Housing Assistance
Know What Your Rent Should Cost: Look Up HUD's Fair Market Rent for Your County
HUD publishes a rent estimate for every county in the country. It shapes what your housing voucher covers, and you can look yours up for free.
Today's edition · Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Your money. Your benefits. Your next step.
Plain-English guides to unclaimed money, benefits, and refunds, with official sources, every day.
Government Benefits
Medicare Open Enrollment Ends December 7: Review Your Plan So You Do Not Overpay
You can change your Medicare coverage during open enrollment, and free help is available. Here is what to check before the December 7 deadline.
Today's lineup
Unclaimed Money
Did an Old Boss Never Pay You? The Free Federal Search That Finds Your Back Wages
The U.S. Department of Labor holds unpaid wages it recovered for workers it could not find. Here is how to search for your name, free.
Tax Refunds
The IRS May Be Holding a Refund With Your Name On It
If you skipped filing a past tax return, money you already earned could be waiting. Here is how to check for free before you deal with the September 15 estimated-tax deadline.
Debt Relief
Regulators Cracked Down on a Company That Helped Fake Sellers Bill You
The FTC says a payment processor helped over 1,000 shell companies charge people without permission. Here is how to spot bogus charges and get your money back for free.
Debt Relief
No, You Do Not Have to Pay to Get Your Student Loans Forgiven
Public Service Loan Forgiveness is still here, and the official path is completely free. If you work in public service, your loans could be wiped out.
Unclaimed Money
Unclaimed Money
Did an Old Boss Never Pay You? The Free Federal Search That Finds Your Back Wages
The U.S. Department of Labor holds unpaid wages it recovered for workers it could not find. Here is how to search for your name, free.
Unclaimed Money
Had an Account at a Bank That Closed? Here Is How to Claim Your Money for Free
If your bank or credit union failed and you never got your money back, the FDIC may still be holding it. Here is how to search and claim it, step by step, at no cost.
Unclaimed Money
That Old Security Deposit or Paycheck Might Be Waiting for You
About 1 in 7 people have unclaimed money held by their state. Searching for yours is free.
Housing Assistance
Housing Assistance
Know What Your Rent Should Cost: Look Up HUD's Fair Market Rent for Your County
HUD publishes a rent estimate for every county in the country. It shapes what your housing voucher covers, and you can look yours up for free.
Housing Assistance
Get Help With Your Heating Bill Before the Cold Arrives
Fall is the time to sign up for home energy help. Applying now can mean your heating costs are covered before winter hits.
Housing Assistance
Real Help With Your Heating Bill Is Free: How to Spot LIHEAP Scams
As heating season nears, scammers pretend to be the energy bill help program. The real one never asks you to pay.
Government Benefits
Government Benefits
Medicare Open Enrollment Ends December 7: Review Your Plan So You Do Not Overpay
You can change your Medicare coverage during open enrollment, and free help is available. Here is what to check before the December 7 deadline.
Government Benefits
Lower Your Phone and Internet Bill With Lifeline (Free to Apply)
Lifeline is a federal program that helps you pay less each month for phone or internet service. Applying is free.
Government Benefits
Missing Money? How to Search Every State for Cash With Your Name on It in 5 Minutes
States hold billions in unclaimed cash for regular people. Searching for yours is free, and this fall is a good time to look.
Debt Relief
Debt Relief
Regulators Cracked Down on a Company That Helped Fake Sellers Bill You
The FTC says a payment processor helped over 1,000 shell companies charge people without permission. Here is how to spot bogus charges and get your money back for free.
Debt Relief
No, You Do Not Have to Pay to Get Your Student Loans Forgiven
Public Service Loan Forgiveness is still here, and the official path is completely free. If you work in public service, your loans could be wiped out.
Debt Relief
The Debt Relief Red Flag: If They Want a Fee First, Hang Up
Charging you before they help settle your debt over the phone is illegal. Here is what real, free help looks like.
Tax Refunds
Tax Refunds
The IRS May Be Holding a Refund With Your Name On It
If you skipped filing a past tax return, money you already earned could be waiting. Here is how to check for free before you deal with the September 15 estimated-tax deadline.
Tax Refunds
Q3 Estimated Taxes Are Due September 15: How to Pay for Free
If you earn money that has no taxes taken out, this deadline may be for you. Here is how to pay online for free and avoid an extra charge.
Tax Refunds
A Free September Paycheck Checkup Can Save You a Spring Surprise
A few minutes now can help you avoid a surprise tax bill later, and it does not cost a thing.
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