A typical Social Security retirement benefit might look like a healthy chunk of change each month, but a recent study says out-of-pocket medical spending can leave retirees’ finances precariously balanced. Before most retirees even get their benefit payment, a Medicare Part B premium is deducted. They may pay premiums for a Medicare Advantage, Medicare supplement … Read more

The Faces / Shutterstock.com When you see a sale price, can you really be sure you are getting a bargain? Probably not, according to research from Consumers’ Checkbook, a project of the nonprofit Center for the Study of Services. A recent Consumers’ Checkbook analysis of 25 national retailers found that the legitimacy of their sale … Read more

Antonio Guillem / Shutterstock.com Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on NewRetirement. The last three years and especially the last few months have been an emotional rollercoaster for many people, and you may be feeling constantly stressed or uncertain about your finances. You’re probably asking yourself, am I making the right financial decisions to be … Read more

PeopleImages.com – Yuri A / Shutterstock.com For most of us, a mortgage-free home is merely a dream. But millions of others have turned that fantasy into reality. In a handful of counties across the U.S., large numbers of residents own their homes free and clear. In these places — mostly located in the Sunbelt — … Read more

The flu season is well underway, and the level is illness is worse than it’s been for more than a decade. If you have procrastinated in scheduling your vaccine, you may wonder if it’s too late. Fortunately, getting your shot now should still provide your immune system with the boost it needs to ward off … Read more

BearFotos / Shutterstock.com I’ve been decluttering for years, since long before Marie Kondo — the maven of tidying — was a household name. One approach I take is to try buying only things I’ll use regularly. I once tested that strategy. My husband and I were debating whether to buy a folding table for hosting … Read more

Over the last few years, real estate prices have skyrocketed, leaving many hopeful investors feeling priced out of the market. In addition, many who once considered becoming real estate investors have realized that becoming a landlord can be overwhelming. It’s one reason that real estate crowdfunding platforms have grown in popularity in the last few … Read more

As the cost of living continues to rise, many people find it difficult to make ends meet. A full-time job may not be enough to cover all one’s expenses, but it is still better than being unemployed. If you’re being offered a job with an annual salary, you may be interested to know how your … Read more

Could you turn $0 to $10,000 within a year? If you’re willing to put in the work, there are ways to do it. With most $0 to $10,000 challenges you find online, participants usually look for “free stuff” they can sell or trade. From there, they invest time and energy into “trading up” to better … Read more

micro10x / Shutterstock.com Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on NewRetirement. We’re living healthier and longer. For that we owe a big thank you to the scientists and doctors who make recommendations and medicines that make healthy living possible. But, prescription costs can dig into your budget. It is useful to know how to save … Read more