How much money should I spend on rent?
Maybe you can’t afford to buy a house just yet. Maybe you prefer renting to buying. Or maybe you’re just waiting for the right home to come along before you commit to owning. Whatever your […]
How to tell if your credit card can make contactless payments
Do you know what the top-right symbol on this credit card means? If you don’t, you’re not alone. That wave-like symbol means that the card can be used to make contactless payments — and nearly […]
69% of Americans want COVID-19 unemployment benefits extended
On March 27, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law by President Donald Trump. Among other things, the CARES Act authorized a stimulus check for most American families and provided […]
1-in-3 Americans are boycotting businesses right now. Here’s why
In business they say the customer is always right. For some consumers, that statement not only applies to customer service, but also describes their ideology on political and social issues. A substantial percentage of consumers […]
8 easy ways to save an extra $500 a month
Most of us make way more money than we need to survive. Unfortunately, many of us get sucked into spending out of boredom, habit or a lack of financial planning. Fortunately, we have put together eight […]
Want to buy an adorable home renovated by the Property Brothers?
If you’re a fan of HGTV’s popular Property Brothers show and have often found yourself day-dreaming about the beautiful homes Jonathan and Drew Scott worked on, we have a treat for you today: a lovely 1920s-built home […]
What percentage of income should I save?
Putting a portion of every paycheck into savings can be an important step toward building financial security. Parents, financial professionals and TV pundits like to press that point when they talk about setting lifetime goals, […]
How to increase your credit score 100 points in 7 easy steps
Your credit score is the gateway to almost all your financial goals — from applying for a mortgage to purchasing a car. Having a good credit score can help you get the credit you need, […]
5 financial milestones to hit by age 40
It’s never too early (or late) to look ahead and secure your financial future. If you’re wondering if your personal finances are on target, here are some milestones to consider. Retirement seems a lot closer […]
This woman has traded her way from a bobby pin to a car
Money has been around for centuries — even before the advent of written history — but it hasn’t always been the easiest or even best way to get goods and services. The barter system, in […]
These are the states people are moving to the most
Americans were on the move in 2019 and baby boomers led the way, according to an annual study conducted by United Van Lines. The study and its accompanying survey show that more baby boomers moved than […]
Jobs that pay for your college degree
When you’re getting ready to head off to college, the feedback that floods in is consistent. Parents, older siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends all tell you, get ready for the best four years of […]
Early retirement: Can you swing it?
Many people dream of early retirement but aren’t sure when it’s the right time. Here’s how you know you’re ready to retire early. Early retirement has become something of a buzzword as an increasing number of […]
17 smart ways to save money on utilities
Tired of paying what feels like way too much for your utilities? Use these money-saving tips to lower your bills today. Few bills are as unpredictable as utility bills. You may not think you’ve changed […]
Here’s why you should get pre-approved for a car loan
A pre-approved car loan could prevent a dealership from overcharging you. It isn’t hard to get preapproved for a car loan — it simply means a lender reviews your credit and tells you how much […]
This woman is turning a bobby pin into a home. Here’s how
Money has been around for centuries — even before the advent of written history — but it hasn’t always been the easiest or even best way to get goods and services. The barter system, in […]
Want to live in an RV full-time? Consider these drawbacks
I’ve been a full-time RVer for over three years now, and it’s definitely the life for me. The idea of going back to living in a stationary house makes me restless. And I know a […]
Here’s what happens if you don’t make your credit card payments
If you don’t pay your credit card bill, expect to pay late fees, receive increased interest rates and incur damages to your credit score. If you continue to miss payments, your card can be frozen, […]
5 money habits that will help you build serious wealth
When it comes to building wealth and getting wealthy, our money habits have a profound effect. They literally control – sometimes unconsciously, how we operate each and every day. For example, our habits control when we […]
Can you buy a car with a credit card?
Here’s the short answer. Yes, you can buy a car with a credit card. The better question may be whether or not this is the best way for you to purchase your vehicle — and […]
Guess how many couples start married life with wedding debt
When a couple says their wedding vows, they commit to a lifelong union of their aspirations, life goals and finances. However, many couples kick off married life by taking on thousands of dollars in debt […]
What is the average savings by age?
There are endless reasons why a person may want to save money. Be it for a trip they’ve been dreaming of, a home repair project that’s long overdue, a new car, college, or just for […]
How to buy a new car without leaving home
In pre-pandemic times, most car dealers would urge customers to come to the dealership for a test drive. And while you were there, a car salesperson would usually try to sell you on a vehicle […]
How to pay for your kids’ college without spending a cent
As a parent, you want your children to have as many choices as possible in life — and a college degree can help open up many social and professional opportunities. Paying for college, however, may […]
DRIP investing: Finding dividend reinvestment stocks
One of the first investment concepts to grasp is that compound interest and earnings can help an investor’s portfolio grow. If an investor buys an asset which pays out interest or dividends, and then they reinvest those […]
Here’s how these Airbnb hosts earn $30K annually
Steve and Annette Economides of Money Smart Family are empty-nesters with a large home in Arizona. “It’s about 3,500 square feet,” Annette says. “With the kids grown and gone, the empty rooms could have just become junk […]
More than 1/3 of student loan borrowers don’t have enough to eat
If borrowers were challenged to repay student loan debt before the coronavirus struck, you can imagine their plight in the pandemic’s wake. Due to preexisting challenges and a new widespread loss of income, more than […]
Boise housing market: Trends & prices
If you end up calling Boise home, you’ll quickly see why its nickname is The City of Trees. Idaho in general has a combined wilderness space of over 4.7 million acres and Boise has its […]
11 retirement worries that are top of mind for Americans
The COVID-19 pandemic has roiled the economy and devastated many Americans’ savings, and it appears there is no end in sight. Amid the current surge in COVID-19 cases across the country, states have revived restrictions and stay-at home […]
A beginner’s guide to making money on YouTube
Are you looking for a lucrative side hustle or full-time gig? Learn how to make money on YouTube. Why YouTube? Because it’s one of those online places, you go to find everything! If you want a […]