Banking, saving & everyday costs
Stephen Kleege writes about banking, saving, and the everyday costs of running a household for The Money Front. He digs through rate sheets, account fine print, and cost-of-living data to turn dense financial paperwork into steps readers can act on the same day.
Latest from this writer
Side Gig Records: What the IRS Expects You to Keep
Driving, freelancing, or selling online? IRS Publication 583 spells out the records to keep, the receipts that back them up, and how…
The Inflation Gauge the Fed Watches Just Updated
The PCE price index rose 0.4 percent in May and is up 4.1 percent over the year. What the Fed’s preferred inflation…
Brokered CDs vs Bank CDs: Five Differences That Matter
Brokered CDs can pay more than the bank down the street, but they trade differently, can be called early, and handle interest…
July 4 Road Trips: What Gas Should Cost This Year
Gas averaged $3.91 heading into July 4 week, down from spring but about 70 cents above last year. What drivers should expect…
Salary Ranges in Job Ads: Where the Law Requires Them
A dozen states now require pay ranges in job postings. Which states, who is covered, and how to use the numbers even…
Card Company Raising Your Rate? Your 45-Day Warning
Federal law makes card issuers give 45 days’ notice before raising your rate, and gives you the right to reject the increase.…
SBA Microloans: Small Dollars for a First Business
SBA microloans lend up to $50,000 through nonprofit lenders, and the average loan is about $13,000. How the program works and who…
Decoding Your Electric Bill: Every Charge Explained
Supply, delivery, customer charges, riders and taxes: what every line on your electric bill actually pays for, and where you have room…
Debt Settlement Companies: The Promises to Question
Debt settlement firms promise to shrink what you owe. The advance-fee ban, the risks they downplay, and the cheaper routes to the…
First-Time Buyer Help: The Programs That Are Real
FHA, VA, and USDA loans, state housing agencies, and free HUD counseling: the first-time homebuyer help that actually exists and how to…
Hurt on the Job: How Workers’ Compensation Works
Workers’ compensation pays medical bills and part of lost wages after a work injury, no fault required. How claims work, who runs…
Cashier’s Check or Money Order: Which One and When
Money orders cap at $1,000 and cost a few dollars; cashier’s checks handle big payments. How each works, what they cost, and…