When life gets tough, I tell my family and friends not to let it steal your joy. That philosophy got me through the Trump years fairly well. However, the massacres this month are weighing heavy on my heart. I hope taking my own advice will help me bounce back soon. Read more →
College debts are one of the largest financial burdens for Americans. They make up the second highest type of household debt after mortgages, totaling $1.61 trillion. That’s about $37,000 per borrower. High balances with payoff times that lasts into middle age force graduates to delay other financial goals. Read more →
Today, March 13, marks Daylight Saving Time when the U.S. springs forward. You’ve probably already set with many computers and smartphones now changing the time automatically. Remember safety, too, on Daylight Savings Time Day by changing the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Read more →
Due to the war in Ukraine, consumers in the United States could experience impacts. They should be on the lookout for potential price gouging of fuel and other goods and services. And consumers should be aware that there may be cyberattacks. Read more →
In 2021, Congress expanded tax benefits and made other advanced payments in response to the covid-19 pandemic and the resulting financial impact. This may increase the amount of money you’ll receive through your tax refund. You also may be eligible to access other benefits when you file a tax return. Read more →
In the Seattle area, we mostly have rain storms. However, Saturday – Christmas Day – it started snowing. It snowed and stopped, snowed and stopped, and on and on. By Monday, we had a lot of snow. What do you need to be ready for a snow storm? Read more →
Daylight Saving Time ended today, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers it’s yearly reminder about replacing the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. With people at home more during the pandemic, fuel-burning heaters and appliances putting in extra work. Read more →
Following Hurricane Ida, flooding in Tennessee and on the East Coast, the wildfires in the West, and other natural disasters scammers are on the scene preying on people who are trying to recover. Tips on ways you can avoid common post-disaster scams are: Read more →
Twenty years ago, on Sept. 11, I was just beginning a vacation in Spain and Portugal with my daughters. It was frightening to be so far from home and not know what was happening. Here’s the account of my vacation that appeared in The Tacoma (Washington) News Tribune on Oct. 3, 2001: Read more →
Generac is recalling about 321,160 Generac and DR 6500 Watt and 8000 Watt portable generators in the United States and 4,575 in Canada. An unlocked handle can pinch consumers’ fingers against the generator frame when the generator is moved, posing finger amputation and crushing hazards. Read more →