Sending holiday cards used to be one of the cheaper parts of the season. But South Carolinians mailing cards and gifts this year will notice the postage adds up much faster than it did a few years ago. Here’s how holiday mailing costs have changed, along with several other price jumps. The Forever Stamp The…
If your family of four gets Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, your monthly maximum went up $29 on Oct. 1. That’s less than a dollar a day. The raise is small, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) adjusted several other numbers the same day. Here’s what else changed in SNAP this month. Note:…
Gas, tolls, and utility bills have all climbed, and it adds up fast. Many Pennsylvanians are feeling the squeeze, and some are cutting back on things they once paid for without a second thought. Here’s a look at the costs that have risen, using prices around Philadelphia as a guide. Note: This is general information,…
Younger relatives may roll their eyes at Grandpa’s thermostat rules. But with Florida power bills and prices where they are, some of those old habits are starting to look pretty smart. Here are the boomer habits worth trying before you laugh them off. Note: This is general information, not financial or medical advice. Savings figures…
There’s a rule meant to keep a Medicare premium increase from shrinking your Social Security check. It has gaps, though, and whether you’re covered depends on your income and who pays your premium. Here’s what the 2027 raise adds up to, and how much of it Medicare could take back. Note: This is general information,…
You’d probably expect to need your wage forms for a tax credit. But you might be surprised by some of the other papers on the list. Wisconsinites, here’s what to gather before you claim the homestead credit. Note: This is general information, not tax advice. Credit rules, income limits and filing deadlines are subject to…
A property tax break is only as good as the paperwork behind it. North Carolinians 65 and older who qualify still need the right documents, and a missing one can slow things down. Here’s what to gather before you apply. Note: This is general information, not tax advice. Rules, income limits and forms are subject…
If your paycheck doesn’t seem to go as far as it used to, a recent report suggests you’re right. Researchers compared pay for a typical Kentuckian with rising costs, though some of the price figures cover a wider region than the state. Here’s what they found about pay and prices. Note: This is general information,…
Losing someone is hard enough, and the paperwork that follows can feel overwhelming. South Carolinians handling a smaller estate may be able to skip the full probate process, as long as the right papers are in order. Here’s what to gather before you file. Note: This is general information, not legal advice. Probate rules, dollar…
If groceries, utilities, and insurance already stretch your budget, a smaller property tax bill would help. That’s possible for many older New Yorkers, through state and local programs. But the programs differ. These are the New York property tax breaks some homeowners over 65 never apply for. Note: This is general information, not legal or…
