Nickel Wisdom

Money, retirement, benefits, and building wealth on your own terms.

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By T. Blackmann · September 5, 2026

Your Free Credit Report

Once a year, every American is entitled to a free credit report from all three bureaus — and most people never claim it. Here's exactly how to get yours and what to look for when you do.

Money Basics

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What Medicare Open Enrollment Actually Costs

Nickel Wisdom

By T. Blackmann · September 10, 2026

What Medicare Open Enrollment Actually Costs

Switching plans during Open Enrollment is free — but staying in the wrong plan all year is not. Here's a plain-language breakdown of what the numbers actually mean for your wallet.

Medicare Money Basics

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The Real Cost of Only Paying the Minimum

Nickel Wisdom

By T. Blackmann · September 15, 2026

The Real Cost of Only Paying the Minimum

That minimum payment on your credit card statement looks manageable — until you do the math on how long it takes to pay off and how much extra you'll spend in interest. The numbers are sobering.

Money Basics

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Nickel Wisdom

By T. Blackmann · September 19, 2026

Why You Need a Will

Without a will, the state decides what happens to everything you've spent a lifetime building. It doesn't have to be complicated or expensive — but it does have to exist.

Legacy Money Basics

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Open Enrollment Is Live — Don't Let December 7th Sneak Up

Nickel Wisdom

By T. Blackmann · October 3, 2026

Open Enrollment Is Live — Don't Let December 7th Sneak Up

Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15th through December 7th. Miss that window and you're locked into your current plan for another year. Here's a simple checklist to work through before the deadline.

Medicare

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Nickel Wisdom

By T. Blackmann · October 7, 2026

Required Minimum Distributions

Once you turn 73, the IRS requires you to start withdrawing from your retirement accounts whether you need the money or not. Miss the deadline and the penalty is steep. Here's what you need to know.

Money Basics

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The Property Tax Break Nobody Told You About

Nickel Wisdom

By T. Blackmann · October 12, 2026

The Property Tax Break Nobody Told You About

Most states offer a property tax exemption or freeze for homeowners over 65 — and most eligible homeowners never apply because nobody told them it existed. Here's how to find out what's available where you live.

Money Basics

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Before You Give This Season, Check the Charity Out First

Nickel Wisdom

By T. Blackmann · October 16, 2026

Before You Give This Season, Check the Charity Out First

Charitable giving spikes in the fourth quarter — and so does charity fraud. Before you write that check or enter your card number, two free websites will tell you exactly how a charity spends its money.

Holiday Scams

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