5 Questions I’d Ask a General Contractor

And, learn how new banking rules will protect your financial data. Created for {EMAIL} | [Web Version]( October 31, 2024 FOLLOW US:  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [A Step Ahead]( [SIGN UP](format=multipart) ⋅ [WEBSITE]( [] INTRODUCTION [] [Apple and Goldman Sachs Fined $89 Million]( Apple and Goldman Sachs Fined $89 Million INTRODUCTION I have egg on my face. I recently touted the benefits of the Apple credit card without knowing that [the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has ordered Apple and Goldman Sachs to pay more than $89 million in penalties]( for mishandling customer disputes and misleading customers about payment options for Apple devices. I still think the Apple Card has more merits than strikes and will continue to be a fan — just a bit cautious. Why? My favorite features were not affected by the mishandling. My cash back arrives daily and I can sweep it into my high-yield savings account. And the security features are beyond any other credit card I’ve had. - Donna LeValley, personal finance writer [Strategies to Help Maximize your Income in Retirement]( Spending your hard earned retirement money can be complicated—and it's important to make the right decisions that will help your savings last. Vanguard Personal Advisor is built to provide you an ongoing collaboration with our professional advisors — so you can retire with the support you need. [LEARN MORE]( Paid non-client promotion ADVERTISEMENT [] NEW BANKING RULES [] [A New Rule Will Force Banks to Protect Your Data]( (Getty Images) [A New Rule Will Force Banks to Protect Your Data]( These new consumer protection rules are welcome in light of recent data breaches. The Personal Financial Data Rights rule is meant to improve consumer security and privacy, add safeguards to financial information and make it easier to switch banks. [New Protections]( [] SCAMS AND YOUR HEALTH [] [Fell for a Financial Scam? Might Be Time to Test for Alzheimer's]( (Getty Images) [Fell for a Financial Scam? Might Be Time to Test for Alzheimer's]( Problems managing money and with financial decision-making in general may be among the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease. However, new research suggests that the vulnerability to scams may emerge before Alzheimer's symptoms appear. [Are You At Risk?]( [Key Actions to Take to Start Estate Planning]( Start planning your future with this estate planning checklist. From naming beneficiaries to drafting a will, we cover key actions to take that reflect your goals and values. [READ MORE]( ADVERTISEMENT [] RED FLAGS TO LOOK FOR [] [How to Spot a Contractor Who's Not Playing by the Rules]( (Getty Images) [How to Spot a Contractor Who's Not Playing by the Rules]( Home renovations are stressful and can strain finances and relationships. Surprisingly, 17 states require contractors to be licensed. Attorney Dennis Beaver shares a cautionary tale, plus some signs to watch for if something's off. Use his suggested questions to interview prospective contractors. [5 Questions To Ask]( [Earn up to $2,500]( Enjoy premium, international banking with priority services and global support, and no HSBC fees on everyday transactions. Live, work, and travel with HSBC Premier privileges & status around the world. [Learn More]( ADVERTISEMENT [] OTHER KIPLINGER ARTICLES WE THINK YOU'LL ENJOY [] [Is Inflation Crimping Your Holiday Travel? Join the Crowd]( Holiday travelers face sticker shock when booking their trips. Instead of buying into the idea that you have to overspend, it is possible to celebrate the holidays on a budget. [Retirement Income Funds to Keep Cash Flowing In Your Golden Years]( Retirement income funds are aimed to engineer a steady payout of cash for retirees. Here are a few we like. 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