InfoBrief

Category: Money & Prices

  • Medicare Enrollment Periods Explained: When to Sign Up

    Medicare Enrollment Periods Explained: When to Sign Up

    Quick answer: Most people should sign up for Medicare during the Initial Enrollment Period: the 7-month window that starts 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after. Open Enrollment for changing plans runs October 15 to December 7 every year.

    Key Takeaways

    • Initial Enrollment Period is the 7 months around your 65th birthday
    • Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7
    • Late Part B and Part D enrollment carries lifetime penalties
    • Working past 65 with employer coverage allows a Special Enrollment Period

    Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

    If you already receive Social Security, you are enrolled in Parts A and B automatically. Otherwise, apply at ssa.gov/medicare. Enrolling in the three months before your birthday month means coverage starts the first day of your birthday month.

    Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

    If you or your spouse are still working and covered by an employer group plan at 65, you can delay Part B without penalty and enroll within 8 months after that coverage ends. COBRA and retiree coverage do not count as active employment coverage.

    General Enrollment Period

    If you missed both windows, you can enroll January 1 to March 31. Coverage starts the month after you sign up, and a late-enrollment penalty may apply.

    Annual Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7)

    Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Advantage plans, or join, drop, or switch Part D drug plans. Changes take effect January 1.

    Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 – March 31)

    If you are already in an Advantage plan, you can switch to another Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare once during this window.

    Late penalties to know

    • Part B: 10% added to the premium for each full 12-month period you were eligible but did not enroll, for life.
    • Part D: 1% of the national base premium for each month without creditable drug coverage, for life.

    FAQ

    Is Medicare free? Part A is premium-free for most people who paid Medicare taxes for 10 years; Part B has a monthly premium that changes annually.

    Do I need to enroll if I have VA coverage? VA benefits do not replace Medicare; many veterans enroll in both.

    Where can I compare plans? Use the official Plan Finder at medicare.gov/plan-compare.

    Sources

    Last updated: August 16, 2026. Written by the InfoBrief Editorial team. We link to official government and company sources and update articles when facts change. See our disclosure.

  • How to Get Your Free Credit Report From All Three Bureaus

    How to Get Your Free Credit Report From All Three Bureaus

    Quick answer: Go to AnnualCreditReport.com, the only site authorized by federal law. You can request free reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, and the bureaus currently allow free access weekly rather than once a year.

    Key Takeaways

    • AnnualCreditReport.com is the only federally authorized free source
    • Reports from all three bureaus are available weekly
    • Reports show history, not a score
    • Dispute errors directly with the bureau

    Why the official site matters

    Many look-alike sites charge fees or enroll you in monitoring subscriptions. AnnualCreditReport.com is run jointly by the three bureaus under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and does not require a credit card.

    How to request

    1. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com and click “Request your free credit reports.”
    2. Enter your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth.
    3. Choose one or all three bureaus.
    4. Answer identity verification questions for each bureau.
    5. View, download, or print each report.

    What to look for

    • Accounts you do not recognize
    • Late payments you believe were on time
    • Wrong balances or credit limits
    • Addresses or employers you never had
    • Hard inquiries you did not authorize

    Credit report vs. credit score

    The free reports show your account history but not a score. Many banks and card issuers show a free FICO or VantageScore in their apps. Scores from different sources vary slightly because they use different models.

    How to dispute an error

    File a dispute online with the bureau that shows the error, attach documentation, and the bureau must generally investigate within 30 days. Also notify the lender that reported the information.

    FAQ

    Does checking my own report lower my score? No. Personal checks are soft inquiries and do not affect scores.

    Can I get reports by mail or phone? Yes: call 877-322-8228 or mail the request form available on the site.

    Why do the three reports differ? Not every lender reports to all three bureaus, so each report can contain different accounts.

    Sources

    Last updated: August 15, 2026. Written by the InfoBrief Editorial team. We link to official government and company sources and update articles when facts change. See our disclosure.

  • How to Find Unclaimed Money in Your Name (Free Official Search)

    How to Find Unclaimed Money in Your Name (Free Official Search)

    Quick answer: Search MissingMoney.com (the official multi-state database run by state treasurers) and your own state’s unclaimed property website. Both are free. Never pay a “finder” service; you can claim the money yourself.

    Key Takeaways

    • Search MissingMoney.com and your state treasurer site for free
    • Never pay a finder; you can claim it yourself
    • Check federal sources too: IRS, Treasury Hunt, FDIC, PBGC
    • Heirs can claim money owed to deceased relatives

    What counts as unclaimed money

    When a company cannot reach you, it eventually turns the money over to the state. Common sources include old bank accounts, utility deposits, uncashed paychecks, insurance payouts, stock dividends, and refunds. States hold the funds indefinitely until the owner claims them.

    Step 1: Search MissingMoney.com

    Enter your last name and first name, then filter by state. Search maiden names, previous addresses, and relatives who have passed away, since heirs can claim.

    Step 2: Search your state directly

    A few states are not fully in the national database, so also search your state treasurer or comptroller’s unclaimed property page. Search each state you have lived in.

    Step 3: Check federal sources

    • IRS: undelivered tax refunds via Where’s My Refund
    • Treasury Hunt (treasurydirect.gov): matured savings bonds
    • FDIC / NCUA: deposits from failed banks and credit unions
    • PBGC: unclaimed pensions
    • HUD: FHA mortgage insurance refunds

    Step 4: File the claim

    Claims are filed online through the state site. You will need to prove identity and connection to the address on record, usually with a photo ID and a document showing that address. Simple claims are often paid within a few weeks; estate claims take longer.

    Avoiding scams

    Legitimate state programs never charge to search or claim. Be suspicious of letters offering to “recover” funds for a percentage; look up the property yourself first.

    FAQ

    Is unclaimed money taxable? The principal usually is not, but any interest paid may be. Check with a tax professional for large amounts.

    How often should I check? Once a year is reasonable; new property is reported continuously.

    Can I claim money for a deceased parent? Yes, with documentation such as a death certificate and proof you are an heir or executor.

    Sources

    Last updated: August 15, 2026. Written by the InfoBrief Editorial team. We link to official government and company sources and update articles when facts change. See our disclosure.

  • How to Dispute a Credit Card Charge and Get Your Money Back

    How to Dispute a Credit Card Charge and Get Your Money Back

    Quick answer: Try the merchant first, then file a dispute with your card issuer through its app, website, or the number on the back of your card. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act you have 60 days from the statement date to dispute billing errors, and the issuer must acknowledge within 30 days and resolve within two billing cycles (up to 90 days).

    Key Takeaways

    • You generally have 60 days from the statement date to dispute a billing error
    • Contact the merchant first, then your card issuer
    • Keep receipts, screenshots, and dates as evidence
    • Fraudulent charges are capped at $50 liability by law

    Step 1: Contact the merchant

    Many issuers require you to attempt a resolution with the seller first, and merchants often refund faster than a formal dispute. Keep a record of the date, who you spoke with, and what was said.

    Step 2: File the dispute with your issuer

    Log in to your card account and find the transaction. Most major issuers (Chase, Capital One, American Express, Citi, Discover, Bank of America) have a “Dispute this charge” or “Report a problem” button. Choose the reason that fits: unauthorized charge, item not received, item not as described, duplicate charge, or wrong amount.

    Step 3: Provide evidence

    Upload receipts, order confirmations, screenshots of messages with the seller, tracking information, and photos if the product was damaged or different from what was advertised. Clear, dated evidence is what wins disputes.

    What happens next

    The issuer typically posts a temporary credit while it investigates. The merchant is given a chance to respond. If the issuer rules in your favor the credit becomes permanent; if not, the charge is reinstated and you should receive a written explanation and the right to request the documents the issuer relied on.

    Fraud vs. billing dispute

    If you did not make the charge at all, report it as fraud, not a dispute. Your liability for unauthorized credit card charges is capped at $50 by law, and nearly all issuers waive even that. The card will usually be cancelled and reissued.

    Tips that improve your odds

    • Act quickly; the 60-day clock starts on the statement date, not the purchase date.
    • Do not stop paying the rest of your bill; only the disputed amount can be withheld.
    • Keep everything in writing when possible.
    • If the issuer denies a valid claim, you can complain to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.

    FAQ

    Can I dispute a debit card charge the same way? Debit cards are covered by a different law (Electronic Fund Transfer Act) with tighter deadlines, so report even faster.

    Will a dispute hurt my credit score? No. Filing a dispute is not reported to credit bureaus.

    Can I dispute a subscription I forgot to cancel? You can try, but issuers often side with the merchant if terms were disclosed. Cancel the subscription first, then dispute charges made after cancellation.

    Sources

    Last updated: August 15, 2026. Written by the InfoBrief Editorial team. We link to official government and company sources and update articles when facts change. See our disclosure.

  • Social Security Full Retirement Age Explained: When Can You Claim?

    Social Security Full Retirement Age Explained: When Can You Claim?

    Quick answer: If you were born in 1960 or later, your Social Security full retirement age (FRA) is 67. You can start benefits as early as 62 at a permanently reduced amount, or wait until 70 to receive the maximum monthly benefit.

    Key Takeaways

    • Full retirement age is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later
    • Claiming at 62 permanently reduces benefits by about 30%
    • Delaying to 70 adds roughly 8% per year
    • Check your personal estimates in a my Social Security account

    Full retirement age by birth year

    Birth year Full retirement age
    1943–1954 66
    1955 66 and 2 months
    1956 66 and 4 months
    1957 66 and 6 months
    1958 66 and 8 months
    1959 66 and 10 months
    1960 or later 67

    What happens if you claim early

    Claiming at 62 with an FRA of 67 reduces your monthly benefit by about 30% for life. The reduction shrinks the closer you get to full retirement age. Early claiming can still make sense if you need income, have health concerns, or have a shorter life expectancy, but the cut is permanent.

    What happens if you wait past FRA

    Each year you delay between your FRA and age 70 adds roughly 8% to your benefit through delayed retirement credits. There is no benefit to waiting past 70. Someone with an FRA of 67 who claims at 70 receives about 24% more per month than they would at 67.

    Working while receiving benefits

    If you claim before FRA and keep working, the Social Security Administration withholds part of your benefit once your earnings pass an annual limit, which is adjusted every year. Once you reach FRA the limit disappears, and your benefit is recalculated to credit the withheld months.

    How to check your own numbers

    Create a free my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. It shows your earnings record and personalized estimates for claiming at 62, FRA, and 70. Review the earnings record for errors, since your benefit is based on your highest 35 years of indexed earnings.

    FAQ

    Is full retirement age the same for Medicare? No. Medicare eligibility begins at 65 regardless of your Social Security FRA.

    Can my spouse claim on my record? Yes. Spousal benefits can be up to 50% of your FRA benefit and are also reduced if claimed before the spouse’s own FRA.

    Do benefits increase with inflation? Yes. Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) are applied annually and are announced each October.

    Sources

    Last updated: August 15, 2026. Written by the InfoBrief Editorial team. We link to official government and company sources and update articles when facts change. See our disclosure.

  • How to Check Your IRS Tax Refund Status (Where’s My Refund Guide)

    How to Check Your IRS Tax Refund Status (Where’s My Refund Guide)

    Quick answer: Go to irs.gov/refunds (Where’s My Refund) or open the IRS2Go app. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. E-filed returns show up within 24 hours; paper returns take about four weeks to appear.

    Key Takeaways

    • Use irs.gov/refunds or the IRS2Go app
    • You need your SSN, filing status, and exact refund amount
    • E-filed returns appear within 24 hours; paper returns take about 4 weeks
    • Most refunds arrive in under 21 days with direct deposit

    What you need before you check

    • Your Social Security number or ITIN
    • Your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.)
    • The exact whole-dollar refund amount shown on your tax return

    All three must match your return exactly or the tool will show an error.

    The three status stages

    Return Received means the IRS has your return and is processing it. Refund Approved means the refund has been calculated and a send date is set. Refund Sent means the money is on its way; direct deposit typically arrives within five business days, and paper checks can take several weeks in the mail.

    How long refunds usually take

    The IRS says most refunds are issued in fewer than 21 calendar days for e-filed returns with direct deposit. Paper returns and mailed checks take longer, often six to eight weeks. Returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit cannot be issued before mid-February by law, regardless of when you file.

    Why your refund may be delayed

    Common causes include math errors, missing forms, a mismatch between your return and IRS records, identity verification holds, or an amended return. If Where’s My Refund tells you to call the IRS, only then should you phone; otherwise calling does not speed things up.

    Checking an amended return

    Amended returns (Form 1040-X) are tracked separately at irs.gov using the “Where’s My Amended Return” tool. These can take 16 weeks or longer to process.

    FAQ

    How often is Where’s My Refund updated? Once a day, usually overnight. Checking multiple times per day will not show new information.

    Can I check the status by phone? Yes, the automated refund hotline is 800-829-1954, but it provides the same information as the online tool.

    What if the refund amount deposited is different from what I expected? The IRS may have adjusted your return or offset the refund for past-due debts. You will receive a letter explaining the change within a few weeks.

    Sources

    Last updated: August 15, 2026. Written by the InfoBrief Editorial team. We link to official government and company sources and update articles when facts change. See our disclosure.

  • How to Freeze Your Credit at All Three Bureaus (Free, Step by Step)

    How to Freeze Your Credit at All Three Bureaus (Free, Step by Step)

    Quick answer: A credit freeze is free by federal law and takes about 5 minutes per bureau. You must place it separately at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Online or phone requests take effect within one hour; mail requests within three business days.

    Key Takeaways

    • A credit freeze is free by federal law at all three bureaus
    • You must place it separately at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
    • It does not affect your credit score or existing accounts
    • Lift it temporarily online in about an hour when you apply for credit

    What a credit freeze actually does

    A freeze (also called a security freeze) blocks lenders from pulling your credit report, which stops most new accounts from being opened in your name. It does not affect your credit score, existing accounts, or your ability to use current cards. Since September 2018, freezing and unfreezing has been free nationwide under the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act.

    Step 1: Freeze at Equifax

    Go to equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services and create a myEquifax account, or call 888-298-0045. You will verify your identity with your Social Security number, date of birth, and address. Once confirmed, the freeze is active immediately.

    Step 2: Freeze at Experian

    Visit experian.com/freeze or call 888-397-3742. Experian lets you manage the freeze from a free account dashboard, so keep the login details somewhere safe.

    Step 3: Freeze at TransUnion

    Visit transunion.com/credit-freeze or call 800-916-8800. TransUnion also offers a free online account where you can toggle the freeze on and off.

    How to lift (thaw) a freeze when you apply for credit

    Log in to the same bureau account and choose a temporary lift for a set number of days, or a permanent removal. Online lifts take effect within an hour. If you know which bureau a lender uses, you only need to lift that one. When in doubt, ask the lender before applying.

    Freeze vs. fraud alert vs. credit lock

    Credit freeze Fraud alert Credit lock
    Cost Free Free Often paid (bureau product)
    Legal protection Federal law Federal law Contract with bureau
    Blocks new credit Yes No (lenders must verify identity) Yes
    Set at each bureau? Yes, all three One bureau notifies the others Yes

    For most people the free freeze is the stronger choice; a lock is a convenience product with similar effect.

    FAQ

    Does a credit freeze hurt my credit score? No. Freezes are not visible to lenders as a negative factor and do not change your score.

    Can I still use my existing credit cards? Yes. A freeze only blocks new credit inquiries; existing accounts work normally.

    Should I freeze my child’s credit? Yes, if you can. All three bureaus allow parents to place a free freeze for minors, which prevents child identity theft.

    Sources

    Last updated: August 15, 2026. Written by the InfoBrief Editorial team. We link to official government and company sources and update articles when facts change. See our disclosure.