5 ways to achieve financial security
We all have a vision for our financial futures, whether it’s a vacation home on a tropical beach, a completely debt-free (and work-free) retirement, or selling everything to buy a cabin on that cruise ship […]
Here’s how to ‘lock’ your credit report
Why would you want to lock your credit? A study of 2019 data collected by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) gives plenty of reasons. Reports of credit fraud (both the use of existing accounts and opening new […]
Medicare open enrollment: 4 critical questions to ask
Medicare provides insurance for most seniors 65 and older, but getting covered isn’t as simple as it may seem. In fact, you have a choice of Medicare plans, and the decision you make can affect the […]
5 ways to keep track of your expenses
Why is it important to track your spending? Let us count the ways: It can help you set and meet your goals. It can give you more day-to-day control. It can boost your ability to […]
Investing in private companies
The goal of investing is to grow money for long-term goals like retirement, and do it strategically so that it can work for you while you’re out living your life. There are a variety of […]
9 ways to save money on your utility bills
Unless you go completely off-grid, there isn’t a way to not pay utility bills. Typically, homeowners pay monthly bills for their electricity usage — plus natural gas, water, garbage/sewer/recycling, cable television and internet access. Fortunately, […]
Is mobile banking safe?
People are increasingly relying upon mobile banking apps. A study shows how they are among the most widely used apps in the United States today, along with social media and apps providing weather reports. Mobile usage in […]
What to invest in besides your 401(k)
Investing has taken on increasing complexity in recent years. The wide range of options can make it difficult to determine which investment accounts are right for you. Contributing to a 401k through your employer is a smart […]
Scholarships, grants & student loans for Texas students
It looks like you’re considering attending school in the Lone Star State, and we can’t say we blame you. Texas is a large state with many great colleges and universities to choose from. And just […]
7 tips to maintain a healthy work-life balance
Nowadays, technology makes work easier and more efficient at every turn. But it also allows our work to follow us home each night. Is it possible technology could be doing more harm than good for your work-life […]
13 ways to trick yourself into saving more money
Saving money is definitely not as fun as spending money. Before I successfully changed my spending habits, I learned a few tricks to save money even when I didn’t want to. If you are trying […]
5 tips for finding a mortgage lender
Buying a home is an incredible accomplishment, but it doesn’t come without challenges. Not only are you on the hunt for your dream home (you know, that one with that perfect yard for the dog […]
Strapped for cash? How to lower your car payment
If you’re feeling a financial pinch, a lower car payment could lift a lot of weight off your shoulders. The average monthly car payment in the U.S. is $569 for new vehicles, $397 for used […]
Here’s how to talk money with family
Debt, feeling unhealthy and strained relationships can all negatively impact mental health. With the current pandemic raising awareness around mental health, it is important to reflect on how bad spending habits and relationship stress also […]
Money saving hacks for Walmart shoppers
When it comes to saving money, few stores can hold a candle to Walmart. Their “Everyday Low Prices” are just the tip of the iceberg. After reading about these Walmart shopping hacks, you’ll never look at this big-box […]
5 ways to rebuild your retirement savings
Life happens. A natural disaster, an emergency surgery, a roof leak — all sorts of sudden, unexpected situations could leave you scrambling for funds and needing to dig into your retirement fund. If you’ve lost […]
How to start investing in stocks
The very idea is sublime: Having your money make you more money? Yes please! If you’re reading this, you’ve likely heard about the opportunity to earn money by investing in the stock market, but maybe you don’t […]
6 investment risk management strategies
We take risks all the time Risk is everywhere, every day. Some people take steps to protect themselves and manage that risk. Others leave it up to luck. The same holds true when it comes […]
Pros & cons of using retirement funds to pay for college
In a perfect world, everyone would have a 529 plan — or another education savings account — full of funds to cover their children’s college years. But there are many reasons why that may not be the […]
A guide to the 403(b) retirement plan
Saving for retirement is an important financial goal — but not everyone understands all of the retirement plans available. After all, it does look a little bit like alphabet soup: 401(k), IRA, 403(b) — what’s […]
DINK: Living the dual income no kids lifestyle
More and more Millennials and Gen Xers are deciding to wait to have kids, or not have kids at all. This choice is partly financial. Having children can increase a couple’s expenses by 10% to […]
States where people are struggling most to pay their bills
As a general budgeting rule, it’s not wise to go into debt to meet day-to-day spending needs. But with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting every aspects of American life, the rules are changing. In fact, U.S. […]
9 myths about FDIC insurance debunked
When I was growing up, my grandmother kept her cash in a coffee can above the fridge. I never knew how much money was in that old blue Maxwell House tin, but I was always […]
How to save money when shopping at IKEA
There’s something thrilling about going to IKEA. The vibrant, complementary colors, the smell of Swedish meatballs and cinnamon buns in the air and the dizzying array of merchandise all make for a really fun afternoon. […]
These Americans are most likely to cheat on their taxes
Tax Day, typically in April, brings W-2s, proof of health insurance and sniffing out deductions. But have you ever been tempted to fudge those deductions — for instance, say you gave to charity when you […]
What to do when the stock market is crashing
I have been careless in some of my decision-making. Careless is being generous. My decisions were naïve and arrogant. When I was learning how to start investing with little money, I bought SiriusXM stock on news […]
How much money should I save a month?
We’ve all got dreams. Maybe yours is drinking from a coconut on a beach in Bora Bora during your honeymoon, raising a family in a warm and comfortable home, or biking through the countryside of […]
Pros & cons of the F.I.R.E movement
Most people dream of the day they clock in for the very last time. Of course, in most cases, we imagine that’ll be when we’re a little grayer around the ears. What if you could […]
10 creative ways you can donate to charity (and get a tax break)
Donating to charity looks differently to each generation. Gen Z does things differently than Millennials, who do things differently than Baby Boomers. Each generation is putting their own spin on clothing, movies, technology and even […]
Budgeting tips for every income level
More Americans are realizing that budgeting is an essential tool to reach any financial goal. Eighty percent of Americans now keep a budget, and 97% of Americans think everyone needs a budget, according to a recent CFP […]