Should I have an emergency fund?
A hospital bill in the thousands. A vet invoice for hundreds. A car repair for more than you make in a month. When faced with an emergency, it can compound the problem to try to […]
The weirdest city slogans in every state
You may have never heard of Ormond Beach, Florida, or Lebanon, Tennessee, but their slogans sure are memorable. From dubious claims of being the world’s tuna capital to friendly reminders not to pass gas, here […]
How to dispute credit report errors for free
It’s entirely common to find an error on your credit report — but here’s the good news: Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to dispute incorrect or inaccurate items on your […]
Here’s how many people have Social Security Disability Insurance in your state
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a government-run program that replaces part of your income if you meet its requirements and your disability keeps you from working for at least 12 months. However, less than […]
21 new hotels that will blow your mind
The travel industry has been severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic, but recent upticks in Transportation Security Administration travel numbers signal that travel is on the upswing. In addition, global hotel chains continue to open […]
23 cheap ways to stay entertained at home this winter
There’s no denying that 2020 came with its fair share of challenges, some of which have spilled over into 2021. While unemployment has decreased significantly since its peak in April of last year, millions of […]
The best & worst months to sell your home
June has been widely recognized as the best month to sell a house and get the highest price premiums. But with today’s low-interest-rate environment and the uncertainty of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the best time […]
Popular monthly dividend stocks
You might not guess it from the way many investors base their mood on the day-to-day movements of the stock market, but for most people, an investment account represents money that’s being put away for the long […]
8 easy ways to spot fake news
As a working journalist and a master’s candidate at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, it’s infuriating to see my friends and family share stories from untrustworthy, tilted “news” sources. Unfortunately, since a new president […]
Take a look inside this gorgeous Aspen ranch retreat
The Aspen Valley ranch spans 800 acres and has 8 custom homes that put a whole new spin on western ranch-style living. Today, we’re taking a closer look at its largest home, the striking Mount […]
2021 cars with the best gas mileage
There are a variety of hybrid vehicles to suit a variety of budgets and styles. Whether you’re looking to save money on gas, reduce environmental impact or both, these best gas mileage cars can help. […]
How to handle change at work without stressing out
But being ready to roll with change has also become a business-critical skill. Here are five easier-than-you-think strategies to help you embrace the unknown. While each person’s experience in 2020 has been unique, I bet […]
10 ways to get your family finances back on track
As much as we’d all like to be great with money, we may find that it doesn’t always happen. Despite your best intentions, you may find that things always seem to be difficult to stay […]
What Is a dividend?
Investing in the stock market can be an exciting proposition. Stocks provide an opportunity to make your money work for you. In fact, there are two ways to earn money when you own a stock. […]
What is net worth and why should you know yours?
Know thyself. This classic maxim from ancient Greece is as much true for knowing about your personality and quirks as it is for knowing about yourself financially. And one of the best ways to understand […]
17 things you should know about retirement
From individual retirement accounts to employer-sponsored 401(k) and 403(b) plans, the average American household has seen retirement accounts grow by 5%. Our 2021 retirement statistics guide aims to provide a well-rounded view of trends, from average retirement […]
11 smart ways to use your tax refund
If you deducted more than was needed from your pay throughout the year, tax season can deliver one of the biggest annual “bonus checks” you might receive — even though it’s not technically a bonus […]
Debt consolidation programs: How they work
If you’re trying to pay off debt, you’ve probably looked into the variety of options that could help. If so, you’ve likely come across debt consolidation programs — and may be wondering what they are. […]
How market capitalization impacts stock value
The stock market is full of jargon. Some terms are fairly easy to figure out. “Buy” and “sell” are simple enough, as are “opening price” and “closing price.” But others, like “market cap,” are more […]
37 household hacks that will change your life
Many people want to find ways to save money, but they don’t want those savings to come at the sacrifice of everyday comforts and needs. However, there are many household hacks that can let you […]
The 40 best virtual museum tours
The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic has forced many, if not all, major museums, art galleries and cultural institutions to indefinitely close their doors to the public. But there are still ways you can get an eyeful […]
Is mouthwash good for your teeth?
Sure mouthwash can leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean and some can even whiten your teeth, but are there any actual health benefits to using it regularly? Let’s take a look at the effect […]
Parents in this Midwestern state pay the most for childcare
Child care costs were already high pre-coronavirus pandemic, but they’ve only gotten more expensive. The COVID-19 crisis is costing center-based child care providers an extra 41% annually per child — $14,117, up from $9,977 pre-pandemic. […]
Understanding the presidential election cycle theory
The presidential election cycle theory suggests that the stock market follows a pattern that correlates with a U.S. president’s four-year term. The first two years of a term tend to be the weakest for stocks, […]
This woman rebuilt her credit after divorce in 7 easy steps
Take it from someone who’s gone through it: divorce is not a fun experience. Because of the way my freelance writing business is structured, I was fortunate enough to get through my divorce relatively unscathed […]
How student loans could impact your taxes
For some, tax day means a much-awaited refund. For others, it may mean another expense. There are a variety of factors that can affect your taxes, including your status as a student. Before we dive […]
15 ways you can give back on MLK Day
Many Americans honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by giving back or volunteering for MLK Day. However, this year, many people and agencies are foregoing in-person community or organization-based volunteering opportunities. If you’re […]
The best family cars of 2021
The best family cars usually have a big thing in common: space. Roominess is essential for car seats and car pool arrangements, wiggly toddlers and growing teens. Yes, most of the cars on this list […]
12 simple ways to take care of yourself
In the world of personal finance, it’s easy to get caught up with conversations about debt and money, bills and spreadsheets, side hustles and income. We often forget how incredibly important it is to take […]
All about the paycheck protection program (PPP), round 2
After months of negotiations, the $900 billion pandemic stimulus package bill was passed into law on Dec. 27. The new law provides another round of funding, $284 billion, to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a key small-business […]