Personal finance
Inflation is making Fourth of July celebrations more expensive than ever
Fotografia Inc. | E+ | Getty Images Nothing says Independence Day like a good, old-fashioned barbecue. In keeping with tradition, most Americans — roughly 60% — plan to grill this weekend, and 53% will get together with friends and family, according to a recent report by market research firm Numerator. “Consumers want to celebrate this summer […]
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Debt collectors’ ‘pay to pay fees’ are ‘often illegal,’ consumer watchdog agency says
Anchiy | E+ | Getty Images Certain “junk” fees often levied by debt collectors are illegal under federal law, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said Wednesday. Debt collectors charge so-called “pay-to-pay” fees, which are also known as convenience fees, when consumers make a payment online or over the phone, according to the federal agency. These […]
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‘It’s like going to the DMV online’: What to know about buying Series I savings bonds via TreasuryDirect
Eakgrunge | Istock | Getty Images There’s been record demand for federal Series I savings bonds, an inflation-protected and nearly risk-free asset, offering an eye-popping 9.62% annual return through October. However, it’s not easy to buy I bonds through TreasuryDirect, a 20-year-old platform run by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, financial advisors say. “It’s […]
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Summer temperatures — and inflation — are running hot. Here’s how to save money on cooling bills as prices rise
A pedestrian uses an umbrella to get some relief from the sun as she walks past a sign displaying the temperature on June 20, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. Ralph Freso | Getty Images Tips for efficient energy use Most cooling systems use electricity, so making sure your home is running as efficiently as possible can […]
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Retirees planning to travel should check their Medicare coverage to avoid costly surprises
Tom Merton | Getty Images If you’re a retiree on Medicare and feel the itch to travel, be sure you know whether your insurance plan can go with you. Whether you want to hit the road for a U.S.-based trip or head overseas, coverage at your destination hinges on the specifics of your Medicare plan. […]
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Job loss is a ‘reality’ of the business cycle, says labor expert. Take these 6 key steps after a layoff
Halfpoint Images | Moment | Getty Images 1. Take a financial inventory Among the first things to do if you lose your job is take stock of financial resources at your disposal, according to financial advisors. Those may include other streams of income such as a partner’s salary, as well as emergency savings, company stock […]
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30% of LGBTQ+ adults have experienced discrimination or exclusion from financial services, study finds
Rainbow flags celebrate Pride Month in New York. Lev Radin | Pacific Press | LightRocket | Getty Images Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are still struggling, in some instances, to access financial services that would help them manage their money. Some 30% of LGBTQIA+ adults have experienced bias, discrimination or exclusion in the financial services […]
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After the impact Covid-19, most women see money as a tool to effect change, survey shows
Over the past couple of years, the effects of Covid-19, social activism and economic uncertainty have profoundly impacted women’s attitudes about their finances, according to a UBS survey. Nearly 9 in 10 women believe money is a tool to achieve their personal “purpose,” the report uncovered, polling 1,400 women investors in January and February 2022. […]
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There’s a growing interest in direct indexing as the investing trend becomes ‘democratized’
As demand grows for specialized portfolios, a trend known as direct indexing is quickly becoming an option for more investors. Rather than owning a mutual or exchange-traded fund, direct indexing is buying the stocks of an index to achieve goals like tax efficiency, diversification or values-based investing. Traditionally used by institutional and high-net worth investors, […]
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3 ways to talk to your kids so they will actually listen, according to one parenting coach
For many parents, raising a child who listens can be one of the most challenging — and important — lessons in life. Not only is the ability to listen critical to a child’s early development — enabling them to learn and keep safe from harm — but it is also vital for building relationships and […]
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