Even Better
Helping people live better lives individually and collectively — from mental health to relationships of all kinds to work, money, and more.
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![The massive Social Security number breach is actually a good thing](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-1205793826.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C5.5555555555556%2C100%2C88.888888888889&w=2400)
Freezing your credit files has never been easier. Here’s how to protect yourself.
![The massive Social Security number breach is actually a good thing](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-1205793826.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C5.5555555555556%2C100%2C88.888888888889&w=2400)
Freezing your credit files has never been easier. Here’s how to protect yourself.
![What are extracurricular activities for?](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Extracurricular.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=28.234375%2C0.22617540899077%2C66.51484375%2C99.773824591009&w=2400)
![What are extracurricular activities for?](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Extracurricular.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
Extracurriculars matter for more than college applications. Here’s why.
![I feel stuck in the middle class. Will a loan help me build generational wealth?](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/PaigeVickers_OnTheMoney_Vox_8-15.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=18.116666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![I feel stuck in the middle class. Will a loan help me build generational wealth?](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/PaigeVickers_OnTheMoney_Vox_8-15.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
How to think about investing and protecting your money for retirement.
![The hidden reason why your power bill is so high](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-1213009686.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![The hidden reason why your power bill is so high](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-1213009686.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
And a few things you can do about it.
The latest in Even Better
![Is it possible to be fully authentic?](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Vox_Authenticity_Final.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
Why getting “real” in the age of personal branding feels so hard.
![The surprising truth about loneliness in America](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-1466904928.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=20.588235294118%2C0%2C58.823529411765%2C100&w=2400)
![The surprising truth about loneliness in America](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-1466904928.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=5.8823529411765%2C0%2C88.235294117647%2C100&w=2400)
No one is immune to loneliness. But some are more at risk.
![The married tuba-accordion duo who opened a pizzeria](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/MoneyTalks_PaigeVickers_Vox_03.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
The musicians spent 10 years renovating a derelict old building in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and turned it into a thriving business.
![You need a budget. But do you really need to pay for one?](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-1440470720.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=14.998978966714%2C0%2C70.002042066571%2C100&w=2400)
![You need a budget. But do you really need to pay for one?](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-1440470720.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C2.3823415013613%2C100%2C95.235316997277&w=2400)
An app called YNAB wants to take the dread out of talking about money. For a price.
![Missing a friend from the past? You should reach out.](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/HowToReconnect_VOX.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
Your old friend probably wants to DM you too.
![The crucial first step in preparing for a climate disaster](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-2162853758_47819d.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![The crucial first step in preparing for a climate disaster](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-2162853758_47819d.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
Believing we’re invulnerable to emergencies isn’t going to work.
![Skip the airport. It’s time to plan the perfect road trip.](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-97224797.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![Skip the airport. It’s time to plan the perfect road trip.](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/GettyImages-97224797.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
Five tips to ensure you have a seamless adventure on the open road.
![Money Talks: The Black business owners who forged a partnership in uncertain times](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/MoneyTalks_main-image1.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
The greeting card illustrator and the head of a gifting startup got together to support the Buy Black movement.
![Our phones don’t have to make us feel miserable](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/GettyImages-1418370545.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![Our phones don’t have to make us feel miserable](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/GettyImages-1418370545.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
What makes social media better for kids would make phones better for everyone.
![Public pools are good, actually](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/AllieVolpe_Vox_Lede.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
They offer so much more than a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
![Think like an Olympian](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/KerenLandman_Vox_SportsPsych.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![Think like an Olympian](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/KerenLandman_Vox_SportsPsych.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
More of a mathlete than an athlete? A gold medal mindset can help you do almost anything better.
![Money Talks: The mother-daughter duo who won’t let their franchise fail](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/MoneyTalks_PaigeVickers_Vox_01.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
These small-town biz owners are determined to stay connected to their customers.
![Inspired by the Olympics? You can become an athlete at any age.](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/GettyImages-1973203086.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=20%2C0%2C60%2C100&w=2400)
![Inspired by the Olympics? You can become an athlete at any age.](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/GettyImages-1973203086.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=5%2C0%2C90%2C100&w=2400)
It’s never too late to pick up a new sport.
![It shouldn’t be so hard to live near your friends](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25428681/Vox_Friends_Final.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
Americans are more socially isolated than ever. Here’s how we can reconnect.
![Feeling drained from the night before? It could be an emotional hangover.](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25369051/GettyImages_1439327690.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=18.26967326277%2C0%2C63.460653474459%2C100&w=2400)
![Feeling drained from the night before? It could be an emotional hangover.](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25369051/GettyImages_1439327690.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=2.4045098941555%2C0%2C95.190980211689%2C100&w=2400)
Here’s how to keep one from ruining your day.
![Your flight was canceled. Now what?](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24338012/GettyImages_912031394a.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=10.602564102564%2C0%2C56.487179487179%2C100&w=2400)
![Your flight was canceled. Now what?](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24338012/GettyImages_912031394a.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=7.6346153846154%2C0%2C84.730769230769%2C100&w=2400)
Here’s how to get to where you want to go, and make sure your luggage makes it too.
![Energy drinks are everywhere. How dangerous are they?](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/gettyimages-1265237517.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.791044776119%2C0%2C66.417910447761%2C100&w=2400)
![Energy drinks are everywhere. How dangerous are they?](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/gettyimages-1265237517.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0.1865671641791%2C0%2C99.626865671642%2C100&w=2400)
Originally marketed squarely at young men, they’re now coming for women’s wallets.
![Too hot to sleep? Tips for a good night’s rest, even in extreme summer heat.](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/GettyImages-1222795783_49f385.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![Too hot to sleep? Tips for a good night’s rest, even in extreme summer heat.](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/GettyImages-1222795783_49f385.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
Why you’re getting lousy sleep right now — and what to do about it.
![I retired in my home country and moved to the United States. What now?](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/OnTheMoney_7-11.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
How to think about retiring in America as an immigrant, plus advice for investing while on Social Security Disability.
![Is your kid addicted to their phone? Here’s how to set smart boundaries.](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/GettyImages-1875371289.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=15.621428571429%2C0%2C68.757142857143%2C100&w=2400)
![Is your kid addicted to their phone? Here’s how to set smart boundaries.](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/GettyImages-1875371289.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C1.5201883786966%2C100%2C96.959623242607&w=2400)
A definitive guide to managing your children’s tech.
![How do you know it’s time to retire?](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/GettyImages-1875384178.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=15.621428571429%2C0%2C68.757142857143%2C100&w=2400)
![How do you know it’s time to retire?](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/GettyImages-1875384178.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C1.5201883786966%2C100%2C96.959623242607&w=2400)
Moving on from a productive career doesn’t need to be a blow to your identity.
![Delete your dating apps and find romance offline](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/GettyImages-1835402235.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=18.800994929645%2C26.390732138907%2C62.398010140711%2C73.609267861093&w=2400)
![Delete your dating apps and find romance offline](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/GettyImages-1835402235.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=3.2014923944668%2C26.390732138907%2C93.597015211066%2C73.609267861093&w=2400)
It’s not as scary as you might think.
![TikTok is full of bad health “hacks.” Here’s how to navigate them.](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/GettyImages-1718248545.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=24.996999879995%2C0%2C50.00600024001%2C100&w=2400)
![TikTok is full of bad health “hacks.” Here’s how to navigate them.](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/GettyImages-1718248545.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=12.495499819993%2C0%2C75.009000360014%2C100&w=2400)
Beer for a tan? Garlic cloves for sinuses? Don’t fall for the firehose of health BS online.
![I’m pregnant. I’m traveling. I’m terrified.](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/travelHeader.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
My family reunion is in South Carolina. Essential care for my high-risk pregnancy is not.
![Do you have a small-business story? Share it with Vox.](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24296595/moneytalk_callout.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
![Do you have a small-business story? Share it with Vox.](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24296595/moneytalk_callout.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=7.8125%2C0%2C84.375%2C100&w=2400)
You could be featured in an upcoming Money Talks column.
![Are headphones destroying our hearing?](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/VDC_XEC_042_ANC_THUMB_SYN.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
![Are headphones destroying our hearing?](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/VDC_XEC_042_ANC_THUMB_SYN.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=7.8125%2C0%2C84.375%2C100&w=2400)
![Yes, you should prepare your kids for climate disasters](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/GettyImages-564951375.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=7.629296875%2C15.25859375%2C84.74140625%2C84.74140625&w=2400)
![Yes, you should prepare your kids for climate disasters](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/GettyImages-564951375.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C24.295963541667%2C100%2C66.666666666667&w=2400)
The catastrophic effects of climate change can happen anywhere. Here’s how to help your kids cope before, during, and after an emergency.
![What to do (and avoid) in extreme heat](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24796958/GettyImages_1158241872.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=14.994892747702%2C0%2C70.010214504597%2C100&w=2400)
![What to do (and avoid) in extreme heat](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24796958/GettyImages_1158241872.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C2.3879000097267%2C100%2C95.224199980547&w=2400)
Tips for keeping kids, adults, and the elderly cool and safe — even without air conditioning.
![Going on vacation with friends? Read this first.](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/GettyImages-1417701030.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=14.994892747702%2C0%2C70.010214504597%2C100&w=2400)
![Going on vacation with friends? Read this first.](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/GettyImages-1417701030.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C2.3879000097267%2C100%2C95.224199980547&w=2400)
If you want to get away together, but you don’t want to fight, here’s what you need to know.
![How to get the sexual health care you deserve](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/EDIT_GettyImages-1402492805-Converted.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.6625%2C0%2C66.675%2C100&w=2400)
![How to get the sexual health care you deserve](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/EDIT_GettyImages-1402492805-Converted.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.0062492188476426%2C100%2C99.987501562305&w=2400)
Advocating for yourself might not be as awkward as you think.
![Why we seek revenge — and what to do instead](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25430139/Revenge_Vox.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
Getting even can feel thrilling, but it’s worth weighing the cost.
![How Inside Out 2 tackles the science of teenage emotions](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/INSIDE-OUT-2-ONLINE-USE-i325_13a_pub.pub16.823.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=29.052734375%2C0%2C41.89453125%2C100&w=2400)
![How Inside Out 2 tackles the science of teenage emotions](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/INSIDE-OUT-2-ONLINE-USE-i325_13a_pub.pub16.823.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=18.5791015625%2C0%2C62.841796875%2C100&w=2400)
Talking with the psychologists who brought the real science of emotion to the Pixar film.
![Common sunscreen myths, debunked](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/GettyImages-521771834.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.676245210728%2C0%2C66.647509578544%2C100&w=2400)
![Common sunscreen myths, debunked](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/GettyImages-521771834.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0.014367816091955%2C0%2C99.971264367816%2C100&w=2400)
Bottom line: Wearing it is still good advice.
![I know I’m supposed to be investing. How do I start?](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/OnTheMoney_PaigeVickers_6-6.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.26875%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![I know I’m supposed to be investing. How do I start?](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/OnTheMoney_PaigeVickers_6-6.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
It’s not how you start investing — it’s why.
![The secret to modern friendship, according to real friends](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/GettyImages-1320767941.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![The secret to modern friendship, according to real friends](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/GettyImages-1320767941.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
My friend wrote a book about friendship. Here’s what we learned about ours.
![You can help reverse the overdose epidemic](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/narcan-thumb_new.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
![You can help reverse the overdose epidemic](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/narcan-thumb_new.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=7.8125%2C0%2C84.375%2C100&w=2400)
The case for why we should all be carrying naloxone.
![How the self-care industry made us so lonely](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/02-SelfCare_238d2a.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=31.006510416667%2C1.5617431522368%2C64.761197916667%2C97.143314739293&w=2400)
The commodification of an activist concept turned a revitalizing practice into an isolating one.
![How to care for people in your life with intellectual disabilities](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-910619648.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=14.564138908575%2C0%2C70.871722182849%2C100&w=2400)
![How to care for people in your life with intellectual disabilities](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-910619648.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C2.9666666666667%2C100%2C94.066666666667&w=2400)
A practical guide to navigating a fractured support system.
![You really should say something if you hate your friend’s partner](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-1296124354.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![You really should say something if you hate your friend’s partner](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-1296124354.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
All is not lost if they are dating a complete loser.
![Dopamine, explained](https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25457320/Final_Hoi_Chan.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
Dopamine detoxing, hacking, and fasting: Is any of it real?