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
How much is your monthly car payment? And how long is your loan?
New data shows that nearly more than 20% of new-car buyers have monthly payments of $1,000 or more and 7-year loans are becoming more common.
New data shows that nearly more than 20% of new-car buyers have monthly payments of $1,000 or more and 7-year loans are becoming more common.
a red air dancer with a face and the word dhl on it
ALT: a red air dancer with a face and the word dhl on it
media.tenor.com
January 15, 2026 at 12:01 AM
How much is your monthly car payment? And how long is your loan?
New data shows that nearly more than 20% of new-car buyers have monthly payments of $1,000 or more and 7-year loans are becoming more common.
New data shows that nearly more than 20% of new-car buyers have monthly payments of $1,000 or more and 7-year loans are becoming more common.
Trump's 10% cap on credit card interest probably isn't going too happen. But you don't need him to lower your rates. Call your creditors and follow these scripts instead. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Column | You don’t need Trump to cap your credit card interest. Just use this script.
You may have more power than you think to challenge your high interest rate, particularly if you have a strong credit score and payment history.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:45 PM
Trump's 10% cap on credit card interest probably isn't going too happen. But you don't need him to lower your rates. Call your creditors and follow these scripts instead. www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Reposted by Michelle Singletary
🎙️ON AIR:
We're talking to @vox.com's @izzieramirez.bsky.social, @washingtonpost.com's @michellesingletary.bsky.social and @nytimes.com's Emma Goldberg about their predictions for 2026 and what we learned from 2025.
❓Whether good, bad or neutral, what do you think will happen this year?
📻 Listen:
We're talking to @vox.com's @izzieramirez.bsky.social, @washingtonpost.com's @michellesingletary.bsky.social and @nytimes.com's Emma Goldberg about their predictions for 2026 and what we learned from 2025.
❓Whether good, bad or neutral, what do you think will happen this year?
📻 Listen:
What Are Your 2026 Predictions? | KQED
We’ll speak with three journalists about what they expect — and what we’ve learned from 2025. And we’ll hear from you: Whether it’s good, bad or neutral, what do you think will happen this year?
www.kqed.org
January 8, 2026 at 6:01 PM
🎙️ON AIR:
We're talking to @vox.com's @izzieramirez.bsky.social, @washingtonpost.com's @michellesingletary.bsky.social and @nytimes.com's Emma Goldberg about their predictions for 2026 and what we learned from 2025.
❓Whether good, bad or neutral, what do you think will happen this year?
📻 Listen:
We're talking to @vox.com's @izzieramirez.bsky.social, @washingtonpost.com's @michellesingletary.bsky.social and @nytimes.com's Emma Goldberg about their predictions for 2026 and what we learned from 2025.
❓Whether good, bad or neutral, what do you think will happen this year?
📻 Listen:
Here’s why most resolutions fail: People can’t forgive themselves. You set a goal, mess up, and give up. When it comes to money resolutions, I encourage you to try "financial forgiveness." You can't shame yourself into saving.
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Column | How to practice financial forgiveness and achieve your money goals
Here’s how to stick to your New Year’s financial resolutions in 2026.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:29 PM
Here’s why most resolutions fail: People can’t forgive themselves. You set a goal, mess up, and give up. When it comes to money resolutions, I encourage you to try "financial forgiveness." You can't shame yourself into saving.
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
I'm starting 2026 off very concerned about the most vulnerable in our country. And it's not going to be a great year for them if things don't change.
January 6, 2026 at 2:53 PM
I'm starting 2026 off very concerned about the most vulnerable in our country. And it's not going to be a great year for them if things don't change.
American optimism is down when it comes to money. About a third of Americans think their financial situation will get worse in 2026, according to @bankrate.com.
What is your personal financial outlook for the year?
What is your personal financial outlook for the year?
January 6, 2026 at 2:23 PM
American optimism is down when it comes to money. About a third of Americans think their financial situation will get worse in 2026, according to @bankrate.com.
What is your personal financial outlook for the year?
What is your personal financial outlook for the year?
Reposted by Michelle Singletary
Good end of year money tips wapo.st/4jbbgXB [gift link] Thank you @michellesingletary.bsky.social
Column | 6 easy money moves you can accomplish before 2026
Try these realistic year-end financial hacks before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.
wapo.st
December 20, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Good end of year money tips wapo.st/4jbbgXB [gift link] Thank you @michellesingletary.bsky.social
How rude 🤯
@michellesingletary.bsky.social saw you on MS Now just now. Great appearance. But, I laughed because I once had SIX interviews, and then got ghosted.
January 6, 2026 at 2:22 PM
How rude 🤯
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.