Tanya Constantine | Getty Images Once you start Social Security retirement benefits, you are generally guaranteed to receive monthly checks for life. But that will stop once you die — with some exceptions for your loved ones. A one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 may be available, provided your survivors meet certain requirements. For example,

Boy_anupong | Moment | Getty Images After higher yields in 2023, investors are bracing for interest rate cuts that could put a damper on shorter-term savings. Federal Reserve officials expect three quarter-percentage-point cuts in 2024, according to December meeting minutes released Wednesday. But there’s lingering uncertainty over when, or if, those changes may occur. More

Some types of debt can haunt you. “Buy now, pay later” loans, especially, can be hard to track, making it easier for more consumers to get in over their heads, some experts say — even more than credit cards, which are simpler to account for, despite sky-high interest rates. Over the holidays, the use of installment

Nora Carol Photography | Moment | Getty Images This is the time of year for making — and breaking — resolutions. With high inflation, rising interest rates, and economic uncertainty, two-thirds of American adults are making resolutions to improve their finances this year, according to a survey by Fidelity. Some of the most common include

Americans are increasingly leaning on their credit cards. Altogether, card balances now total $1.08 trillion, according to the latest quarterly report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, a new record. “Over the past two years, Americans’ credit card balances have skyrocketed 40%,” said Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate. “While Americans are managing

Su Arslanoglu | E+ | Getty Images Are your unused gift cards gathering dust? You may be able to exchange those cards for cash. Gift cards are among the most popular gifts during the winter holiday season: 44% of consumers planned to give one as a gift in 2023, ranking second only to clothing, 56%,

In this article ABNB Follow your favorite stocksCREATE FREE ACCOUNT Alexandrea Ravenelle, author of “Side Hustle Safety Net.” Courtesy: Alexandrea Ravenelle Alexandrea Ravenelle studies the decline of the one-job era. The sociologist chronicles the spread of the gig economy and the rise of “poly-working,” or working multiple jobs. Ravenelle points to research by the Federal

Shapecharge | E+ | Getty Images If you’re itching to save more for retirement, there are higher 401(k) contribution limits for 2024. But there are a few things to consider before maxing out your plan, experts say. For 2024, you can defer up to $23,000 into 401(k) plans, up from $22,500 in 2023, with an

The United States Capitol building is seen in Washington D.C., United States on October 4 , 2023.  Yasin Ozturk | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images Congress took a step toward avoiding a looming government shutdown when it reached an agreement Sunday on top-line spending. Even if lawmakers fail to finalize an agreement by the necessary

IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel testifies before the Senate Finance Committee on April 19, 2023. Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images The tax season officially kicks off Jan. 29, which marks the first day the IRS will accept and process 2023 tax returns, the IRS announced Monday. Most taxpayers must file federal returns and pay balances by