Liz Weston

Parents should freeze a child’s credit because credit freezes offer the toughest protection against identity theft. Credit freezes are free.

The answer to “When can I retire?” requires matching your expected income with your expected expenses, while having a contingency plan.

You can increase Social Security benefits by delaying your application, working longer and adding family benefits, among other actions.

Good savers who take full advantage of tax-deductible retirement plans could be setting themselves up for unnecessarily high tax bills in retirement.

Americans are not great at estimating how long they’ll live, but educating yourself and understanding Social Security claiming options can help you cut your longevity risk.

Most people drawing Social Security pay taxes on at least some of that money, but there are ways to reduce the bite if you plan ahead

After a spouse dies, the survivor’s financial situation often changes for the worse.

Learn how to recognize dark patterns, read the fine print and always know how to cancel before you sign up.

Are you booking a flight and wondering, is premium economy worth it? That depends on the airline, your circumstances and how much extra you end up paying.

Our writer found the decision to retire was more difficult than she expected. Other surprises included health insurance options and her mindset on the next phase of life.