Ellie Moreno

About the author

Ellie writes practical guides and explainers, turning complicated things into simple steps.

How to Lock Your Phone Number Against SIM Swap Scams (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile)

Scammers who hijack your phone number can get your login codes. Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile all offer free locks that block SIM swaps and number transfers. Here’s where to find them.

Election Day Is Nov. 3: How to Check Your Voter Registration and Make a Plan

Ten minutes with the official, nonpartisan tools is all it takes to confirm your registration, find your polling place and know your options before Nov. 3.

How to Stop Prescreened Credit Card Offers From Filling Your Mailbox

Those “pre-approved” credit card envelopes can be switched off for five years or for good. Here’s how to use the official opt-out, and what it won’t stop.

Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide to Reviewing Your Coverage

Medicare Open Enrollment runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2026, and changes take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Here's how to read your plan notice, compare options and avoid scams.

How to Check Your Social Security Statement Online (and Fix Mistakes)

Your Social Security Statement shows your earnings history and estimated benefits. Here’s how to get it online in a few minutes and what to do if something looks wrong.

How to Renew Your U.S. Passport Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

If your old passport qualifies, you can renew it entirely online with a digital photo and a card. Here’s who’s eligible, what it costs, how long it takes and how to avoid delays.

How to Check Your Car for Open Safety Recalls (and Get Them Fixed for Free)

Millions of recalled vehicles are still on the road unrepaired. Here is how to check your car, tires and child’s car seat for recalls in a few minutes, and how to get the free fix.

How to Add Emergency Medical Info to Your iPhone or Android Phone

Five minutes of setup lets first responders see your allergies, medications and emergency contacts from your phone’s lock screen. Here’s how on iPhone and Android.

What to Do If Your Identity Is Stolen: A Step-by-Step Recovery Guide

From reporting at IdentityTheft.gov to freezing your credit and handling tax fraud with the IRS, here’s the order to tackle identity theft in, and the free tools that help.

How to Back Up Your Phone Properly (iPhone and Android)

Losing a phone is bad. Losing every photo and message on it is worse. Here’s how to make sure you’re properly backed up in about ten minutes.

How to Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN Before Tax Season

An IRS Identity Protection PIN stops anyone else from filing a federal tax return with your Social Security number. Anyone who can verify their identity can get one, and it takes minutes online.

How to Freeze Your Credit (and Unfreeze It When You Need To)

A credit freeze is free, doesn't hurt your score and blocks most new-account fraud. Here's how to place one at all three bureaus and lift it when you apply for credit.

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