My Articles

Moneywise • September 30th, 2026

5 deeply unsexy things you can do today to beef up your tax refund in 2027

When it comes to tax planning, certified public accountants say it’s best to rely on tried-and-true strategies to lower the amount you will owe the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year.

“It’s rare that there’s some magic tax deduction pill that you can take.”

Moneywise • July 5th, 2026

5 relationship pitfalls couples commonly face in retirement — and how therapists say you should address them

You’ve done the hard work. You and your life partner have saved money for decades and are ready to leave the workforce. It’s a cause for celebration, until you realize you two have different ideas of what your golden years will look like.

Moneywise • June 6th, 2026

74% of Americans would sign up for Trump's proposed 50-year mortgage — even as experts warn it could cost them a fortune

Despite a worsening home affordability crisis in the U.S., Americans still want to own a home. And they aren’t shy about exhausting all potential options to achieve the milestone. That includes taking on a 50-year mortgage that President Donald Trump proposed in November 2025.

CNBC Select • December 23rd, 2025

Why January is a great time to buy a car -- and how to pay for it

While December is often considered the best time to buy a car, the first month of the year means less competition and dealers who are even more desperate to offload last year's models.

CNBC Select • October 29th, 2025

The No. 1 money move to make after the latest Fed rate cut, according to experts

The Federal Reserve has cut the federal funds rate for the second time this year, a move analysts anticipated amid sluggish job growth, higher unemployment and stubborn inflation.

CNET • August 1st, 2025

Best Identity Theft Protection Services We've Tested (July 2025)

Data breaches happen almost every single day, putting your personal and financial data in the hands of cybercriminals looking to sell your information to the highest bidder. Identity theft protection services can't prevent data breaches, but they can offer you peace of mind after they do happen and if your identity ends up stolen.

CNET • April 16th, 2025

Best Tax Software 2025: Don't Delay If You Haven't Filed

The IRS deadline to file your federal tax return was Tuesday, unless you live in a state that has an extension in place due to a recent natural disaster. If you didn't file
your tax return or an extension by April 15, you may face penalties.

CNET • April 14th, 2025

H&R Block Review 2025: Great Live Tax Help and Free Tier

H&R Block features great live tax support options and boasts the best free filing experience, making it an editor's choice pick this year.

CNET • April 14th, 2025

TurboTax Review 2025: A Top Tax-Filing Option for Most Filers

TurboTax's interface guides you through the tax filing process like no other software we've tested, making it an editor's choice pick this year.

CNET • April 12th, 2025

I'm a Tax Editor. 10 Critical Filing Questions People Ask Me the Most

I've covered taxes at CNET the last two years. During this time, I've been asked many tax questions by colleagues, friends and family.

CNET • April 11th, 2025

I Like to Buy Stocks With Part of My Tax Refund. I Don't Suggest That for Most People Right Now

President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs on imports have wreaked havoc on Americans' retirement portfolios. In response, many people want to "buy the dip." Here's how to know if you can.

CNET • March 19th, 2025

IRS Direct File Has One Feature Other Tax Software Lacks, but It Still Has Major Gaps

Last year, the IRS rolled out Direct File to 12 states, as another way for taxpayers to file their tax returns free. This year, it's available in 25 states. I tested the updated version to see how it stacks up to competitors.

CNET • March 17th, 2025

CNET Survey: 44% of Filers Have Tax Anxiety, Led by Gen Z and Millennials

Taxes are complicated. A new CNET study finds that 44% of tax filers have anxieties and fears about filing their taxes.

CNET • March 12th, 2025

PSA: Procrastinating on Your Taxes Can Make Filing More Expensive. Here's Why

A little-known open secret that I've learned as a tax editor is that the early weeks of tax season are also when taxpayers can expect the best deals for filing their taxes online.

CNET • February 15th, 2025

Worried About Data Breaches? Here's How to Freeze Your Credit Right Now

I went back and forth on freezing my credit for weeks before I actually did it. As a personal finance editor covering identity theft, I knew it would make it harder for cybercriminals to open a new credit account in my name -- but it would also add a few extra steps for me to do the same.

CNET • December 28th, 2024

66% of Shoppers Worry About Falling Victim to a Holiday Scam This Season, CNET Study Finds

If you're like me, then your sensitive data has been compromised in a data breach multiple times. A new CNET survey found that 47% of US adults know that their personal data was leaked in a cyberattack.

CNET • August 21st, 2024

National Public Data Cyber Attack: Massive Data Breach Exposed Countless Social Security Numbers and Personal Info

You can't prevent data breaches, but there are steps you can take to keep your identity
safe.

CNET • July 24th, 2024

I Collect $1,000 Sneakers. Here's How I Do It Without Blowing My Budget

I have many hobbies. Collecting sneakers is by far my most expensive.

CNET • June 25th, 2024

Aura Review: CNET's Pick for Top Identity Theft Monitoring Service

We store a lot of our sensitive information online, and hackers have gotten better at figuring out new ways to access it. Aura is CNET’s choice for the best overall ID theft protection and monitoring service.

CNET • May 25th, 2024

LifeLock by Norton Review: Best Identity Theft Monitoring Features

LifeLock by Norton is CNET's choice for the identity theft protection service with the best monitoring features.

CNET • November 30th, 2023

This Simple Credit Card Hack Saves Me Money on Holiday Shopping -- and You Can Use It Year-Round

If you’re anything like me, you get a rush out of using your credit cards to maximize travel points or cash back on everyday purchases.

And with the holiday shopping season in full swing, many of us are racking up even more points as we shell out hundreds on gifts for loved ones.

One way I like to save on my holiday purchases is by taking advantage of my credit card providers’ cash-back rebate programs.

Business Insider • April 20th, 2023

This reseller's side hustle started as a way to get his family out of debt. Now he's made over $1.4 million on StockX by working around 10 hours a month.

Ray Cao helped get his family out of $200,000 in debt by turning to resale as a teenager. Now, eight years later, his hobby has evolved into a profitable side hustle.

As a teen, Cao's parents racked up gambling debt and invested in penny stocks that backfired.

Business Insider • January 24th, 2023

It's the perfect time to start your sneaker collection

Macroeconomic conditions like high inflation and rising inventory levels have created the perfect environment for a new era of sneaker collectors.

The problems plaguing the sneaker industry — lingering supply-chain bottlenecks, higher inventory and inflation, and shifting consumer demand — are working in favor of the sneaker collector who has cash to burn.

Business Insider • November 9th, 2022

Kanye West spent 9 years with Adidas — see how the Yeezy brand went from nearly $2 billion in sales to $0 in a snap

In November 2013, Adidas sales in North America, the most critical territory for sportswear sales, were down 1% for the year. Across the company, sales were flat.

The company had just five shoes on the influential Complex list of best 50 sneakers of 2013. Industry leade