Average FICO Score Steady, but Don’t Be Fooled: Americans Are Pinched
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on August 25, 2026
A $2,563 monthly payment and $7,793 average card balance show why a stable credit score may hide growing pressure on household budgets
Here’s When the Social Security COLA Update Is Expected to Be Released
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on August 25, 2026
A 3.4% estimate would top this year’s increase, but Medicare Part D costs may absorb much of the extra money in 2027
Prenups Cover More Than Just Marriage and Divorce These Days
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on August 23, 2026
A prenup can help protect children from a previous marriage, coordinate beneficiary forms and address care decisions if a spouse becomes incapacitated.
Childless Americans Are Feeling Uneasy About Retirement Savings, Too
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on August 22, 2026
A survey found 62% of childless Americans lack a written financial plan, while many also worry about long-term care and rising housing costs.
What a Social Security Champion’s Primary Loss Spells for the Program
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on August 18, 2026
The program’s trust fund is projected to run short in 2032, potentially cutting average monthly checks by about $500 without congressional action.
Before Death, Ask Yourself How Much You Trust Your Trustee
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on August 16, 2026
A trustee’s mistakes can cost families six figures, so a candid conversation now may prevent years of conflict, fees and delayed inheritances.
‘It’s the Economy, Stupid’ May Solve Social Security Woes, Experts Say
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on August 14, 2026
The trust fund could run dry by 2032, with a projected 22% benefit reduction unless lawmakers shore up the program’s finances.
A Pay Cut for a Steady Job? Economic Anxiety Fuels ‘Forever Jobs’
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on August 11, 2026
Monster’s survey found 61% of workers would trade some compensation or workplace flexibility for the security of a dependable paycheck
Younger ‘Sandwich Generation’ Forgets Retirement Amid Caregiving
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on August 3, 2026
Dual caregivers now hit this stage at just 34, and nearly 1 in 3 have already raided their own retirement savings to cope.
How Congress’ Inaction on Social Security Could Tarnish Your Retirement
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on July 29, 2026
A think tank projects a $16,900 annual hit for couples retiring in six years, with Medicare cuts arriving at the same time.
Court Limits COVID Tax Refund Claims but Americans Should Hang On
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on July 28, 2026
A new Tax Court ruling narrows which COVID-era penalty claims qualify for refunds, but lawyers say the multi-year appeals fight is just beginning.
Construction Jobs’ Big Pay Raises Make Trades the ‘It’ Career in 2026
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on July 25, 2026
Median pay for job-hopping tradespeople now tops $59,100, beating every other industry for nearly three years running.
Why Is Malcolm Jamal Warner’s Widow Suing His Mother, and Can She Win?
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on July 25, 2026
A broken prenup promise and an un-updated 1996 trust show why marriage should always trigger an estate-plan review.
‘Fast Track’ Bill to Save Social Security Faces Pushback from Key Voice
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on July 23, 2026
AARP warns a bipartisan Senate plan to fast-track Social Security fixes could let a lame-duck Congress cut benefits with little debate.
Student Loan Defaults Hit Record High. Borrowers Need to Act ASAP.
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on July 22, 2026
Federal defaults have jumped by 4.2 million since June 2025 — here’s how to dodge wage garnishment and rebuild your credit score.
How to Sell Appreciated Assets Without a Big Tax Bill Now and Later
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on July 22, 2026
Retirees who time stock sales right can lock in a 0% tax rate and reset their cost basis for good.
Your Financial Advisers Give Support on More Than Just Money
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on July 18, 2026
Financial advisers increasingly coach clients through caregiving crises, family stress and tough decisions — not just investments and nest eggs anymore.
Stop Waiting for the Perfect Mortgage Rate to Buy. There Isn’t One.
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on July 16, 2026
A quarter of Americans don’t know their FICO score, yet lenders use it to decide who gets 2026’s lowest mortgage rates.
Newly Retired Couples May Lose $16,900/Year in Social Security in 2033
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on July 16, 2026
A nonpartisan think tank warns automatic cuts could grow from 22% to 35% by century’s end if Congress keeps delaying a fix.
Social Security 2027 COLA May Be 3.7% but Still Not Offset Medicare
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on July 14, 2026
A new estimate pegs the raise at $74 a month, but a Part D deductible jumping to $700 in 2027 could erase the gain.
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