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
What to Do if You Fall Behind on Auto Loan Payments
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau suggests that lenders may be overzealous in repossessing cars.
October 11, 2024
Experian Wants You to Carry Its Debit Card Around. Be Wary.
There’s not a lot of love for the credit bureaus, so why would you want one of them in your wallet? Experian’s pitch: A slightly better credit score. Maybe.
October 5, 2024
How States Are Enticing Employers to Help Their Workers Save for College
With college costs high, at least eight states now offer tax credits or deductions for employers that contribute to workers’ 529 accounts.
October 4, 2024
Missed Student Loan Payments Will Hurt Your Credit Again. What to Know.
President Biden’s yearlong on-ramp to help federal student loan borrowers ease back into repayment ended on Sept. 30.
September 30, 2024
Surviving Spouses May Not Be Responsible for Partners’ Medical Bills
A call from a debt collector may add to the challenges that bereaved people are already dealing with. But spouses “should not assume that they have to pay.”
September 27, 2024
Is It Better to Buy or Lease a Car? It Depends.
The lowest overall cost is to buy a car and keep it for a long time. But leasing usually has lower monthly costs. And leasing an E.V. may come with a tax break.
September 20, 2024
$300 for a New Checking Account? Banks Offer Bonuses to Attract Customers.
Facing competition for business, banks are offering incentives to switch. But as one expert put it, “You have to read the fine print.”
September 13, 2024
How to Handle the Delay in the Release of the FAFSA Form
The student financial aid application is expected to be ready by Dec. 1, two months later than usual. Experts offer some tips on what to do in the meantime.
September 6, 2024
Is It Better to Stay on Your Parents’ Health Care Plan or Enroll in an Employer’s?
For young adults, the choice isn’t always a straightforward one.
August 30, 2024
If Your Debt Is Ballooning, There Are Steps You Can Take
More borrowers have been falling behind on their credit card bills and are paying more for basic banking services, like A.T.M. fees.
August 23, 2024
What to Know About Online Paycheck Advances and Why They Face Scrutiny
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has proposed a rule that would treat the offerings as loans, requiring the providers to disclose their charges as interest rates.
August 9, 2024
A Mortgage Alternative for Lower-Priced Homes Comes With Risks
Seller-financed loans known as “land contracts” don’t involve a bank and lack the consumer protections available with traditional home loans.
August 2, 2024
Chase to Bar Customers From Using Credit Cards for ‘Pay Later’ Loans
Financial regulators and consumer advocates frown upon using credit cards to pay off installment loans because of the risk that consumers will dig themselves further into debt.
July 26, 2024
How to Rein In Rising Auto Insurance Rates
Taking a safe driver course can save you 10 percent on the premium, one expert said. Improving your credit score can also help as can getting married.
July 19, 2024
A Money Guru Bet Big on a Very Long Life. Then He Got Cancer.
Jonathan Clements, a longtime personal finance columnist for The Wall Street Journal, has a lot of savings. He’s not mad that a fatal illness will keep him from spending it.
July 13, 2024
Why Some People Don’t Talk About Money With Their Partner
A new report finds that people stressed about their finances are often worried that discussing it will lead to an argument. But experts say conversations can help.
June 28, 2024
It’s Fine if Investing Bores You. Some Money Pros Feel the Same Way.
For many financial professionals, investing is just a tool to help people achieve their meaningful life goals.
June 22, 2024
Tips for Renting an E.V. for Your Summer Vacation
Even with more fast-charging stations available, having a smooth electric vehicle experience still takes planning, our columnist found.
June 21, 2024
First a Victim of Tax Return Identity Theft, Then a 2-Year Wait for a Refund
The I.R.S.’s Taxpayer Advocate Service found that many of those affected were lower-income people who depended on refunds to cover living costs. The wait is “ridiculous,” the head of the service said.
June 14, 2024
The Best Way to Get a Refund When Your Airline’s Wi-Fi Is Terrible
We compiled shortcuts and links for every big U.S. carrier — and some little-known tips that should make it easier to get your money back.
June 8, 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
When a Bank Rescinds a Job Offer Because It Canceled Your Credit Cards
Last year, JPMorgan Chase wanted to pay Mansoor Shams a low-six-figure salary to work in a marketing role. Then it reviewed his account activity.
June 6, 2024
Interest on Federal Student Loans Is Rising to 6.53%
The rate for undergraduate loans is up from 5.5 percent this past school year and higher than it has been in more than a decade.
May 24, 2024
The High-Class Problem That Comes With Home Equity
You may feel richer as you pay your mortgage down and home values go up. Using that equity is another matter entirely.
May 19, 2024
Getting Started With Savings
The earlier you begin trying to save, the easier you’ll make things for your future self.
May 17, 2024
F.S.A. vs. H.S.A.: What to Know About the Accounts That Pay Medical Costs
Flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts both have tax benefits, but both may also have drawbacks, two reports found.
May 17, 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
Budgeting for the Haters
How to think about budgeting — without all the shame and blame.
May 15, 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
A Boot Camp for 20-Somethings
Advice, explainers and exercises on taking advantage of job benefits, creating a budget, paying off debt and thinking about your future.
May 13, 2024
Can Your Investment Portfolio Reflect Your Values?
Forget about endowments and their holdings and divestment for a minute. What do you stand for, and how can you make your portfolio reflect that?
May 11, 2024
A Pause for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
The Education Department has temporarily stopped processing applications and other forms as it updates its systems and deals with problems plaguing the program.
May 10, 2024
Medical Debt Shows Up Less Often on Credit Reports
But the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said 15 million people still had medical bills in their files, which can make it hard to qualify for loans.
May 3, 2024
Louisiana Will No Longer Require Students to Fill Out FAFSA to Graduate
Experts say high school seniors are more likely to go to college if they complete the financial aid form, but the state sees privacy issues with mandating it.
April 26, 2024
You Finished I.V.F. and Want to Donate Embryos. Is There a Tax Benefit?
Some people may consider donating embryos to researchers in light of Alabama’s I.V.F. ruling and in advance of other state actions. Would it be considered a charitable gift?
April 20, 2024
Thousands Are Eligible for Tax Refunds From 2020
The I.R.S. estimates that 940,000 people who didn’t file their returns for that year are due back money. The deadline for filing to get it is May 17.
April 19, 2024
That Giant College ‘Sticker’ Price Isn’t What Most Students Pay
The share of those paying the full advertised cost has declined over the last couple of decades, a new report found. Yet many don’t understand how much they’ll really pay.
April 12, 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
Robinhood’s Credit Card Offers 3% Cash Back. Can It Last?
Charles Schwab stopped offering a 2 percent card years ago, and most banks don’t hand over more than 2 percent either.
March 28, 2024
The State Had at Least $52,000 of Her Money. Why Couldn’t She Get It Back?
A financial firm told an account owner that it had turned over her money to the state. When she filed a claim, something strange happened.
March 23, 2024
Insurers Report Rising Hail Damage Claims
Inflation is driving up the cost of materials and labor to repair roofs and cars. Adding to insurers’ costs is increased development in areas affected by severe storms.
March 22, 2024
Car Deals Are Easier to Find but Lenders Are Tightening Their Terms
It has become harder for some borrowers to get affordable car loans as banks and dealerships face a rising number of delinquencies.
March 8, 2024
In Rancho Cucamonga, a Team of Teenage Tax Slayers Helps Adults
At a high school in California, students help run a tax-return clinic. They get academic credit, breakfast burritos and life lessons.
March 1, 2024
Report Helps Answer the Question: Is a College Degree Worth the Cost?
The analysis found that former students at most colleges had an annual income higher than high school graduates a decade after enrollment.
March 1, 2024
Looking for a Lower Credit Card Interest Rate? Good Luck.
Comparison sites often emphasize the big banks’ offerings even though smaller banks and credit unions typically charge significantly less.
February 23, 2024
Some Good FAFSA News: There’s a Loophole for Grandparents
Even amid the botched rollout of the new financial aid form, a rule change will let some grandparents help pay for college without compromising aid eligibility.
February 17, 2024
What Amazon, the F.T.C. and C.I.A. Won’t Say When You’ve Been Scammed
New York magazine’s money columnist wrote about being conned out of $50,000 by crooks pretending to be from Amazon and government agencies. We asked the company and agencies for comment.
February 16, 2024
Money in College Savings Accounts Can Now Go Toward Retirement
But there are caveats to moving the money into Roth I.R.A.s, and the government still has to issue guidelines about the option.
February 16, 2024
Employers Can Now Enroll Workers in Some Emergency Savings Accounts
But many companies are spurning the “clunky” legal requirements for accounts linked to retirement plans. Instead, some have stand-alone rainy day offerings.
February 9, 2024
Will Families Pay Less With Two Students in College? Now, It Depends.
The federal financial aid formula used to give a break to families with two or more children in college at a time. That’s gone now, and some schools may not fill the gap.
February 3, 2024
F.T.C. Warns Dozens of Funeral Homes to Provide Accurate Costs to Callers
The agency said an “undercover phone sweep” of more than 250 homes found that 38 failed to provide prices or supplied inconsistent prices in separate calls.
February 2, 2024
How Some Families Are Breaking the Rules to Apply for Financial Aid
Experts are already encouraging students and parents to exchange usernames and passwords to expedite aid applications. One problem: It’s not legal.
January 27, 2024
More Tenants Can Now Add Rent Payments to Their Credit Score
Policymakers view the reporting of an on-time pattern as a way to reduce disparities in homeownership.
January 26, 2024
Even if They Didn’t Apply, Some Students Get College Admission Offers
“Direct admission” is increasingly being offered to high school seniors who meet minimum academic qualifications. The participating schools are eager for more applicants.
January 19, 2024
I.R.S. to Begin Trial of Its Own Free Tax-Filing System
Residents of 12 states are eligible to participate if they meet certain criteria. But the agency’s plans have already met resistance from tax preparation companies.
January 5, 2024
I Spent New Year’s Eve Trying to Do the FAFSA. It Didn’t Go Well.
The new, simplified version of the college student aid form was supposed to become available in December. It was, kind of, for some people.
January 1, 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
Now May Be the Time to Lock In High Interest Rates on Your Savings
Rates on C.D.s are the highest they’ve been in years. But the Fed is signaling that it may cut its borrowing costs next year, and C.D. rates could follow.
December 29, 2023
Chaos, Injustice and Joy: This Year’s College Essays About Money
Each year, we ask teenagers to send us their application essays about work, money or social class. Here are four, from California to Cambodia.
December 16, 2023
Difficult Choices for Some Long-Term Care Policyholders
After a settlement of a lawsuit, Genworth, the biggest holder of the policies, said customers could get reduced benefits or face significant increases in premiums.
December 15, 2023
Tips for Avoiding Surprise Bills From Electronic Toll Roads
Cashless tolls have reduced traffic jams, but they can also lead to hefty bills for out-of-state drivers. One piece of advice: Promptly pay the bill you get in the mail.
December 8, 2023
More States Now Require Financial Literacy Classes in High Schools
The surge in offerings is a response to the pandemic, which revealed glaring income inequality, as well as inflation and the resumption of student loan payments, an expert said.
December 1, 2023
Tip a Self-Service Kiosk? How to Deal With the Many Requests for Tips.
Since the pandemic, they seem to be everywhere. And with inflation, the gratuity on a pricier meal feels like a big outlay.
November 17, 2023
Mint, the Budgeting App, Is Going Away. Here Are Some Alternatives.
Finding a money app that works best for you requires personal testing. We asked popular competitors to Mint why you should try their offerings.
November 11, 2023
Higher Contribution Limits Are Coming for 401(k) Retirement Plans
But, financial advisers note, most people cannot afford to set aside the maximum amount. “This is a system geared for high earners,” one expert said.
November 10, 2023
Open Enrollment Begins for Affordable Care Act Health Plans
Pandemic-era help with the monthly insurance premium costs continues through 2025.
November 3, 2023
Writing ‘Maid’ Pulled Stephanie Land Out of Poverty. She’s Fine Now, Right?
Despite writing a best seller that became a hit Netflix series, Ms. Land says she still worries about her job security.
October 28, 2023
TransUnion Failed to Quickly Place or Remove Freezes on Credit Reports
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau accused the credit bureau, one of three major credit reporting agencies, of “lying to consumers.”
October 27, 2023
More Than 400,000 Student Loan Borrowers Had Wrong Monthly Payments
The Education Department said miscalculations had caused many borrowers to see higher monthly payments than they actually owed.
October 16, 2023
How to Take Advantage of a Health Savings Account
Insurance plans with high deductibles may seem unappealing, but the savings accounts that often come with them offer significant tax benefits.
October 13, 2023
Social Security Benefits Will Rise 3.2% in 2024
Millions of Social Security beneficiaries, from retirees to disabled workers, will receive the cost-of-living adjustment, which is far less than last year’s but still higher than average.
October 12, 2023
A New Effort to Make College Aid Offers Easy to Understand
After years of criticism about financial aid letters that are confusing and sometimes misleading, about 400 schools have agreed to bring “clarity” to their communication.
October 6, 2023
It’s Time to Pay Your Student Loans. What Happens if You Fall Behind?
Missed payments will be reported as a forbearance rather than as delinquencies. But your credit score could still be affected.
October 4, 2023
What Should You Do if Hotels Don’t Warn You About Strikes?
There is recourse for customers who arrive at a hotel and are surprised to find a boisterous picket line waiting to greet them.
October 1, 2023
What New York homeowners and renters should know about flood insurance.
Standard homeowners’ and renters’ policies don’t cover damages that can be caused by the kind of heavy rains that hit New York City on Friday.
September 29, 2023
Consumer Agency Moves to Ban Medical Debt From Credit Reports
Millions of Americans owe money to doctors and hospitals, and that debt can affect their ability to get loans or even a job.
September 29, 2023
New York Drivers Are Paying More for Car Insurance. Here’s Why.
Policyholders should check the details of their auto insurance, which will automatically enroll them in extra spousal coverage — even if they’re single.
September 22, 2023
The Rising Costs of Owning a Car
Everything is going up — buying, financing, insurance and maintenance. The average annual cost of ownership, by one estimate, is $12,000.
September 22, 2023
The Simple Nudge That Raised Median Donations by 80%
A start-up used the Hebrew word “chai” and its numerical match, 18, to bump up giving amounts. What magic number would do the same for you?
September 16, 2023
Beware Companies Selling Credit ‘Repair’ Services
Consumers have a right to dispute mistakes on their credit reports. But if they’ve made late payments, that can’t be erased, consumer experts say.
September 15, 2023
Why Some Ex-Workers at Bed Bath & Beyond Face 401(k) Losses
Federal law generally protects retirement savings when a company files for bankruptcy. But that’s not always the case.
September 9, 2023
Student Loan Payments Are Due Again. Here Are 5 Things to Know.
A three-year payment pause has ended in October. A more affordable repayment plan is available, and some borrowers will receive a fresh start.
August 31, 2023
Biden’s New Student Loan Repayment Plan Is Open. Here’s How to Enroll.
The income-driven plan, SAVE, will reduce payments for millions of borrowers, and more will qualify for $0 payments.
August 22, 2023
Credit Card Balances Hit New Peak
Debt rose to more than $1 trillion in the second quarter, a report found — a sign of financial strain for some, even before student loan payments resume.
August 18, 2023
Letter to a Young Crypto Enthusiast (or the Merely Curious)
An ever-growing number of young people, males in particular, have bought cryptocurrencies. Here’s some advice, without the finger-wagging.
August 13, 2023
A New FAFSA Form Is Coming, Along With Changes in College Aid
In addition to the new form, the federal government will expand eligibility for federal aid in the biggest overhaul in decades.
August 11, 2023
Discharging Student Debt in Bankruptcy Is Supposed to Be Easier Than Before
Last year, the Biden administration provided a new path to make it easier to discharge student loans in bankruptcy. The results appear promising, but success has been limited.
August 9, 2023
Why It’s Smart to Revisit New Year’s Savings Goals Now
There’s still time this year to make adjustments, especially with the coming resumption of student loan payments.
July 21, 2023
Do You Qualify for Biden’s $39 Billion Student Debt Cancellation?
The Education Department announced that more than 800,000 borrowers would see their debt eliminated thanks to fixes made to its income-driven repayment programs.
July 14, 2023
Water Bills Are Rising. Here’s What to Do About It.
Consumers face higher costs as water systems replace old pipes and equipment. Shorter showers and water-efficient appliances can help manage the expense.
July 14, 2023
How Biden Might Try to Cancel Student Debt Next
The administration proposed to use its “compromise and settlement” powers under the Higher Education Act of 1965. But what does that mean?
July 10, 2023
Tips for Canceling Online Subscriptions
It’s easy to sign up but not always so easy to stop a service. The F.T.C. is proposing rules to change that.
July 7, 2023
Retiree Medical Costs Are Expected to Moderate, but Still High
An estimate puts the average cost over a 20-year retirement at about $157,000. That’s almost double the estimate in 2002.
June 30, 2023
It’s Time for Colleges to Guarantee Prices, Before Students Apply
One way to preserve diversity now that the Supreme Court has ruled against two colleges’ race-based admissions policies: Tell people the true price.
June 29, 2023
Overdraft Fees Are Dwindling, Study Finds
But the share of people paying the fees remains unchanged, and they’re often among the most financial vulnerable.
June 16, 2023
How to Get More Affordable Home Insurance as Costs Soar
Weather-driven disasters are causing rates to skyrocket in high-risk regions. But there are things owners can do to save on costs.
June 14, 2023
The Risks of Storing Money in Apps Like Venmo and Cash App
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is warning that the funds may be at risk if the app’s parent company runs into trouble.
June 9, 2023
The Student Loan Payment Pause Is Ending. Here’s How to Prepare.
The Supreme Court blocked President Biden’s debt cancellation plan. Borrowers must now resume payments for the first time in three years without that relief.
June 1, 2023
Contributions to College Savings Plans Pick Up as Inflation Eases
Deposits into 529 savings accounts fell last fall and early this year. But experts say the stock market recovery is helping to attract more money.
May 26, 2023
Expect Interest Rates on Federal Student Loans to Rise
Rates for undergraduate loans could top 5 percent next school year, adding pressure on families already struggling to pay for college.
May 19, 2023
The Daughter Who Got the Government to Cancel Her Mother’s Debt
Susan Miskin retired from her teaching job in 2019 and didn’t think she’d ever pay off her student loans. Then, her only child stepped in.
May 13, 2023
More Options to Pay for Medical Care, but Some May Be Costly
Consumer experts are warning patients that some offerings charge much higher interest rates than regular credit cards.
May 12, 2023
Mortgage Fees (Seriously) Spurred Outrage on TikTok. Here’s Why.
Changes to fees applied to federal mortgages have led to a misconception that borrowers with low credit scores will pay less at the expense of borrowers with good credit.
May 7, 2023
How to Deal With Rising Auto Insurance Rates
Premiums are up more than inflation, as insurers deal with rising repair bills and higher car rental rates. But consumers do have some options, experts say.
May 5, 2023
Send Us Your College Application Essay About Money, Work or Social Class
Each year, we publish a handful of essays by high school seniors. We’d love to read yours. If we use it, we’ll pay you.
May 4, 2023
Some Colleges Offer Quotes of Competitors’ Prices. Be Wary.
Schools may try to guess other campuses you’re considering and provide a list of their prices. They may not be accurate.
April 29, 2023
Forgot to File Your 2019 Taxes? You Still Can if You Want Your Refund.
The forms were originally due in the early days of the pandemic. The I.R.S. estimates that 1.5 million people are owed money, but they must file by July 17.
April 28, 2023
Say Hi to SoFi. It’s Suing to Force You to Repay Student Loans Faster.
A self-styled “anti-bank” poached good customers from the federal loan system. When pandemic relief made that harder, it sued the government.
April 22, 2023
Rates on C.D.s Are Soaring, but the High Rates May Not Last
Banks are offering the promotional rates to attract deposits. Given concerns about the economy, it’s unclear how long banks will continue to reward savers.
April 21, 2023
Charles Schwab’s Deposits Shrink, but Profits Grow Faster Than Expected
The brokerage giant, which has been swept into the turmoil surrounding the banking sector, seemed to ease fears about its financial health in its latest earnings report.
April 17, 2023
The College Data You Probably Can’t Find, but Definitely Need
Fed up with the lack of clear college pricing and other data, these parents hacked the information they needed into usable tools and guides.
April 15, 2023
Funeral Homes Don’t Have to List Prices Online. That May Change.
The rule on price disclosure was written before widespread use of the internet. Regulators are considering an update.
April 14, 2023
Banks Are Closing Customer Accounts, With Little Explanation
Increasing attention to suspicious-seeming transactions has led to some people suddenly losing access to their bank accounts. The reasons are often a mystery.
April 8, 2023
What to Do With Your Tax Refund? Save for Emergencies.
The average refund is down from last year, but still almost $3,000. One option experts recommend is stashing part of it for unexpected expenses.
April 7, 2023
Why Schwab, a Financial Giant, Got Hurt in the Regional Banks Panic
Like Silicon Valley Bank, the company holds billions in bonds that have declined in value. But it has access to billions in cash, if needed, analysts say, and is much more diversified.
March 31, 2023
A Federal Tool Could Soon Make It Easier to Compare Credit Cards
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which already provides some card details, is asking banks for more information about who qualifies for which cards.
March 31, 2023
Check Fraud Is on the Rise. Here’s What You Can Do to Prevent It.
Even as fewer people use paper checks, there have been more reports of criminals stealing them from mailboxes and changing the dollar amount and name of the recipient, officials say.
March 10, 2023
The Rich Get College Subsidies While the Student Debt Debate Goes On
As debt relief for student loan borrowers faces scrutiny, wealthy families can amass millions of dollars in tax-favored 529 college savings plans.
December 13, 2022
The Companies That Take Money Straight From Your Paycheck
Some lenders and retailers have a pretty neat business model: You pay them before your wages ever hit your bank account. And sometimes they give you no choice.
August 6, 2022
The Case of the $5,000 Springsteen Tickets
Triumphant fans showed up in Ticketmaster’s queue with special codes, only to encounter its “dynamic pricing” system. Was the Boss OK with that?
July 26, 2022
Where Military Paychecks Are Prime Targets
An entire financial ecosystem surrounds the nation’s military installations. It’s a perilous landscape for young soldiers with little financial experience.
June 30, 2022
How to Figure Out if You Can Actually Afford That New Home
It’s tempting to jump into the home-buying frenzy. But with prices up and mortgage rates surging, make sure you do the math first.
May 1, 2022
Everyone Has Crypto FOMO, but Does It Belong in Your Portfolio?
A growing array of investment options make it easier to put digital tokens alongside traditional investments. Here’s what to know.
March 24, 2022
Summer Camps See Rebound in Interest
After resisting in 2020, many parents see an antidote to a school year when their children have been glued to a computer screen.
March 26, 2021
The Question Some Company Owners Don’t Want to Deal With
Tales from two sons whose fathers died without a succession plan.
February 12, 2021
There Are Billions in Unclaimed Assets Out There. Some Could Be Yours.
Estimates vary, but government agencies have tens of billions of dollars’ worth of bank accounts, insurance policies and other forgotten holdings.
November 6, 2019
Even in Strong Economy, Most Families Don’t Have Enough Emergency Savings
A new report recommends setting aside six weeks of take-home pay to ride out gyrations in income and expenses. But two-thirds of families don’t have that buffer.
October 25, 2019
How a Tax Loophole Is Helping Silicon Valley Workers Save Millions
A little-known tax break allows some start-up employees who own company stock to avoid paying taxes on up to $10 million when they sell their shares.
July 12, 2019
That Texting-While-Driving Ticket Can Also Lead to a Car Insurance Penalty
Many insurers charge the penalty for three years after the violation, meaning you’ll be paying the price long after the check for your ticket has cleared.
June 28, 2019
When Condo Boards and Residents Clash, Legal Bills Mount
When people buy into a development with a board or housing association, landing in the middle of a board dispute can be a financial disaster.
March 29, 2019
Life Insurance Offering More Incentive to Live Longer
Applying behavioral economics, John Hancock is offering a discount on life insurance and other incentives to customers with healthy lifestyles.
September 19, 2018
Ask Yourself This: What Burdens Is That Other Person Carrying?
Is a stranger being rude? Your seat mate crying? A friend acting strangely? We’re all dealing with something, as our Sketch Guy columnist reminds us.
July 2, 2018
Why It’s So Hard to Invest With a Social Conscience
Want guns out of your stock portfolio? Sick of bad actors like Wells Fargo and Equifax? You’ll face at least seven challenges when making an investing plan.
March 2, 2018
Yes, You Really Can Pay for Private School With 529 Plans Now
The new tax bill delivers a perk to wealthy families who can put a pile of money upfront into the accounts, then withdraw it tax-free for private school.
December 21, 2017
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
The First (and Last) Step to Financial Satisfaction? Defining ‘Enough’
Many people strive to earn ever more money without stopping to consider why. Is it possible you already have all you really need?
May 1, 2017
Affordable Day Camps Help Working Parents Enjoy the Summer, Too
For families with school-age children, day camps provide an entertaining and often tax-deductible way to fill the summer child care gap.
July 11, 2014
43 Questions to Ask Before Picking a New Town
Rather than using a standard checklist of what to ask when looking for a place to live, a values audit could yield more happiness for less money.
May 2, 2014