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If your package has been lost or stolen, reach out to the sender or seller about a replacement or refund. But with the joy of the holiday season comes the headache of package theft. So as we approach another season of packages and deliveries, what should you do if you have an Amazon package stolen, a USPS package missing, or a UPS package lost? Contact the retailerIf in fact your package has been lost or stolen, contact the retailer and let them know what has happened. File a claim with the shipping companyYou can file a claim for a stolen package with Fedex and UPS.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Fedex, UPS, U.S

If you can't pay off your credit card balance, consider a debit card while you pay down that debt. If you're more prone to impulsively swiping your credit card online or in person, stick to using your debit card. If you already have credit card debt, don't add to it by continuing to use the credit card. You can also consider a prepaid debit card, which is similar to a regular debit card but isn't connected to a checking account. Fees no monthly service fee Annual Percentage Yield (APY) None Minimum Deposit Amount $0 Pros Check mark icon A check mark.

Persons: —, Cash Organizations: Service, Federal Reserve, Discover Bank Locations: Canada, Mexico, Caribbean

After my dad stressed the importance of saving, I decided to focus on different financial goals. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . If you want to know how you find yourself living paycheck to paycheck, ignoring this advice is it. A bit of truth here: The thought of living paycheck to paycheck really scares me.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Financial

☆ Goldman Sachs asked over 2,000 Black women in the US about their money and the numbers are grim — but ripe for change
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Jennifer Streaks | Senior Personal Finance Reporter | Read More | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

AdvertisementAdvertisementGoldman Sachs' Black Women Initiative released a new report that asked over 2,000 Black women about money. In an effort to shed light on critical workforce disparities affecting Black women, Goldman Sachs' Black Women Initiative released a new report: "Money Matters: One Million Black Women Economic Mobility Survey." In fact, 63% of Black women report that they are optimistic about their futures. This comprehensive investment in Black women includes direct investing, which emphasizes financial health and digital connectivity across areas that directly impact Black women and their lives. It's led by Black women, advised by a council of Black leaders from across the country in partnership with Black women-led organizations, and most importantly centers Black women with the goal of positively impacting over 215,000 Black women across the core investment pillars of healthcare, job creation and workforce development, education, affordable housing, digital connectivity, financial health, and access to capital.

Persons: Goldman Sachs, —, Asahi Pompey, It's, Black, Pompey Organizations: Service, Economic Mobility Survey, Asahi, Goldman Sachs Foundation, Goldman, Goldman Sachs Investment Locations: Black, America, United States

If you are in a car crash, document the evidence, call your insurance company, and file a police report. Working with your insurance professional will be the best way to handle the aftermath of the car crash. If you find your rates going up after an accident, remember to shop around for affordable car insurance. Be sure to get a copy of the police report, which you will also need to give to your insurance company. Inform your car insurance company that you have been in a car accident and give as many details as possible.

Persons: —, John Fitch, it's Organizations: National, Traffic Safety Administration, Service, Traffic

Here are three tips from my dad that helped me when I first bought my home:1. By not taking care of a necessary window replacement, I was paying a higher electric bill and inconveniencing myself every time I went downstairs wrapped in a blanket. Now you have a higher water bill (and maybe water damage). You will pay a higher electric bill until you get them replaced. My dad said, "There is no reason to buy the cheapest version and be right back here in two years.

Persons: —, overspend, Don't, homeownership Organizations: Service, Invest

Here are three signs you shouldn't be spending so much on your credit card. If you cannot do that, you are spending too much on your credit card. For example, when I owned my home, I chose not to have a credit card. If you find yourself missing payments or having to make payment arrangements with your credit card company, that's a major indicator that it is time to pull back from spending on your credit card. Even though bills and expenses are high right now, credit cards can take you into trouble if not handled properly.

Persons: — Organizations: Service

Gen Z wants to retire at 61 — years before other generations expect to leave the workforce. They're seeking professional financial advice from family and friends — and are even open to AI. Unlike the gloom and doom stories of Gen X, Millennials, and Boomers, Gen Z fully plans to retire … and do it earlier than everyone else, at the age of 61. Schwab surveyed 1,000 employed Americans participating in 401(k) plans in partnership with Logica Research, plus an additional 100 Gen Zers for statistical significance. The survey also found much of Gen Z is already thinking about retirement plans: 73% of Gen Z respondents want personalized investment advice and help choosing investments for their 401(k)s.And they're willing to let AI provide that help.

Persons: Gen Z, They're, —, Gen, …, Charles Schwab, Gen Zers, Schwab, Gen X, Zers, doesn't Organizations: Service, Boomers, Logica Research, Gen

Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). How carrying a credit card balance can impact your creditYour credit card balance also affects your credit score. Your credit utilization ratio represents the amount of revolving credit you are using, divided by the total credit available to you. To avoid high credit utilization from negatively impacting your credit, you want to keep your utilization under 30%. Paying your balance off keeps you out of debtPaying your credit card off in full and on time is the best credit card strategy.

Persons: — Organizations: Federal Reserve Bank of New, Service Locations: Federal Reserve Bank of New York

After paying off $50,000 in debt, Berna Anat started saving money seeking financial freedom. She found that a "sinking fund" can help with typical life expenses that don't require cracking open the emergency fund. If you find yourself constantly dipping into your emergency savings for everyday issues, you will soon not have much of an emergency fund left. You can have as many sinking funds as you like, however big or small you need. "No need to dip into your emergency savings or cut any part of your budget.

Persons: Berna Anat, —, Anat, Ally Organizations: Service, That's Locations: New York

☆ Credit card interest rates are rising. Ask yourself 3 questions to decide if your rewards card is still worth it.
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Jennifer Streaks | Sarah Silbert | Senior Personal Finance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). Much to the chagrin of many consumers, credit card interest rates have also jumped, leaving cardholders carrying a balance paying APRs of 20% or higher. This is also a good time to think about how you handle your credit card balance in general. If you have an annual fee and your credit card interest rate is also increasing, consider whether this annual fee is still worth it. But are they worth it if you're paying a higher interest rate on your credit card balance?

Persons: —, you've, that's Organizations: Federal Reserve, Service

Don't think that because you can't cut your grocery bill or your utility bill is just high this time of year, you cannot save money. Here are five ways to save money in 10 minutes or less:1. Call your monthly bill providersSet aside a few minutes to call your cell phone or internet provider and see if they can reduce your monthly bill. We went through my bill and by the time I was done, my monthly bill was $185. The idea is to make your credit card almost impossible to access — not just to create a credit card popsicle.

Persons: —, It's, it's Organizations: Service

Our experts answer readers' tax questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess tax products). Think about your taxes before the end of the year so you don't miss the opportunity to save come April. Here are three tax mistakes you don't want to make by the end of the year:1. As a result, you could end up owing additional tax plus interest and penalties. Not missing out on these tax moves can help with a smoother tax experience and may also save you money.

Persons: —, It's, Roth, you'll Organizations: Service, NEC, IRS

The creators say our habits have more of an impact on our finances than the money in our bank account. Successful management of your personal finances is learned behavior, they explain, and is very much based in your financial habits and awareness. Our financial habits are the standards, routines, and practices that we rely on to navigate our day-to-day financial lives. That is the important part, that she takes the steps to change her financial habits," Lucas says. "Building good financial habits takes time," says Sarayi, "and for many of us, it does not happen overnight."

Persons: aren't, —, JoJo, Olayinka Sarayi, Fredia Lucas, Sarayi, Lucas Organizations: Service, City, Spotify Locations: New York City, New York

Our experts answer readers' investing questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess investing products). Investing soon and regularly is the best way to participate and receive the benefit of the market. That is the perfect opportunity to invest half of the lump sum, then keep investing a designated amount on a monthly basis. I know this first hand; several years ago, my father invested a lump sum of $10,000 and then couldn't take the ups and downs that come with investing. Investing consistently means that you will be able to participate in the market regardless of market conditions.

Persons: Charles Schwab, —, Schwab Organizations: Service

AdvertisementAdvertisementA report from the National Institute on Retirement Security found that Gen X is woefully unprepared for retirement. However, Gen X is increasing retirement savings now, and government programs could provide extra help. Gen X and retirement: The statisticsThe oldest Gen Xers turn 58 this year — only a few years away from retirement and claiming Social Security benefits . AdvertisementAdvertisementMost Gen Xers are failing to meet retirement savings targets regardless of race, gender, marital status, or income. This meant that there was no longer a guaranteed benefit amount from the employer upon retirement; retirement savings became solely the responsibility of the employee.

Persons: X, Gen Xers, Gen X, —, millennials, Xers, haven't Organizations: National Institute on Retirement Security, Service, Boomers, Social, Fidelity Investments, Gen, National Institute on Retirement, Social Security

An emergency fund can even be useful if you're already in debt, because it can help you avoid borrowing more. But an emergency fund can also be a financial buoy in everyday life, not just when there is an emergency. Having an emergency fund in addition to your down payment account can provide some extra padding when you purchase a home. An emergency fund gives you a cushion so that you can handle the needs of your new home without living paycheck to paycheck. Start an Emergency Fund SoFi Checking and Savings is one of the best checking account options if you want to keep your savings and checking with one bank.

Persons: —, I've Organizations: Service Locations: France, Spain

I have different accounts for my three main savings goals: an emergency fund, retirement, and travel. It works best when you have a strategy to consistently save money and continue to grow it over time. In the beginning, I focused heavily on my emergency fund because I wanted to have six to nine months of emergency savings. Saving Made Easy SoFi Checking and Savings is one of the best checking account options if you want to keep your savings and checking with one bank. This means you're able to easily track where you are with each of your savings goals.

Persons: —, isn't, I'd, It's Organizations: Service Locations: Germany, airfare, New York

To build good credit, pay bills on time, keep your credit utilization low, and reduce your debt. Gen Z is faced with paying back larger loans and more credit card debt, especially for those carrying a balance every month. Why good credit mattersGenerally, a good credit score falls between 670 to 739, according to the FICO model. The benefits of a good credit score include better approval odds when applying for a loan, credit card, or line of credit. Keep your credit utilization lowRemember, your credit utilization — the amount of available credit you are actually using — is one of the factors that determines your credit score.

Persons: —, Zers, it's, Gen Z, wouldn't, Gen Zers Organizations: Service, Federal Reserve, Self

☆ The author of 'I Will Teach You to Be Rich' says 'phantom costs' add 50% to the monthly expenses of owning a home
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( Jennifer Streaks | Sarah Silbert | Senior Personal Finance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

AdvertisementAdvertisementRamit Sethi cautions that owning a home costs much more than just your monthly mortgage payment. "Phantom costs" like home insurance and maintenance can add up to 50% extra in monthly expenses. Run the numbers to determine if owning or renting is a better decision for your wallet right now. Ramit Sethi, author of "I Will Teach You to Be Rich", cautions potential homebuyers about the very real costs that come with owning a home. Sethi states, "because of these costs I add 50% per month to the cost of owning a home."

Persons: Ramit Sethi, —, We've, Rich, Sethi, we've Organizations: Service, homeownership Locations: New York

Check in on your retirement, credit, and healthcare and make any necessary adjustments. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Prepare for tax seasonMany people would prefer to avoid thinking about tax season until the deadline on April 15. These include mortgage interest, out-of-pocket medical expenses, state and local taxes, property taxes, and charitable donations to tax-exempt charities.

Persons: —, transpire, it's Organizations: Service

The first week of October is considered the best week in 2023 to buy a home. If you're in the market for a home, this week, the first week of October, may be the best time in 2023 to buy. This week represents a peak week for price reductions with an average of 5.5% of homes seeing price reductions this week. So with all of these positive factors in play, is this the best week for you to buy a home? However, if you are carrying significant credit card debt or student loans, adding a mortgage payment may not be right for you right now.

Persons: —, homebuyers Organizations: Service

☆ When I graduated college, my dad told me exactly what to do with every paycheck. More than a decade later, I'm still doing it.
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-30 | by ( Jennifer Streaks | Senior Personal Finance Reporter | Read More | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

He told me, "If you're working, there are steps you should take so you are always comfortable." Save as much money as you canI save money now automatically so it's in my savings account before I even see it. Pay all of my household bills first, including that cell phone billSometimes we have to learn these money lessons the hard way. I pay every bill in my home first: rent, cable, electric, water, and my cell phone bill. Our cell phones are such a big part of our lives, and you may even use your cell phone for work.

Persons: I'm, what's Organizations: Costco, Netflix, Apple Locations: Paris

Our experts answer readers' student loan questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess student loans). After a three-year pause on payments due to the pandemic, student loan payments are scheduled to resume October 1 . For many, adding student loan payments to a long list of expenses might be a struggle. Understand how student loans will fit into your financesDon't just guess whether you can afford the expense — student loan payments will require you to redo your budget. What to do about private student loansIf you owe private student loans , this might be a bit trickier.

Organizations: Consumer Financial, Social, SAVE, Federal

Our experts answer readers' student loan questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess student loans). By the time I finished graduate school, I had a little over $65,000 in student loan debt. I made my student loan payments on time each and every month for the first three years … and then I wanted to buy a condo. I zeroed in on my student loan debt. Paying off my student loans gave me my life back and set me on the path to financial security.

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