8 Steps to Protect Your Family
Take care of these things today and your loved ones will be grateful that you've saved them money and anguish after you die.
Retirement
Death in the Family: 12 Things to Do Now
Hang onto this essential checklist, so you'll know what to do when the time comes.
Keep the Money in the Family
First the good news: You probably won't get hit by a bus tomorrow. In fact, the odds are quite low. The bad news is that you could get hit by a bus tomorrow. What's more, actuarial tables don't lie: Someday, your proverbial bus will come. So from an estate planning standpoint, you have only two opti...
If TARP Was So Smart, Why Are So Many Banks Failing?
So we taxpayers actually made money on the Troubled Asset Relief Program-at least so far. Goldman Sachs (GS), JP Morgan (JPM) and others have repaid the loans from the government, with interest, and the equity stakes that we hold in Citigroup (C) and Bank of America (BAC) have appreciated since Hank...
Three Things Still Wrong With The Housing Market
With the continued government intervention in the housing markets, we won't know for a long time what our houses are really worth or what we should pay for a new home.
The Hidden Payoff from Cash for Clunkers
The final scorecard is out on the cash for clunkers program: In return for taking on $2.88 billion in additional debt, Uncle Sam helped the auto industry sell 690,000 new vehicles. Whether this was a winning trade is debatable, as this MoneyWatch story points out and this post How Would We Figure ...
Government Guarantee For Your 401(k) Is a Bad Idea
The New York Times recently ran an editorial on the problems they see with 401(k) plans, and suggested a solution to our retirement challenges would be some sort of government guaranteed return on our 401(k) plans. While it sounds nice, a guarantee would actually create more risk in the financial markets.
Is AARP Looking Out for You? <br>Auto and Homeowners Insurance
The nonprofit behemoth promises to save you money and provide great service. But does it deliver? Here's how to decide if AARP policies are right for you.
Actually, the Times Got it Right on 401(k)s
The New York Times editorial page added its two cents to the retirement reform debate with a piece on Sunday. The editorial focused on the 401(k), as well it should. You can't head off the looming retirement crisis until you acknowledge that the 401(k) is part of the problem. The 401(k) was con...
Amateurs Beat the Investment Pros
Vanguard just released its 2009 How America Saves study and it provides some interesting data on how individual 401(k) investors seem to have handled this financial crisis much better than the institutional investors who manage big pension plans and endowments.
Are Baby Boomers Unlucky, Moneywise?
We boomers had all last week (the anniversary of Woodstock) to remind ourselves how lucky we were to have come of age during the era of sex, drugs and rock n roll. Now that our nostalgia-induced buzz has faded, though, it's back to reality: recession, swollen college bills, blasted home values and s...
How To React To Conflicting Market Forecasts
Today on Moneywatch we're running a series of interviews with some pretty smart finance professionals. I think you'll find their insights on the markets interesting and well reasoned, but they come to different conclusions. So how do you make investment decisions in the face of these conflicting opinions about the markets and the economy?
Your Best Bet: Pay Down Debt
The Consumer Price Index numbers just came out for July and again we're seeing year-over-year declines for inflation. With prices and wages falling, your best bet for any spare cash may be to pay down debts.
Is Guaranteed Retirement Income a Good Deal?
You've probably seen the ads lately from financial services firms promoting guaranteed retirement income for life. It sounds comforting, but before jumping at the option, you should carefully consider the costs of these programs.
Fidelity Makes the Case Against the 401(k)
Fidelity just released its quarterly analysis of accounts in the 17,500 401(k) plans it administers. The nation's number one administrator and manager of 401(k) assets reports that the balance in its average account rose 13.5% to $53,900--a nice jump. Then, in an odd follow-up feature, it listed wha...
U.S. officials' response to Alex Pretti shooting causes anger among some at DHS
"When we gaslight and contradict what the public can plainly see with their own eyes, we lose all credibility," one DHS official said.
Bovino, some Border Patrol agents set to leave Minneapolis
Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino and some of his agents are expected to soon leave the Minneapolis area, two sources tell CBS News.
Visual investigation of Minnesota shooting at odds with official statements
Bystander videos verified by CBS News show the scene from multiple angles before and during the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Live
Some Border Patrol agents in Alex Pretti shooting had body cams, officials confirm
Two U.S. officials tell CBS News some of the Border Patrol agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis had body cameras. Also on Monday, President Trump and Gov. Walz both confirmed they are in conversation about scaling down the federal surge in Minnesota.
Private jet crashes at Maine airport; 6 on board presumed dead, police say
The police in Bangor, Maine, said all six people on a private business jet are presumed dead after the plane crashed in a snowstorm at Bangor International Airport.
What Trump officials say and what videos show in Alex Pretti's killing
Federal agents shot and killed a Minnesota ICU nurse in south Minneapolis on Saturday.
Trump says he's raising tariffs on South Korea to 25%
President Trump is hiking tariffs on imports from South Korea, saying its government has reneged on an agreement to approve a bilateral trade deal.
U.S. carrier strike group enters Middle East region after Iran warning
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group has crossed into Central Command, the Middle East region that includes Iran, a U.S. official told CBS News.
Ye, formerly Kanye West, reveals brain injury, apologizes for antisemitic remarks
In a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal, Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, revealed that the right frontal lobe of his brain was injured in a car accident 25 years ago.
U.S.
More U.S.
Canada approves plan to move beluga whales slated for euthanasia to U.S.
Canada's last captive whales have received a reprieve from death after the Canadian government conditionally approved a plan to export them to the U.S.
Trump says he's raising tariffs on South Korea to 25%
President Trump is hiking tariffs on imports from South Korea, saying its government has reneged on an agreement to approve a bilateral trade deal.
Some states expand ACA subsidies as federal tax credits lapse
A handful of U.S. states are moving to ease the cost of Affordable Care Act insurance as millions of Americans see their premiums spike.
Team USA names Winter Olympics roster of 232 athletes
Olympic veterans, including skier Lindsey Vonn and bobsledders Kaillie Humphries and Elana Meyers Taylor, are among the seven Americans making their fifth trips to the games.
Bovino, some Border Patrol agents set to leave Minneapolis
Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino and some of his agents are expected to soon leave the Minneapolis area, three sources tell CBS News.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Trump says he's raising tariffs on South Korea to 25%
President Trump is hiking tariffs on imports from South Korea, saying its government has reneged on an agreement to approve a bilateral trade deal.
Some states expand ACA subsidies as federal tax credits lapse
A handful of U.S. states are moving to ease the cost of Affordable Care Act insurance as millions of Americans see their premiums spike.
Tax season starts today. Here's when you'll get your refund in 2026.
The IRS started accepting tax returns on Jan. 26. Here's everything you need to know about getting your tax refund.
Bettors wagered millions on expected snowfall across the U.S.
This weekend's snowstorm could prove to be lucrative for some online bettors.
Google to pay $68 million over allegations it eavesdropped on users
Class-action lawsuit alleged that Google's voice assistant illegally recorded and shared private conversations with advertisers.
Politics
More Politics
Trump says he's raising tariffs on South Korea to 25%
President Trump is hiking tariffs on imports from South Korea, saying its government has reneged on an agreement to approve a bilateral trade deal.
Senators continue to press for answers over death of Renee Good
Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee said the Justice Department's "refusal to investigate is a complete abdication of responsibility."
Bovino, some Border Patrol agents set to leave Minneapolis
Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino and some of his agents are expected to soon leave the Minneapolis area, three sources tell CBS News.
American Dennis Coyle marks 1 year of detention in Afghanistan
Dennis Coyle, 64, was abducted from his Kabul apartment last year and has been held in near-solitary confinement by the Taliban.
Walz: Trump agrees to consider reducing federal surge in Minnesota
Gov. Tim Walz says that he and President Trump shared a "productive" phone call Monday morning, during which he says the president agreed to consider a reduction of federal immigration enforcement forces in Minnesota.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
Academy of Pediatrics vaccine reccomendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics released its own recommendations for childhood vaccinations Monday. The list differs significantly from the reduced vaccine schedule released earlier this month by the CDC. Dr. Amanda Kravitz, pediatrician at Weill Cornell in New York City, joins CBS News to discuss.
Winter storm brings warnings about heart attack risk of shoveling snow
Cardiologists say shoveling snow can increase a person's risk of experiencing a heart attack.
Heart failure threatened her pregnancy. A first-of-its-kind procedure saved it.
Cassandra King was thrilled to be pregnant after years of fertility struggles and multiple miscarriages. Then a sudden cardiac event threatened everything.
Loss of measles-free status would be "cost of doing business," new CDC deputy says
After a year of ongoing measles outbreaks that have sickened more than 2,400 people, the United States is poised to lose its status as a measles-free country.
Measles cases surge in South Carolina as U.S. risks elimination status
An infectious disease physician and former CDC official said he does not "have faith" that the U.S. is "handling measles very well."
World
More World
Canada approves plan to move beluga whales slated for euthanasia to U.S.
Canada's last captive whales have received a reprieve from death after the Canadian government conditionally approved a plan to export them to the U.S.
Team USA names Winter Olympics roster of 232 athletes
Olympic veterans, including skier Lindsey Vonn and bobsledders Kaillie Humphries and Elana Meyers Taylor, are among the seven Americans making their fifth trips to the games.
American Dennis Coyle marks 1 year of detention in Afghanistan
Dennis Coyle, 64, was abducted from his Kabul apartment last year and has been held in near-solitary confinement by the Taliban.
X and Grok AI users can still digitally undress people without consent
As the European Union announces an investigation, the Grok chatbot tells CBS News, "Yes, tools like me should face meaningful regulation."
Cyclist knocked off bike by kangaroo, recovers to win Tour Down Under
Jay Vine was knocked from his bike when two large kangaroos bounced onto the road on a high speed section.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Ye, formerly Kanye West, reveals brain injury, apologizes for antisemitic remarks
In a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal, Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, revealed that the right frontal lobe of his brain was injured in a car accident 25 years ago.
Sundance Film Festival leaving Park City, Utah
After more than 40 years, the Sundance Film Festival is leaving its longtime host of Park City, Utah, and heading to Boulder, Colorado. Sarah Horbacewicz reports.
The adventures of Lauren Hutton, the original supermodel
As the face of Revlon, Lauren Hutton – called a "believable beauty" – became the highest-paid model in history, and still holds the record for most cover appearances on American Vogue. She talks about her adventurous life of no regrets.
The adventures of Lauren Hutton
She didn't set out to be a model, or an actress, and several agencies rejected the gap-toothed Lauren Hutton, before Eileen Ford gave her a shot. As the face of Revlon, Hutton became the highest-paid model in history, and still holds the record for most cover appearances on American Vogue. She talks with Anthony Mason about her adventurous life of no regrets – from living among the bushmen of the Kalahari, to a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 2000. Even of the low points she says, "I'd do it again in a second."
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including the iconic Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani.
Technology
More Technology
Google to pay $68 million over allegations it eavesdropped on users
Class-action lawsuit alleged that Google's voice assistant illegally recorded and shared private conversations with advertisers.
X and Grok AI users can still digitally undress people without consent
As the European Union announces an investigation, the Grok chatbot tells CBS News, "Yes, tools like me should face meaningful regulation."
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Microsoft says outage affecting several services has been resolved
Microsoft services were down for thousands of users, according to tracking service Downdetector.
Snapchat's parent company settles lawsuit
Snapchat's parent company, Snap Inc., settled a lawsuit surrounding allegations of social media addiction burdening users. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
Science
More Science
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Dogs can learn by eavesdropping: study
Have you ever wondered if your dog is eavesdropping on you? A new study published in the Journal of Science found that some dogs are not only listening, but are also learning words. Lead scientist Dr. Shany Dror joins CBS News to discuss.
Crime
More Crime
Walz: Trump agrees to consider reducing federal surge in Minnesota
Gov. Tim Walz says that he and President Trump shared a "productive" phone call Monday morning, during which he says the president agreed to consider a reduction of federal immigration enforcement forces in Minnesota.
"Narco sub" sinks with more drugs aboard after record cocaine haul seized
Police were assisted by the navy and air force, as well as the U.K. and U..S authorities, in difficult weather conditions.
Latest news on Alex Pretti shooting
Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem claimed Alex Pretti attacked Border Patrol officers before he was fatally shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This comes as more Trump administration officials react to the incident. CBS News' Lana Zak and Natalie Brand report.
Political strategists on Pretti shooting
Political strategists Kristian Ramos and Rina Shah join CBS News with their reactions to Border Patrol killing Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Differing accounts of Alex Pretti shooting
The federal government's accounts of the most recent shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, involving immigration officials, appear to clash with evidence emerging. CBS News' Lana Zak has more.
Space
More Space
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
More on Virgin Galactic all-female space crew
Virgin Galactic is sending an all-female research team to space. Kellie Gerardi, who is leading the crew, joins "CBS News 24/7 Mornings" to discuss the goals of the mission.
NASA's Artemis II mission clears big hurdle
Inch by inch, NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lumbered along its four-mile commute from the Vehicle Assembly Building to launch pad 39-B. Mark Strassmann is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with more.
NASA hauls Artemis II moon rocket to launch pad for February flight
Four Artemis II astronauts plan to fly around the moon and back next month, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them.
NASA begins Artemis II rollout to launchpad
NASA is beginning its rollout of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as preparations for the Artemis II mission enter their final stage.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Winter weather pummels Ole Miss campus
This past weekend's winter storm dropped record amounts of snow across the country. In Mississippi, Gov. Tate Reeves has confirmed two weather-related deaths. CBS News reporter Kati Weis has the details from Oxford.
Timeline of Minneapolis immigration operation
Saturday's fatal shooting in Minneapolis is the latest flashpoint after weeks of tension in the city. CBS News' Lindsey Reiser breaks down the major moments leading up to the incident.
Expert on use of force standards and Pretti death
Alex Pretti, the 37-year-old U.S. citizen killed by immigration officials in Minneapolis, was licensed to carry a gun. Still, there's no video of him ever holding his firearm during the interaction with federal agents. The White House, though, claims the gun itself was a factor. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Bovino and some agents to leave Minneapolis
CBS News has learned some Border Patrol agents will soon be leaving Minneapolis, along with Gregory Bovino, following the deadly shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by a federal officer. CBS News immigration and politics reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez has the latest.
USS Abraham Lincoln arrives in Middle East
U.S. Central Command confirmed Monday that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group has entered the Middle East region. The move comes amid weeks of violent anti-government protests in Iran. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata has more.