How to protect personal information, as data breaches hit a new high
Fertnig | E+ | Getty Images It’s the letter most consumers dread receiving — the notification that your personal information has been involved in a data breach. About 80% of respondents to a new survey said they received at least one data breach notice in the prior 12 months, according to the Identity Theft Resource […]
Your portfolio may be more tech-heavy than you think
If you own an S&P 500 index fund, artificial intelligence is already a major part of your investment strategy. In recent years, the stock market’s gains have been fueled largely by a small group of tech giants that are aggressively investing in AI. Nvidia, Microsoft, Apple, Google parent company Alphabet and Amazon — the five […]
How to avoid being a victim of post-storm scams
A van flows in floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Sept. 28 in Asheville, North Carolina. Sean Rayford | Getty Images News | Getty Images States affected by Hurricane Helene are warning residents to watch for the risks of scams in the aftermath of the storm, including price gouging. Price gouging happens when […]
How to get your Social Security benefit estimate
Klaus Vedfelt | Getty Images For most retirees, Social Security benefits is a major source of income. Yet, just 11% of Americans who aren’t retired say they know exactly how much benefits they stand to receive, according to new research from the National Institute on Retirement Security. At the same time, 24% are “not very […]
Laid off? Here’s how to find new work faster
Skynesher | E+ | Getty Images New government data shows a surprisingly strong job market for the month of January. But there are signs of weakness in the labor market, based on tens of thousands of workers who have been laid off since 2024 started. U.S. employers announced 82,307 job cuts in January, up from […]
How to set an annual budget
ShareShare Article via FacebookShare Article via TwitterShare Article via LinkedInShare Article via Email In 2023, 40% of Americans said they don’t make New Year’s money resolutions and 68% said they have no written financial plan at any point in the year. But having a budget and an awareness of exactly how much is coming in […]
Social Security benefits for workers who have pensions may be reduced
Richard Stephen | Istock | Getty Images When Joyce Debnam’s husband passed away, she began receiving $1,400 a month in Social Security survivor benefits. Eight months later, that income unexpectedly changed. The trigger: Debnam retired from her job at the United States Postal Service in 2013 after four decades of service. That life change prompted […]