What it takes to get a credit score over 800
In practical terms, having a credit score over 800 probably won’t make much of a difference to people who have credit scores in the high 700s. But there’s something about that 800 mark that motivates […]
How to design a killer loyalty program
When you think of a killer loyalty program, what comes to mind? Free coffee from a punch-card? Free airline tickets from a credit card company? Maybe. But killer loyalty programs have the potential to offer […]
Can your personal credit affect your business?
Running a business is more than a full-time job, and that can make it hard to maintain a boundary between work life and personal life. Turns out, the same goes for business finances and personal […]
Getting married? How to talk about debt before you say ‘I do’
You’re in love. You’re planning to get married. Ready to talk about money? Apparently 88% of Americans think that conversation is important, but only 51% ever get around to having it, according to a SunTrust survey. […]
A happiness guru’s guide to successful aging
Happiness guru Gretchen Rubin has been thinking about stuff. Specifically, what do with all of the stuff we amass over the course of a lifetime. Do you graciously accept your Great Aunt’s casserole dish, or do […]
10 states with the worst property tax bills
When you’re calculating how much home you can afford, don’t forget to factor in property taxes. This annual bill is one of the most important expenses tied to homeownership, but it might not always be […]
9 things to know about sorting out a loved one’s estate
When a loved one dies unexpectedly, handling their estate can be stressful, especially if their affairs weren’t in order. When my sister died, I was left to pick up the pieces and clues of her […]
The best & worst states to raise a family
You want the best for your child. When deciding on a place to live, you’ll probably be looking at things like affordability, safety and education — especially if you have little ones in tow. If […]
New survey predicts more hiring in 2019
In 2018, reports showed a strengthening economy was curbing unemployment, and job candidates found it easier to get work in line with their experience. Despite the seemingly boundless economic growth and record-breaking unemployment rates, there […]
Why a car key costs $200 to copy (& how to find cheaper options)
Ever lose a car key, or have one go bad after a few years? You probably dreaded asking the dealer for a new one, worried about the cost, with some keys and fobs costing $300 […]
Grocery store reward programs that are actually worth it
While it’s typically less expensive to go grocery shopping over eating out for every meal, it isn’t cheap, especially if you are buying for more than one. Besides using coupons, it pays to check out […]
7 personal loan mistakes & how to avoid them
There are many reasons to take out a personal loan like financing a big purchase or even paying off debt, but you’ll want to consider several factors before you do. Here are seven personal loan mistakes to […]
How to engage legal counsel without getting burned by fees
If you run a business, you will need to engage legal counsel at some point. Attorneys are expensive. There’s no denying it. However, the legal industry and its outdated fee structure are changing. Business owners […]
This could help you save up to $50,000 in two years
If you’re looking to save money (and who isn’t?), you might want to try the “starve and stack method.” It sounds extreme, but Nick Vail, a financial adviser and author of the Remove The Guesswork blog, claims […]
Spice 101: Flavors that just love each other
Nothing says “I love you” quite like a home-cooked meal. And nothing elevates a home-cooked meal quite like the addition of a few carefully chosen spices. We know the world of spices can be a […]
Inventory analysis: Why it’s important for businesses of any size
When a hurricane starts to form off the eastern seaboard, Walmart sends extra inventory of strawberry Pop-Tarts and beer to the stores where the storm is predicted to hit. Through their massive data collection efforts, they found […]
5 affordable ways to make your house more green
Being more conscious of our impact on the environment is becoming increasingly important. With Earth Day on April 22, now may be the time to take small steps to become more environmentally friendly. By making some simple […]
Here’s how your car data could sell you out
While cars can’t fly or do your taxes — yet — they can be pretty smart. Navigation and “infotainment” systems on newer vehicles can store your address, open your garage and access your cell phone. […]
5 ways a mistake on your credit reports can hurt you
Credit affects much of our daily lives — sometimes in ways we don’t expect. That’s why it’s so important to watch out for credit reporting errors. Here are five ways a mistake on your credit […]
The fabulous un-budget: A rational alternative to cumbersome budgeting
Budgeting is undoubtedly helpful in managing your financial life. Yet many people are loath to do it. Numeracy skills are one issue. People often think budgeting is mathematically difficult. I doubt true arithmophobia is a common obstacle, […]
What exactly happens when you donate your body to science?
When you face the death of a loved one, you’re facing more than grief. You can suffer a financial hit: Funerals are expensive. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, in 2017 the average cost of a […]
Subaru Forester grows, improves and adds versatility for 2019
So, your heart says you want a four-wheel-drive truck to travel off-road in the boonies, while your head tells you to get a sensible SUV that drives like a passenger car. Compromise can be difficult […]
How to get life insurance with COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – better known as COPD – is a more common disease than people are aware. And since there is no known cure, and it is potentially degenerative in nature, it can […]
These little nuances may affect mortgage options for first-time buyers
Purchasing a house for the first time requires careful planning and consideration so you can make the right financial choice for you and your family. Here’s what you ought to consider when your determining whether […]
What to do when your adult kid ages out of your health plan
Two years ago, recent college grad Amelia Hefferon was working as a stage actor in Chicago’s lively theater scene. In between gigs she found part-time work at the neighborhood fitness center to pay the bills. […]
Why you should stop force-closing your phone apps
Smartphones and habits go hand-in-hand, more than many of us are willing to admit. The compulsive early-morning email check before you get out of bed; unlocking your phone whenever alone for more than 10 seconds; […]
The 5 DIY projects that will boost your home’s curb appeal (and resale value)
Sometimes, I like to stroll around my neighborhood and gaze at the front of all of the homes in my area. It’s fun to see who updated their landscaping this summer, whose weeds are out […]
How to recognize a financially abusive relationship – and get out of it
Domestic violence shatters a victim’s sense of physical and emotional safety, and financial abuse makes it even harder for victims to break free from the grip of their abuser. Financial abuse is “using money and financial […]
Equal Pay Day and the state of the gender wage gap in 2019
Equal Pay Day for women, which fell on April 2 for all women this year, is when we raise awareness for how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go to realize […]
Some of the best balance transfer credit cards of 2019
Below is a list of some of the balance transfer credit cards out there offering the best introductory offers and lowest balance transfer fees, helping you to get as much time as you can to […]