4 ways to finance a home improvement project
The best way to finance a home improvement project is not to do one. That’s because the cost of these jobs almost always outstrips the value they add to the resale price of your home. And if […]
Turns out pets are big gift getters on Valentine’s Day
As Valentine’s Day approaches each year, our thoughts turn to that special someone who warms our hearts, and makes us smile when we come home from work — our pets. So it’s no surprise that […]
7 debt consolidation myths you shouldn’t believe
In the right circumstances, debt consolidation can help get debt under control. But there are entities that offer the promise of debt consolidation yet don’t deliver — and even charge illegal fees in the process. Understand the […]
Being too nice can be bad for your money
You were probably encouraged to be nice when you were growing up. If you hit another kid or teased them you’d hear, “Now, be nice.” But, a new study reveals that in the long run, […]
Why sales tax calculations based on ZIP codes are not enough
Unless you live in a single rate state like Massachusetts, where you calculate sales tax at one rate (6.25%) for every address in the state, the total sales tax rate for a given address could […]
Honeymoon on a budget: Our $400 Caribbean trip
There was no way I was going to get married without a honeymoon to follow. At the same time, I knew from sources like Wedding Wire that the average cost of a honeymoon trip is about $4,000. […]
Pay off student loans or invest? 6 questions to help you decide
With millions of Americans dealing with more than $1.5 trillion in outstanding student loan debt, it’s no surprise that many young workers are stressed about their debt and hope to pay it off ASAP. No matter […]
Why you may be getting a smaller tax refund this year
Filing your taxes is not fun — in fact, it can be pretty painful. This year may be more painful than others. Across the country, Americans are complaining about getting a smaller tax refund. The […]
Student loan counselors: Who they are & how they can help
Let’s get one thing straight: There are all sorts of reasons why you shouldn’t hire a student loan counselor, at least not right away. For one thing, you don’t need to pay someone for what you […]
What if your spouse doesn’t have – and doesn’t want – life insurance?
If your spouse doesn’t have life insurance, do you simply respect their wishes and go about your life? On some level, that may sound like a fair response. But whether a person wants life insurance […]