Consumer and household affairs
Reporting on the bills, contracts and public programs behind everyday household life.
Money · Analysis
Lower inflation does not mean lower prices. For many families, the work now is resetting a budget around costs that are likely to stay where they are.
By Eleanor Marsh
Retirement · Analysis
The timing decision touches spousal benefits, taxes and savings withdrawals. Treating it as a single number misses most of the picture.
By Samuel Ito
Health · Explainer
The form that follows a doctor’s visit is not a bill, but it is the best tool for checking one.
By Ruth Calloway
Housing · Guide
An appeal is usually won or lost on the assessor’s record of your home. Reading that record carefully comes first.
By Daniel Okafor
Groceries · Explainer
By Eleanor Marsh
Money · Analysis
By Eleanor Marsh
Housing · Guide
By Daniel Okafor
Utilities · Analysis
Budget billing smooths a utility bill. It does not shrink it.Health · Explainer
By Ruth Calloway
Retirement · Guide
Medicare open enrollment: the plan details worth rechecking each fallRetirement · Analysis
By Samuel Ito
Retirement · Guide
Medicare open enrollment: the plan details worth rechecking each fall