The Investor’s Blog

First, the good news: We as a country have reduced our credit card debt since the coronavirus pandemic began. Americans reduced their credit card balances by $157 billion between December 2019 and May 2021, according to the Federal Reserve. Yay us! Now, the bad news: If you aren’t using your credit card, the whole out-of-sight-out-of-mind…
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Dear Penny, The last 10 years I was barely getting by financially. I had to ask my parents for money several times through the years. Now I have a great job making plenty of money.  I wish I’d never told my parents because they constantly ask me for money. My friends know of my income.…
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This far into the new millennium, if you haven’t already cut the cord, you likely have a very specific reason. Today, we’ll look at some of the top reasons people are still holding onto their cable packages. Live sports and other live programming are at the top of the list for people clinging to cable.…
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Need a little extra cash this month? There’s still time to file a claim in several class action settlements — some without proof of purchase needed. Read on to find out which ones you qualify for. Hyundai Theta Engine Settlement Consumers who experienced problems with their Hyundai’s Theta engine may be able to benefit from…
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Dear Penny, I’m 63, and my man is 65. We’ve been together for six years. He has a self-made business with significant real estate holdings. We are both retired.  One of his two sons is taking over the business using a well-thought-out transition plan. I also have two adult sons who are doing well. I…
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By the time you turn 40, you are more than aware of the importance of saving for retirement. In fact, it might seem like every magazine and personal finance website, and even chats with friends raise the issue. The problem is that some of the advice out there is less than helpful, and sometimes downright…
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No wonder doctors get paid the big bucks – have you seen what they bill your insurance after a visit? $600 to listen to your lungs and peek into your ear canal is nuts. If you have insurance, you might end up only paying a $50 copay. But if you have a high deductible, or…
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If you’ve been out of work and can’t pay rent, the end of the federal moratorium on evictions is guaranteed to dredge up a ton of stress. But now’s not the time to bury your head in the sand. By exercising your negotiation muscle, you may be able to strike a deal with your landlord…
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It’s tough to make any meaningful return on your savings right now. But you probably already knew that. Interest rates for bank savings accounts — you do have a savings account, right? — have been notoriously low for years. Don’t expect these low rates to change anytime soon, either: In a recent statement, the Federal Reserve…
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The benefits of marriage don’t stop at love and companionship. In some situations, marriage can result in more Social Security. If you stay married for at least 10 years, those benefits can last even if you get divorced. But the rules for marriage and Social Security get complicated. Here are seven things married couples can’t…
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Whether you’re a would-be runner, a casual jogger or even a competitive runner, chances are you’ve contemplated spending big bucks to find the best running shoes. Maybe you have existing problems with your feet or knees that could be alleviated by a good pair of stability shoes, or you might be looking for running shoes…
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The number of Americans working two jobs — or more — is higher than it has ever been. Recent data from the Census Bureau reveals that an estimated 7.8% of U.S. workers work more than one job, up from 6.8% in 1996. The necessity of holding a full-time job plus one or two part-time jobs…
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