In an age of massive data breaches and identity theft, many of us are offered tools like credit monitoring or credit protection to safeguard our finances. If you’ve had personal data exposed, and with billions of records breached in recent
Financial stability plays a major role in leading a healthy and happy life. Yet many people face the challenges of carrying considerable debt, whether from student loans, credit cards, medical bills, or a combination of factors. So, what do you
Finding a side hustle that works for you isn’t just about making a little extra cash; it’s about choosing something sustainable, enjoyable, and flexible enough to fit around your life. The good news is that you don’t need months of
Teaching teenagers about money is more important than ever. Surveys show that 88% of parents want their kids to become financially independent, yet many feel awkward bringing it up. Meanwhile, teens themselves are under pressure: one study found that over
Buying your first home? Congratulations! As a first-time borrower, you might be wondering how to compare different mortgage loan offers and pick the best one. Mortgage terms can seem overwhelming at first, but don’t worry, we’ll break them down in
Travel hacking isn’t anything revolutionary. It’s about using credit card rewards wisely to see the world at a discount (or even free). In a nutshell, you earn a certain amount of points and miles from specific credit cards and loyalty
If you’ve built equity in your home and need cash, you’re usually looking at two contenders: a home equity loan (often called a “second mortgage”) or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). They both use your home as collateral,
Starting to save early, even with small amounts, allows parents to harness compound interest over many years. Saving for a child’s college education is one of the biggest financial goals many U.S. families face. College costs keep rising – for
Even a small mistake on your credit report can have a surprisingly significant financial impact. Credit report errors are more common than you might think – roughly 1 in 5 people have an error on at least one of their
Dealing with debt collectors can be overwhelming, intimidating and emotionally exhausting, but you have rights and options. In the United States, federal laws, such as the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), protect consumers from abusive or unfair debt collection
Budgeting with your partner can actually be a positive, team-building activity – in one study, couples who pooled their money and agreed on spending reported higher financial satisfaction. The secret is cooperation: start by discussing shared goals and values, plan
Turning 50 can feel like a significant milestone. You may be emerging from financially challenging years when you were paying for kids, cars, and a large mortgage. Now, as retirement looms ahead, your retirement savings are probably on your mind.
Inflation has continued to rise dramatically over the last few years, prompting many people to seek new ways to save. Previously, one of the most popular pieces of advice was to cut your cable. If you’re one of the millions
Missing a loan payment can happen to anyone. Perhaps your paycheck was late, an unexpected emergency arose, or you simply forgot. While it’s a common mishap, it’s important to understand what comes next. This helpful guide explains what happens if
Is taking out a personal loan a good option for tackling your credit card debt? Learn about the benefits and potential risks to determine when it makes sense to use a personal loan to pay off a credit card. Circumstances
When it comes to managing your money, the decisions you make today can have a lasting impact on your future. Whether you’re planning for retirement, navigating a major life event or simply looking to grow your wealth, hiring a financial
Building an emergency fund of $1,000 can feel daunting, especially if you’re living paycheck to paycheck. But having a small emergency fund is a game-changer for your peace of mind and financial security. Only about half of Americans have at
Many people who want to start investing hold themselves back due to a lack of financial knowledge and uncertainty over navigating the complexities of investments. There’s no shortage of information out there giving advice on how to start and which
You don’t have to live like a monk to manage your finances. Enjoying life while staying on budget is possible. Successful budgeting begins with identifying expenses that harm your wallet but don’t improve your quality of life. You can save
It’s 2025, and the state of personal finances and budgeting feels significantly different from what it was a decade ago. Inflation is skyrocketing, the cost of living is at an all-time high, and the next recession always seems to be
Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, but selecting the right Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a good place to start. Most people choose between two main options: a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA. Both offer savings that support your
Money talks, but in relationships, it often whispers warnings we choose not to hear. While love may seem to conquer all, financial incompatibility can slowly erode even the strongest romantic foundations. Understanding and recognizing financial red flags early in a
Whether you’re paying off your mortgage, eliminating credit card debt, or repaying your student loans, long-term debt can feel like an insurmountable obstacle with no end date in sight. However, there are ways to maintain your morale and stay on
Credit cards are often described in negative terms. And it’s true that credit cards usually come with high interest rates and can lead some people into debt. However, if you use credit cards responsibly, they can offer numerous benefits. Financially
Housing is likely the biggest expense in your monthly budget. Understanding your finances and determining the percentage of your income to allocate for rent or mortgage costs is essential for maintaining healthy finances. This guide will help you figure out
A secured loan, sometimes called a collateral loan, is a debt that is backed by an asset you own. The lender has the right to seize the named asset to recover their losses if you don’t repay the loan as
Does investing in an ever-changing and complex market cause you anxiety? You’re not alone. Many new investors struggle with the same concern: “What if I invest all my money right before the market drops?” This fear keeps countless potential investors
Every year, you promise this will be when you get your finances together. Well, let 2025 truly be that year. It can be hard to know where to start, but this 2025 financial calendar will keep you on track. Your
So, you have credit card debt. You’re not the only one. Credit card debt continues to be at an all-time high in the United States, totalling a balance of $1.2 trillion as reported by the Federal Reserve Bank of New
Does your paycheck seem to vanish into thin air each month, leaving you wondering where all your money went? You’re not alone. According to a 2024 survey by the Federal Reserve, nearly 35% of Americans don’t track their spending in
Increase your long-term financial stability by growing your wealth through investments. Investing in the stock market means you are actively purchasing shares in a public company. As a part-owner of that company, you see positive gains on your investment when
College costs require most students to take out loans to cover tuition, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. These loans can impact your life for years after you finish school, influencing your spending habits and determining your ability to purchase
Car insurance is expensive. As of 2025, the average American pays $ 2,149 annually for full coverage car insurance. With such high costs, most people would do almost anything to get their insurance rate down. What you might not realize
Dealing with debt can be incredibly stressful. And it’s even more so if you can’t make your payments. If you have a loan you’re struggling to keep up with, it’s essential to know what to do. Ignoring the problem isn’t
Credit cards have become ubiquitous tools for almost everyone, and some merchants are only accepting these plastic rectangles as a form of payment. These small rectangles offer convenience and financial flexibility, but they also come with significant responsibilities and potential
People can accumulate debt for many reasons. It can be due to student loans, medical emergencies, overspending, or poor investment decisions. If you have debt, know that you’re not alone. As of 2024, the average American holds just under $105,000
You work hard all of your life to get to retirement. Those golden years are meant to be a peaceful and enjoyable time. However, that dream might be in jeopardy if you aren’t financially secure. You need to have enough
Having credit card debt is often incredibly stressful. Not only do you need to create a plan to pay what you owe, but you may find it difficult to access new lines of credit you need until you take care
Americans are struggling to keep up with their debt repayments more than ever. The number of households having missed loan payments for 90+ days on some loans is at 14-year highs. If you’re having trouble paying your loans on time,
Debt can feel like a storm cloud that follows you wherever you go. Whether you are drowning in credit card debt, student loans, car payments, or personal loans, debt can play a huge role in your future financial decisions and
It’s unlikely that you’ll get through life without needing to borrow money at some point. People can get away without using credit cards, but it’s much harder to pay for life’s biggest expenses in cash. Loans are often used to
You’ll probably need to apply for a loan at some point in your life. You might need it to purchase a car or a property, get through emergency bills, or start a small business. Whatever the reason, you’ll quickly learn
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans lost $10 billion to scams and fraud in 2023. The median loss was $500 per victim. However, more than 100,000 people reported losing over $10,000. Financial scams no longer target just the
Life throws curveballs at all of us, including unexpected expenses for car repairs and medical bills. Likewise, sudden changes like job loss can negatively affect your budget. Without a financial buffer, these situations can lead you straight into debt. Fortunately,
There’s no denying that it’s harder than ever to become a homeowner in the United States. This is mostly due to the limited housing supply and prices that have rapidly increased faster than wages. Still, the white picket fence is
As you go through life, you realize just how important your credit is. If your credit is healthy, it can open doors and opportunities for you. But, when your credit is poor, you often find yourself struggling to get ahead.
If you ever have a loan where you pay the same payment every month, you likely have an amortization loan. These loans are especially common for mortgages, car loans, personal loans, and student loans. Considering you’ll likely have an amortization
A credit card is a powerful and convenient financial tool. It gives you access to a secure way to make purchases with flexible repayment options. When leveraged smartly, a credit card can help you start to build or rebuild a
So, you’re going to get a mortgage soon. This is a monumental life step for anyone. But, if you’ve never done it before, it can also feel overwhelming. Your home will probably be the biggest purchase of your life, and
In today’s modern world, almost every adult has credit. In fact, credit is so common that some stores no longer accept cash! Throughout your life, you may use credit for everything from everyday purchases to bigger expenses, such as a
All American consumers have protections against debt collectors under the Fair Collections Practices Act (FCPA). This federal law dictates how often debt collectors can contact you, how they can contact you, and what they can say. The debt collection industry
Your credit score has a big effect on your financial well-being. A good score is essential to access favorable interest rates and loan terms. Your score can even determine whether you get offered the job you want or qualify to
As of 2024, the average American holds a credit card balance of $6,501. With the average credit card interest rate between 21 and 22%, that balance can come with some incredibly high interest charges. If you want to get your
You need help with your debt. And after some research, you’ve come across two popular choices: debt consolidation and debt settlement. But which is right for you? Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it depends on your specific situation.
After spending a significant portion of your life at a 9 to 5 job, the sudden transition into retirement can leave you feeling stressed. While you have more time for activities you enjoy and greater control over how you spend
No one wants to file for bankruptcy. It’s a monumental decision that can have a long-standing impact on your finances and credit. Still, challenges and unexpected expenses arise, and bankruptcy does happen. Know that you’re not alone. In 2024, there
For many people, opening a joint bank account makes it easier to share financial information with family members. A joint account is any type of financial account that has at least two owners. For example, you can have joint bank
Towards the end of 2024, applications to refinance mortgages kept banks busier than ever. As of September 2024, there was a 94% year-over-year increase in mortgage refinances. If you plan to join the millions of Americans refinancing their mortgages, you’ll
If you’re nearing retirement age, you probably have Social Security benefits on your mind. You’ve worked all your adult life, and cashing into eligible Social Security benefits is your right. But, if you plan to continue to work in retirement,
So, you’ve found yourself in debt—and enough debt that you’re constantly worrying about it. Know that you’re not alone. As of the end of 2024, the average American household held an all-time high debt amount of $104,215. When everyone around
Home renovations can transform your living space, enhance your home’s value, and improve your quality of life. However, they often come with a hefty price tag and can sometimes be overwhelming. Finding the right financing is crucial, whether you’re planning
If you listen to personal finance guru Dave Ramsey, credit cards are something to avoid at all costs. And that is a good rule of thumb for overspenders who cannot control themselves. But, if you can responsibly pay off your
Throughout your life, you’ll come across times when you need a loan or new credit. And you’re not alone in this. According to TransUnion, the average American had $11,687 owing in personal loans as of the second quarter of 2024.
Long-term care (LTC) is a reality many people face as they age, yet few adequately prepare for its financial implications. While it isn’t always a pleasant situation to think about and can bring up a lot of emotions. Planning for
With healthcare costs skyrocketing, you may wonder how to handle the additional strain on your budget. Increasing costs for medical care, prescription drugs, and preventative services may also greatly impact your financial security during your retirement years, particularly since the
Automated expense tracking. Real-time updates. Investment planning. AI has many benefits in personal finance, and it is more affordable and accessible than ever. You, too can utilize the power of AI to transform your financial life, whether you’ve used AI
A health savings account (HSA) can help you plan for and manage healthcare costs. It’s a beneficial tool for improving your finances now and in the future. HSAs can pay for qualified medical expenses while reducing your taxable income and
You worry about your teen in many ways. You worry about what they eat, what they wear, who their friends are, and how they do in school. But as they get older and become interested in getting a part-time job
Making arrangements for your finances and assets in the event of your incapacitation or death is an essential task to ensure that your estate is handled per your wishes. Preparing the necessary documents in advance gives you full control over
Life is unpredictable. And you won’t be able to plan for every financial surprise that hits you along the way. But, part of being financially responsible is preparing for what you can. Most people experience major life events that greatly
Investing is all about making your money work for you so you can grow your contributions quickly and maximize your return. But money talks. And any time you use your money to purchase a product or invest in a company,
Retirement should be a time when you can sit back, relax and enjoy the fruits of decades of hard work. But in order to do that, careful financial planning is required. Retirees must rely on savings, pensions, and Social Security
Your credit score is more than just a number. It can help you qualify for the apartment of your dreams, save money on your car insurance or help you secure funding to launch a new business. That’s why it’s so
As a gig economy worker, you enjoy the freedom to choose your projects, your schedule, and even your work location. You may love the independence of working for yourself and the greater control over your work-life balance. However, freelancing and
Lenders use credit checks to determine if you have a history of repaying your debts on time. If your score isn’t high enough, a lender might request you add a cosigner to your application. But what happens when you have
Your credit utilization ratio is one of the most influential factors used in calculating your credit score. It is made up of the percentage of your available credit you are currently using and serves as a measure of your credit
Meta: Don’t overpay for homeowners insurance. Learn how you can get better rates for this essential coverage. Homeowner’s insurance is an important protection that helps cover the cost of damages to your property or your liability for an accident on
High-interest credit products such as payday loans can often be attractive and appear to be a quick solution during financial challenges. However, these options often lead to a cycle of debt that’s difficult to escape. The good news is that
Credit scores and reports are vital to your financial well-being, influencing everything from loan approvals to interest rates. Despite their importance, myths about credit scores and reports persist, often leading to misconceptions that can harm one’s financial health. Keep reading
When you borrow money, you have to pay close attention to your agreement. It contains a wealth of information about your borrowing costs, payment timeline and other terms. One of the most important terms is the interest rate. Learn more
Although personal loans and credit cards have benefits, they’re not right for every situation. For example, it doesn’t make sense to use a credit card with a 29.99% APR to cover inventory costs for your business. Bridging loans offer a
Are you looking for an effective strategy to tackle your debt and pay it off fast? We will be covering two popular methods today: the debt snowball and debt avalanche methods. Keep reading to learn more about them and see
There will always be a certain amount of risk when investing in the stock market. It’s impossible to accurately predict when the market will rise and fall, but taking into account long-term trends is a way to find safer investments
Debt can be overwhelming, and you’re not alone if you struggle to keep up with payments. Negotiating with creditors can be a great strategy for managing your debt, reducing interest rates, securing better payment terms and setting up your financial
If you’ve watched even one episode of a home renovation show, you know that it’s common for renovation projects to go over budget. For homeowners with unlimited funds, going over budget isn’t much of a problem. They simply spend the
There’s no denying divorce is one of the most emotionally draining processes a person can go through. On top of the emotional challenge, a significant amount of financial stress comes with it. If you are separating from your spouse, it’s
After decades of hard work, you deserve to relax a little. When you retire, you can spend your time doing whatever you like, from playing golf to joining a book club. To fully enjoy your retirement years, however, you need
The cost of groceries, gasoline, utilities, and other necessities has risen steadily, but inflation-adjusted wages have mostly stagnated. As a result, many consumers have less money available to pay for goods and services. The Federal Reserve increased interest rates in
Debt can handicap you, causing stress and complicating your financial life. If you find yourself juggling multiple debts, whether from credit cards, personal loans, or other sources, you might consider debt consolidation as a way to regain control. However, it’s
You’re probably aware that your credit score holds a lot of weight in determining your financial health and can influence a lot of major life decisions. It affects everything from loan approvals to interest rates. Among the factors influencing your
It should be no surprise that a great credit score can help you in several different ways. It can help you achieve financial stability, secure loans, access favorable interest rates and more. However, for many people—especially those with no credit
Most college students carry student loan debt from completing their degree program, and many struggle to repay it. If you are among the tens of thousands of borrowers looking for relief from student loan payments, discover more about the options
Your credit report should be a source of absolute truth. After all, this is supposed to be an overview of your borrowing behaviors with creditors. When you apply for a credit card, mortgage, car loan, or even some non-financial application
You need a credit score to qualify for several different types of loans: home, auto, and personal loans, as well as credit cards. Insurance companies, in some states, use credit scores to calculate your premiums. You may even have to
Medicare is a health insurance program offered by the federal government. Part A pays for care received in hospitals, hospice centers and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Part B covers other medical services, such as doctor visits, home health care and
In many ways, it can feel like debt is an unavoidable part of life. The average American holds $104,215 in debt across mortgages, credit cards, car loans and student loans. But, just because debt is so “common,” doesn’t mean it’s
Buying a car is one of the biggest financial decisions someone will make in life, outside of purchasing a home. And the reality is, most people are not buying their vehicles in cash, meaning they will need an auto loan.
When you run out of money before payday, making your payments on time is tough. You need a quick solution to keep your belly full and your lights on. Payday loans seem helpful, but they’re one of the most predatory
As technology continues to become prevalent in our daily lives, many older adults find themselves grappling with its challenges and opportunities. Enter AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals 50 and up. Over
When people make retirement plans, they almost always count on claiming Social Security benefits. Social Security is a US federal insurance program that gives eligible people a monthly income. In 2024, approximately 68 million Americans received a Social Security benefit
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