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Get smart with your money

financial health

This week’s money news

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This week’s top story: 5 big changes to Medicare Part D for 2025. In other news: Weekly mortgage rates, Mega Millions will raise ticket price, and sports betting can be a gamble for your financial health.

5 Big Changes to Medicare Part D for 2025 (And What to Do About Them)
Watch out for big changes to Medicare Part D plans in 2025 as you get ready for Medicare open enrollment.

Weekly Mortgage Rates Rise as Refi Opportunities Fluctuate
This week was a great example of how much mortgage interest rates can change in a short window of time.

Mega Millions Will Raise Ticket Price to $5 Per Play in April
An overhaul of the game is expected to improve players’ odds and give away big jackpots more frequently.

Sports Betting Can Be a Gamble for Your Financial Health
A breakdown of the important differences between sports betting and investing.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Why your credit score isn’t the only gage of financial health. Also in the news: Car buying tips from an undercover salesman, 8 things that won’t hurt your credit, and how to control what could take a big bite out of your retirement nest egg.

Your Credit Score Isn’t the Only Gauge of Financial Health
The numbers you need to pay attention to.

5 Car-Buying Tips From My Days as an Undercover Salesman
How to navigate the car buying process.

8 Things That Won’t Hurt (Whew!) Your Credit
Starting with checking your credit score.

Here’s what could take a big bite out of your retirement nest egg — and how you can control it
Pacing yourself for the long haul.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Making a habit of checking your financial health. Also in the news: Online business ideas for couch potatoes, how one couple paid off $20K of debt in 18 months, and how Trump’s tax plan may affect your 401(k).

Start a New Habit: Check Your Financial Health
Almost as important as your physical health.

3 Online Business Ideas for Couch Potatoes
Make money from your recliner.

How I Ditched Debt: Active Budgeting Pays Off
How one couple paid off $20,000 in 18 months.

How Trump’s tax plan may affect your 401(k)
Digging into the details.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Only 1 in 10 Americans are at Peak Financial Health. Also in the news: How to dodge stock market scams, when a tax refund means bankruptcy, and millennial parents face the reality of baby costs.

Only 1 in 10 Americans at Peak Financial Health
Where Americans are falling short.

How to Dodge Stock Market Scams
Protecting your investments.

When a Tax Refund Means Bankruptcy
Using a refund as a budget tool or a chance at a fresh start.

Millennial parents face the reality of baby costs
Babies are both adorable and expensive.

Are you financially healthy?

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Traditional financial literacy efforts haven’t been a rousing success. Research from Harvard Business School shows that even Americans who are taught personal finance in school don’t seem to save more or manage credit better than anyone else.

That’s why many experts concerned about Americans’ money habits — including regulators such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and financial think tanks such as the Center for Financial Services Innovation — are promoting the concept of financial health.

In my latest for the Associated Press, what you can do to improve your financial health.