Andy | Saving to Invest

Buying a Franchise in 2026? 10 Myths and 5 Risk Factors I Learned the Hard Way

I owned a second-tier franchise for one year before selling it for a $170,000 loss. That's an expensive way to learn what franchisors don't put in the pitch deck, but it means I know exactly what I'm talking about here. Franchises sell an appealing story: brand recognition, a proven system,…

2026 Stimulus Check Updates: No New Federal Payment — State Programs and What’s Being Proposed

No new federal stimulus check has been authorized for 2026. The last round of federal Economic Impact Payments went out in 2021, and a fourth check would require Congress to pass new legislation — which has not happened. That said, there are real payments going out to Americans in 2026,…

The Power of Compounding: $1 Million Now or a Penny Doubled for 30 Days?

Here's a question I've used to start more than a few personal finance conversations: would you rather have $1 million right now, or take a single penny — doubled every day for 30 days? Most people pick the million. Almost every time. They're wrong. By day 30, the penny-doubling path…

State Unemployment Phone Numbers and Getting in Touch With a Live Agent

One of the most common questions I get is simply: how do I reach a real person at my state unemployment office? Most state UI agencies push callers toward their website or an automated line first, and getting through to a live agent for a claim-specific issue can take some…

New Jersey Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $905/Week for 26 Weeks, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available

New Jersey's unemployment insurance program — managed by the NJ Division of Unemployment Insurance — provides some of the strongest UI benefits in the country. The maximum weekly benefit rose to $905 for 2026, up from $854 the year before, following the statutory annual adjustment. New Jersey ties its maximum…

New York Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $869/Week, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available

New York's unemployment insurance program — managed by the New York State Department of Labor (NY DOL) — is now among the most generous in the country. The maximum benefit rose from $504 to $869 effective with payments issued the week of October 13, 2025 — the first increase since…

Arizona Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $320/Week for 24 Weeks, Partial UI, and What Else Is Available

Arizona's unemployment insurance program, administered by the Department of Economic Security (DES), provides benefits for up to 24 weeks. With a 2026 maximum of $320 per week, Arizona's benefit cap is lower than most western states, though the program covers a solid range of workers and provides meaningful partial benefits…

2026–2027 Updates: Can You Collect Unemployment While Working Part-Time? Partial UI Rules by State

Working part-time while on unemployment isn't just allowed — it's something most states actively want you to do. The alternative, where every shift you pick up wipes out your entire benefit, discourages work and makes a job search harder. States recognized that problem decades ago. In 2026, the rules work…

Pennsylvania Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $605/Week for 26 Weeks, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available

Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation program — managed by the PA Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) — increased its maximum weekly benefit to $605 for 2026, effective January 1, from $561 in 2025. Pennsylvania sets its maximum at approximately 66⅔% of the statewide average weekly wage, adjusted each January. Importantly, Pennsylvania…

Illinois Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $859/Week, Tax Rules, and What Else You Can Claim

If you've lost your job or had your hours cut in Illinois, the state's unemployment insurance system offers some of the stronger benefits in the Midwest. The maximum weekly benefit runs to $628 for individual claimants — and jumps to $859 per week if you have dependent children. Here's what…

Preparing For Layoffs: Steps to Take Ahead of Time And What To Do First

With a slowing economy, government and private sector reductions in force, and the prospect of a downturn always around the corner, you may get into work one of these days and hear that your position has been made redundant. Are you prepared for this scenario and its likely impact on…

Massachusetts Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $1,105/Week for 30 Weeks, Partial UI Rules, and What Else Is Available

Massachusetts' unemployment insurance program — managed by the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) — provides up to $1,105 per week in 2026, the second-highest maximum in the country. Massachusetts sets its maximum benefit each October using a formula tied to the state average weekly wage: 57.5% of the prior year's…

Georgia Unemployment Insurance (GDOL) Benefits in 2026 — $365/Week, Up to 14 Weeks

Georgia's maximum weekly unemployment insurance benefit is $365, and the state provides up to 14 weeks of regular benefits — one of the shorter durations among larger states. It's not the most generous program in the country, but it's also one of the faster and more straightforward systems once you…

Colorado Unemployment Benefits in 2026: Up to $844/Week for 26 Weeks, Partial UI Rules, Taxes, and What Else Is Available

Colorado's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) — raised its maximum weekly benefit to $844 in 2026, up from $781 in 2025. Colorado sets its maximum at two-thirds of the statewide average weekly wage, adjusted each January, keeping benefits closely tied to…