business 
Q: Last year, I lost my entire 401(k) — $114,000 — after Paychex mailed me physical rollover checks instead of doing a secure transfer. The checks were intercepted and fraudulently cashed. I’m now in federal court trying to hold Paychex accountable, but this experience has made it painfully clear how little protection exists for consumers … Read more
Travelers across the country are feeling anxious and uncertain during a time of upheaval at U.S. airports, and the upcoming Memorial Day weekend — the traditional start of the summer travel season — is shaping up to be especially fraught. AAA forecasts a record 45.1 million people in the United States will travel at least … Read more
Airfares are down, so it’s a good time to travel. But the dollar is down, too, so it’s not a good time to go abroad. Can both be right? Much depends on your budget for discretionary spending, but the volatile American economy is having a whiplash effect on travel planning. In a recent survey, the … Read more
With the Atlantic hurricane season about to start, this may be good time to consider buying flood insurance for your home — even if you don’t live in a hurricane-prone area. Officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said this month that they were expecting more than the average number of hurricanes during the … Read more
Late one Saturday night at Bar Lubitsch, a West Hollywood cocktail bar known for its kitschy, Soviet-era décor and frosty vodka drinks, Scott Korinke and Nolan Marks wriggled themselves from the sweat-drenched dance floor and made their way to the bar counter. Mr. Korinke, 26, ordered a martini for himself and a vodka Red Bull … Read more
The summer travel season is here, and the vacation countdown is on. It’s almost time to grab your passport and head to the airport, or load up your car and start searching for the perfect campsite. In the meantime, here’s something to whet your appetite for the big getaway — as well as give you … Read more
What’s the problem?I’m worried my houseplants won’t survive the heat while I’m away. How can I make sure they stay alive? DiagnosisSummer can be challenging for houseplants because hotter temperatures, brighter sunlight and longer daylight hours mean they lose moisture more quickly and therefore need more attention. Going away on holiday adds further cause for … Read more
Cats and teeth. That’s my contribution to the Filter so far, writing recommendations for new cat owners and electric toothbrushes. Rather than combining the two in a piece on cat toothpaste, I’m instead doubling down on the latter, writing about the wonderful world of water flossers. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a … Read more
It’s common these days for people to play music in their gardens on smart speakers or smartphones. But is it fair on the neighbours? Should gardens be quiet spaces without these kinds of sounds? Graham French, Sutton Coldfield Send new questions to [email protected]. This week’s question: Are school and college reunions good for us? Or … Read more
The dance pole bang in the middle of Georgie Webster’s living room is one of its less eye-catching features. The lounge has striking pink and peach walls, a sideboard painted in cubes of purple and orange, and an olive-green sofa, all of which come together to create a kaleidoscope of colour. On paper, it really … Read more