Tempted to Panic-Buy? Sit Down and Have a $1.50 Hot Dog Instead.
A census of Costco carts on Thursday revealed little fear. Tariffs could go as fast as they’re coming, and our columnist is not stuffing his pantry.
April 4, 2025
Still Receive Paper Checks From the Government? That Will Soon End.
An executive order from President Trump will require government agencies to make electronic payments for tax refunds, Social Security and other benefits as of Sept. 30.
April 4, 2025
Haven’t Filed Your Taxes Yet? Here Are Some Last-Minute Tips.
Despite the turmoil at the I.R.S., tax returns are still due on April 15. And, yes, there are still options for lowering last year’s taxable income.
March 28, 2025
The Big Secret About Medicaid: It’s a Middle-Class Benefit
If you have a parent short on savings, a disabled adult child or a minor with special needs, Medicaid may be your backstop. Plenty of people are unaware.
March 21, 2025
How to Shop for a Home That Won’t Be Upended by Climate Change
Deciding where to live has always been a high-stakes financial decision, but a changing climate makes it even more critical. This guide will get you started.
March 19, 2025
How Trump’s Tariffs Could Hit Auto Prices
One estimate puts the potential increase in cost of new cars at thousands of dollars. And used cars could also rise in price. “It’s a crazy situation for consumers,” an expert said.
March 14, 2025
Why You Should Sign Up for the I.R.S.’s Identity Theft Prevention Tool
With employees from the so-called Department of Government Efficiency poking around in agency systems, faith in data security isn’t what it once was. The tool, an identity protection PIN, can help.
March 8, 2025
Scammers Stole Their Savings, and Then the Tax Bill Arrived
The victims pulled money out of their retirement accounts. The withdrawals had inflated their taxable income, even though the funds quickly disappeared.
March 8, 2025
Buying a Home? Without the Consumer Bureau, You Need to Be Your Own Watchdog.
The C.F.P.B. had kept a close eye on mortgage lenders. But with the bureau hobbled, consumers should take several steps, starting with shopping for the best mortgage rates.
March 7, 2025
With the Consumer Agency on Pause, Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Rules on bank and credit card fees, medical debt and payment apps are in limbo. One thing you can do is carefully check your financial statements, one expert says.
February 28, 2025
Did You Sell Concert Tickets or Clothes? You May Owe Taxes.
If you received more than $5,000 for online sales of “goods or services” in 2024, you might get a Form 1099-K. Don’t ignore it, an expert says.
February 21, 2025
How to Become a Millionaire With a Health Savings Account
A new analysis finds that a diligent saver who leaves the money untouched for decades can accumulate $1 million. But not everyone with an H.S.A. can afford to leave the money untapped.
February 14, 2025
Why Transferring Credit Card Debt Won’t Pay It Off
A new report finds that people are spending more on their cards and paying down less. Financial experts offer tips for reducing that debt, starting with looking at your spending habits.
February 7, 2025
You Can No Longer Buy Paper Inflation Bonds With Your Tax Refund
The Treasury Department has also eliminated the option of buying as much as $5,000 in extra inflation bonds, beyond the $10,000 annual limit.
January 31, 2025
I.R.S. Expands Its Free Tax Filing Option
The Direct File system will be open to millions of taxpayers in 25 states, up from 12 last year. But it’s unclear what will happen to the program next year.
January 24, 2025
How to Come Up With a Down Payment on a House
With prices high, putting aside enough cash to buy a house can be daunting. But housing experts say there are assistance programs in all 50 states.
January 17, 2025
American Express to Pay $230 Million to Settle Deceptive Marketing Claims
The Justice Department said the company misrepresented its credit card rewards and fees and made false claims about the tax benefits of its wire transfer products.
January 17, 2025
Jimmy Carter Was Right About Materialism but, Alas, Wrong About Us
“Too many of us now tend to worship self-indulgence and consumption,” he said in his 1979 “Crisis of Confidence” speech. If only we had listened.
December 30, 2024
A Donor Gave Graduates a Big Cash Gift. Why Didn’t They All Get One?
A billionaire gave $1,000 to University of Massachusetts Dartmouth graduates in May. The catch? You had to be there.
December 25, 2024
How a New Year’s Resolution Can Set Up Your Financial Goals for Success
Don’t give up on resolving to do better, psychologists and personal finance experts say. The key is to reframe the way you think about it.
December 20, 2024
Tired of Tipping? Holidays May Be the Exception.
Consumers have said they are confused and frustrated with tipping expectations generally. But, one expert says, “people generally want to feel more generous around the holidays.”
December 13, 2024
It’s Not Too Late to Rein In Holiday Spending
Research suggests that you’ll spend less than you otherwise would by setting a strict budget — even if you go over the budget.
December 6, 2024
I Tested the Latest FAFSA. It Works Fine. Don’t Celebrate Yet.
The rollout of the new student aid form last year was a debacle. This year’s beta testing has gone better. Next up: millions of users and a new administration.
November 23, 2024
High-Yield Savings Accounts Are Still a Good Deal
Interest rates have been falling, but deposits are earning more than inflation.
November 22, 2024
Why States Are Offering Workers at Private Companies Access to I.R.A.s
With the plans, workers are automatically enrolled and contribute through payroll deductions. The goal is to help more Americans save for retirement.
November 15, 2024
Older Workers to Get ‘Super’ 401(k) Catch-Up Contributions in 2025
Workers who are 60 to 63 will be able to put in up to $11,250 in extra contributions, if they can afford it.
November 8, 2024
In a Perfect World, We’d Eliminate Expense Reports. We’re Getting Closer.
We hate them. The companies that build expense management software know that we hate them. They would like things to be different.
November 3, 2024
Expect Higher Costs for Your Health Care Benefits Next Year
Employers are predicting an increase of as much as 9 percent, on average, but are generally avoiding passing along much of that to their employees, industry groups say.
November 1, 2024
Readers Shared Hacks for Cheaper Teen Car Insurance. Do They Work?
Here’s what could happen if you don’t tell your insurer about any teenage drivers in your family — or try to get a separate policy for them altogether.
October 26, 2024
Welcome to the Era of the $20,000 Family Car Insurance Bill
Have several children, a driveway full of cars and a few moving violations? Good luck to you. There are some ways to lessen the financial pain.
October 19, 2024
Homeowners Tap Into Their Rising Home Equity
Balances on home equity lines of credit have risen along with home equity loans. Popular reasons for borrowing include home renovations and repairs and debt consolidation.
October 18, 2024
Looking for Pet Insurance? Some Dog Breeds Will Cost More to Cover.
Premiums for big dogs and purebreds are generally higher. But as one expert put it, “Every dog can get sick.” Here’s what to know about coverage.
June 7, 2024
Managing Your Debt
How to make a plan for tackling your debt, improving your credit score and feel like the money you owe isn’t controlling you.
May 16, 2024
Meeting Yourself Where You’re At
Whether you’re still in school, looking for a job or already working, we have some tips for you.
May 14, 2024
Some Colleges Will Soon Charge $100,000 a Year. How Did This Happen?
Some Vanderbilt students will have $100,000 in total expenses for the 2024-25 school year. The school doesn’t really want to talk about it.
April 5, 2024
The Way Big Banks Shut Down Customer Accounts Is Callous. Let’s Fix It.
When banks close checking and credit-card accounts because of “suspicious activity,” chaos and anxiety ensue. It doesn’t have to be this way.
December 30, 2023
Everyone Is Quitting. Here’s the Right Way to Do It.
From understanding why you want to leave to tackling health insurance and retirement plans, here’s your guide to a graceful exit — without leaving money on the table.
January 19, 2022
Retouching the Mona Lisa Is Restoration, but a Mickey Mantle? Collectors Cry Fraud
Millions of dollars’ worth of baseball cards are at stake as collectors question the authenticity of their purchases and wonder whom they can trust.
June 14, 2019
The Virtues of a Summer Job
Working in the summer is less common among teenagers now as more do volunteer work or take classes. But as one educator said, “Summer jobs are a great idea.”
July 13, 2018
Tempted to Worry? Try Making Concrete Plans Instead.
Taking action — not fretting — is an excellent career and business strategy. It took our Sketch Guy a while to figure that out, though.
September 11, 2017