Your Money: Health care permissions, Social Security and A.I. advice
Jeff Sommer argued that Social Security is the most valuable asset that you’re likely to ever have.
Your Money
September 15, 2025

Hi everyone, and welcome back.

Jeff Sommer had a great column last week where he argued that Social Security is the most valuable asset that you’re likely to ever have.

My colleagues and I have been following the many changes at the Social Security Administration, which began when the Trump White House — then through Elon Musk’s lieutenants — slashed nearly 12 percent of its work force.

I’m wondering if any of you have had to reach out to the Social Security Administration in recent weeks, either through a local field office or their national phone number. I would like to learn more about your experiences — good, bad or otherwise. Please send me a note if you have anything to share: yourmoney_newsletter@nytimes.com.

And below, find our round up of the latest money coverage from across The Times. Have a great week.

An illustration of a giant gavel coming down on someone in a hole

your money adviser

Debt Collection Lawsuits Are Rising. Here’s What to Do to Fight Back.

The number of filings is back above 2020 levels as prices rise and people rely more on credit cards, an analysis finds. But many borrowers don’t respond to the suits and lose by default.

By Ann Carrns

An illustration of an A.I. robot at an altar, with a big question mark on its chest. In front of it are several small buildings, with hands putting coins in slots on their roofs.

Strategies

Believe in A.I.? Buy Beaten-Down Value Stocks.

If artificial intelligence is really revolutionary, its benefits will spread to mundane companies and spawn new fields, Vanguard’s global chief economist says.

By Jeff Sommer

An illustration of a woman walking out of an office building, carrying a box of items from a desk, with the sun on the horizon illuminating a dollar sign on the ground.

retiring

No Longer Young, and Now Laid Off: 5 Ways to Protect Your Finances

When you’re over 50 and suddenly unemployed, priorities will switch to paying bills over saving for retirement. Here are ways to manage.

By Lisa Rabasca Roepe

A vat of coffee beans being packaged.

Yes, Your Morning Coffee Has Gotten More Expensive

Coffee prices are up nearly 21 percent over the past year, partly because of President Trump’s punishing tariffs on Brazil and Vietnam.

By Sydney Ember

A portrait of Myra Donohue, leaning with her elbow on a railing with trees in the background.

They Had Money Problems. They Turned to ChatGPT for Solutions.

More people are turning to generative A.I. chatbots for financial advice, whether it’s for debt management, better saving strategies or stock picks.

By Kailyn Rhone

K. Boyle wearing a black coat and glasses stands in front of the back of her Nissan Leaf. A handbag is strapped across her.

Used E.V. Sales Take Off as Prices Plummet

Electric vehicles on the used market often cost less than comparable gasoline models, making the technology affordable to many more buyers.

By Jack Ewing

Two hands form a heart shape around shopping bags with happy faces on them.

Shop Talk

Is That Product Any Good, or Is It Just a Brand Halo?

The concept involves a company trying to parlay feel-good associations with one of its products into a positive reputation for the overall brand.

By Lora Kelley

As the Fed Prepares to Lower Rates, 2 Seats on Its Board Are in Limbo

The Senate looks poised to confirm President Trump’s pick to join the central bank in time for the policy meeting next week, while another governor’s fate remains up in the air.

By Colby Smith

Rise in U.S. Inflation Is Likely to Keep Fed Cautious on Pace of Rate Cuts

The central bank is likely to lower borrowing costs at its meeting next week amid budding concerns about the labor market.

By Colby Smith

In an outdoor setting, Jamieson Greer, Scott Bessent and He Lifeng sit with other people in front of a green hedge.

U.S. and China Resume Talks on Tariffs and TikTok

Economic officials meeting in Madrid are seeking to head off a November tariff deadline.

By Alan Rappeport

An aerial view of a large building facility, with areas that appear to be under construction.

Georgia ICE Raid Netted Workers With Short-Term Business Visas

Last week’s immigration operation at a battery plant highlighted a tactic that companies use to bring in foreign workers to establish new operations.

By Lydia DePillis and Hamed Aleaziz

Red posters with white and black letters call for a strike in Paris. The French slogans, translated to English, say "September 10, we block everything !" and "Money for wages, not for war!"

What Travelers Need to Know About the ‘Block Everything’ Strike in France

The planned shutdown, which will affect transit in and beyond Paris, dovetails with the tube strike in London.

By Tariro Mzezewa

How are we doing?
We’d love your feedback on this newsletter. Please email thoughts and suggestions to yourmoney_newsletter@nytimes.com.

Like this email?
Forward it to your friends, and let them know they can sign up Your Money.

If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.

You received this email because you signed up for Your Money from The New York Times.

To stop receiving Your Money, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings.

Subscribe to The Times

Connect with us on:

facebookxinstagramwhatsapp

Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices