Get smart with your money
Few retirement decisions are as critical, or as easy to get wrong, as when and how to take your Social Security benefits. The rules can be so convoluted that many people rely on what they’re told by Social Security employees, but that could prove to be an expensive mistake.
In my latest for the Associated Press, how to protect your Social Security and learn the facts.
Today’s top story: 5 options for your money before student loan payments resume. Also in the news: Why the freelancing boom may change how you buy life insurance, 4 signs we’re in a housing market primed for regret, and how to invest in real estate with your IRA.
5 Options for Your Money Before Student Loan Payments Resume
February will be here before you know it.
The Freelancing Boom May Change How You Buy Life Insurance
How life insurance planning differs for freelancers.
4 Signs We’re in a Housing Market Primed for Regret
Looking out for buyer’s remorse.
How to Invest in Real Estate With Your IRA
You can buy it, but you can’t live in it.
Today’s top story: Charged an overdraft fee? Ask for a refund. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on DIY investing, beating your summer revenge shopping debt, and what every homeowner should know about trampolines.
Charged an Overdraft Fee? Ask for a Refund
It never hurts to ask.
Smart Money Podcast: DIY Investing and Lightning Round Questions
What it is, how to do it and any potential risks.
Beat Your Summer ‘Revenge Shopping’ Debt
Paying for your return to society.
What Every Homeowner Should Know About Trampolines
If you’re not covered, it may be hard to bounce back from a big liability claim.
Today’s top story: How to negotiate your way to a richer life. Also in the news: 4 signs we’re in a housing market primed for regret, Medicare and CPAP supplies, and could your health or life insurance rates increase if you’re not vaccinated?
How to Negotiate Your Way to a Richer Life
Learning best practices can help you earn more, get better deals and avoid strife over household finances.
4 Signs We’re in a Housing Market Primed for Regret
It’s a tough time to be a homebuyer.
Does Medicare Pay for CPAP Machines and Supplies?
Medicare Part B covers CPAP, but it requires a sleep test and a trial period.
Will Your Health or Life Insurance Rates Increase If You’re Not Vaccinated?
Insurers have yet to decide.
Today’s top story: Need a passport for a trip? Give yourself a big time cushion. Also in the news: How to avoid getting sick on a plane, what to buy (and skip) in September, and how to minimize credit damage from medical bills.
Need a Passport for a Trip? Give Yourself a Big Time Cushion
If you don’t pay fees for expedited service, you can expect to wait 18 weeks or more for a new or renewed passport.
How to Avoid Getting Sick on a Plane
Traveling can increase your risk of getting sick, but there are steps you can take to mitigate exposure.
What to Buy (and Skip) in September 2021
Plan accordingly.
How to Minimize Credit Damage From Medical Bills
Keeping what you owe out of the hands of debt collectors.
Today’s top story: 4 ways to manage retirement health care costs. Also in the news: 6 ways to budget using your bank account, how to save money with Amazon and Walmart prescription discounts, and how much money you need to live on your own, in each state.
4 Ways to Manage Retirement Health Care Costs
Strategies to help control medical costs.
6 Ways to Budget Using Your Bank Account
Your bank account can do more than store your money. It can help you control your spending, too.
How to Save Money With Amazon, Walmart Prescription Discounts
The discounts can be substantial. But if you have insurance, consider your copay and deductible.
How Much Money You Need to Live on Your Own, in Each State
Using the living wage tool.