Ann Carrns

A new report finds that people stressed about their finances are often worried that discussing it will lead to an argument. But experts say conversations can help.

Even with more fast-charging stations available, having a smooth electric vehicle experience still takes planning, our columnist found.

The I.R.S.’s Taxpayer Advocate Service found that many of those affected were lower-income people who depended on refunds to cover living costs. The wait is “ridiculous,” the head of the service said.

Premiums for big dogs and purebreds are generally higher. But as one expert put it, “Every dog can get sick.” Here’s what to know about coverage.

Shoppers who use the popular installment loans will be guaranteed some of the same consumer protections that traditional credit cards provide.

The rate for undergraduate loans is up from 5.5 percent this past school year and higher than it has been in more than a decade.

Flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts both have tax benefits, but both may also have drawbacks, two reports found.

The Education Department has temporarily stopped processing applications and other forms as it updates its systems and deals with problems plaguing the program.

But the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said 15 million people still had medical bills in their files, which can make it hard to qualify for loans.

Experts say high school seniors are more likely to go to college if they complete the financial aid form, but the state sees privacy issues with mandating it.

The I.R.S. estimates that 940,000 people who didn’t file their returns for that year are due back money. The deadline for filing to get it is May 17.

The share of those paying the full advertised cost has declined over the last couple of decades, a new report found. Yet many don’t understand how much they’ll really pay.

Inflation is driving up the cost of materials and labor to repair roofs and cars. Adding to insurers’ costs is increased development in areas affected by severe storms.

These mortgage fees increased 22 percent from 2021 to 2022. One likely factor is the greater use of discount points to nudge interest rates down.

It has become harder for some borrowers to get affordable car loans as banks and dealerships face a rising number of delinquencies.

The analysis found that former students at most colleges had an annual income higher than high school graduates a decade after enrollment.

Comparison sites often emphasize the big banks’ offerings even though smaller banks and credit unions typically charge significantly less.

But there are caveats to moving the money into Roth I.R.A.s, and the government still has to issue guidelines about the option.

But many companies are spurning the “clunky” legal requirements for accounts linked to retirement plans. Instead, some have stand-alone rainy day offerings.

The agency said an “undercover phone sweep” of more than 250 homes found that 38 failed to provide prices or supplied inconsistent prices in separate calls.

The wait will make it difficult for many schools to finalize financial aid packages, despite already offering admissions to high school seniors.

Policymakers view the reporting of an on-time pattern as a way to reduce disparities in homeownership.

“Direct admission” is increasingly being offered to high school seniors who meet minimum academic qualifications. The participating schools are eager for more applicants.

Most Americans with card debt have not outlined a way to bring it down, a new report says. There are ways to get help.

Residents of 12 states are eligible to participate if they meet certain criteria. But the agency’s plans have already met resistance from tax preparation companies.

Rates on C.D.s are the highest they’ve been in years. But the Fed is signaling that it may cut its borrowing costs next year, and C.D. rates could follow.

After a settlement of a lawsuit, Genworth, the biggest holder of the policies, said customers could get reduced benefits or face significant increases in premiums.

Cashless tolls have reduced traffic jams, but they can also lead to hefty bills for out-of-state drivers. One piece of advice: Promptly pay the bill you get in the mail.

The surge in offerings is a response to the pandemic, which revealed glaring income inequality, as well as inflation and the resumption of student loan payments, an expert said.

Since the pandemic, they seem to be everywhere. And with inflation, the gratuity on a pricier meal feels like a big outlay.

But, financial advisers note, most people cannot afford to set aside the maximum amount. “This is a system geared for high earners,” one expert said.

Pandemic-era help with the monthly insurance premium costs continues through 2025.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau accused the credit bureau, one of three major credit reporting agencies, of “lying to consumers.”

Insurance plans with high deductibles may seem unappealing, but the savings accounts that often come with them offer significant tax benefits.

Answers to your questions about one of the biggest challenges facing students.

After years of criticism about financial aid letters that are confusing and sometimes misleading, about 400 schools have agreed to bring “clarity” to their communication.

Millions of Americans owe money to doctors and hospitals, and that debt can affect their ability to get loans or even a job.

Everything is going up — buying, financing, insurance and maintenance. The average annual cost of ownership, by one estimate, is $12,000.

Consumers have a right to dispute mistakes on their credit reports. But if they’ve made late payments, that can’t be erased, consumer experts say.

Federal law generally protects retirement savings when a company files for bankruptcy. But that’s not always the case.

For about the next decade, homeowners can take advantage of the U.S. tax code to save on installation and reduce their electric bills.

Debt rose to more than $1 trillion in the second quarter, a report found — a sign of financial strain for some, even before student loan payments resume.

In addition to the new form, the federal government will expand eligibility for federal aid in the biggest overhaul in decades.

There’s still time this year to make adjustments, especially with the coming resumption of student loan payments.

Consumers face higher costs as water systems replace old pipes and equipment. Shorter showers and water-efficient appliances can help manage the expense.

It’s easy to sign up but not always so easy to stop a service. The F.T.C. is proposing rules to change that.

An estimate puts the average cost over a 20-year retirement at about $157,000. That’s almost double the estimate in 2002.

But the share of people paying the fees remains unchanged, and they’re often among the most financial vulnerable.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is warning that the funds may be at risk if the app’s parent company runs into trouble.

Amusement parks, restaurants, pools and other entertainment spots will need workers. Here’s what to know about finding a job.

Deposits into 529 savings accounts fell last fall and early this year. But experts say the stock market recovery is helping to attract more money.

Rates for undergraduate loans could top 5 percent next school year, adding pressure on families already struggling to pay for college.

Consumer experts are warning patients that some offerings charge much higher interest rates than regular credit cards.

Premiums are up more than inflation, as insurers deal with rising repair bills and higher car rental rates. But consumers do have some options, experts say.

The forms were originally due in the early days of the pandemic. The I.R.S. estimates that 1.5 million people are owed money, but they must file by July 17.

Banks are offering the promotional rates to attract deposits. Given concerns about the economy, it’s unclear how long banks will continue to reward savers.

The rule on price disclosure was written before widespread use of the internet. Regulators are considering an update.

The average refund is down from last year, but still almost $3,000. One option experts recommend is stashing part of it for unexpected expenses.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which already provides some card details, is asking banks for more information about who qualifies for which cards.

The plan aims to fix “historical failures” and will provide debt cancellation to thousands of borrowers, according to the Education Department.

Even as fewer people use paper checks, there have been more reports of criminals stealing them from mailboxes and changing the dollar amount and name of the recipient, officials say.

Our columnist thought she’d gotten a good deal on Bruce Springsteen tickets. But could she have gotten a better one? Here’s what she learned.

Doing taxes in 2023 feels a lot like it did before the pandemic. Still, there are some meaningful changes to keep in mind.

The answer depends on whether you’re looking to get high interest rates now or a safe investment with inflation protection over many years.

Three big 401(k) administrators are making it easier for workers with accounts of less than $5,000 to transfer the money to their new employers’ plans.

Some online banks offer yields of 3.3 percent or more, but savers may be reluctant to open one because they think it will be a hassle.

While they have taken steps to help prevent mishaps, a new report finds they offer few protections if, for instance, users accidentally send money to the wrong person.

Only those who became disabled by age 26 have been eligible for ABLE accounts. But Congress raised the age to 46, so more military veterans and others can qualify as of 2026.

Credits that were expanded as part of pandemic relief have expired, as has the deduction for donations for people who don’t itemize.

The Secure 2.0 Act provides for direct government contributions to retirement accounts for low- and moderate-income workers, though that won’t start until 2027.