Dear Penny: Should I Buy a $3M Annuity So I Never Worry About Money Again?

Real Answers for Life’s Money Challenges like help me evaluate a tantalizing temptation. I am a 58-year-old single gay white male college graduate with no dependents. I worked hard, prospered, lived frugally and saved for over 30 years. These are thebiggest money secrets rich people don’t tell you. In my early 50s, I was promoted beyond my skills and abilities and consequently floundered professionally. Currently, I am self-employed owning/managing a vacation rental and three single-family residential rentals all debt-free....

September 18, 2022 · 3 min · 595 words · Mckenzie Walker

How to Sign Up for Medicare: Everything You Need to Know

If your 65th birthday is approaching, its time to talk about Medicare. You know it kicks in when you turn 65, but how does it work? Some people are automatically enrolled while others need to sign up through the Social Security Administration. Need a refresher on Medicare? Check out these seven frequently asked questions onhow Medicare works. Youll also need to get coverage for prescription drugs and maybe a supplemental insurance policy....

September 17, 2022 · 3 min · 541 words · Kevin Warner

14 Tips to Stop a Power Outage From Draining Your Wallet

So how can you save money during a blackout? Our power outage tips cover everything from protecting your expensive groceries to cheap ways to stay cool or warm. Here are 14 ways to save money when the power goes out. 19 Super-Smart Tips on How to Save Money on UtilitiesTake the Sting Out of High Utility Bills With Budget Billing25 Ways to Beat the High Cost of Cooling Your Home This Summer...

September 16, 2022 · 2 min · 406 words · Joann Cook

4 Things Homebuyers Can Do About the Highest Mortgage Rates in 14 Years

Just when you thought the housing market couldnt get any tougher, it throws another obstacle at you. Mortgages are getting more expensive. Interest rates on mortgages just climbed over 6%, the highest theyve been in 14 years. How Much House Can I Afford? Here’s How to Do the Math Weve got four important tips for what you might do about it. How High Are Mortgage Rates? Thats more than double compared to this time last year, when it was 2....

September 16, 2022 · 2 min · 424 words · Monica Lindsey

Forget Cash Back: This Credit Card Gives Rewards in Gold

You just spend as you normally would on your card and youll be exposed to precious metals. How It Works The card is a joint venture between APMEX and online investment platform OneGold. The rewards you get depend on where you apply. 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?...

September 16, 2022 · 2 min · 244 words · Katie Cunningham

How To Budget: Create A Household Budget in 4 Simple Steps

But lets face it you dont want to be struggling paycheck-to-paycheck, swimming in debt with nothingsaved for emergencies. Creating a budget and sticking to it could give you the financial freedom you crave. And it doesnt have to be a grueling process. Want to see your big financial picture in the palm of your hand?This is the only budgeting tool you’ll ever need. Can You Survive 10 Days of Budgeting? If you should probably wrangle your budget, it may be time to consider a savings challenge....

September 16, 2022 · 5 min · 908 words · Elizabeth Anderson

9 Places to Buy Used Wedding Dresses Online for Brides on a Budget

The search for the perfect wedding dress is one of the most important parts of being a bride-to-be. So you might not consider buying a used wedding dress online but maybe you should. The high price of wedding dresses can be a deterrent to picking out a truly unique gown. Getty Images We found nine places to snag the cheapest used wedding dresses online. The site allows you to chat with sellers about price, measurements and any other questions....

September 15, 2022 · 4 min · 641 words · Catherine Garrett

Military, Teachers Can Set Sail for Free on Margaritaville at Sea

Jimmy Buffett is known for songs like Margaritaville and Cheeseburger in Paradise. The Heroes Sail Free offer involves a three-day, two-night cruise to Grand Bahama Island. People who qualify can take one free cruise per year. you’re free to find the promotionon the cruise lines website. To claim your free cruise, you must be a verified member throughthe GovX ID platform. Are There Two of You? However, two qualified people can go together for free....

September 14, 2022 · 1 min · 203 words · Jacob Carter

How to Go Gluten Free on a Budget: Tips on Where to Shop, What to Buy

Approximately 6% of the population is affected by gluten. Manufacturers have responded by making more products for those people. The products cost more, and generally gluten-free eating requires more attention, and cash, than traditional diets. Heres what to consider if youre making the switch. No Interest Til Almost 2027? Balance Transfer = Credit Card Cheat Code What Can You Eat? The good news is that the majority of what we eat is naturally gluten free....

September 13, 2022 · 3 min · 567 words · Jeremiah Martin

IRS Refunding $1.2 Billion in Fines — But You Must File Overdue Taxes Soon

For starters, lots of taxpayers and professional tax preparers got sick. Offices closed, sometimes making it harder to gather the necessary documents. And you couldnt get the IRS on the phone. It was a tough time, and paying your taxes wasnt exactly everyones top priority. However, you have to file your overdue returns by Sept. 30 to qualify. No Interest Til Almost 2027? This penalty relief will be automatic for people or businesses who qualify,saidIRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig....

September 13, 2022 · 2 min · 220 words · Bobby Ballard

Land a Seasonal UPS Job With an Online Application and No Interview

UPS is getting an early start on its annual holiday hiring spree. Nearly 80% of these positions dont even require an interview. UPS is looking for: These are a mix of full-time and part-time seasonal jobs. Applicants should apply atupsjobs.com. 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?...

September 12, 2022 · 1 min · 182 words · Scott Flynn

Zero-Down Mortgages? How Big Banks Are Supporting Homeownership

Lets look at programs designed to lessen that difference and what zero-down mortgages offer potential first-time and minority homebuyers. 7 Ways to Make Money if You Hate People Do you avoid people too? Enough small talk.Here are some waysto earn extra cash, without all of the social stuff. Applicants wont be verified based on race, according to Bank of America. Are There Risks With Zero-Down Payment Mortgages? No down payment sounds like a sweetheart deal, but there are some drawbacks associated with these loans....

September 12, 2022 · 1 min · 138 words · Courtney Pierce

Dear Penny: My Boyfriend’s Parents Spend Recklessly, But He Still Sends Money

Real Answers for Life’s Money Challenges Both me and my boyfriend are college students abroad. We both earned scholarships. We make good money doing freelancing jobs online. He saves his for graduate school. I save mine for traveling. My family is better off than his financially. But his family is really struggling financially. Neither of his parents are working much right now. His father is doing small jobs barely bringing in anything....

September 11, 2022 · 4 min · 642 words · Jessica Phillips