Here’s why it may be time to break up with your bank
The Federal Reserve has signaled that more interest rate hikes are coming to control inflation. If you're a saver, that means earning more on the money you've parked at a bank. Here's why the time might be right to move your savings to a new bank.
By Michelle Singletary7 ways to lower your credit card debt after the Fed rate hike
The Federal Reserve interest rate hike will make credit card debt more expensive.
By Michelle SingletaryFiled an amended tax return with the IRS? You have a 20-week wait.
The system to process amended returns at the IRS is slow-moving. But if you find you owe, Uncle Sam, pay by the tax due date.
By Michelle SingletaryWhere do you stand financially? Get a score on this quiz — and our advice.
Recession, inflation, mortgage rates and gas prices: Answer these questions to see how these major economic factors will impact your life.
By Michelle SingletaryBanking news, stock market lurches got you jittery? Here’s some advice
Financial experts provide advice on the stock market's wild swings. Here’s what they advise for various investors.
By Michelle SingletaryShould my spouse and I file jointly or separately?
Personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary answered readers' questions on tax-filing extensions, tax bills, and if couples should file joint returns or not.
By Michelle SingletaryConsumers rip into credit bureaus as complaints climb again
Grievances against TransUnion, Equifax and Experian dominated Consumer Financial Protection Bureau complaints in 2022.
By Michelle SingletaryFour money rules when financial news is making you nervous
Bank failures. Higher interest rates. High inflation. All this can make you lose your financial balance. But panicking can make things worse.
By Michelle SingletaryIs your money safe? Here’s what deposit insurance covers.
The closing of Silicon Valley Bank may have you wondering about FDIC protection. Here’s what you need to know.
By Michelle SingletaryFear an IRS audit? Here are six alarms that trigger the system.
Although most taxpayers aren't audited, the IRS has tools at its disposal to catch errors and tax scofflaws.
By Michelle Singletary10 things to know before filing taxes in 2023
For those lost on the 2023 tax season, here's a guide covering 2022 tax brackets, gig income, how crypto is taxed and the loss of the expanded child-tax credit.
By Michelle Singletary and Jacob BogageCould SCOTUS strike down loan forgiveness under PSLF?
The Supreme Court heard opening arguments on student loan forgiveness. Worried borrowers asked experts at The Washington Post questions on PSLF, interest rates.
By Michelle Singletary and Danielle Douglas-GabrielSeven red flags that your tax preparer is a fraud
A tax preparer who isn't legit may try to “ghost” you, leaving you to handle the IRS on your own.
By Michelle SingletaryFour reasons a credit-card balance transfer may be a bad idea
Last week, I outlined how a balance transfer can help pay down credit card debt. But here are four reasons why such an offer might be a bad idea.
By Michelle SingletaryMichelle Singletary’s money milestones for every age
Advice for every decade of your financial life, from 20-somethings just starting out to retirees enjoying the fruits of planning and smart choices.
By Michelle SingletaryDon’t let paying for a funeral add to your grief
Paying for a funeral can be expensive. You can honor your loved ones and stay on budget with help from a life insurance policy and other savings accounts.
By Michelle SingletaryBeware of these pitfalls when planning your own funeral
Planning for your own funeral with a "pre-need" contract sounds appealing. But there are risks to paying upfront.
By Michelle Singletary401(k) balances are up, but the number of millionaires is down
Despite the turbulence in the stock market, workers haven't pulled back from saving in workplace retirement plans.
By Michelle SingletaryYes, parents or adult kids can qualify as tax dependents. Here’s how.
A tax expert answers questions about who they can claim as a dependent. The IRS is also offering Saturday in-person help at taxpayer clinics around the country.
By Michelle SingletaryCredit card debt hit a record high. Here’s one way to pay it down.
Credit card debt hit $986 billion in the last quarter of 2022, a record high, according to the New York Federal Reserve Bank. Here's one way to get rid of the debt.
By Michelle Singletary