Your Money
‘No Buy’ July: Is It Really a Good Idea?
One proponent argues that fiscal fasting pushes people to confront their spending habits. But other financial experts prefer a more consistent approach to budgeting.
Help! I Dinged a Rental Car in Europe, and My Credit Card Won’t Cover It.
A traveler who used his American Express card’s collision damage waiver got stuck paying nearly $1,300 because of a missing document. Whose fault was it?
Island-Hopping on a D.I.Y. Caribbean Cruise
Ferries departing the dual-nation island of St. Maarten and St. Martin offer easy sailing to surrounding destinations at bargain prices.
How Far Would You Go (and How Much Would You Pay) to Get Away From It All?
From the new to the classic, from the affordable to the exorbitant, here are six getaways where you can find some peace and quiet.
Chase Sapphire Leapfrogs Amex Platinum With a New $795 Annual Fee
The price jump is part of an ongoing shift for credit card companies and airlines toward premium rewards and high-end travelers.
Why Did Syracuse Offer $200,000 Deals to Teens Who Had Turned It Down?
The university seems to have misjudged what some families would pay. Next year, maybe applicants should play their own game of chicken with such schools.
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.
Trump Removed Crypto Warnings From Retirement Plans. Will That Affect 401(k)s?
Regulators under President Trump are taking a neutral position on crypto, retreating from the Biden administration’s more cautionary stance.
Take This Quiz Before You Take Your Summer Vacation
Gearing up for a long-awaited getaway? See how much you know about different destinations, and find some inspiration for future travels along the way.
Gen Z Doesn’t Want to Start a Bar Tab
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.
Who Should Consider Getting Flood Insurance? These Days, Almost Everyone.
Inland areas have suffered severe flooding in recent years, experts note. And standard homeowner policies don’t cover flood damage.
Is It Cheaper, or More Expensive, to Travel Now? Both, It Turns Out.
How falling airfares and foreign exchange rates influence where to look for deals this summer.
What Travelers Should Know About This Messy Memorial Day Weekend
With airports and airlines experiencing delays and cancellations, and staffing shortfalls at national parks, here’s what to know before you go.
His Life Savings Were Mailed to Him by Paper Check. Now, It’s Gone.
A thief stole 401(k) checks out of the mail. But why was Paychex, a major industry player, using paper at all given how often check fraud happens?
Why Are So Many Retirees Filing for Social Security Earlier?
An additional 276,000 people filed for Social Security benefits so far this fiscal year, up 13% from a year ago. Anxiety appears to be a driver.
Want a Gift for Opening a 529 College Savings Account?
Some state plans give cash incentives in May to spur contributions.
Help! A Cruise Line Charged Us $800 for a Day Trip We Didn’t Take.
After our columnist inquired about a surprise bill for a whale-watching outing, Holland America changed the way it handles passengers wait-listed for excursions.
How to Create Your Own Multi-Day Cooking Course in Mexico City
Instead of an expensive weeklong culinary program, our columnist sampled three day classes, and learned a few things about mole sauce, tacos al pastor and local culture.
The Energy Star Program May Go Away. Who Could Preserve It?
Cuts at the E.P.A. jeopardize the program that certifies efficient home appliances. Manufacturers could run a similar one themselves, but they may not want to.
How to Deal With Economic Uncertainty? Emergency Savings Are a Start.
One bit of advice: Putting aside $2,000 to cover surprise expenses, like a car or home repair, can help you avoid credit cards. Experts have more tips on saving.
Apps You’ll Want to Take on Vacation: A Digital Packing List
Your bags may be ready to go, but do you really have everything you need? Here are some apps that can make your travels smoother, safer and more fun.
Senate Confirms Frank Bisignano as Social Security Commissioner
Mr. Bisignano, a former Wall Street executive, will lead an agency upended by big staff cuts and other significant changes.
Tips for Navigating the ‘Chaotic System’ of Student Loan Repayments
Experts say recent graduates with loans should choose the repayment option that makes the most sense for them now and expect to make adjustments later.
Colleges Know How Much You’re Willing to Pay. Here’s How.
Schools turn to little-known consultants, owned by private equity firms, to find applicants and calculate scholarships. Here’s how that affects the price you pay.
Student Debt Collections Just Restarted. Here’s What to Know.
More than five million borrowers are in default, and millions of others are projected to be on the precipice.
