6 affordable ways to boost your immune system
Cold and flu season is here, and the best offense is a good defense. You can protect yourself by heading out into the world from a place of optimum health. Here are tangible things you […]
What you need to know about new mortgage interest deduction rules
The “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” changed the rules for deducting mortgage interest. Here are three important “take-aways” from the new rules. Some home equity interest is no longer deductible … Home equity interest is […]
Should you pay your mortgage with a credit card?
When you pay your mortgage, your monthly payments are likely being directly withdrawn from your checking or savings account or you’re issuing your lender a check. You may also be able to pay with your […]
Is AAA worth the cost? Here’s what to consider
When my girlfriend (now lovely wife) and I first started dating, we’d go on various road trips together. I don’t think it was that long ago but this was before the days of having Waze […]
9 things you need to know about ChexSystems
If you’ve ever had difficulty opening a checking account, then you’re probably all too aware of a company called ChexSystems. But how much do you really know about this company that happens to be scoring […]
5 easy DIY holiday gifts to start making now
The season of giving is here and if you are worried about holiday overspending, a DIY gift may be the best option. Not sure what to make? Try some of these ideas. Image Credit: mediaphotos. […]
Essential money lessons to teach your kids this holiday season
There’s no denying the holiday shopping season is expensive. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported Americans spent almost $700 billion on holiday shopping last year. If you’re like many parents, your children will be with […]
17 free resources that will help you grow your business this year
Is 2018 the year you plan to launch your business or take it to the next level? If so, we’ve got a round up of 17 awesome free resources that can help you achieve your […]
The fastest & slowest selling cars on the market
Buying a car is a major purchase, especially if it’s your first time. If you are on a tight budget, buying a used car may be for you. (If you aren’t sure whether to buy […]
8 reasons you need to pay attention to your credit score
Your credit score affects many important aspects of your life, from your personal finances to your ability to work and live where you want. Having a good credit score can also save you hundreds or […]
How to dispute a “debit” report
Thanks to companies like ChexSystems, we all have what we like to call “debit” reports. These reports track our banking behavior just as credit reports track credit behavior. The key difference between the two is […]
50 fun ways to teach your kids about money
Teaching your kids about money can be fun — you can take a day-to-day activity and make it a learning moment, or turn a complex topic into a game. Your child has something to learn […]
A beginner’s guide to finding the right homeowners insurance policy
Your mortgage lender will require that you buy a specified amount of homeowners insurance before letting you close on your home. When looking into homeowners insurance companies, you’ll want to consider the company’s financial stability, […]
Is AppleCare smartphone insurance worth buying?
You can cover a lost or stolen iPhone with a new insurance policy — but it will cost you. Apple has quietly launched a new product that may be just as exciting as the next […]
One simple trick to cut your life insurance costs
For many people, the amount of life insurance protection they need throughout their lives varies. Many life insurance policies allow you to adjust your death benefit amount while your policy is active, but another way […]
Why baby boomers still need this important financial protection tool
All the generations do money differently. Millennials are budgeting far differently than those in Gen X, for example. But we all have something new to learn and consider when it comes to our money. For most […]
How to file a homeowners insurance claim after a natural disaster
If you live in an area susceptible to natural disasters, chances are you’re going to need to file a homeowners insurance claim at some point. Filing a disaster claim requires that you provide a lot […]
They may share love, but many couples don’t share money
Some couples share everything, from homes, to clothes to pets. But there’s one thing many don’t mingle: finances. In fact, one-in-five people keep and manage their money separately from their partners, according to a new […]
8 ways to save on prescription drugs
With health insurance coverage, prescription copays and out of pocket costs fluctuate based on the type of drug and the plan itself. Without coverage, you’re 100 percent responsible for the full cost of your prescriptions, […]
8 hidden moving expenses to watch out for
Whether you’re moving across the country or just across town, one of the first things you should do before loading up your boxes is create a moving budget. This will help you make sure your […]
7 things debt collectors can’t do (and what you should do if they do them)
When you have a debt that goes to collections, it can feel as though debt collectors rule your life until you pay up. Thanks to the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA), though, there are […]
Is brewing your own beer worth the investment?
I recently popped into my local homebrew store, SoCo Homebrew in Austin, Texas, because I wanted to learn more about homebrewing options and the associated costs. The owner, Joseph Butler, was brewing a fresh batch […]
Want to be a star home cook? Stock your kitchen first
Often, when I’m at a cocktail party meeting new people, the conversation usually comes around to the fact that I cook for a living. Many people are in awe of the fact that I love to […]
A beginners guide to reading (& understanding) a hospital bill
Whether it was a planned procedure or an unplanned emergency, a hospital visit is often a disorienting and stressful experience — and that’s before you receive the bill. Hospital bills are notoriously difficult to understand, […]
Can I get a VA or FHA home loan with a 500 credit score?
You applied for a loan from the Federal Housing Administration or the Veterans Administration, but your lender said your credit score is too low to qualify. So what now? Here is the number one thing you […]
Win every fall potluck with this easy $12 chili recipe
Fall is finally in the air and for me, it means pulling out my slow cooker and making some hearty chili. Chili is great for many reasons. It’s easy to make, delicious, feeds a crowd […]
How much car insurance is required in each state?
Almost every state requires motorists have car insurance — for the good, the bad and the weird. Unfortunately for those looking for easy answers, each one of those states has a different minimum amount of […]
How to go cash only this fall
The summer is just about over, which means we’re in the home stretch when it comes to meeting end-of-the-year financial goals. If you strayed a little (or, let’s be honest, a lot) last season, you […]
What happens when your check bounces?
Ever wonder what happens if your check bounces? Although checks might seem like relics of the past, many companies still use them, and so we must keep a box or two on hand. The problem […]
What would you give up for a better night’s sleep?
Millions of Americans have trouble sleeping. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic estimates that 70 million Americans fall into this category. Troubled sleep can range from tossing and turning on your mattress to severe insomnia, but […]