Author: Brad Beckett

The Tax Foundation says states tax fuel in several ways, including sales taxes, per-gallon excise taxes collected at the pump, taxes imposed on wholesalers (which are passed along to consumers in the form of higher prices), and a variety of operational taxes, such as underground storage tank fees, that are often charged to the retailer.   To that end, they added up all different taxes & fees to calculate a total tax rate on gas for each state – see interactive map below. The gas tax is meant to function as a user fee charging drivers to fund the construction and maintenance…

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is reporting that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.4% in August, 2025.  The all items index was up 2.9% for the 12 months ending in August.  The shelter index increased 0.4% and was the primary factor in the all items monthly increase.  The index for energy rose 0.7% in August as the index for gasoline increased 1.9% over the month. Click here to read the full release at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What are the most common job types in every state?  You might take a wild guess, but there’s a good chance you’d be wrong and surprised – especially you compare it with 1998.  Today’s graphic from the folks over at the Visual Capitalist took at the most common job types in 1998 and compared them to 2024.  As always, stay safe and have a Happy Friday!!! Hat tip to the Visual Capitalist.

A recent report from Zillow says home values rose in half of the nation’s largest markets over the past year, while falling in the other half.  Their latest market report says buyers are gaining leverage across the country and sellers cutting prices at record rates to compete – but they say they’re losing the war on affordability.  They say it all comes down to where you live: “Perhaps more than ever, whether it’s a good time to buy depends on where you live…A defining trait of this market is that buyers are gaining leverage that most of them can’t use,…

According to the latest Yardi Matrix Multifamily Report, multifamily rents posted gains in August, 2025 with the average U.S. advertised rent dropping $1 to $1,755. Year-over-year rent growth was 0.7%.  Yardi says multifamily rent growth cooled in August, consistent with seasonal trends. “Rent growth is expected to remain lackluster through year-end. Momentum is slowing across most metros, as only a few markets recorded more than 3% year-over-year growth..” Click here to read the full report at Yardi.

On a recent episode of the Rental Property Owner & Real Estate Investor Podcast,  Brian Hamrick talks with Dr. Sherry Peel Jackson – a former IRS agent, CPA, Certified Fraud Examiner, and real estate investor who reveals how real estate investors can legally reduce taxes, grow income, and protect wealth.  Dr. Jackson shares her unique insider perspective on IRS audits, the importance of documentation, and common mistakes investors make.  Ever heard of the “Augusta Rule?” Don’t miss these expert insights that could save you thousands on your next tax return! “…old school people like me, I keep my receipts…now, people…

According to the ADP National Employment Report for August, 2025, private sector employment increased by 54k jobs and annual pay was up 4.4% year-over-year. The ADP National Employment Report is an independent and high-frequency view of the private-sector labor market based on the aggregated and anonymized payroll data of more than 25 million U.S. employees. “The year started with strong job growth, but that momentum has been whipsawed by uncertainty. A variety of things could explain the hiring slowdown, including labor shortages, skittish consumers, and AI disruptions.”  Said ADP chief economist Dr. Nela Richardson. Click here to read the full…

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, total nonfarm payroll employment changed little in August, 2025 with the unemployment rate coming in at 4.3%.  In addition, the report says a job gain in health care was partially offset by losses in federal government and in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction. Click here to read the full report at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Wall Street Journal (reposted on Realtor.com) is reporting that a pledged rent freeze by New York City Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is “rattling” mom & pop landlords – who often own small apartment buildings and say the Mamdani’s housing policy could damage their businesses.  New York City will elect a new mayor this November. “The mayoral primary was the nail in the coffin…It would be the kiss of death if he won.”  Said Paul Rahimian, chief executive officer and founder of Parkview Financial, a commercial real-estate lender.  Since the pandemic, the city’s small landlords have faced higher inflation and…

According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, personal income in July increased $112.3 billion (0.4% at a monthly rate). Disposable personal income (DPI – personal income less personal current taxes) increased $93.9 billion (0.4%) and personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased $69.9 billion (0.3%).  Personal outlays (the sum of PCE, personal interest payments, and personal current transfer payments) increased $108.9 billion in July.  Personal saving was $985.6 billion in June and the personal saving rate (personal saving as a percentage of disposable personal income) was 4.4%. Click here to read the full report at the Bureau of…