Sarah O'Brien
CNBC
Maryland, United States
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Past articles by Sarah:
5 key things to know when you create a will and make other end-of-life plans
Your estate plan doesn't need to be complicated, experts say, but it does need to be done properly so that your wishes will be carried out. → Read More
A Roth IRA can be smart for young adults who 'can't envision' retirement, advisor says. Here's why
It can be hard to set aside money for retirement when it's decades away, but Roth IRAs can be a solution to that resistance, according to a financial advisor. → Read More
How to factor your health into your financial planning, according to a doctor-turned-advisor
While health insurance premiums and related expenses are important when it comes to cash flow, your health itself is key to other financial considerations. → Read More
After SVB and Signature failures, what small businesses should look for when choosing a bank
Following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, small business owners may reconsider where to keep their money. → Read More
31% of new cars sold for above sticker price last month. These 10 models have the biggest premiums
Even though new car buyers are paying less of a premium than a year ago, the average sale is 8.8% above the manufacturer's suggested retail price, or MSRP. → Read More
Retirement security is up for single women, down for their married counterparts, study shows
The Great Recession appears to have hit men's earnings and savings harder, which has pulled down retirement security for their wives, new research shows. → Read More
Most Medicare Advantage users are happy with their plan. What to do if you're not
For Medicare beneficiaries whose 2023 Advantage Plan is not a good fit, now is the time to make a change. → Read More
Debt due to another person's fraud can't be discharged in bankruptcy. Neither can these bills
While bankruptcy may emerge as the only option for easing debt that has become unmanageable, there are some obligations that you can't get rid of. → Read More
The mortgage rate you get depends partly on your credit score. Here's what to expect
The difference that a good credit score makes in terms of monthly mortgage payments — and total interest paid while you hold the mortgage — can be significant. → Read More
Cars leased in 2020 are worth an average $4,000 more than expected. These models have fared the best
While so-called positive equity is down from the average a year ago as used-car prices have fallen, it's worth exploring your options before your lease ends. → Read More
1 in 6 retirees are mulling a return to work. What to consider before 'unretiring'
Top reasons given for thinking about employment include needing the money and boredom, according to the new report. → Read More
Average 401(k) balances dropped 20% in 2022 — but few investors flinched, Vanguard research shows
Although the average balance among 401(k) participants ended 2022 down 20% from a year earlier, most investors stayed the course, according to Vanguard. → Read More
Medicare expenses in retirement could top $383,000 for a couple with high drug costs, study finds
The amount you spend on health care in retirement depends at least partly on how you choose to supplement your basic Medicare coverage. → Read More
Elder financial fraud is a $3 billion-a-year problem. This bill in Congress aims to help prevent it
The measure, which cleared the House last month and awaits action in the Senate, lets investment companies postpone redemptions if exploitation is suspected. → Read More
Some newlyweds may face a higher tax bill due to a 'marriage penalty.' What to know
While many couples discover they benefit tax-wise (or fare the same) once they are married, others end up paying more after tying the knot. → Read More
Auto insurance is up by more than 15% this year in some states. Here's how to keep your premium down
While the national average for full coverage is up about 2.6%, changes range from a 16.7% jump in Illinois to a 7.2% drop in New Jersey. → Read More
Auto loan delinquencies are rising. Here's what to do if you're struggling with payments
If you are falling behind on auto loan payments, experts say there are some things you can do to prevent the problem from snowballing. → Read More
Before you enroll in Medicare, what to know about new rules that eliminate coverage gaps
Legislation passed in 2020 eliminates the coverage delays that some beneficiaries have faced when they enrolled in Medicare, effective this year. → Read More
States have $70 billion in unclaimed assets. How to check if any is yours
The types of assets that end up being 'unclaimed property' held by states range from dormant checking accounts to unpaid life insurance benefits. → Read More
3 key things to know before opening a home equity line of credit
As homeowners eye their home equity as a source of cash, there are aspects of so-called HELOCs to consider before signing on the dotted line. → Read More