Category Archives: Personal Finance
Seniors Lobby Pivots on Benefit Cut
WASHINGTON—AARP, the powerful lobbying group for older Americans, is dropping its longstanding opposition to cutting Social Security benefits, a move that could rock Washington’s debate over how to revamp the nation’s entitlement programs. The decision, which AARP hasn’t discussed publicly, came after a wrenching debate inside the organization. In 2005, the last time Social Security … Continue reading
Another Pricing Test for Insuring People With Pre-Existing Conditions
For the second time in less than a year, the government hopes to help some of the as many as 25 million uninsured Americans with pre-existing health conditions. Critics say it may be a case of too little, too late.Next month, a nationally funded health-care program will lower premiums and relax eligibility for some people … Continue reading
Want a Job? Become a Landlord.
For retirees calling it quits from the 9-to-5 world, it might be worth considering another career move: landlord.Changing light bulbs may not fit with the traditional image of retirement. But the strategy can kill several birds with one stone, especially for retirees who buy a small multi-family building, live in it and manage it at … Continue reading
Ways to Cut Cooling Costs
You can save some money and energy trying to stay cool this summer.When buying an air conditioner, it’s all about the British thermal unit, or BTU, the power capacity of cooling systems. How many BTUs you’ll need depends on room size. Bedrooms typically require units with 5,000 to 6,000 BTUs; living rooms need 8,000 to … Continue reading
Will ‘Floating Rate’ Funds Really Float?
Investors who have been loading up on “floating rate” mutual funds this year to capitalize on rising interest rates might be in for a surprise—even if rates rise. Floating-rate funds are unique among fixed-income vehicles, giving investors the potential to benefit from—rather than be hurt by—rising interest rates. They hold lower-quality corporate loans whose interest … Continue reading
This Country Needs a Good 5% CPI
Inflation is heating up. The news last week was that the official rate, which had been rising all year, surged to 3.6% in May. That’s three times the level it was just last summer and the highest rate in nearly three years.Markets were alarmed, and stocks sold off.But is this news as bad as it … Continue reading
How to Really Manage Your Credit
Meet the world’s most financially self-controlled man.Pete D’Arruda says he has more than $300,000 in available credit, thanks to some 25 Visas, Mastercards, and individual store, airline and gas cards — about $12,000 a card.“It’s not taboo to have a bunch of credit cards,” says Mr. D’Arruda, a personal-finance consultant who has been building his … Continue reading