Category: Personal Finances

Misplaced Millions? Lost Life Savings? Tell Us.

A new personal finance column was inspired by head-scratching messages from Times readers.
Social Security Benefits Could Be Cut in 8 Years Unless Congress Acts

The nation’s key program for retiree benefits continues to see financing shortfalls. Unless Congress acts, those drops could lead to payment cuts in eight years.
What the Fed’s Rate Decision Means for Loans, Credit Cards, Mortgages and More

Here’s how the central bank’s interest rate stance influences car loans, credit cards, mortgages, savings and student loans.
Chase Announces Annual Fee Increase to Its Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

The price jump is part of an ongoing shift for credit card companies and airlines toward premium rewards and high-end travelers.
How Retirees Can Manage RMDs in a Volatile Market

Savers with accounts like 401(k)s and I.R.A.s are required to make withdrawals starting at a certain age. Here’s how to handle that during an unpredictable stock market.
Good News for College Students: You May See a Dip in Student Loan Rates

A small decline in interest rates on federal loans for next school year is the first in five years. It comes amid turmoil in student loan and financial aid programs.
There’s a Good Chance Crypto Is Spreading in Your Retirement Account

Bitcoin and other digital assets are quietly growing in many nest eggs, with the encouragement of the Trump administration. Hidden risks are mounting, our columnist says.
When College Graduates Throw Away Expensive Things, Scavengers Dive In

For local scavengers, graduation season is a great time to salvage expensive household items and luxury goods abandoned by departing students.
The Rich Compensation for Being the C.E.O.

The chief executives at Palantir, which scoops up data for the government, and Veeva Systems, a cloud-computing company, topped two lists of the highest-paid C.E.O.s.
Trump Removed Crypto Warnings from Retirement Plans. Will It Affect 401(k)s?

Regulators under President Trump are taking a neutral position on crypto, retreating from the Biden administration’s more cautionary stance.
Why Gen Z Doesn’t Like Opening Bar Tabs

To the chagrin of bartenders, many 20-something bargoers prefer to close out and pay after every single drink, no matter how many they might order during an outing.
Think You Don’t Need Flood Insurance? Think Again.

Inland areas have suffered severe flooding in recent years, experts note. And standard homeowner policies don’t cover flood damage.