Dear Penny, My sister left her husband and moved into the city I live in now, living a block away from me. Shortly after, her two sons (currently 28 and 25) moved here as well and live with her. The eldest hasn’t worked since 2017 because my sister says he has anxiety issues. He’s worked … Read more
Tax Day 2023 is closing in, and the burden for gig workers is a little heavier because you’re considered independent contractors — not employees — of the popular app-based companies you work for. After years of filing extensions because of the pandemic, last year marked the return to a more familiar April deadline. Similarly, this … Read more
Dear Penny, A few years ago, my parents got divorced. I’m in my mid-30s with my own family. The divorce was messy with lots of debate over money. My mother confided that my dad is deep in debt, spending sometimes $30,000 a month, at least, when she could still see his bank accounts. I don’t … Read more
Buy now, pay later apps are an increasingly popular way to finance purchases. Companies like Affirm, AfterPay and Klarna let you split the cost of everyday purchases — from running shoes to groceries — into several installment payments. Pay-in-four loans are the most common model. You’re required to make a small down payment, usually 25%, … Read more
Millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP benefits, will receive less money for food starting in March. SNAP benefits, commonly known as food stamps, received a boost three years ago as part of a pandemic-era emergency allotment. But these extra benefits — which gave recipients an average of $95 … Read more
Break out the leashes and the poop bags! There’s never been a better time to be a dog walker. Who says so? Well, The New York Times says so. It just ran an article about professional dog walkers in Manhattan who are making more than $100,000 a year. And, sure, most of us don’t live … Read more
Dear Penny, My boyfriend of eight years stopped working four years ago. At the time, he told me it was because he needed to complete a remodel of a house his mother purchased. I believe the agreement was that she would buy the house and he would remodel it and then they would rent it … Read more
The cruise industry is sailing ahead at full speed after a rough few years. Boats are at full capacity and cruise passengers are flying to ports across the country to travel to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, scenic inland rivers and more. But one question remains before you board that long-awaited cruise and unwind with a … Read more
There’s a shortage of blood at many hospitals around the country, but no shortage of places to roll up that sleeve and give a pint. Along with helping save a life, donating blood is also a good way to get free stuff like $10 gift cards, beach towels and movie tickets. You could also get … Read more
Consumers who file a claim before the February settlement deadlines could receive cash payments and other benefits. Settlements are available for defective products, false advertising, non-compliant receipts and more. February 2023 Class Action Settlements LeafFilter Debris Accumulation Class Action Lawsuit Settlement LeafFilter agreed to a class action settlement to resolve allegations its gutter filter system … Read more
