Dear Dr. Per Cap: We’re planning a trip to Santa Fe Indian Market this month and are considering staying in an Airbnb.  I’ve never stayed in an Airbnb before.  Is it true they’re a better deal than a hotel? Signed, Summer Road Warrior Dear Summer Road Warrior Short term rentals have disrupted the hospitality industry […]

Dear Dr. Per Cap: My apartment got broken into and my renter’s insurance policy says I will receive “cash value” for my TV and some other stolen electronics.  Will that be enough money to replace them? Signed, Stressed Renter Dear Stressed Renter I am so sorry to hear this happened.  I’ve had an apartment broken […]

Dear Dr. Per Cap: I still write checks to pay bills, but my son says I’m wasting time, paper, and stamps.  He also says checks are easy to steal.  Should I stop writing checks and switch to online bill payments? Signed, Checking In Dear Checking In Your son is part of a growing majority of […]

Dear Dr. Per Cap: While trying to file my taxes online last month, my return was rejected by the IRS with an automated email that read “Date of birth does not match name on file”.  It instructed me to contact the social security administration but I can’t get a hold of anyone there by phone.  […]

Dear Dr. Per Cap: Why did that bank in California fail?  And if it happens at my bank, will I lose all the money in my account? Signed, Banking On Dear Banking On Unfortunately, the biggest U.S. bank failure since 2008 occurred earlier this year when Silicon Valley Bank tanked to the tune of over […]

Dear Dr. Per Cap: Real estate is so expensive, maybe I should buy land in the metaverse instead.  People are getting rich off digital assets and I could create a metaRez.  What do you think? Signed, Asset Hunter Dear Asset Hunter The virtual reality world of the future, aka the metaverse, has arrived. For readers […]

Dear Dr. Per Cap: What’s the best way to ask for a raise?  I like my job but the higher cost of living is making it tough to get by. Signed, Needs a Raise Dear Needs a Raise Think of a pay increase request like any other negotiation – two people or parties both advocating […]

Dear Dr. Per Cap:  One of my New Year’s resolutions is to get a better handle on my finances.  I try this every year only to get sidetracked after a few months.  Any tips to help me stick with it? Signed,  Losing Focus Dear Losing Focus One reason people struggle with New Year’s resolutions is […]

Dear Dr. Per Cap:  I did most of my holiday shopping online using a credit card.  However, one gift for my aunt was never delivered.  I’ve asked for a refund but the company has only offered to send out a new package.  That’s no good because the holidays are long gone.  How can I get […]