Michelle Singletary
@michellesingletary.bsky.social
Washington Post personal finance columnist https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/michelle-singletary/
2022 Lifetime Achievement Loeb Awards winner | Author, What to Do with Your Money When Crisis Hits and 21 Day Financial Fast
2022 Lifetime Achievement Loeb Awards winner | Author, What to Do with Your Money When Crisis Hits and 21 Day Financial Fast
61% of young adults trust social media investing tips. Here's why that worries me. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Column | 61% of young adults trust social media investing tips. But should they?
Here are five things to consider before heeding the advice of a “finfluencer” on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or other platform.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:43 PM
61% of young adults trust social media investing tips. Here's why that worries me. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about holiday gift wish lists for adults and I was blown away by the response. Readers shared their stories of outrageous gift lists. I wasn’t prepared for such extravagant requests. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Column | Do a $1,100 vacuum and $3,100 purse belong on a gift list? In what economy?
Some of the gift requests on peoples’ holiday wish lists are truly outrageous.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 15, 2025 at 7:27 PM
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about holiday gift wish lists for adults and I was blown away by the response. Readers shared their stories of outrageous gift lists. I wasn’t prepared for such extravagant requests. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Do you know more about investing than the average American? Take this quiz to find out. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Column | Do you know more about investing than the average American? Take this quiz
The more you know, the better you can protect yourself from fraud, scams and money mistakes.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 10, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Do you know more about investing than the average American? Take this quiz to find out. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
The pleasure of picking out a unique gift you believe someone will appreciate has been replaced by the mandatory wish list. And is it me or are more adults feeling emboldened to ask for extraordinarily expensive items, making the holidays feel more like money grabs than a time for thoughtfulness?
December 9, 2025 at 4:10 PM
The pleasure of picking out a unique gift you believe someone will appreciate has been replaced by the mandatory wish list. And is it me or are more adults feeling emboldened to ask for extraordinarily expensive items, making the holidays feel more like money grabs than a time for thoughtfulness?
Reposted by Michelle Singletary
Don’t believe what you hear on TikTok, @michellesingletary.bsky.social knows what’s up
Column | Think stores get the tax break? The truth about checkout donations.
Incorrect information about donation requests at store checkouts is proliferating on social media.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 30, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Don’t believe what you hear on TikTok, @michellesingletary.bsky.social knows what’s up
Thank you for your research into this, Ruth!
Not sure if it's ok to round up for charity? The Washington Post's @michellesingletary.bsky.social used the paper @laurendula.bsky.social & I wrote to help challenge some misconceptions about charitable giving at the checkout. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
#nonprofitsky #academicsky
#nonprofitsky #academicsky
Column | Think stores get the tax break? The truth about checkout donations.
Incorrect information about donation requests at store checkouts is proliferating on social media.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 9, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Thank you for your research into this, Ruth!
Reposted by Michelle Singletary
Not sure if it's ok to round up for charity? The Washington Post's @michellesingletary.bsky.social used the paper @laurendula.bsky.social & I wrote to help challenge some misconceptions about charitable giving at the checkout. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
#nonprofitsky #academicsky
#nonprofitsky #academicsky
Column | Think stores get the tax break? The truth about checkout donations.
Incorrect information about donation requests at store checkouts is proliferating on social media.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 3, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Not sure if it's ok to round up for charity? The Washington Post's @michellesingletary.bsky.social used the paper @laurendula.bsky.social & I wrote to help challenge some misconceptions about charitable giving at the checkout. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
#nonprofitsky #academicsky
#nonprofitsky #academicsky
When the holidays come around, we may feel more inclined to give to charity. But that help is needed all year long. I joined the Try This podcast to discuss why and how we should make charitable giving part of our regular budget. www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/try...
I want to give back! How do I afford it? - The Washington Post
When it comes to giving, it can be challenging figuring out how to make it right for you financially. Personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary talks to host Cristina Quinn about how to give base...
www.washingtonpost.com
December 9, 2025 at 3:18 PM
When the holidays come around, we may feel more inclined to give to charity. But that help is needed all year long. I joined the Try This podcast to discuss why and how we should make charitable giving part of our regular budget. www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/try...
Reposted by Michelle Singletary
#BuyNothingDay but also @michellesingletary.bsky.social always has smart advice
You don't have to overspend to enjoy the holidays.
LISTEN to the latest episode of Post Reports with special guest...ME! www.youtube.com/watch?v=G74V...
LISTEN to the latest episode of Post Reports with special guest...ME! www.youtube.com/watch?v=G74V...
You can avoid overspending on the holidays. Here’s how.
YouTube video by Washington Post Podcasts
www.youtube.com
November 27, 2025 at 10:56 PM
#BuyNothingDay but also @michellesingletary.bsky.social always has smart advice
You don't have to overspend to enjoy the holidays.
LISTEN to the latest episode of Post Reports with special guest...ME! www.youtube.com/watch?v=G74V...
LISTEN to the latest episode of Post Reports with special guest...ME! www.youtube.com/watch?v=G74V...
You can avoid overspending on the holidays. Here’s how.
YouTube video by Washington Post Podcasts
www.youtube.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:05 PM
You don't have to overspend to enjoy the holidays.
LISTEN to the latest episode of Post Reports with special guest...ME! www.youtube.com/watch?v=G74V...
LISTEN to the latest episode of Post Reports with special guest...ME! www.youtube.com/watch?v=G74V...
A holiday shopping survey from Wallet Hub says 61% of Americans say they would enjoy the holidays more if people didn’t exchange gifts.
What do you think?
What do you think?
November 24, 2025 at 3:38 PM
A holiday shopping survey from Wallet Hub says 61% of Americans say they would enjoy the holidays more if people didn’t exchange gifts.
What do you think?
What do you think?
Thanks for dropping in!
Just dipped into WP's Global Summit online and caught some of @michellesingletary.bsky.social 's segment... one of the best speakers I've seen on practical financial advice. Wise, funny, and engaging. Will definitely be checking out more of her work!
November 24, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Thanks for dropping in!
Two years ago, I wrote about how my kids don't want my house (or my ashes) when I die. It's still one of my favorite columns and they still don't want my house. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Advice | Our kids don’t want our paid-off house — or our ashes
While I was initially upset, I’m okay with our three children selling our house after we’re gone.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Two years ago, I wrote about how my kids don't want my house (or my ashes) when I die. It's still one of my favorite columns and they still don't want my house. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
It might seems weird but Thanksgiving is a great time to talk about estate planning with your family. It could be one of the few times when everyone is together. I'm not saying you have to bring it up while dessert is being served. But find some time to have the difficult but important conversation.
November 18, 2025 at 7:57 PM
It might seems weird but Thanksgiving is a great time to talk about estate planning with your family. It could be one of the few times when everyone is together. I'm not saying you have to bring it up while dessert is being served. But find some time to have the difficult but important conversation.
Sure, just sentence people to mortgage debt for life 🙄
Trump Proposes 50-Year Mortgages: Potential Benefits and Drawbacks for Homebuyers
www.realtor.com/news/real-es...
Trump Proposes 50-Year Mortgages: Potential Benefits and Drawbacks for Homebuyers
www.realtor.com/news/real-es...
www.realtor.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Sure, just sentence people to mortgage debt for life 🙄
Trump Proposes 50-Year Mortgages: Potential Benefits and Drawbacks for Homebuyers
www.realtor.com/news/real-es...
Trump Proposes 50-Year Mortgages: Potential Benefits and Drawbacks for Homebuyers
www.realtor.com/news/real-es...
Have you ever been charged to attend a Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving?
I know money is tight, but there are other ways to afford hosting that don't involve asking for cash from your friends and family.
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
I know money is tight, but there are other ways to afford hosting that don't involve asking for cash from your friends and family.
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Column | If money is tight, is it okay to charge guests for Thanksgiving dinner?
The trend of transferring financial responsibility from the host to the guest is turning fellowship into a monetary affair.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Have you ever been charged to attend a Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving?
I know money is tight, but there are other ways to afford hosting that don't involve asking for cash from your friends and family.
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
I know money is tight, but there are other ways to afford hosting that don't involve asking for cash from your friends and family.
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Reposted by Michelle Singletary
Great article (as always) Michelle! Thoughtful and genuine giving, but not at the expense of yourself and your relationship with the other, is absolutely more difficult than it sounds.
November 6, 2025 at 6:50 AM
Great article (as always) Michelle! Thoughtful and genuine giving, but not at the expense of yourself and your relationship with the other, is absolutely more difficult than it sounds.
"How can I help?"
This question is being asked a lot these days. Here are some ways to make sure your dollars are going to the right places. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
This question is being asked a lot these days. Here are some ways to make sure your dollars are going to the right places. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Column | 8 tips on how to help those in need by balancing kindness with caution
The ongoing uncertainty over federal food assistance is affecting millions of Americans. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the calls for help.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:50 PM
"How can I help?"
This question is being asked a lot these days. Here are some ways to make sure your dollars are going to the right places. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
This question is being asked a lot these days. Here are some ways to make sure your dollars are going to the right places. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Reposted by Michelle Singletary
Big Tech’s spending spree on AI is helping prop up GDP growth, even as many AI ventures remain unprofitable. If this boom fizzles, economists warn, the entire economy would be hit. @michellesingletary.bsky.social (gift link)
wapo.st/3JBTq2A
wapo.st/3JBTq2A
Column | I write about retirement savings. Nvidia’s epic run isn’t changing my strategy.
Don’t let widespread enthusiasm for any one stock distract you from the most proven way to succeed as an investor.
wapo.st
October 31, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Big Tech’s spending spree on AI is helping prop up GDP growth, even as many AI ventures remain unprofitable. If this boom fizzles, economists warn, the entire economy would be hit. @michellesingletary.bsky.social (gift link)
wapo.st/3JBTq2A
wapo.st/3JBTq2A
Reposted by Michelle Singletary
She writes about retirement savings — and Nvidia’s epic run isn’t changing her winning strategy. wapo.st/3JBTq2A (gift link) @michellesingletary.bsky.social
Column | I write about retirement savings. Nvidia’s epic run isn’t changing my strategy.
Don’t let widespread enthusiasm for any one stock distract you from the most proven way to succeed as an investor.
wapo.st
October 31, 2025 at 6:33 PM
She writes about retirement savings — and Nvidia’s epic run isn’t changing her winning strategy. wapo.st/3JBTq2A (gift link) @michellesingletary.bsky.social
You may be in a financial position to give charitably right now. That's amazing. But don’t donate blindly. Scammers have gotten better at making charity pitches appear authentic.
For info on how to find a reputable charity, go to consumer.ftc.gov and search for “Before Giving to a Charity.”
For info on how to find a reputable charity, go to consumer.ftc.gov and search for “Before Giving to a Charity.”
Consumer Advice
The official website of the Federal Trade Commission, protecting America’s consumers for over 100 years.
consumer.ftc.gov
November 5, 2025 at 4:02 PM
You may be in a financial position to give charitably right now. That's amazing. But don’t donate blindly. Scammers have gotten better at making charity pitches appear authentic.
For info on how to find a reputable charity, go to consumer.ftc.gov and search for “Before Giving to a Charity.”
For info on how to find a reputable charity, go to consumer.ftc.gov and search for “Before Giving to a Charity.”
I believe that to whom much is given, much is required. So when someone you care about faces a crisis, you help. But you must be discerning about the financial assistance you offer to friends and family. You do them a disservice if your aid is a constant handout rather than a hand-up.
October 30, 2025 at 5:55 PM
I believe that to whom much is given, much is required. So when someone you care about faces a crisis, you help. But you must be discerning about the financial assistance you offer to friends and family. You do them a disservice if your aid is a constant handout rather than a hand-up.
I received this question from a reader.
My adult sister has $16,000 in credit card debt. How do I help her out of this pickle without coming off as controlling? She won’t discuss her finances with me.
My adult sister has $16,000 in credit card debt. How do I help her out of this pickle without coming off as controlling? She won’t discuss her finances with me.
October 30, 2025 at 5:54 PM
I received this question from a reader.
My adult sister has $16,000 in credit card debt. How do I help her out of this pickle without coming off as controlling? She won’t discuss her finances with me.
My adult sister has $16,000 in credit card debt. How do I help her out of this pickle without coming off as controlling? She won’t discuss her finances with me.
When times get hard, we may be tempted to go for the quick fixes. Beware of these money traps that could leave you more cash-strapped in the long run 👇
October 29, 2025 at 2:43 PM
When times get hard, we may be tempted to go for the quick fixes. Beware of these money traps that could leave you more cash-strapped in the long run 👇
Open enrollment is coming! But due to rising costs, health care choices are less than ideal www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Column | Why open enrollment comes down to rising costs and less-than-ideal choices
Getting health insurance in America can be an absolute financial nightmare. You need to be your own advocate.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 28, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Open enrollment is coming! But due to rising costs, health care choices are less than ideal www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...