
Former IRS commissioner warns of phishing and smishing schemes as tax deadline nears
Read full article: Former IRS commissioner warns of phishing and smishing schemes as tax deadline nearsWe’ve all gotten them: unsolicited text messages and emails, seemingly harmless but secretly after your information. And with the tax filing deadline approaching, you may see an uptick.

Future of Social Security: More than half of Americans fear benefit cuts
Read full article: Future of Social Security: More than half of Americans fear benefit cutsWith the Social Security trust fund projected to run out by 2035 and absent any reforms, current payroll taxes will only be able to fund 83 percent of the scheduled benefits.

‘I fell for it:’ Central Florida man loses thousands in cryptocurrency scheme
Read full article: ‘I fell for it:’ Central Florida man loses thousands in cryptocurrency schemeA Central Florida man lost tens of thousands of dollars in a cryptocurrency investment scheme that started with an “accidental” text message.

Waiting for a stimulus check? Better Business Bureau warns of taxpayer scam
Read full article: Waiting for a stimulus check? Better Business Bureau warns of taxpayer scamIn December, the Internal Revenue Service announced it would send payments to eligible taxpayers who didn’t receive one or more stimulus checks during the pandemic. Now, fraudsters are impersonating the IRS to steal info, says the Better Business Bureau.

High school students earn $1K to explore careers in Central Florida
Read full article: High school students earn $1K to explore careers in Central FloridaThe sound of power saws and drills pierced the afternoon air as dozens of high school students from Orange County received a hands-on introduction to the construction industry.

Are you betting on the Super Bowl? Have fun, but know the consequences
Read full article: Are you betting on the Super Bowl? Have fun, but know the consequencesAs the legal sports betting market continues to expand, more Americans than ever are expected to place a bet on the biggest wagering event of the year.

‘Pending, pending, pending:’ Monthslong waits for unemployment benefits on the rise in Florida?
Read full article: ‘Pending, pending, pending:’ Monthslong waits for unemployment benefits on the rise in Florida?Ronita Lee, mother of a newborn, lost her three-year job at ZipRecruiter on Nov. 1, 2024, and applied for unemployment benefits the next day.

Teaching kids about money: Libraries bridge the education gap
Read full article: Teaching kids about money: Libraries bridge the education gapThe South Creek branch of the Orange County Library System is doing more than lending books these days. As one of 300 public libraries nationwide selected for the “Thinking Money for Kids” program, it’s using games to teach financial literacy to children ages 3 to 12. See what other libraries are doing.

Florida part of nationwide Direct File expansion by IRS. What does that mean?
Read full article: Florida part of nationwide Direct File expansion by IRS. What does that mean?The Internal Revenue Service is expanding its Direct File program to all 50 states following a successful pilot in 12 states, including Florida.

Here is a list of all FEMA disaster recovery centers in Central Florida
Read full article: Here is a list of all FEMA disaster recovery centers in Central FloridaNearly two months after Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida, the state is still reeling from the devastation and flooding wrought by the storm.

‘Hidden gems:’ Dozens of apprenticeships available in Central Florida. How to get involved
Read full article: ‘Hidden gems:’ Dozens of apprenticeships available in Central Florida. How to get involvedFlorida is home to hundreds of registered apprenticeship programs, including 50 in Central Florida alone.

From ballot to bank account: How election results may impact your wallet
Read full article: From ballot to bank account: How election results may impact your walletPresident-elect Donald Trump’s economic strategies hold high expectations as he claimed a “powerful mandate” from the American people. His plans largely hinge on significant tax cuts, aggressive trade policies and actions aimed at revitalizing the economy through corporate incentives and personal tax relief.

‘Changing for the better,’ Pine Hills council aims to help community, change perceptions
Read full article: ‘Changing for the better,’ Pine Hills council aims to help community, change perceptionsThe Pine Hills Community Council, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, has served its namesake community in Orange County for more than 50 years.

Drowning in credit card debt? Here’s how one program helps pull you out of the red
Read full article: Drowning in credit card debt? Here’s how one program helps pull you out of the redAs the cost of living continues to soar, millions of Americans are grappling with the heavy burden of credit card debt.

What Citizens Insurance depopulation means for Florida homeowners
Read full article: What Citizens Insurance depopulation means for Florida homeownersAs rates soared, this state-backed carrier amassed a staggering 1.25 million active policies. Now, however, that number is about to be halved as the state rolls out a depopulation initiative.

Unemployment woes: Salesperson’s story triggers wave of requests as Floridians face delays
Read full article: Unemployment woes: Salesperson’s story triggers wave of requests as Floridians face delaysEver since News 6 featured an Orlando salesperson who waited more than three months for Florida unemployment benefits, Make Ends Meet has received an additional 17 requests from viewers with the same issue.

Wildfires on the rise: Florida has 2nd-highest risk in US. Here’s how to prep financially
Read full article: Wildfires on the rise: Florida has 2nd-highest risk in US. Here’s how to prep financiallyIn terms of financial risk, the study shows that Florida has the second highest fire risk in the country, with losses expected to reach $269 million.

Orlando man waited more than 3 months for unemployment benefits
Read full article: Orlando man waited more than 3 months for unemployment benefitsAfter reviewing his records, Make Ends Meet confirmed salesperson David Catalano’s account is active and eligible for $3,300, but is on hold due to a “pending issue awaiting adjudication determination.”

CareerSource Central Florida helps veterans transition to civilian life and find employment
Read full article: CareerSource Central Florida helps veterans transition to civilian life and find employmentNational Hire a Veteran Day, observed annually on July 25, serves as a poignant reminder to employers nationwide to prioritize hiring individuals who have bravely served our country.

‘We’re hiring!’ A tech company’s search for ‘cyber heroes’
Read full article: ‘We’re hiring!’ A tech company’s search for ‘cyber heroes’ThreatLocker, a cybersecurity firm based in Orlando, is significantly expanding its workforce in response to a growing wave of cyber-attacks targeting businesses across the United States.

SunPass and FasTrak imposters send texts to News 6 employees. Here’s what happened
Read full article: SunPass and FasTrak imposters send texts to News 6 employees. Here’s what happenedWhen News 6 Investigator Erik Sandoval received a text stating that he had used the FasTrak Express Lane, he knew right away that it was a fake.

Prime Day is a prime target for package thieves
Read full article: Prime Day is a prime target for package thievesAs Amazon Prime Day approaches, it's not just deals and discounts that are on the rise— so are package thefts. With millions of people expected to be ordering online, security experts warn that the number of stolen packages could surge dramatically.