So much of our sensitive personal data is being tracked and sold that trying to protect our privacy can seem like a pointless exercise. We can disable the location tracking on phone apps only to find new apps stalking us the next time we check. We can turn off personalized advertising and still get bombarded […]
Recent Blog Posts
Monday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: How smart devices could save you money on home insurance. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on protecting your privacy and front-loading a 401(k), investing guides for parents, and how many movies you need to see to make a theater subscription pay off. Smart-Home Devices Could […]
Q&A: How to minimize taxes after you retire
Roth conversionsDear Liz: In preparing my 2021 tax returns, I was dismayed to find out that my first required minimum distributions from my retirement account have pushed me into the highest tax bracket ever in my life and caused 85% of my modest Social Security benefit to become taxable. Since I retired five years ago […]
Q&A: Switch to electronic documents
Dear Liz: I have to disagree with your suggestion to switch to electronic documents versus using the U.S. mail. People need to keep an eye on dubious actors like cable and cellphone companies, where it’s important to pay attention to sneaky new charges or “expiring discount rates.” The same is true for credit cards, where […]
Thursday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: Find out what big data says about you — and how to fix it. Also in the news: Part II of the Smart Money deep dive on student debt, why fixing the supply chain won’t cure homebuying woes, and 5 places where you can still get a decent meal for under $10. […]
Wednesday’s need-to-know money news
Today’s top story: 6 alternatives to Airbnb. Also in the news: The importance of used car inspections, small home fixes that have a big impact on safety, and how to not go broke at the ballpark this summer. 6 Alternatives to Airbnb for When You Want Other Options The vacation rental giant may have a […]