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
Before the Power Gets Shut Off: Protections to Know
Behind on a utility bill? State rules require notice, payment plans, and medical protections before a shutoff. What to do this week,…
Mystery Shopping Jobs: Telling Real Gigs From Fakes
Real mystery shopping jobs exist, but so do costly fakes. How the fake-check version works, the upfront-fee red flag, and how to…
After the Fed’s June Decision, Where Card Rates Go
The Fed held rates steady at its June meeting, so the prime rate stays at 6.75 percent. Here is what that means…
What an LLC Protects and What It Never Will
An LLC shields your personal assets from business debts, but not from personal guarantees, your own negligence, or taxes. What the structure…
Why Home Insurance Keeps Rising Even Without a Claim
Homeowners premiums are climbing even for claim-free households. What regulators’ data shows, why rates rise across whole regions, and what you can…
CD Early Withdrawal Penalties: Read Before You Lock In
CD early withdrawal penalties can erase interest and even principal. What banks must disclose, how penalties are structured, and how to keep…
Lunch Breaks and the Law: Less Protection Than You Think
Federal law does not guarantee a lunch break. What the FLSA actually requires, when breaks must be paid, and which rules come…
SNAP in 2026: Income Limits and How Benefits Are Set
SNAP income limits for 2026: the gross and net tests, the $994 maximum for a family of four, and how USDA sets…
States May Be Holding Your Money: How to Check Free
Old deposits, uncashed checks and forgotten accounts end up with state unclaimed property programs. Where to search free, and why you never…
Freelance Income Counts Toward Social Security Too
Self-employment income builds Social Security credits just like a paycheck. How the 2026 credit math works, and why unreported cash costs you…
Repairs Your Landlord Owes You and How to Ask
Nearly every state requires landlords to keep rentals livable. What counts as an essential repair, how to request one in writing, and…
Summer Power Bills: What Federal Forecasters Expect
The June 2026 federal energy outlook sees hotter weather and higher residential electricity prices ahead. What that means for your summer bill.