Andy | Saving to Invest

Replacing The $300 Extra Weekly Unemployment Benefits With a Back-to-Work Bonus 2021 Payment

With millions of Americans still unemployed and getting enhanced unemployment benefits, there’s been a lot of debate on whether the extended federally funded extra unemployment benefits ($300 FPUC, PUA and PEUC) are helping or hurting the post pandemic economic recovery. The argument is that the extra unemployment benefits, and the…

5 Things Your Teenager Should Be Doing Now to Make Money for The Future

If you’re a teenager or just a parent of one, you may find earning cash can be quite difficult during the times we are in now. However the post pandemic world has also given us several new opportunities for teenagers to earn some actual income from a part time job…

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

One thing many readers have been complaining about when it comes to getting help or information on their pending Unemployment Insurance (UI) payment or retroactive benefits claim is finding a number to call so that they can get through to someone they can speak to. This has been acutely felt…

My Car Rental Debt Collector Debacle And Negotiating a Lower Payment

A few months ago I had gone to visit relatives in Washington D.C for a few days ahead of a work trip to New York. When I got to Dulles airport, just outside D.C., I rented a car from the Budget car rental at the airport. The total for the…

2020 Maximum Dependent Unemployment Allowance and Benefits Extended under PUA and PEUC

All states have had their maximum unemployment benefit amounts and duration of coverage significantly enhanced by federal unemployment stimulus programs passed under the CARES act. This has also resulted in an extension of unemployment allowances/benefits for families with dependents in their household (see table below) for several more weeks above…

Does the Stock Market Feel Rigged?

It’s hard to believe that the stock market keeps rising every day while we are still in the middle of a pandemic, dealing with record unemployment and in the midst of a national political divide that could have serious implications for the nation in the years ahead. For most Americans,…

Job Losers are More likely to be Eligible for Unemployment Benefits

Came across some interesting data in an article from the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics which highlighted the reported gap between people unemployed vs. those receiving unemployment insurance (UI). Based on the most recent data there were 23 million people counted as unemployed versus 18 million getting benefits at…

Why Did My $300 Unemployment Stop Even Though I am Eligible for PUA, PEUC and Extended State Unemployment

There has been a lot of news around people getting one or more of the extra $300 weekly unemployment checks, part of the enhanced unemployment stimulus programs, but then seeing an extended delay or sudden stoppage of these checks without any notice. This has created a lot of angst and…

Expanded Unemployment (FPUC, PUA, PEUC) Updates and Resources

With nearly 25 million new and continued unemployment compensation claims it is no surprise that the topic of unemployment benefits, especially as it relates to the 2020 enhanced federally funded pandemic unemployment provisions, have generated a lot of interest. I have been writing extensively over the last few months on…

New Jersey Unemployment Benefits in 2026 — $905/Week Maximum and How to File

New Jersey's maximum weekly unemployment benefit is $905 for 2026 — up from $875 in 2025. The state adjusts its benefit cap each year based on the statewide average weekly wage, which is why New Jersey consistently lands near the top of national comparisons. If you've been laid off in…

Creating Your Own Stimulus Check For Even More Free Money

The IRS recently reported that the bulk of economic stimulus check payments have now been officially distributed. And in many cases the funds have already been used by eligible recipients to buy necessities or splurge on electronics and toys to keep entertained while stuck at home. So for those who…

New York Unemployment Insurance in 2026 — New $869/Week Maximum and How to File

New York's maximum weekly unemployment benefit is now $869 — as of October 6, 2025, the state implemented one of the largest single increases to its UI program in recent history. The previous cap was $504. That's a jump of $365 per week, or about 73%. Governor Hochul and state…

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…

Am I Eligible for Unemployment if I’m Working but my Hours Have Been Reduced? State Partial Weekly Unemployment Benefit Rules

Despite a relatively health economy and plenty of jobs on offer many potential workers are not going back to work full time - either by choice or by circumstance. A common question I get from those in this situation is whether they will still be eligible for unemployment benefits if…