RealPeopleStudio / Shutterstock.com As 2022 winds to a close, there is no need to sugarcoat it: This was one of the toughest years ever for U.S. investors. Not only did stocks tumble, but bonds recorded one of their worst performances in history. Whether you prefer stocks or bonds, there was nowhere to hide this year … Read more

If you love dark chocolate bars, beware: That sweet treat might contain unwanted heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. Past research has indicated the presence of such heavy metals — which have been linked to health issues in both children and adults — in dark chocolate. Recently, Consumer Reports set out discover the amount … Read more

Watsachol Wisednok / Shutterstock.com Tis the season to celebrate good cheer, and few things make folks happier than sinking their teeth into a decadent Christmas cookie. However, where you live apparently plays a big role in which Christmas cookie you like best. Recently, Axios cited Google Trends data that reveals America has three main favorite … Read more

Dragana Gordic / Shutterstock.com Flu season is in full swing, with influenza activity considered “higher” or “very high” in almost every state, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC estimates that there have been 15 million to 33 million cases of influenza infections since Oct. 1, … Read more

New Africa / Shutterstock.com Just about everybody shopping for a product online takes at least a quick peek at the reviews to see how other customers liked the item. Unfortunately, those evaluations might not be worth much. In fact, a lot of the time, they can be downright misleading. Recently, Fakespot — a site that … Read more

If you travel regularly, you should have at least one travel rewards credit card in your wallet. The more you travel, the more specialized — and generous — that card needs to be. I’ve had several travel credit cards over the years. Most have been general-purpose cards like the Capital One Venture X rewards card, … Read more

Best Term Life Insurance Best for Flexibility Best for New Parents No one wants to think about how much life insurance they’ll need. While thinking about your or a family member’s death might be morbid, it is critical in preparing for a possible future without that person. Life insurance for Millennials can be especially tricky. … Read more

As the new year nears, an old tradition — fee-free days at America’s national parks — continues. Each year, the National Park Service waives entrance fees on special days. For 2023, there will again be five free-admission days, as was the case in 2022. In 2023, the free days will be: Monday, Jan. 16 : Martin Luther … Read more

Shopping thrift stores, flea markets and estate sales can be overwhelming. With the sheer volume of stuff, how do you know where to start? How do you spot gems amid all the … well, junk? As a professional reseller who has been combing through thrift stores for the better part of 30 years, I can … Read more

RossHelen / Shutterstock.com A garage can seem like a bonus room, perfect for keeping everything that just doesn’t fit anywhere else — especially if you don’t keep your car in it. But it’s important to look at all that extra space with a critical eye. Garages have some unique limitations as a storage space that … Read more