Your Money: When your health insurer drops you, retiring and more

March 23, 2026

	By Tara Siegel Bernard

Welcome back, everyone.

As much as we crave stability, the only constant in the world is change. Planning for big life transitions during moments of economic and political uncertainty are particularly unsettling. The fact that Americans are living longer makes this all especially challenging.

I’m going to be tackling the notion of longevity in an upcoming story, and I’m interested in hearing about how everyone is navigating retirement planning, particularly if you’re already in the middle of your career or later.

Have you done anything differently, or plan to, to account for a potentially long retirement? Have you changed your behavior in any way (spending, saving or otherwise) or considered financial products you may have discounted in the past?

If you work with a financial professional, what sort of suggestions have they made? How have they addressed any concerns you may have?

If you’re so inclined, please drop me a line with your thoughts: Yourmoney_newsletter@nytimes.com. A big thank you, as always, for helping us with our reporting.

Below, you’ll find a list of money-related stories from across The New York Times.

An illustration depicting various communication symbols falling into a dark, circular void. A person’s face peeks out from the bottom of the circle.

Robert Neubecker

your money

You’ve Lost Your Health Insurance. It Shouldn’t Have Been a Surprise.

You would think you’d get texts, emails, phone calls and letters if your insurer was about to drop you. But you may be wrong.

By Ron Lieber

Have you turned to A.I. for advice on a romantic relationship? Tell us.
People are using generative A.I. chatbots for help on everything from starting to ending a relationship. Have you? Write to us here.

IRAN WAR AND RISING PRICES

Electric cars lined up in front of a showroom. Several yellow school buses are visible in the background.

What to Know About Electric Cars When Gas Prices Are Surging

War in Iran has disrupted global oil supplies, which is prompting some car shoppers to look for ways to climb off “the gas-price roller coaster.”

By Jack Ewing

A pair of motorbikes, each with two riders, pass a gas station.

War’s Attacks on Energy Could Turn Economic Shock Into Long-Term Damage

A new phase targeting oil and gas infrastructure in the Persian Gulf threatens to hurt businesses and customers around the world for months or even years.

By Patricia Cohen

Dark, dense smoke rises from an industrial complex with storage tanks and buildings, forming a large cloud that spreads across a bright blue sky. Low mountains are visible in the background.

The U.S. Economy Is Insulated From High Oil Prices. Americans Aren’t.

The overall economy has proved resilient in recent years, even as many households have struggled. The war with Iran is following the same pattern.

By Ben Casselman

A view down a row of homes on a tree-lined street. Snow covers the roofs and the strip under the trees between the street and sidewalks.

Mortgage Rates Highest in Three Months as War Weighs on Housing Market

Rising energy costs and concerns about inflation have helped lift borrowing costs for a home mortgage for the third consecutive week.

By Gregory Schmidt

People walking outside a large building.

Central Banks Brace for Faster Inflation as Energy Prices Surge

Traders now expect Europe’s central bankers to raise rates this year to address a sharp increase in inflation because of higher energy prices.

By Eshe Nelson

Why This Jump in Gas Prices Feels Different

A state-by-state look at the increase and how it could affect you.

By Francesca Paris

Jerome H. Powell stands behind a lectern as he makes a speech.

Fed Holds Rates Steady as War in Iran Upends the Economic Outlook

Jerome H. Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve, emphasized the high degree of uncertainty stemming from the conflict as he acknowledged the potential for surging energy prices to lift inflation and dent growth.

By Colby Smith

Gas Prices Keep Rising as Seasonal Changes Add to Oil Price Pressure

Shipping routes crucial to global commerce remained disrupted as the conflict in the Middle East continued.

By Emmett Lindner

PERSONAL FINANCE AND TRAVEL

An illustration shows a snail carrying a tax refund check on its back.

your money adviser

The I.R.S. Is Phasing Out Paper Checks. Here’s How to Speed Your Refund.

President Trump has directed that most federal payments be issued electronically, including tax refunds. Last year nearly 10 million people got their refund via a paper check.

By Ann Carrns