Category: personal finance

IN-DEPTH: Is Your Money Spying On You?

News Analysis Slowly but steadily, our money is taking on a new role; in addition to its traditional function as a medium of exchange and store of value, money is increasingly becoming a means of surveillance and control. Financial privacy has become one of the biggest casualties in the world’s relentless march to a digital…


How to Make Summer Camp More Affordable

To create a fun but affordable summer for her daughters, ages 11 and 13, Flossie McCowald plans out camps well in advance. The Pennsylvania resident snags early bird discounts, takes advantage of a church-based sleepaway camp that offers scholarships and leverages sibling discounts. “Every little bit helps,” says McCowald, who is the founder of SuperMomHacks.com,…


Closing Prices for Crude Oil, Gold, and Other Commodities (May 11)

Benchmark U.S. crude oil for June delivery fell $1.69 to $70.87 a barrel Thursday. Brent crude for July delivery fell $1.43 to $74.98 a barrel. Wholesale gasoline for June delivery fell 3 cents $2.46 a gallon. June heating oil fell 4 cents to $2.35 a gallon. June natural gas was unchanged at $2.19 per 1,000…


What Is Rent Payment Fraud and How Can Landlords Prevent It?

By Dave Spooner Rent payment fraud is a common concern among new landlords—and not without good reason. No one wants to be taken advantage of, and being outsmarted by a fraudster can make you feel helpless toward any future issues you may encounter with rent collection. However, fraud is a problem every modern business must…


Gen Z Workers Are Saving More for Retirement: Study

Gen Z workers are participating in workplace retirement plans at higher rates than previous generations were at the same stage of their lives, according to a new study by the investment firm Vanguard. In 2021, 62 percent of workers between the ages of 18 and 24 participated in their company’s 401(k) plan, up from 30…


More Ohio Families Turn to Food Banks Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis

Food banks across Ohio have seen a surge in demand, with some running at double capacity amid increasing food insecurity prompted in part by an end to COVID-19 pandemic-era aid, according to experts. The Mid-Ohio Food Collective, a food bank providing a free “grocery store experience” as well as nutritious meals to thousands of people is just…


Closing Prices for Crude Oil, Gold and Other Commodities (May 10)

Benchmark U.S. crude oil for June delivery fell $1.15 to $72.56 a barrel Wednesday. Brent crude for July delivery fell $1.03 to $76.41 a barrel. Wholesale gasoline for June delivery rose 1 cent $2.49 a gallon. June heating oil was unchanged at $2.39 a gallon. June natural gas fell 8 cents to $2.19 per 1,000…


Nearly 73,000 Lose Medicaid Coverage in Arkansas as Pandemic Relief Expires

Nearly 73,000 Arkansans lost Medicaid coverage in April as pandemic-relief programs wind down nationwide. About 15 million people could lose Medicaid coverage around the country over the next year, as states start to determine eligibility for assistance after a provision under the 2020 federal COVID-19 public health emergency law expires in May. At least 93…


Congratulations, Graduate! Now, Grow Your Wealth!

Congratulations, new graduate!  Now that you have your sheepskin in hand, it’s time to really grow up and start accreting personal wealth. But first, let’s assume a few things: 1. You’re not pursuing a graduate degree. 2. You have a plan to obtain whatever professional credentials or certifications you need or want. 3. You’re circumstances don’t…


Can You Afford to Age in Place?

Most older adults ages 50 to 80 say it’s important to stay in their homes for as long as they can, according to the 2022 National Poll on Healthy Aging from the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation at the University of Michigan. But only 1 in 3 said their home “definitely” has the features…