Credit cards are a valuable tool for building credit, making large purchases, or earning rewards. Still, a tool this powerful must be used carefully to prevent avoidable or unmanageable amounts of debt. If you ever find yourself in deeper than expected, don’t worry – there are several ways to tackle credit card debt, one way being debt consolidation.
Is your home feeling a little cluttered? Want to get through the holidays, or start the new year, with a little extra cash in your pocket? If there are unused or seldom-used items taking up space in your home, consider selling them. Whether you’re purging your attic, decluttering your whole house, or getting ready to move, periodically selling off old things helps you simplify your lifestyle while earning quick cash – sometimes more than you might expect.
It’s the season of pumpkin spice, Thanksgiving feasts – and big grocery bills. If you’re looking to make the most of your time with family and friends, while saving money on food, shopping for groceries online could be your solution.
Few things are as important as our relationships with friends and family. The last thing you want is for money issues to get between you and your loved ones. While it’s a wonderful thing to be there for a friend, awkward money dilemmas can put your relationships in jeopardy if you aren’t careful. Here are a few common situations you may encounter, and ways to handle them.
As adults, the ways that we spend, save, and manage our money can be serious business. But as kids, this doesn’t have to be the case. Whether your child is taking their first steps or saving for their first big purchase, teaching children about money often works best when you add some fun and games to the experience.
It’s easy to put off saving for retirement. Everyday expenses like rent and groceries take precedence over something that’s decades away. And other savings goals like a new car or a down payment on a house are more exciting (and feel more tangible) than retirement. But starting to save for retirement when you’re young will make saving enough money to enjoy a comfortable retirement much easier. Here's why.
Planning for your personal assets and end-of-life decisions is one of the most important things you can do for your family – and your finances. If you are putting off creating your estate plan, it’s time to stop procrastinating. When you understand estate planning essentials, and have the right professional guidance, the process can be relatively quick and straightforward.
When things are going well, it’s easy to forget that emergencies and hard times can happen. And it’s even easier to put off preparing for them. That may be one reason that so few people have money saved for emergencies. Just 40% of Americans have enough set aside to cover a $1,000 emergency expense.
Owning a vehicle can cost thousands of dollars per year, so it’s important to take steps to protect yourself from unexpected expenses. Having the right insurance and other forms of coverage can help you avoid the stress and financial burdens that result from an accident, breakdown, or theft. If you have a new car or are shopping for one now, here are four valuable coverage options that can help you worry less and enjoy your vehicle more.
It’s never an easy thing to think about, but it’s something you need to consider: If you were to die, who would provide for your loved ones? September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, and now is the perfect time to learn about the types of life insurance and see what’s best for you.
Home is where the heart is, but it is not always near where the job is. The average American’s commute takes 26.9 minutes, with more than 14 million Americans spending an hour or more traveling to work. A longer commute often means more money spent on gas and on car repairs. Here are 7 ways to stop a long commute from cutting into your budget.
Rising student loan debt is affecting many young people. Understanding student loans is a critical first step toward managing and reducing that debt.
Do you ever wonder how your spending habits compare with those of other Americans? Wonder no more. Here are a few of the everyday purchases that account for a large portion of what we spend our money on – along with some tips on how to save money in these key areas and set aside more for the future.
Life takes money. And sometimes, it takes a lot of money at once. Whether you are planning a wedding, updating your kitchen, or fixing your car, having affordable access to cash is often essential. After all, you don’t want to wipe out your savings.
When it’s time to look for a loan or line of credit, one of the first questions to ask is: secured or unsecured?
Whether you’re starting your kids in pre-school or returning to grad school, back to school is an exciting time for anyone starting something new. While fall can add a lot of expenses to your plate, there are plenty of ways to get what you need, get the maximum value for your dollar and stay within your budget.
We all want to live comfortably and build a secure financial future. Whether you’re supporting yourself or a big family, you deserve this financial freedom. Unfortunately, earning a good salary can be a challenge for many Americans.
In today’s competitive job market, being a skilled and valuable employee is the best way to ensure a great paycheck. And this usually depends on a great education.
If you just got your first credit card, or soon will, you have probably heard that credit card debt is a major risk to avoid. While that is true, you shouldn’t be afraid to properly use your credit card. The fact is that like most tools, credit cards can be helpful when used responsibly and can lead to problems when used irresponsibly.
We all need reliable, affordable transportation. For many of us, an auto loan is essential when it’s time to buy our next new or used vehicle. The type of financing you choose and the lender you turn to for your loan is a bigger deal than you might think.
It’s a good idea to do a midyear financial checkup. Think of it as an informal self-review of your personal finances that will help you determine how effectively you’re spending, saving, and managing money and supporting a bright financial future.
There are unexpected expenses that we all endure, many of which seem to occur at the most inopportune times. While it’s impossible to know what’s ahead, the good news is that you have the ability to take control of your finances and better prepare yourself, and your wallet, for the unexpected. To help, we’ve outlined 5 ways to handle unexpected expenses.
