Column

A ‘gray divorce’ can upend your retirement plans

Who keeps the house? Or pays the credit card bill? You need a financial exit strategy for a breakup at any age.

By Michelle SingletarySeptember 11, 2024

How buyers, sellers and agents are navigating the real estate shake-up

New rules on agent commissions formally kicked in last month but have already been having an effect on the ground.

By Michele LernerSeptember 10, 2024
Column

Caring for aging parents can strain everyone’s finances. Plan now.

There’s been a lot of chatter about the state of the U.S. economy on the campaign trail save for one glaring omission

By Michelle SingletarySeptember 6, 2024
Column

Do allowances help children become good money managers? Maybe.

To instill good habits in your kids, it’s important to engage them on how to save and spend wisely — and by modeling smart personal finance practices yourself.

By Michelle SingletarySeptember 4, 2024
Analysis

How to make sure that first credit card in college doesn’t break you

For new college students, starting school often means getting their first credit card. But the process can be confusing and overwhelming.

By Amy Rose DobsonAugust 31, 2024
Column

The 401(k) millionaires club hit a new record. What’s their secret?

While this elite group benefited from surging stock prices, their gains are markers of steady investing over time and having the patience to ride out the rough patches.

By Michelle SingletaryAugust 30, 2024
Column

Your money and your mental health can suffer under a bully boss

Businesses also pay dearly when they allow bad situations to fester, and the toll is not just financial.

By Michelle SingletaryAugust 28, 2024
Column

Dividing assets in your will can split siblings. Here’s how.

You aren’t entitled to other people’s money, even your parents’ assets.

By Michelle SingletaryAugust 23, 2024
Column

A credit freeze or fraud alert? One offers better protection from a hack.

National Public Data, the latest company to report a major data breach, tells consumers to protect themselves by taking “preventive measures.”

By Michelle SingletaryAugust 21, 2024
Column

I don’t lend money to family. There’s a better way to help.

It’s good to step in when there’s a real need, but rescuing someone from their own poor money management only reinforces it.

By Michelle SingletaryAugust 16, 2024
Column

Couples don’t share a credit score, and other myths debunked

Marriage won’t change your credit history, but it can influence what lenders are willing to do for you together.

By Michelle SingletaryAugust 14, 2024
Column

Don’t credit the president for stock prices — whether they’re up or down

Bear and bull markets are a normal part of investing, so ignore the political rhetoric coming off the campaign trail.

By Michelle SingletaryAugust 9, 2024
Column

When the stock market stumbles, the right perspective can save you

It’s natural to feel anxious when Wall Street turbulence cuts into your 401(k) or other investments, but giving into panic generally does more harm than good.

By Michelle SingletaryAugust 7, 2024
Column

Think twice before buying a car-repair contract. FTC settlement shows why.

The regulator ordered CarShield to pay $10 million, alleging it used deceptive ads and “trusted personalities to deliver its empty promises.”

By Michelle SingletaryAugust 2, 2024
Column

Our data isn’t safe. Resist giving it up whenever you can.

Retailers and rewards programs don’t actually need to scan a copy of your driver’s license, so don’t let them.

By Michelle SingletaryJuly 31, 2024
Column

These cheap loans are becoming a hit with home buyers. But there are catches.

Assumable loans let buyers take over government-backed mortgages and lock in low rates — under certain conditions.

By Michele LernerJuly 27, 2024
Column

Money buys a better position. Just look at Southwest’s new seating.

Airline seating is much like America’s economic divide — the less room you have to be comfortable, the more likely you’ll get stuck in a miserable middle position.

By Michelle SingletaryJuly 26, 2024
Column

Elections boil down to two things: Your money and your community

Which candidates on the ballot reflect your financial interests or the interests of those who face economic insecurity?

By Michelle SingletaryJuly 24, 2024
Advice

This popular retirement option is still risky. Is it worth it?

Target-date funds took a hit in 2022. Here’s what savers need to know about how they work.

By Rivan StinsonJuly 23, 2024
Advice

Prime Day is mostly a good deal for Amazon, not you

Retailers know people are more likely to buy if they think they’re getting a price break. Don’t fall for it; here are six tips to spend more consciously.

By Michelle SingletaryJuly 17, 2024