Personal finance

Moyo Studio | E+ | Getty Images Social Security benefits provide retirement income for millions of Americans. Because the timing of your claim may impact the size of the benefits you receive, it’s a high-stakes decision. And the results may also affect your spouse or dependents. But sifting through Social Security’s claiming rules may make

Ascentxmedia | Istock | Getty Images Social Security beneficiaries may get a much lower cost-of-living adjustment in 2024 as inflation subsides. But with two months before the COLA for next year is officially announced, there’s one unusual factor that may push the adjustment higher: hurricanes. The Social Security COLA for 2024 may be 3%, The

Peopleimages | Istock | Getty Images While many young couples may hope to tie the knot one day, some are spooked by high costs.  Some three-quarters, or 75%, of Gen Z and millennial couples said it’s too expensive to get married in the current economy, according to a survey by the Thriving Center of Psychology. The

Donated clothes for those affected by the Maui fires are stored at Honokawai Beach Park in western Maui, Hawaii, on Aug. 14, 2023. Yuki Iwamura | Afp | Getty Images As the Hawaiian island of Maui struggles to recover from the deadliest wildfire in modern U.S. history, many Americans are asking, “How can I help?”

Gatot Adriansyah | Istock | Getty Images The share of federal education debt going to graduate students is at its highest point in history, a new report by the U.S. Department of Education finds. Alarmingly, as graduate school borrowing increases, wages for those with an advanced degree haven’t risen nearly as much. “A closer look

The Biden administration released new guidance Monday on how colleges can “lawfully achieve a diverse student body” in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling striking down affirmative action. In a “Dear Colleague” letter and a questions and answers page, the U.S. Department of Education outlined what policies and practices for promoting a diverse student body remain

Rome ranked second on a recent list of best travel destinations for a digital detox. Piola666 | E+ | Getty Images Despite inflation, Gen Z and millennials are determined to travel this summer, even if it means spending a bit more. While almost two-thirds, or 73%, of people are willing to pay extra fees for

By nearly every measure, Americans are financially strained. Yet, we’re coming up with new ways to justify expensive purchases. The latest way, coined “girl math,” breaks down the price of an item by the cost per wear. If you use an expensive handbag every day for a year, for example, then it might only set

Enes Evren Investors piled into Series I bonds amid record yields, and some are now eyeing an exit for higher-interest alternatives. But redeeming I bonds can be tricky, experts say. After reaching 9.62% annual interest in May 2022, I bond yields have declined with falling inflation, reaching 4.3% interest for new purchases from May through

Morsa Images | E+ | Getty Images Some experts have reversed recession predictions and embraced a soft landing for the economy as the Federal Reserve continues to fight inflation. The rosier outlook is prompting talks between advisors and their clients, including possible shifts for investment portfolios. “A potential recession has been in the news since

The Mega Millions jackpot grew to more than $1.6 billion on Aug. 9, 2023. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images There’s finally a winner for the massive Mega Millions jackpot — but the lucky ticketholder may face unexpected pitfalls, experts say. A single ticket sold in Florida matched all six numbers on Tuesday night, marking the

Sollina Images | Tetra Images | Getty Images After more than a year of gloomy forecasts for the U.S. economy, some experts have backed off recession predictions and embraced the soft landing targeted by the Federal Reserve. These shifts have sparked conversations among financial advisors and their clients, who may have varying levels of optimism