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Flight Canceled or Changed? How to Get a Cash Refund, Not Just a Voucher

Federal rules say when an airline owes you a cash refund for a canceled or significantly changed flight. Here is what counts, how fast the money must arrive and the steps to take.

How to Turn On Automatic Updates on Your iPhone, Android, Windows PC and Mac

Updates patch the security holes attackers use. Here is where to switch on automatic updates on an iPhone, Android phone, Windows 11 PC and Mac, using the companies’ own instructions.

Veterans Day Is Nov. 11: How to Request a Free Copy of Your DD-214 and Military Records

Lost your DD-214, or need a late parent’s service records? Here’s how to request them free from the National Archives online, by mail or through milConnect, and how long it takes.

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How to Check Whether an Unknown Tracker Is Following You (iPhone and Android)

Item trackers like AirTags can be misused to follow people. Here is how to turn on alerts, scan manually and handle a warning on iPhone and Android.

How to Turn Down Personalized Ads on Your iPhone, Android and Google Account

A few settings on your phone and Google account limit how much of your activity is used to target ads. Here are the exact steps, with what each one does and doesn’t do.

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.

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ACA Open Enrollment Starts Nov. 1: How to Review Your Marketplace Plan for 2027

Open enrollment for 2027 marketplace coverage runs Nov. 1 to Jan. 15 on HealthCare.gov. With premiums rising again, here’s how to check your letters, update your income and compare plans before you auto-renew.

How to Find Unclaimed Money in Your Name (and Claim It for Free)

States and federal agencies hold billions in forgotten paychecks, deposits, pensions and savings bonds. Here's how to search every database that matters, file a claim for free and avoid the scams.

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.

iPhone Storage Full? 5 Ways to Free Up Space Without Losing Anything

Before you delete photos in a panic, check what’s really filling your iPhone. These five built-in settings can reclaim gigabytes safely.

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.

How to Check Whether Your Passwords Have Been Leaked (iPhone and Chrome)

Your iPhone and your Google account can both tell you which saved passwords have shown up in data breaches. Here’s how to run the free check and what to fix first.

How to Block Spam Calls on Your iPhone or Android Phone

Your phone already has tools to screen, silence and filter calls from unknown numbers. Here’s where to find them on iPhone and Android, and what to do about the calls that still get through.

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 Add a Legacy Contact to Your Apple Account

Apple’s Legacy Contact feature lets someone you trust get to your photos, files and backups after you die. Here’s how to set it up on iPhone, iPad and Mac in about five minutes.

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.