaranteed basic-income programs. AdvertisementWith the extra few hundred dollars from her basic-income payments, she was able to start renting a house.

Persons: Monique Gonzalez, Gonzalez, —, UpTogether, fiancé —, She's, that's, GBI, it's, we're Organizations: Service, Child Protective Services, Republican Locations: San Antonio's, Antonio, Texas, Denver, Austin, Boston, Minneapolis, Durham , North Carolina, Antonio's, San Antonio, Arizona , South Dakota , Iowa

☆ When a Gen Zer studied in Milan, he met a best friend online to combat loneliness. They still maintain a friendship despite living in different continents.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-17 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Nick Portello (left) and Michele Gandolfi (right) maintain their international friendship over social media. Portello loved getting to experience Milan from a local's perspective, and Gandolfi appreciated doing new activities in his home city. "It's different living as a queer person in Italy, in a big town like Milan, or in New York like Nick." Portello said his experience meeting Gandolfi has encouraged him to reach out to new people and continue building real friendships on social media. Are you a Gen Zer who met friends online or maintain a long-distance friendship?

Persons: —, Nick Portello, Michele, Mycah, We've, Zers, Michele Gandolfi, Portello, Gandolfi, Milan, — he's, It's, Nick, Zer Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Italy, Milan, Reddit, American, That's, New York, Stockholm, London, Europe

☆ The Big Stay is great for companies and the economy, but workers might just be biding their time
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-14 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewProductivity for many companies is soaring — all thanks to the "Big Stay." AdvertisementThere are a couple of reasons workers have shifted to the Big Stay, Glassdoor Chief Economist Aaron Terrazas told Business Insider. The US economy added 275,000 jobs last month, but the job market recovery from the pandemic is slowing. The Big Stay has benefits, but they may be short-livedTerrazas said lower quit rates are giving way to high productivity across companies. At the same time, job openings have tumbled since post-pandemic highs, forcing a lot of workers to stay in their roles.

Persons: —, Aaron Terrazas, Terrazas, It's Organizations: Service, Companies, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Business, Employees, The Conference Board, Labor Statistics, Federal

☆ San Antonio experimented with giving people $5,108 no-strings-attached. They spent it on housing and school supplies for their kids.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-14 | by ( Allie Kelly | Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Read previewWhen Monique Gonzalez received her money from the San Antonio guaranteed basic income pilot, she bought school supplies, shoes, and Christmas gifts for her children. San Antonio is one of several cities nationwide piloting guaranteed basic income programs. Ingrid Sullivan, a participant with four children and three grandchildren, told UpTogether that basic income allowed her to secure housing and reliable transportation. San Antonio participants also told UpTogether that the GBI payments significantly improved their mental health. Have you benefited from a guaranteed basic income program in San Antonio or elsewhere?

Persons: —, Monique Gonzalez, Gonzalez, UpTogether —, UpTogether, Ingrid Sullivan, Sullivan, GBI, Austin, Stephanie Hendon, she's, Jessica Nairns, Texas State Sen, Paul Bettencourt, John Gillette Organizations: Service, San Antonio, Business, Houston, Austin, Urban Institute, Texas State, Republican, House, Republicans Locations: San Antonio, Denver, Austin, Boston, Minneapolis, Durham, City, Antonio, Texas, Harris, City of Austin, Washington ,, Harris County, Dakota, Iowa, In Arizona, Arizona, Flint , Michigan

☆ The IRS's free tax filing system is officially open. Here's everything you need to know.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-12 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewThe Internal Revenue Service and the US Department of the Treasury officially launched their Direct File tax program on March 12. Direct File — now available in both English and Spanish — has been piloted in several states and offers Americans a free way to file their taxes. With Direct File, taxpayers can file their taxes directly from their smartphone, laptop, or desktop computer. The Direct File program will show taxpayers clear math on the taxes they owe and their expected tax refund. "Our priority in launching this new service is to save taxpayers time and money they can spend on themselves and their families."

Persons: —, Spanish —, Joe Biden's, Wally Adeyemo, Natalie Quillian, Quillian Organizations: Service, Revenue Service, US Department of, Treasury, Business, Taxpayers, Social, Treasury Department, IRS, Staff Locations: Spanish, California , Arizona, Florida , Massachusetts, New Hampshire , Nevada , New York, South Dakota , Tennessee , Texas, Washington, Wyoming

☆ The pandemic forced many women to leave their jobs. Hybrid work is bringing them back.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-10 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A rise in remote and hybrid jobs has allowed many women to seek higher-income roles. A narrowing of gender labor force gap since 2019 has added about $1.5 trillion to global income. Many women were forced to leave their jobs during the pandemic, thanks to poor market conditions and a rising need for childcare and older adult care. In the US, around 70% of working-age women participated in the labor force in 2020. Remote jobs also offer more flexibility.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, US Bureau of Labor, Statistics, Pew Research Center, European Union Locations: Australia, India, Japan

☆ Biden highlighted Medicare and Medicaid expansion, lower drug prices, and abortion access in his State of the Union. Here's a look at his healthcare record.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-08 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

President Joe Biden touted his healthcare policy wins in his State of the Union address. He also mentioned Medicare expansion, lower drug prices, and reproductive healthcare access. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementPresident Joe Biden is hoping to win voters with his healthcare record and promises for future change should he be reelected.

Persons: Joe Biden, — Organizations: Service, KFF, Kaiser Family Foundation

☆ Companies are required to disclose their climate impact, SEC says
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Allie Kelly | Catherine Boudreau | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Under the disclosure, public companies will have to release their greenhouse gas emissions, environmental risk impacts, and risk management strategies. Climate disclosure will create a standardized way for companies to report environmental impactPreviously, companies only disclosed their climate impact information on a voluntary basis. Bryan McGannon, managing director of the nonprofit sustainable investment forum US SIF, said the climate disclosure is "a really good first step" toward increasing transparency. The SEC might also be facing litigation from corporate America, which hopes to challenge the new climate disclosure in court, McGannon said. Some companies might be concerned about the potentially high costs of gathering data and complying with the disclosure, SEC officials said.

Persons: Gary Gensler, Steven Rothstein, Rothstein, Bryan McGannon, McGannon, Gavin Newsom Organizations: Service, US Securities and Exchange Commission, Business, Economic, SEC, BI, Ceres Accelerator, Sustainable Capital, US, CNBC, Clean Energy, Jobs Locations: America, California, Michigan

☆ You'll soon be able to get birth control without a prescription. Here's what you need to know.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

It is the first hormonal birth control available for retail and will expand access. Prescription-free birth control will expand accessThe introduction of Opill to family planning aisles will lower barriers to birth control. Since Opill is available without a prescription, people will no longer have to pay a doctor or pharmacist to access hormonal birth control. She urged policymakers to make sure non-prescription birth control is covered by insurance and assistance programs. AdvertisementProgestin-only birth control also carries a risk of ectopic pregnancy and can increase a person's risk for breast cancer, regardless of medical history.

Persons: —, Opill, Victoria Nichols, Nichols, Dr, Tania Serna Organizations: Amazon, Walgreens, CVS, Target, Walmart, Service, US Food and Drug Administration, Guttmacher, Guttmacher Institute, Affordable Care, Kaiser Family Foundation, The American College of Obstetricians, OB, University of California Locations: San Francisco

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