Personal finance

Bill Oxford | E+ | Getty Images If your tax refund is still in limbo, there’s good news: Your balance may be accruing interest, and the rate increases to 7% from 6% on Jan. 1, according to the IRS. As of Nov. 18, there were 3.4 million unprocessed individual returns received in 2022, including filings

Sam Norpel and her family. Norpel, 48, second from the right, got Covid-19 in December 2021 and hasn’t recovered. This chronic illness, known as long Covid, impacts up to 23 million Americans. Kirstie Donohue Sam Norpel used to present regular financial updates to C-suite executives. Now, unpredictable bouts of broken, staccato speech make that impossible

Viktorcvetkovic | E+ | Getty Images A combination of high inflation and plentiful job openings may tempt some retirees into rejoining the workforce. But if you’re thinking about working, either part time or full time, and you’re already collecting Social Security retirement benefits, there are a few things you may want to know first. Social

Source: Getty Images After a volatile year for the stock and bond markets, it may be time to rebalance your portfolio by shifting assets back to match your original goals, according to experts.   As of Nov. 28, the S&P 500 Index was down roughly 17% year-to-date, and the U.S. bond market has dropped by around

Jose Luis Pelaez Inc | Digitalvision | Getty Images In between eating leftover turkey and hunting for bargains amid holiday sales, be sure to review your Medicare coverage, if you haven’t already. The program’s annual open enrollment period, which began Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7, is when you can make changes, which will take

The BlockFi website on Nov. 17, 2022. Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images Crypto firm BlockFi filed for bankruptcy Monday, the latest cryptocurrency domino to fall after the collapse of FTX two weeks ago threatened to destabilize companies in the broader crypto ecosystem. BlockFi offers a cryptocurrency trading exchange and interest-bearing custodial service for cryptocurrencies. The

It is thought the new U.K. government’s mini-budget may have made buying a house even more difficult. Photo by LanaStock via Getty Images Crypto firm BlockFi on Monday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, two weeks after the collapse of crypto exchange FTX, further complicating taxes for investors during a difficult year. BlockFi, which offers an

Vitapix | E+ | Getty Images While couples might sign a prenuptial agreement before they’re married and a “post-nup” after, it’s more than just the timing that differentiates these arrangements, experts say. “It’s a whole different ballgame once you’re married,” said Martin Shenkman, estate attorney with Shenkman Law in New York City. “With a pre-nup,

President Joe Biden and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. The Washington Post | The Washington Post | Getty Images It’s been almost three years since people with federal student loans have had to make a payment on their debt, and the Biden administration recently announced that borrowers have even more time. In March 2020, when the

The Sweetly Bakery & Cafe in Battleground, Washington Source: Irina Sirotkina It’s the holiday season, yet Americans are feeling a little less generous. With inflation near record highs, cash-strapped consumers have started to tip less — especially when it comes to fast casual dining and carryout. “Tipping is that first sign towards reduced spending,” said Amanda

The holiday shopping season is always closely followed by a spike in gift returning. But this year, it may be harder to bring things back for free or at a low cost. Roughly 60% of retailers said they’re making changes to existing returns policies, with fewer promising free returns, according to a recent survey of

Thomas Barwick | Digitalvision | Getty Images Many families struggle to come up with the cash when faced with an unexpected $400 expense. That lack of emergency savings may force them to borrow money at high interest rates to pay for the surprise expense, putting their financial security at risk. Now Congress has a window

Where you live may have an impact on your credit rating. With Minnesota’s low poverty rate and high employment, its residents have a credit score of 724, on average, well above those of even wealthier states, such as California and New Jersey, according to a recent report by WalletHub based on TransUnion data. In fact,

Justin Paget | Digitalvision | Getty Images The Biden administration on Tuesday issued a final rule that makes it easier for employers to consider climate change and other so-called environment, social and governance factors when picking investment funds for their 401(k) plans. The U.S. Department of Labor rule, which takes effect in 60 days, undoes

Pixelseffect | E+ | Getty Images If you have unspent money in your health-care flexible spending account, now’s the time to make a plan to use it before you lose it.  Health-care FSAs let workers stash away pretax dollars for qualifying expenses. However, they generally are “use-it-or-lose-it” accounts: Unless your company provides a grace period

Black Friday bargain hunters shop at a Walmart store in New Jersey on Nov. 26, 2021. Tayfun Coskun | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images More Americans are struggling financially just as the peak shopping season kicks into high gear. Yet shoppers will still shell out $1,455, on average, on holiday gifts — in line with

Newsday Llc | Newsday | Getty Images There was a time when Black Friday in the car-selling business meant a flurry of big sales events at dealerships whose lots were full of new vehicles. These days, with inventory still squeezed from supply chain disruptions, discounts are not as generous as they once were. And most

Prostock-studio | Istock | Getty Images In the rush at the store checkout this holiday season, you may be tempted to say yes when asked if you want to apply for a store credit card — especially if you’re offered extra savings on that day’s purchase. But there is good reason to think twice this

Parents and caregivers with the Economic Security Project gather outside the White House to advocate for the Child Tax Credit in advance of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health on Sept. 20 in Washington, DC. Larry French | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images Millions of families received monthly checks of up

President Joe Biden delivers remarks on protecting Social Security and Medicare and lowering prescription drug costs in Hallandale Beach, Florida, on Nov. 1, 2022. Anadolu Agency | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images The Biden administration on Tuesday announced that it will extend the payment pause on federal student loans until after June or when it’s