When it comes to making purchases, it’s easy to get caught up in finding the cheapest option available. However, sometimes spending a little bit more money upfront can lead to better quality and long-lasting products. That’s where trusted brand names come in. Certain brands have built up a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable, and sustainable … Read more
larry1235 / Shutterstock.com If you’ve ever been a victim of identity theft or a security breach — basically all of us, at this point — you’ve probably heard recommendations like “monitor your credit reports” or “freeze your credit.” But one much less common piece of advice is “lock up your Social Security number.” Maybe you … Read more
frantic00 / Shutterstock.com If you are in the market for a car, we have some good news: Used car prices are continuing to fall. After climbing throughout most of the COVID-19 pandemic, used car prices were down 8.7% in February year over year, according to automotive website iSeeCars. For a handful of models, the price … Read more
One woman shared her story on an online platform about her fiance, who spent their wedding and honeymoon savings on a gaming PC, and then proceeded to ignore her. We’ll call her Lucy. Follow The Leader In December of last year, Lucy and her fiancé became engaged. The following January, they made the decision to … Read more
astarot / Shutterstock.com The federal government just released its annual reports on the stability and solvency of Social Security and Medicare, and there’s both good and bad news. The bad news is that one of the trust funds underlying the programs is set to run out of money sooner than previously expected — only a … Read more
When you apply for a loan, you expect the lender to pull your credit report. After all, you’re borrowing money. It makes sense that your lender wants to see what kind of risk you present. But what about other types of companies? You might be surprised to discover that, even if you’re not borrowing money, … Read more
Food is a basic necessity for survival, but it can also be a source of pleasure and excitement. When money and health are no longer a concern, some people might indulge in extravagant and unusual culinary experiences. Men, in particular, are known for their adventurous and sometimes bizarre food choices. From gold-plated steaks to raw … Read more
Every Friday I recap “news you can use” from the week: a handful of quotes from major (and often expensive) news sources, so you can stay up to date on the news that affects your money without spending a dime and in less than a minute. Here’s an overview of what happened this week. Work-From-Home … Read more
Phovoir / Shutterstock.com It’s tax season for everyone — including hardened criminals. Yes, Uncle Sam expects to collect taxes on all kinds of shady dealings. It might seem needlessly thorough and wildly optimistic, but the IRS lists many illegal activities that count as income in Publication 17, its all-purpose guide for individual taxpayers. Following are … Read more
fizkes / Shutterstock.com Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on Point2. Never has the dream of becoming a homeowner in Canada felt just like that — a dream — until now. Homeownership rates declined to a 20-year low in 2021, and potential buyers might still be inclined to postpone ownership plans due to ongoing inflation … Read more