Author: Smart Wealthhabits

Tankers sail in the Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from northern Ras al-Khaimah, near the border with Oman’s Musandam governorate, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran in the United Arab Emirates on March 11, 2026.stringer | reutersinsurance giant Chubb Will be the lead underwriter for a US government-led program to provide insurance to ships making risky transits through the Strait of Hormuz.Chubb will work with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, or DFC, as part of a $20 billion plan to help get oil tankers and other commercial traffic moving again amid the threats of an Iran…

If you were hoping that the federal government would finally bring concert ticket prices back to reality, you’re going to be disappointed. In a move that stunned consumer advocates and lawmakers alike, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) unexpectedly settled its antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster in March 2026, a week after the trial was scheduled to begin. The government originally sued the entertainment giant to completely end its control over the live music industry, arguing that the company operated an illegal monopoly that stifled competition and angered fans. Instead, the hearing stalled at the last minute with…

Marvin Samuel Tolentino Pineda / iStock.com Commitment to our readers The GOBankingRates editorial team is committed to providing you with unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methods to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our review methodology for products and services. 20 yearshelp you get rich trusted by millions of readers How often do you get the chance to buy small luxuries in bulk? Costco members can enjoy some of the most popular brands of beauty, accessories and more this spring…

AARP said in a March 12 report that the cost of home care and assisted living for older adults and people with disabilities has increased over the past five years, causing affordability for middle-class families who struggle to pick up the tab. The AARP report says the cost of the most common types of long-term services — home care and assisted living services — is set to increase nearly 50% from 2019 to 2024, far exceeding the average income increase of 22% for senior families. The cost of other long-term services also rose faster than the incomes of families who…

In this screengrab from a handout video released March 12, 2026, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, flames appear to burn from the burning ship after Iranian explosive-laden boats attacked two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters and set them on fire, according to port, maritime security and risk firms.Iraqi Ports Media Office reutersThree more foreign ships were attacked overnight in the Persian Gulf, officials said, as attacks on ships transiting through or near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz intensified.The latest incidents come after three separate ships were damaged in Gulf waters on Wednesday and Iran warned that oil prices…

You’re paying about $3.60 for a gallon of gasoline, a 21% increase since the start of the Iran war on Feb. 28. You will likely pay more as the war continues. The nationwide US average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline was $2.98 on February 27, the day before the United States and Israel attacked Iran. Now the price of oil has reached $100 per barrel and gas prices are increasing. Learn more: Gas apps and fuel rewards can help. In the wake of the international conflict, there are some practical, common-sense things you can do to ease…

audioundverbung/Getty Images/iStockphoto Commitment to our readers The GOBankingRates editorial team is committed to providing you with unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methods to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our review methodology for products and services. 20 yearshelp you get rich trusted by millions of readers Owning a car can come with serious financial headaches. The average repair cost for your vehicle is now $838 kelly blue book (KBB). But when you need major repairs, that figure skyrockets. When shopping…

Janet Blazer never spent much time planning life after leaving the workforce. Then suddenly, she turned 62, eligible for Social Security, and completely exhausted from the daily labor. She was already living in Mazatlán, Mexico, and running an English-language magazine to support herself. He made the call to sell the business and get away from the pressure. Claiming your benefits early means accepting permanently lower monthly payments. She knew the math, and she knew that by not waiting until her full retirement age she was leaving money on the table. However, the compromise was reclaiming her time while she was…

On March 11, 2026, the Thailand-flagged cargo ship Mayuri Nari sank in black smoke in the Strait of Hormuz.reutersThe United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center said on Wednesday that three ships off the coast of Iran had been hit by projectiles, the latest a flurry of events Reported in or near the Strait of Hormuz. UKMTO said one of the ships it reported crashed in the Strait of Hormuz, 11 nautical miles north of Oman, caught fire and forced the crew to eject., Without identifying the ships. Two other incidents were also recorded early Wednesday, with one ship hit by…

With new limits on Medicare coverage and prescription drug costs, many retirees may assume that their health care costs are largely covered. But the reality is that some retirees may need to put aside hundreds of thousands to pay medical bills. A recent report from the Employee Benefit Research Institute suggests that some couples may need up to $469,000 for medical costs alone. Here’s a look at EBRI’s findings, which include a review of Medicare premiums, out-of-pocket spending and drug costs. New prescription drug limit isn’t enough The Inflation Reduction Act caps annual out-of-pocket spending for Medicare Part D prescription…