‘I can’t wait to paint myself when I’m old and knobbly’: the sensual world of Louis Fratino

This Halloween, I’m not buying candy for trick or treaters. I have better things to spend my money on. Am I a bad person?

“Nor am I going to turn off the lights and pretend I’m not home.”

Business - MarketWatch - October 31

‘This election season has worn me out’: I love this country, but I’m no better off financially than I was 10 years ago. Why vote?

“I’m in my mid-40s, female, single, and working a nine-to-five job.”

Business - MarketWatch - November 5

I’m a ‘trad wife’ in a happy marriage. How can I get my friends to accept me for who I am? | Leading questions

To your friends, your relationship is probably the least interesting thing about you, writes advice columnist Eleanor Gordon-Smith . Try to remember what drew you to these people in the first ...

World - The Guardian - November 7

I’m 48 with $223,000 saved for retirement. I want to contribute an extra 1% every year. Will that have any meaningful impact?

“I anticipate that could have a large impact even though my retirement horizon is a bit short.”

Business - MarketWatch - November 5

I haven’t had sex with my husband for three years – and I’m ready to look elsewhere

It’s not that I want anyone else, but I just can’t wait. I really miss the fabulous sex life we used to have together. I have been married for 31 years . I love my husband and I know he is ...

World - The Guardian - November 6

I’m 71 with $2 million in retirement savings and a conservative investment strategy. Am I doing this right?

“I’m in good health and still working part time.”

Business - MarketWatch - November 16

‘I’m 38 and completely broke’: I earn $50,000 a year. What professional degree will guarantee me six figures?

“I am willing to put in an extra 1 to 4 years of schooling and use student loans to pay for it.”

Business - MarketWatch - November 17

Is 61 too old to take up gymnastics? Not if you’re planning on living to 100

The older I get, the more I want to play rather than just work out. Have I left it too late to learn a backflip, cartwheel or forward tuck – especially with a dodgy knee?. How do you know when it’s ...

World - The Guardian - November 17

‘Makes my heart beat faster’: why I Know Where I’m Going! is my feelgood movie

In the first of a new series in which writers explain their favourite mood-lifting watch, an ode to a charming 40s romance. In search of solace, I always turn to a film that will take me away from ...

World - The Guardian - 6 days ago

I’m obsessed with a historic shipwreck: it’s murky and dangerous but diving in the Thames, I feel like a detective

When exploring wrecked warship the London I can barely see six inches ahead, but I’ve dived 500 times to document and save the secrets of this vessel built by Oliver Cromwell. When I dive to the ...

World - The Guardian - 5 days ago

The ‘Trump bump’ added $75,000 to my $1.3 million portfolio. I’m 39. Should I retire early and move to Europe?

“I have my eyes set on either Italy or Spain next year, where the cost of living is roughly half of what it would be in the U.S.”

Business - MarketWatch - 10 hours ago

I am the infamous non-responder in our group chat. Does that make me a bad friend? | Louis Hanson

I find it overwhelming to keep up with the never-ending stream of notifications we’re flooded with every day. Sometimes I feel like throwing my phone into a lake. There’s always one nonexistent ...

World - The Guardian - October 31

10-year-old catches historic World Series grand slam

Fifth-grader Zachary was seated in right field for Game 1 of the World Series, in perfect position to retrieve the 10th inning grand slam ball hit by Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman that ...

'I didn't panic when it hurt' - trailblazer Deignan to retire

One of Great Britain’s most successful road cyclists, Lizzie Deignan, will retire at the end of next season.

‘When the water subsided, I saw our house was gone’ – This is climate breakdown

We were shocked by how quickly the water rose. My children panicked and I didn’t know what to save first. This is Leoncia’s story. Location Sitio Gipit, Philippines. Disaster Typhoon Carina, ...

World - The Guardian - 6 days ago

‘I’m a mother in turmoil’: My daughter refuses to see me — and she won’t let me see my grandchild. Should I cut her out of our will?

“Our family trust is a couple of decades old and needs revision.”

Business - MarketWatch - November 9

Dolly Parton: ‘I was sorry when Dolly the sheep died – though I don’t want to be cloned’

I’m 63, retired and getting $45,000 per year. But I only have about $200,000 in my IRA and still have a mortgage. What’s my move?

Have an issue with your financial adviser or considering a new one? Email questions or concerns to picks@marketwatch.com. We’ll have financial advisers weigh in.

Business - MarketWatch - October 30

I’m 67, married and have two mortgages worth $660,000. Should I use my 401(k) to pay them off?

“I want to have $6,000 a month in cash to live comfortably and travel upon retirement.”