personal finance

For many Americans, federal stimulus payments are a lifeline during this period of extreme financial stress. And yet, many questions remain unanswered in the ever-changing status of these payments. Americans are also wondering how to make the best use of this one-time cash injection — or whether more money is on the way.

Desperate people often make desperate, costly decisions. And as millions have lost jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic, some have turned to costly pyramid schemes in order to try and make ends meet.

No one wants to think about death. But too many Americans die without making plans to pass their wealth to their families. Personal finance expert Farnoosh Torabi explains that it’s never too soon to think about a will and life insurance.

Rent or buy: it’s a decision many millennials are pondering. A recent study shows that it’s cheaper to purchase rather than rent in the majority of the top 50 markets.

Scared of ‘adulting’ with your own money in the midst of a recession? Certified financial planner Chris Russell offers economic advice for Millennials ready to buy homes or start families in these down economic times.

If you’ve taken out a loan against your 401(k) savings account and lose your job, it could generate an unexpected tax bill. While recent economic rescue legislation provided some relief for coronavirus-related 401(k) loans, they still are subject to certain existing rules when you separate from your company, whether by choice or not. And that borrowed money could morph...

The coronavirus crisis has Americans hoarding more money than ever before as widespread fear paralyzes consumer spending habits. The swiftness and severity of economic recovery in the U.S. hinges on whether consumers continue to stockpile cash or start to spend again.  The personal savings rate hit a historic 33% in April, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis said Friday....

The coronavirus pandemic has battered Americans’ household finances, but another major threat lies around the corner: hurricane season.

In normal times, not paying your student loans can crush your credit score. During the pandemic, however, federal student loan borrowers were supposed to get a break from their bills, and their lenders were supposed to report their payments as on-time anyway. That’s not how it’s playing out.

Unsecured personal loans can pay for almost anything. Their flexibility makes them easy to turn to when you want to consolidate your debts or put in that kitchen island. But first assessing all your financing options can save you money. As the economy shifts, so will the way a personal loan fits into your plans. Right now, for example, the…

When it comes to the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, many young professionals are asking, “Will I still have a job?” And no wonder, as 63% of young Americans are worried they will lose their jobs versus 52% of Americans overall, a survey from TD Ameritrade found. Those fears are not unjustified, with 1 in 3 young Americans reporting…

Sandra Speier is among the millions of Americans who have filed for unemployment benefits in recent weeks. But, a month later, her application is still in limbo. The Miami resident, a single mother and self-employed personal trainer, submitted an online application for jobless benefits on March 23. It’s been “pending” ever since and has yet to be processed by the state’s...

The coronavirus pandemic is causing nearly 9 in 10 Americans to feel anxious about money, according to a new survey from the National Endowment for Financial Education.

The IRS and the U.S. Treasury on Friday launched a new IRS website where people who aren’t required to file taxes can go to enter payment information to receive their stimulus relief check. The portal is available for U.S. citizens and resident aliens who have a valid social security number, can’t be claimed as  dependent of another taxpayer and who have adjusted...

The high level of jobless claims, paired with the market volatility, has many Americans worried about the fate of their retirement savings.

The IRS is preparing to send most Americans one-time stimulus relief checks in response to the coronavirus pandemic. But the bill excludes many financially vulnerable groups from receiving checks. Individuals earning up to $75,000 will receive a check for $1,200, while couples earning up to $150,000 will get $2,400. Additionally, parents will receive $500 for each child under 17. That leaves out…

Everyone is wondering how much they will get from the federal government when the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill is complete. Here’s a basic guideline of what you can expect using items we found while stuck home with our kids.

The recent market volatility may have you wondering just what to do with your retirement account.

Senate leaders and the White House have reached an agreement on a sweeping $2 trillion measure to aid workers, businesses and a health care system strained by the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak.

You’ll now have an extra 90 days, until July 15, to file and pay your federal income taxes. You are still allowed to file for an extension until October 15, just as you can during any other year. To do that, you have to file the extension form by April 15. The changes have rolled out over the course of the...