FinanceBuzz

More than 2.4 million wartime veterans and surviving spouses may be eligible for a monthly VA benefit many families still don't know exists. It's called Aid & Attendance, and it can help you maximize your senior benefits when care costs start squeezing the household budget. Many people may skip it because they assume they need a combat injury or a service-connected disability. That's not how the program works. For the right household, this benefit can be worth thousands of dollars a month.

For seniors whose retirement savings are stretched thin, Social Security is a critical source of income. In fact, 39% of seniors get all their income from Social Security, according to the Senior Citizens League. And another 19% get between 76% and 99% of their money from the benefits program. For retirees who need this money for essentials like groceries and rent, missing even a single check could be a huge disaster.

As millions of travelers start traveling more for summer vacations, sporting events, and major trips like the FIFA World Cup 2026, scammers are finding new ways to target people searching for accommodations online. To help travelers stay safe, Airbnb recently partnered with the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI) to share expert-backed advice on avoiding vacation rental scams, no matter where you book. The timing couldn't be more relevant.

If you're on the fence about getting a Sam's Club membership, there are plenty of ways you can still save at this exclusive store. When you compare it to its sister brand, Walmart, you may be surprised that Sam's is more cost-effective for many items. We've compared these two brands to see which has better values for your everyday essentials, especially when buying in bulk. Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location. Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.

The Social Security Trustees have once again sounded the alarm on the future of America's critical retirement benefits program. In a June report, the Trustees warned that the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund is expected to be depleted in 2032. That's the trust fund used to help pay retirement benefits. It's now going to run out one full quarter sooner than last year's projections. If that happens, a 22% benefit cut would occur automatically.

For decades, Florida has been the gold standard for retirement. The allure of warm weather, beautiful beaches, and no state income tax have drawn millions of retirees looking to stretch their savings and enjoy a balmier climate. It still leads the nation by raw numbers. But the tide may be turning. According to HireAHelper's 2026 New Retirement Map study, roughly 45,700 retirees moved to Florida in 2025, while about 44,900 left, resulting in a net gain of just 815 people.

The dream of homeownership keeps slipping further out of reach for millions of Americans trying to get ahead financially. Stubborn prices, thin inventory, and fierce competition have left many would-be buyers watching from the sidelines. According to personal finance personality Dave Ramsey, mortgage rates are only part of the problem.

Property taxes don't disappear when the mortgage is paid off. In many parts of the country, they keep climbing, even after income drops in retirement. For older homeowners on a fixed income, a few thousand dollars per year in property taxes can quietly strain a carefully built nest egg. Understanding where taxes run highest can help you avoid wasting your retirement savings and plan ahead. Below are several states with some of the highest effective property tax rates in the country.

Keeping your pantry stocked helps avoid last-minute grocery trips or overspending on takeout, making your Sam's Club membership totally worth it. However, when choosing pantry items, it's important to make sure you can use the bulk finds before they expire. From quick breakfasts to easy dinners and grab-and-go snacks, these Sam's Club pantry staples are perfect for stocking up. Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location. Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.

Shoppers are feeling the effects of inflation everywhere, including at the dollar store. As the name implies, these retailers were once known for $1 price tags, but times have changed. Between incremental increases and new "dollar plus" products, Dollar Tree and Dollar General are no longer true dollar stores. So, which one is a better value than the other? I compared the cost, quantities, and quality of the most sought-after bargain buys.