As food prices rise at the fastest rate in decades, it’s become more expensive to eat and drink in New York City.
Tag Archives: Personal Finances
In an Unequal Economy, the Poor Face Inflation Now and Job Loss Later
Americans with low incomes are pulling back from buying even as their richer counterparts keep spending — with potentially big consequences.
The Companies That Take Money Straight From Your Paycheck
Some lenders and retailers have a pretty neat business model: You pay them before your wages ever hit your bank account. And sometimes they give you no choice.
If the Economy Is Shaky, Why Are Company Profits Still Strong?
Corporate optimism may seem at odds with the Fed’s grim determination to hold back the economy to get inflation down, but earnings tell a story that other data doesn’t.
6 Ways You’re Coping With a Roller-Coaster Market
Readers from around the world shared their strategies for protecting their retirement savings and how, or if, they’re adjusting their tactics.
The Case of the $5,000 Springsteen Tickets
Triumphant fans showed up in Ticketmaster’s queue with special codes, only to encounter its “dynamic pricing” system. Was the Boss OK with that?
When a Woman’s Retirement Account Becomes the Family Emergency Fund
Women break into their savings to cover all kinds of expenses: home down payments, repairs, medical bills. That can hurt them years later.
How Wall Street Escaped the Crypto Meltdown
As cryptocurrency prices plunged and funds failed, strict rules on risky assets helped Wall Street companies sidestep the worst. Retail investors weren’t as lucky.
Where an Army Paycheck Is an Easy Target
An entire financial ecosystem surrounds the nation’s military installations. It’s a perilous landscape for young soldiers with little financial experience.
Payment Data Could Become Evidence of Abortion, Now Illegal in Some States
Financial companies collect a lot of payment data from customers. Prosecutors could subpoena those records for evidence of abortion, legal experts say.
Less Takeout, More Produce Swapping: How Inflation Is Altering People’s Behavior
From driving fewer miles to downgrading vacations, Americans are making meaningful changes to their spending. Here’s how five households are coping with the highest inflation in decades.
How to Think About E.S.G. Investing in a Falling Market
Mr. Musk trashed E.S.G. investing. The S.E.C. is investigating Goldman Sachs’s move into the sector. In a falling market, what should investors consider?
Inflation Expected to Remain High Even as Economy Slows and Layoffs Rise
Inflation is expected to remain high later this year even as the economy slows and layoffs rise. Already, signs of financial stress are surfacing.
When You’re Forced to Cash Out in a Bearlike Market
You can’t leave money in your I.R.A. forever, as dictated by I.R.S. rules. This can put retired investors in a tough spot.
Roth I.R.A.s for Kids: First, Earn That Money
But there are rules around opening one for a child. First: The child must have earned income.
7 Million Bad Student Loans With No Way Out, for Anyone
The Biden administration plans to offer those with loans in default a fresh start. It would help borrowers and the government alike.
Help With Medicare Costs: What You Need to Know
Low-income Americans on Medicare can get assistance paying their premiums and other expenses. Several states have allowed more people to qualify.
Amateur Investors Rode the Bull Up. Now the Bear Looms.
An estimated 20 million people started trading on their own during the pandemic. Some are shifting strategies as stocks tumble, while others are getting out.
How Do Higher Interest Rates Bring Down Inflation?
Our columnist is responding to readers’ questions. This week, he focuses on inflation, with the help of a bond maven and a Nobel laureate.
BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street Control a Piece of Nearly Everything
BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street collectively manage more than $20 trillion in assets. It’s not a political problem, but it might be an economic one.
How to Save for Retirement as a Freelancer
There may be years when you have to drum up your own work — and create your own retirement plan.
How to Figure Out if You Can Actually Afford That New Home
It’s tempting to jump into the home-buying frenzy. But with prices up and mortgage rates surging, make sure you do the math first.
Will President Biden Forgive Student Loan Debt?
Some advocates believe President Biden’s repeated extensions of the repayment pause, now set to end Aug. 31, could force his hand on loan forgiveness.
4 Ways to Fortify Your Retirement Against Market Volatility
So many factors cause volatility in the markets, making it tricky even for the experts to know what’s next. They still have ideas.
From Her First $100K to 3 Million Followers
Tori Dunlap’s savings journey turned her into a full-time finfluencer. Her latest partnership aims to help women get together and get started with investing.
When Financial Cheating Hurts Your Retirement Plan
Financial infidelity destroys trust. It can deliver a serious blow to your post-career planning, too.
How to Save on Your Taxes and Other Last-Minute Tax Tips
You may still be able to reduce your tax bill by contributing to an I.R.A., for instance. And if you have questions, the I.R.S. is offering free walk-in help on Saturday.
As Home Sale Prices Surge, a Tax Bill May Follow
Single sellers can exclude $250,000 from their taxable profit and married sellers $500,000. The amounts haven’t changed in 25 years.
Everyone Has Crypto FOMO, but Does It Belong in Your Portfolio?
A growing array of investment options make it easier to put digital tokens alongside traditional investments. Here’s what to know.
Credit Companies Will Remove Stains From Repaid Medical Debts
Debts that are paid off after they go to collections will be removed, instead of staying on a credit reports for up to seven years, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion announced.
What a Federal Reserve Rate Increase Means for You
Rates on credit cards, savings accounts and different kinds of loans move when the Fed changes its benchmark rate. Here’s what you need to know.
How to Buy a Vacant Lot
Buying land is one way to get your dream house, but the rules can be much tougher. And you might have to source your own electricity.
You Quit Your Job, but You Still Need a Retirement Plan
Millions of American workers said goodbye to their bosses last year. If you’re one, don’t lose sight of your savings and investment goals.
A Paranoid Person’s Guide to Preparing for Digital Danger
Russia’s attack may have you wondering what will happen if the conflict spills into cyberthreats beyond Ukraine’s borders. Here’s what you can do to ease your mind.
America’s Very Peculiar Economic Funk
Negative views of the economy don’t match people’s experience.
Using Your Investment Gains to Help People in Ukraine
If you have an investment portfolio or own a home, you’ve probably experienced big gains. Here’s how to use those winnings to help.
Free Options for Filing Your Taxes
Many of the no-cost online services have age or income limits. But some are available to anyone.
How Much Help Do I Owe My Debt-Ridden Dad?
The magazine’s Ethicist columnist on the duties we have to our parents.
How to Transition Into Retirement
Many older Americans like to ease into being an ex-worker — but you need to think carefully about just how to get there.
Interest Rates Are Rising. What If You Want a House?
A strange set of (you guessed it, pandemic-influenced) circumstances makes this a tough market to assess. Here are four questions and answers that can help.
Covid Funeral Assistance Is an Underused Program
The government will reimburse up to $9,000 in funeral expenses for deaths related to the coronavirus. But most eligible survivors have yet to get relief.
Should You Manage Your Own Stock Portfolio?
Stocks are swinging all over the place. It’s a good time to take your hands off the wheel — here’s how to let go.
Buy GameStop, Fight Injustice. Just Don’t Sell.
One year in the trenches of the meme stock revolution.
Using Tech to Optimize Your Social Security Benefits
A variety of online tools can guide retirees looking to make the most of this benefit — which many older Americans depend on.
They Need Legal Advice on Debts. Should It Have to Come From Lawyers?
A nonprofit has filed a lawsuit in New York, hoping to clear the way for volunteers to help people defend themselves against debt collection suits.
6 Who Finally Got the Public Service Loan Forgiveness They Earned
Waves of borrowers in the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program are seeing their debts go to zero. Here’s how six of them finally got there.
Stock Investing in Retirement for Those Able to Bear the Risk
Stocks and bonds are core investments. Now, Vanguard is suggesting that retirees willing and able to bear the risk may want a stock target of 50 percent.
How I Cut My Family’s Cable and Streaming Bill by $170
After I realized we were paying more than $400 a month, I knew I had to do something. Here’s what I learned.
A Guide to Quitting Your Job
From understanding why you want to leave to tackling health insurance and retirement plans, here’s your guide to a graceful exit — without leaving money on the table.
Financial Planning for People With Chronic Diseases
Financial planning for people with chronic diseases is complicated and multifaceted. Start by building a team of people to help.