Category: Personal Finances

Kittens? Sex Toys? Pushing the Limits of Flexible Spending Accounts.

The New York Times – Business:
The deadline for spending the money in the health accounts is approaching, and people are stretching the definition of eligible expenses.
How to Save on High Heating Bills This Winter

The New York Times – Business:
As a start, you can turn down the thermostat and insulate doors and windows. Plus, financial help is available to pay bills and to update heating systems.
California Regulators Propose Cutting Compensation for Rooftop Solar

The New York Times – Business:
It’s the second attempt by the state Public Utilities Commission to change how people are paid for the excess energy their solar panels send to the grid.
Inflation Plagues Democrats in Polling. Will It Crush Them at the Ballot Box?

The New York Times – Business:
Americans are extremely attuned to the cost of living, and as midterm election voters head to the polls, they are divided over whom to blame.
Expect Higher Health Insurance Premiums, but Not a Lot Higher

The New York Times – Business:
Benefit costs may go up as much as 6 percent. Wary of driving workers away, many employers may not pass on the full increases, analysts say.
Mortgage Rates Too High? (Blame the Fed, Wall Street and Your Neighbor.)

The New York Times – Business:
Lenders use several bits of data to set mortgage rates, including trading moves by investors. Without market volatility, the rate could be under 7 percent.
What Fed Rate Increases Mean for Mortgages, Credit Cards and More

The New York Times – Business:
Savers will benefit and borrowers can expect to pay more on credit cards, student loans and other forms of debt.
How the Treasury Market Predicts and Influence Interest Rates

The New York Times – Business:
The market for U.S. government bonds, called the Treasury market, offers predictions on the path for interest rates and the economy.
Education Department Expands Student Loan Relief Programs

The New York Times – Business:
A lengthy set of rule changes will reduce the total cost for many federal student loan borrowers and ease rules for debt elimination.
‘Miles Walked, Miles Driven’: This Year’s College Essays About Money

The New York Times – Business:
Each year, we seek out college application essays about money, work or social class. Here are five from writers who are now undergraduates.
Working While on Social Security: What to Know

The New York Times – Business:
Collecting the retiree benefit while earning income gets complicated. Here are some key things to remember.
Your Paycheck Next Year Will Be Affected by Inflation. Here’s How.

The New York Times – Business:
If you get a raise, you may not end up in a higher tax bracket. But more of your income may be subject to Social Security taxes. And you’ll probably pay more for health care.