In 2025, some employees will receive an additional paycheck in two months due to the biweekly pay schedule. This extra income can be a boon for those planning significant purchases or investments. Meanwhile, the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has taken legal action against major banks over alleged fraud on the Zelle payment platform. Lastly, parents are advised to be vigilant about their children's video game usage, with guidance on age ratings and parental controls.

The Lucky Few: Biweekly Pay Schedule Brings Additional Income

For those who get paid every other week, 2025 holds an interesting financial twist. Instead of the usual two paychecks per month, certain months will see three paychecks. This phenomenon occurs because of how the calendar aligns with the biweekly pay cycle. Employees should plan accordingly to make the most of this unexpected windfall.

Typically, a 52-week year results in 26 biweekly paychecks. However, when the first paycheck of the year falls on specific dates, it creates months with three paychecks. For instance, if the initial paycheck lands on January 3, 2025, employees will receive three checks in January and August. Alternatively, if the first paycheck is on January 10, May and October will have three pay periods. This irregularity provides a unique opportunity for financial planning and saving.

Safeguarding Consumers: Legal Action Against Payment Platform Fraud

The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has initiated a lawsuit against leading banks for failing to protect consumers from widespread fraud on the Zelle platform. This move aims to enhance consumer protections and ensure fair practices in digital transactions. The CFPB seeks to address the vulnerabilities that have made the platform attractive to criminals.

The lawsuit targets JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, accusing them of inadequate measures to prevent fraudulent activities on Zelle. CFPB Director Rohit Chopra highlighted that the platform's design inadvertently facilitated criminal activity, making it easy for fraudsters to exploit users. The bureau aims to secure redress and penalties for affected consumers, emphasizing the need for stronger safeguards. This legal action reflects the agency's commitment to protecting consumers from financial harm, especially as digital payment methods become increasingly prevalent.