Ann Carrns

The average bill is forecast to rise 8.5 percent. There are simple ways to make sure you’re not overpaying, like getting your air-conditioning checked.

A court ruling found that the I.R.S. shouldn’t have charged penalties and interest during the pandemic. But the government may appeal the decision.

The regular 2026 tax filing season ended last month, and many taxpayers have already received their refunds.

Unlike traditional financial aid, the prizes are awarded by random drawings. The websites, in turn, gain access to applicants’ personal information.

Looking for a college scholarship and finding sites offering easy, “no essay” applications? Beware. Applicants may not realize that they are trading their personal information for what is essentially a

Preapproved plans trim weeks or months off the process of getting a building permit. “Every month of delay adds costs that ultimately land on the buyer,” one housing expert said.

Some scholarships promoted on those sites promise to help fund degrees, but students should make sure they are legitimate, student advisers say.

As temperatures rise this summer, the cost to cool your home is expected to increase as well. Taking steps now can help manage the bills.

Third-party services charge fees to help renters bypass some upfront costs of signing a lease. Unlike traditional deposits, the money won’t be returned to tenants.

Researchers say people with poor understanding of basic finances often make bad decisions on money matters.