Financial Planning for People With Chronic Diseases
When Fred Schwartz was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1994, the financial challenges that lay ahead were not top of mind.“My health was my main concern,” Mr. Schwartz said. “I…
_Finance
Bank of America Will Cut Overdraft Fees
Bank of America will reduce — but not eliminate — overdraft fees for 63 million customers, the biggest step by a major bank to dial back the pricey penalties, which…
The I.R.S. Warns of Messy Tax Filing Season
WASHINGTON — The federal tax filing season will run from Jan. 24 to April 18 this year, the Internal Revenue Service said on Monday, warning in its announcement that staffing…
College Merit Aid (or Lack Thereof) Makes Early Decision Ever Murkier
Northeastern University won’t estimate how much merit aid it might offer if you get in. Can schools make you enroll if they don’t give you enough?When you agree to buy…
Tax Season 2022: What to Know About Child Credit and Stimulus Payments
First, look in your mailbox for two letters the I.R.S. is sending this month. Make sure the numbers the agency is listing for pandemic aid match yours.This year’s tax filing…
‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Loans May Soon Play Bigger Role in Credit Scores
The credit-rating companies argue that reporting of on-time payments can help shoppers build a credit history. But consumer experts note that late or missed payments can hurt.“Buy now, pay later”…
Why Older Women Face Greater Financial Hardship Than Older Men
In a troubling picture, American women are looking at a rockier road to secure retirement than their male counterparts.Susan Hartt describes herself as an incorrigible optimist, drawn to change and…
Biden Administration Extends Pause on Student Loan Payments Until May 1
The Biden administration, under pressure from Democratic lawmakers, announced a three-month extension, citing the resurgent pandemic.The Biden administration announced that the pause on federal student loan payments would be extended…
Early Decision Isn’t Binding. Let Us Explain.
If you can’t afford the price a college quotes you, you don’t have to go. We corrected an N.Y.U. blog post and rewrote the Common App for you.Early decision acceptance…
Holiday Tipping Guide 2021: Who and How Much
Who should be on your list — from babysitters to deliverers to restaurant servers — and the typical size of the gift.Tipping during the holidays is a time-honored tradition, but…
What to Know as Student Loan Repayments Restart in February 2022
Loan payments are about to resume for tens of millions of borrowers. Here’s how to navigate the end of the payment pause — and how to get into a more…
Jobless for a Year? Employment Gaps Might Be Less of a Problem Now.
People who were out of work for a while have typically found it much harder to get a job. The pandemic may have changed how employers view people who have…
You’re Going to Work a Long Time. Here’s How to Build in Breaks.
Living longer can mean having a longer career, whether by choice or necessity. Stopping and starting isn’t easy, but it might be worth it.You’re probably going to need to work…
There’s Still Time to Get a Tax Break for Donations to Charity
Through the end of this year, you can take a deduction of up to $600 on your 2021 taxes, even if you don’t itemize.You still have time to contribute to…
Why Do Christmas Trees Cost More This Year?
There are fewer tree farms these days, and some were hit by severe weather. Plus, both real and fake trees have been affected by higher shipping costs.Along with much else…
Sharing Hard-Won Money Lessons to Build Generational Wealth
Wanting to help others in their communities, influencers of color who taught themselves how to pay off big debts and invest have developed audiences for their experience and advice.Jacent Wamala’s…
No Credit Score? No Problem! Just Hand Over More Data.
To determine your risk, start-ups are applying technology to data points as various as your college and the mileage on the used car you want to buy.For decades, the arbiters…
Your Credit Score Might Not Be All a Lender Wants to Know
To determine your risk, start-ups are applying technology to data points as various as your college and the mileage on the used car you want to buy.For decades, the arbiters…
A Holiday Gift Guide to Beat Inflation
Prices are soaring for almost everything, but a few choice gifts are even cheaper than two years ago. Or show your love by going on your family’s annual “lard run.”If…
What Should I Do With My Big Fat Inheritance?
The magazine’s Ethicist columnist on the burdens of philanthropy — and more.When my father died, I inherited a large trust fund and sole ownership of a family business. I was…
Starting a Business With Your 401(k)? Be Careful.
As an aspiring entrepreneur, you may have a good idea, but tread lightly before using retirement savings as capital.Renee Edwards has wanted to be her own boss since she first…
Peace Corps Volunteers Fall Through the Cracks of a Student Loan Fix
A deserving group of dedicated people has been left out of the government’s latest patch for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.When the Education Department announced fixes for its deeply…
How to Save Money on Your Winter Heating Bills
Start with insulating the attic and turning down the thermostat at night. And there’s always your father’s advice: Wear a sweater.Home heating bills are expected to be significantly higher this…
Dream of Buying a Home Gets Harder for Single Mothers
Lost pay during the pandemic and high costs threaten strides they had made in homeownership, often a key driver of long-term wealth.Karlet Hewitt decided to make major lifestyle changes after…
It’s Sign-Up Time for Federal Health Insurance
Consumers are likely to see more plan options and lower premiums for next year. “This is a whole new ballgame,” one health expert said.The annual open enrollment for Affordable Care…
I Bonds, Offering a Safe Space for Cash, Get a Big Rate Bump
The rise in prices has affected not only consumer goods but some government savings bonds, and it could benefit some investors looking for safe spaces for their money.As the country…
More same-sex couples may be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits.
Surviving members of same-sex couples who weren’t able to marry because it wasn’t yet legal may be newly eligible for survivor benefits from Social Security.Even after winning the right to…
Why Aren’t More People Comparison Shopping for Health Plans?
Most Medicare beneficiaries don’t compare plans during open enrollment season, and may be paying more, or accepting more restrictions, than they should.One morning last month, Eunice Korsah, a retired nurse…
Women May Be Better Investors Than Men. Let Me Mansplain Why.
Overconfidence is bad, and women are less likely to fall victim to it.Merrill was a guy, and so was Lynch. Goldman? A dude, and Sachs as well. Charles Schwab is…
Credit Card Debt Can Be Bad for Your Health, Study Finds
A new study says that worries about repaying debt may lead to poor health later in life. So here are some tips for dealing with your bills.Carrying credit card debt…
How to Protect Yourself From Online Card Fraud
The first tip is to use credit cards for digital shopping because they have federally mandated protections. And be wary of websites that offer brand-name goods at steep discounts.Americans are…