As BlockFi files for bankruptcy, what to know about crypto investor protections

The BlockFi website on Nov. 17, 2022. Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images Crypto firm BlockFi filed for bankruptcy Monday, the latest cryptocurrency domino to fall after the collapse of FTX two weeks ago threatened to destabilize companies in the broader crypto ecosystem. BlockFi offers a cryptocurrency trading exchange and interest-bearing custodial service for cryptocurrencies. The…

Here’s how the BlockFi bankruptcy may affect your crypto taxes for 2022

It is thought the new U.K. government’s mini-budget may have made buying a house even more difficult. Photo by LanaStock via Getty Images Crypto firm BlockFi on Monday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, two weeks after the collapse of crypto exchange FTX, further complicating taxes for investors during a difficult year. BlockFi, which offers an…

Over 10 years, 43% of first marriages can fail. Here’s why couples might want a postnuptial agreement

Vitapix | E+ | Getty Images While couples might sign a prenuptial agreement before they’re married and a “post-nup” after, it’s more than just the timing that differentiates these arrangements, experts say. “It’s a whole different ballgame once you’re married,” said Martin Shenkman, estate attorney with Shenkman Law in New York City. “With a pre-nup,…

Amid persistent inflation, cash-strapped consumers are tipping less

The Sweetly Bakery & Cafe in Battleground, Washington Source: Irina Sirotkina It’s the holiday season, yet Americans are feeling a little less generous. With inflation near record highs, cash-strapped consumers have started to tip less — especially when it comes to fast casual dining and carryout. “Tipping is that first sign towards reduced spending,” said Amanda…

Student loan payments may not resume until August. Here’s what borrowers need to know

President Joe Biden and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. The Washington Post | The Washington Post | Getty Images It’s been almost three years since people with federal student loans have had to make a payment on their debt, and the Biden administration recently announced that borrowers have even more time. In March 2020, when the…

How Congress may make it easier to set money aside for emergency expenses

Thomas Barwick | Digitalvision | Getty Images Many families struggle to come up with the cash when faced with an unexpected $400 expense. That lack of emergency savings may force them to borrow money at high interest rates to pay for the surprise expense, putting their financial security at risk. Now Congress has a window…

Inflation boosts U.S. household spending by $433 a month, on average, Moody’s finds

People shop at a grocery store on June 10, 2022 in New York City. Spencer Platt | Getty Images The average American household is spending $433 more a month to buy the same goods and services it did a year ago, according to a Moody’s Analytics analysis of October inflation data. While down slightly from…

3 lesser-known ways to trim your 2022 tax bill or boost your refund before year-end

Charles Taylor | Getty Images After nearly a year of high inflation, rising interest rates and stock market volatility, it’s easy to see why many Americans are cutting back on holiday gifts. While it may not feel like a top priority, experts say trimming your 2022 tax bill may boost your finances going into the…

Don’t bank on free returns: 60% of retailers roll out stricter policies

The holiday shopping season is always closely followed by a spike in gift returning. But this year, it may be harder to bring things back for free or at a low cost. Roughly 60% of retailers said they’re making changes to existing returns policies, with fewer promising free returns, according to a recent survey of…

Black Friday car deals are hard to come by even as prices ease. Here’s what to expect

Newsday Llc | Newsday | Getty Images There was a time when Black Friday in the car-selling business meant a flurry of big sales events at dealerships whose lots were full of new vehicles. These days, with inventory still squeezed from supply chain disruptions, discounts are not as generous as they once were. And most…

Here’s why you may want to say ‘no’ to a store credit card offer this holiday shopping season

Prostock-studio | Istock | Getty Images In the rush at the store checkout this holiday season, you may be tempted to say yes when asked if you want to apply for a store credit card — especially if you’re offered extra savings on that day’s purchase. But there is good reason to think twice this…

The ‘gold standard’ for holiday purchases has ‘a huge drawback,’ analyst says — but it may still be the best way to pay on Black Friday

Black Friday bargain hunters shop at a Walmart store in New Jersey on Nov. 26, 2021. Tayfun Coskun | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images More Americans are struggling financially just as the peak shopping season kicks into high gear. Yet shoppers will still shell out $1,455, on average, on holiday gifts — in line with…