Long-Term Care Insurance Is Expensive: We Know How to Help You Save

Depending on how long you live, you may need some form of long-term care. An estimated 70% of those who live to age 65 will need assistance as they age. That could mean living in a nursing home, hiring home health aides and everything in between. Long-term care insurance can be a way to offset the costs, but even that can get pricey. Weve put together what you gotta know when it comes to saving on long-term care insurance....

June 28, 2024 · 3 min · 577 words · Terri Marquez

Why Those with Disabled Children May Not Want to Skimp on Social Security Taxes

Electing S Corp tax status as an LLC probably came up in your research. You dont have to pay FICA Medicare and Social Security taxes on distributions. That means you could theoretically shrink that check you have to write to the IRS. Be wary, though. Diminishing how much you pay into the system lowers your benefits later in life. If you have a disabled dependent, youre going to want to pay extra attention....

June 28, 2024 · 3 min · 600 words · Jane Flowers

Check Out These 6 Emotional Support Animal Savings Tips

Pets offer companionship, but for many they also provide an important service. It is growing more popular forpet ownersto certify their pets as emotional support animals (ESAs). One survey from theAmerican Psychiatric Associationfound that one in five responding pet owners did so. Owning a pet also is often pricey particularly if youre paying for professional training. Tracking down emotional support animal discounts and savings can help offset some of those costs....

June 27, 2024 · 3 min · 453 words · Barbara Davis

Dear Penny: I’m Coming Up Short on Money Every Month. How Do I Budget?

Real Answers for Life’s Money Challenges How do I make a budget? I come up short. Idont endorse restrictive budgeting, but it sounds like a money map could help you find clarity. This will help you see how well the two actually balance out. Is Your Paycheck Not Going As Far As It Used To? We get it.Everythingis more expensive than it used to be, but your paycheck hasnt kept up....

June 26, 2024 · 1 min · 195 words · Michael Dean

FICO Score vs. Credit Score: What’s the Difference?

Whats your credit score? Its important financial information to have. But did you know there are actually multiple answers and no single way of calculating a credit score? Acredit scoreis a way of distilling your credit history into a number. That number allows lenders to determine the risk theyre taking on by granting you a loan. The two most common ways of estimating it are the FICO Score and the VantageScore....

June 26, 2024 · 2 min · 324 words · Monique Green

Homeowners Insurance Doesn’t Cover Many Natural Disasters. Here’s the Lowdown.

No matter where you live, you will likely experience at least one natural disaster in your life. You cant prevent it, but you might be prepared when it happens. Thats where natural disaster insurance comes into the picture. Not sure if you need earthquake insurance? Read throughthis checklist from the USGS. That said, there is no one-size-fits-all version of a homeowners policy. With that, the cost of the policy can vary widely....

June 26, 2024 · 3 min · 520 words · Jennifer Diaz

How to Prepare for a Life Insurance Medical Exam So You Get the Best Rate

A few preparations could save you a lot of money. What Is a Life Insurance Medical Exam? To help determine how healthy you are, the insurance company often pays for a life insurance physical exam. Getty Images A medical professional conducts the exam. Probably not as good as youd like. It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings. But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?...

June 26, 2024 · 3 min · 461 words · Bruce Ingram

Don’t Wait Until Disaster Strikes to Make Sure Homeowners Insurance Is Adequate

Home is where the heart is. It also can be where the heartache is when disaster strikes. Long before something goes wrong, you gotta ask, How much homeowners insurance do I need? Getty Images Homeowners insurance protects your home and possessions against a variety of perils. This includes damage, theft and natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, fires and earthquakes. Mortgage companies require a certain amount of coverage. But unlike car insurance, there arent any state mandates requiring people to have it....

June 25, 2024 · 4 min · 641 words · Amanda Flores

How to Get Health Care Coverage if You Lost Your Job

Losing your job can be a stressful life event for several reasons, including a sudden lack ofhealth insurance. If youre like49% of Americans, you get your health care coverage through your employer. Heres how to get health care coverage if you lost your job and your medical insurance benefits. When Insurance Falls Short… Unfortunately, insurance doesnt covereverything.These resourcescan help you manage those unexpected expenses. Employer-Extended Coverage This option depends entirely on your employers severance package....

June 25, 2024 · 2 min · 306 words · Karen Lowe

The Best Pet Insurance Companies of 2025

Unexpected vet bills can be the most expensive part of welcoming a dog or cat into your family. Thats why its important to research the best pet insurance companies. When Insurance Falls Short… Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder (top left); Getty Images Unfortunately, insurance doesnt covereverything.These resourcescan help you manage those unexpected expenses. Like all insurance, its a gamble. The six companies below represent the very best of pet insurance in 2025, starting with our top pick....

June 25, 2024 · 3 min · 487 words · Travis Harrington

Your Car Insurance Got Canceled: Now What?

Car insurancecosts keep going up, with drivers seeing a20.6% price increasefrom February 2023 to February 2024. So what can you do about canceled car insurance? It can happen because of several other circumstances. If it does, though, its important to understand your options. 4 Reasons for Canceled Car Insurance you’re able to experience canceled car insurance any time. Carrier cancellations at renewal can be driven by two actions, Allen said....

June 25, 2024 · 3 min · 522 words · Marcus Huerta

7 Surprising Factors That Can Have a Huge Effect on Your Car Insurance Rate

Car insurance premium rates can feel arbitrary and unjust to many of us. But what affects car insurance rates and why? Turns out, its not so arbitrary. Getty Images What Affects Car Insurance Rates? Lets start with the obvious: your driving record. Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week. This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed. Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire....

June 24, 2024 · 4 min · 712 words · Mark Ingram

Dollar Store Decor Can Outfit Your Summer Shindigs — For Cheap

As the leaves start to change, so do the types of parties we host. Spring soirees are so last season (literally). So bring on the pool parties! Looking for home decor on the cheap? Here’s our roundup of22 cheap home decor storesthat let you deck out your home for less. And each item costs just $1.25. String thisrustic twineacross the windows, kitchen counter or a doorway. 7 Ways to Make Money if You Hate People Do you avoid people too?...

June 24, 2024 · 3 min · 436 words · Aaron Swanson