U.S. News & World Report – Page 3

The Best Ways to Prevent Money Arguments With Your Spouse

September 9, 2012February 5, 2013Posted in Magazines, U.S. News & World ReportTagged arguments, couples, fights, Money, spouseLeave a comment

Twenty-seven percent of Americans say disagreements over finances are most likely to erupt into an argument, ahead of arguments over children, chores, work, and friends, according to a recent survey of married or cohabitating couples by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Fights with your spouse are never easy, but evidence shows that arguments over money can be particularly distressing. A 2011 study by Jeffrey Dew of Utah State University found that married couples who disagreed about money once a week were twice as likely to divorce as those who differed less than once a month. This is partly because money arguments encompass more than just finances. “Money doesn’t just represent money; it represents love, power, control, self-esteem, freedom,” says Olivia Mellan, a money coach and author of Money Harmony: Resolving Money Conflicts in Your Life and Relationships.

For a story for U.S. News & World Report, I spoke to experts for their recommendations on how to prevent arguments with your spouse over money. Click here to read their advice.

How to Spot the Warning Signs of Identity Theft

August 31, 2012February 5, 2013Posted in Magazines, U.S. News & World ReportTagged identity theft, U.S. News, victims, warning signs1 Comment

Ken Stalcup, a certified public accountant in
Indianapolis, used his debit card to pay for a meal at a local restaurant. A few days later, his card was used in New York without his knowledge to purchase computers at a national office supply store. His bank flagged the suspicious charge and quickly canceled the card, but not before the perpetrator racked up close to $2,000. As someone who regularly monitors his checking account, Stalcup’s initial reaction was, “This can’t be happening to me, can it?”

Identity theft is a growing problem in the United States. According to the 2012 identity fraud report by Javelin Strategy & Research, cases of identity fraud increased by 13 percent last year, with more than 11.6 million U.S. adults becoming victims.

For a story for U.S. News & World Report, I spoke to identity-theft experts to highlight red flags that might indicate you’re a victim. Click here to read about the warning signs.

Wallet 101: What to Keep and What to Take Out

June 11, 2012December 4, 2012Posted in U.S. News & World ReportTagged personal finance, Seinfeld, U.S. News & World Report, walletLeave a comment

Wallets can be pesky business. The last thing
you want to have is a George Costanza moment—your wallet so stuffed to the brim with receipts that one big gust of wind will send its contents flying through the streets.

A poorly managed wallet is also a huge security risk. You might be carrying contents around that someone could use to easily steal your identity, if your wallet were to end up in the wrong hands. Identity theft was the No. 1 consumer complaint last year for the 12th year in a row, proving more bothersome to consumers than debt collectors, imposter scams, and shady credit-repair companies, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

To protect yourself, make sure what you’re carrying around in your wallet doesn’t pose a security risk. For an article for U.S. News & World Report, I spoke to Denisa Tova, a certified financial planner based in Denver, and Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Investments based in Chicago, about what’s OK to keep in your wallet and what you should remove. Click here to read what they said.

8 Insider Secrets to Booking Cheap Airfare

April 18, 2012February 5, 2013Posted in U.S. News & World ReportTagged airlines, cheap airfare, summer travelLeave a comment

Travel plans are calling for more belt-tightening than usual these days, making budget vacations extremely desirable. But such trips aren’t possible if you pay too much for airfare. And unless you know where to look, finding affordable flights can be a huge hassle. “For the airlines, it’s about getting you to pay the most you’re willing to pay, which is the opposite of what the consumer wants,” says Joe Brancatelli, publisher of the travel website JoeSentMe.com.

With summer right around the corner, I spoke to Brancatelli and other travel industry experts about the best ways to stretch your travel budget for a story for U.S. News & World Report. Click here to read the eight insider secrets to booking cheap airfare.

Photo courtesy of oatsy40 via Flickr.

Boomers Flock to Niche Retirement Communities

April 14, 2012February 5, 2013Posted in U.S. News & World ReportTagged baby boomers, retirement, retirement communities, U.S. News & World ReportLeave a comment

Retirement communities aren’t just geared toward golfers and pool loungers anymore. Niche retirement communities are on the rise, says Andrew Carle, the founding director of George Mason University’s Senior Housing Administration, a management program for retirement facilities. “Retirees want more choices,” Carle explains. “When you have 78 million baby boomers, they have a lot of expectations with retirement.”

For my first story for U.S. News & World Report, I examined this trend and highlighted eight of these specialized retirement communities. Click here to read the story and click here for the related slideshow.

Photo courtesy of SalFalko via Flickr