10 home buying red flags
You’ve been getting up early weekend after weekend to go to open houses and have spent hours looking at online listings. You’ve finally found a place that you like, but before you make an offer, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Cable alternatives for when you’re ready to cut the cord
Are you ready to cut the cord? If you’re reading this, chances are you’re fed up with the exorbitant costs and restrictive contracts that come with a cable subscription and ready to try something new. But […]
Best school districts where you can buy an affordable home
When settling down and starting a family, one of the major questions people ask themselves before buying a home is, “How are the schools in the area?” For many, this consideration is just as important as the […]
20 affordable cities for homebuyers
Home is where the heart is, but it can also be where all the money is. Housing is one of the biggest living expenses adults incur on a regular basis. Whether someone is renting or […]
7 top ETF trends for 2021
As 2020 ends, it’s clear that exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have become a popular way to invest. Like any investment product, things are always changing. Keeping an eye on ETF trends can help investors make better […]
8 tax benefits of buying a home in 2021
You may not realize there are several tax benefits of buying a home, if homeownership is on your goal list. Two major incentives are the mortgage interest and property tax deductions — both may help […]
20 ways to save money at Starbucks & Dunkin’
If you follow me regularly, you know I urge folks on a budget to make their own coffee to save money. But I know that DIY coffee isn’t for everyone, so I wanted to share […]
8 tips for writing a thesis statement
Writing a good thesis statement can be extremely difficult, but it usually signals the end of a long road. Most theses are turned in at the end of undergraduate or graduate school. It’s an accomplishment […]
The 25 most popular cities for millennial homebuyers
Millennials make up the largest group of homebuyers in the United States, surpassing members of older (and richer) generations like Generation X and baby boomers. And though the COVID-19 pandemic has doubtlessly caused some millennials to put […]
11 truths about money everyone should know
I have been interested in personal finance for over a decade now. I’ve learned a lot about money, investing, and the psychology behind money. I have a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree […]
5 ways to make improving your finances fun
Not everybody loves a challenge, but for those who do, they can work wonders. Try these five money challenges in whatever form gets you most fired up to improve your finances. 1. The Savings Challenge […]
11 tips for cleaning up your finances
If your finances feel like they are unorganized and chaotic, it might be time for an overhaul. If you are trying to figure out how to clean up your finances, a great place to start […]
How to winterize a house
When prepping for winter, it makes sense to seal cracks and holes around doors and windows no matter where you live. If you’re bracing for a big chill, or worse, a blizzard — predicted to […]
How to pay for dental school
Dental care is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as oral health is connected to health issues in other parts of the body. The demand for dentists, like other health care professionals, is […]