CATEGORIES

What You'll Pay for Medicare in 2021

Look for modest increases in premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

How to Negotiate a Break on Rent

It’s the first of the month, and you know what that means: The rent is due. But if the cost of your rent gives you sticker shock each month (as mine does), you may be able to get relief.

How to Socialize Safely at Home

BEING WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS DURING COVID was easier last spring and summer, when you were able to feel reasonably safe gathering outdoors at sidewalk cafés and restaurants, picnic areas, and porches and patios. Now, with the pandemic still raging and winter weather arriving, options for lingering outdoors in most parts of the U.S. have diminished. // But with the right furniture, equipment and gear, you can transform your backyard into an inviting space to socialize and still stay warm.

Strategies to Tackle Debt

Millions of Americans facing furloughs and layoffs turned to credit cards to stay afloat. Here’s how to get out from under burgeoning balances.

Your Guide to Roth Conversions

Like marriage, converting a traditional IRA to a Roth is not a step that should be taken lightly.

Build a Bond Ladder

Use these ETFs to navigate a tricky market and manage cash flow.

What the New President Means for Your Money

President-Elect Biden wants more consumer protections and perks for the middle class and seniors.

The Best and Worst Presidents for Stocks

Presidents don’t make or break the market by themselves, but they do have an impact.

Find Higher Yields for Your Cash

Interest rates are scraping bottom, but here’s a road map to accounts that will help your money grow.

Give Your Portfolio Some Shine

With a weaker dollar and inflation stirring, it’s probably a good idea to diversify with a little gold.

Advice From a Pro: Invest in Yourself

Christine Benz tells women to match investment risk to their longer life expectancy.

R.I.P. 60-40 PORTFOLIO

The old standby allocation of 60% stocks and 40% government bonds might not work for buy-and-hold investors anymore.

Our Favorite Dividend Stocks

In a wacky year, payouts from our income picks held steady.

Make the Bank Pay You More

This brutal year has been horrendous for those who hold stock in banks and related financial companies. But just as daily life shall improve for society, the same is true for bank shares.

HOW TO INVEST FOR A WEAKER DOLLAR

The greenback is fading—but that doesn’t mean your portfolio has to.

Keeping an Eye on Future Returns

Here’s what experts see ahead—and way ahead—for the performance of stocks and bonds.

How We Lose When We Overlook Black Talent

Comments from the Wells Fargo CEO reflect a culture that tramples on clients’ trust and limits opportunities for people of color.

ESTATE PLANNING DURING THE PANDEMIC

Here’s how to prepare for the worst in this terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year.

Financial Service Firms That Treat You Like a Star

As a personal finance publication, we spend a lot of time evaluating the numbers when we recommend financial institutions and their products. We spotlight banks that offer high-interest rates and low fees on checking and savings accounts, and we note credit card issuers that provide ample cash back or points on everyday spending. When you’re in the market for a mortgage, we encourage you to shop for a low-interest rate, and we advise you to regularly compare premiums on home and auto insurance policies. // But many would argue that exceptional customer service is just as important as low fees or competitive interest rates. An insurance company is worth its weight in gold if its agents are responsive and fair when you’re dealing with a damaged car or home. A mortgage lender that helps pave the way to a smooth close on a home purchase can save you a lot of headaches. And banks and credit card issuers with strong customer service teams can quickly put a lid on fraudulent activity or other problems with your accounts.

A Guide To Streaming Services

Competition is growing. That’s giving you more choices—and a chance to save money.

Some Inflation Is Better Than None

A few weeks ago, at a socially distanced backyard lunch, my recently retired friend Richard, a cautious saver and investor bemoaned the pittance his and other banks pay depositors.

SMART WAYS TO SPEND $1,000

Got a little extra cash sitting in your bank account? Consider some timely ideas for putting it to good use. On our list: financial gifts for family, contributions to charity, sprucing up your home and buying a new bike. Got even more cash on hand? We also have suggestions for ways to spend up to $10,000.

Sleep Tight Portfolio Fixes

You’ve got problems. We’ve got solutions. Use our guide to keep your portfolio from keeping you awake, no matter what the market does.

YOUR GUIDE TO Open Enrollment

Your health insurance options may look a little different this fall. Meanwhile, the cost of coverage continues to climb.

How to Pay for Homeschooling

You may be able to save money with tax-advantaged savings accounts or tax breaks from your state.

Make the Most of a Buyout Offer

Handled wisely, your buyout could help you build a bridge to retirement without jeopardizing your financial security.

5 Signs You're Ready to Retire

PROFESSIONAL INSIGHT FROM PERSONAL CAPITAL

College During COVID

Students and their families must be ready to adapt to the changes in the way they attend— and possibly pay for—college.

MONEY - GIVE YOUR CREDIT A BOOST

When times get tough, your credit profile could take a hit. Here’s how to keep it in shape.

The Caregiving Challenge

The sandwich generation has it tough in the best of times. The pandemic has made it even tougher.