Not Using Your Credit Cards? 3 Ways to Keep That From Hurting You
First, the good news: We as a country have reduced our credit card debt since the coronavirus pandemic began. Americans reduced their credit card balances by $157 billion between December 2019 and May...
View Article5 Best Business Checking Accounts for August 2021
Starting a business is an opportunity to be your own boss, make money and grow your skill set. There are also the not-so-great, somewhat messy and complicated parts about operating a business. If you...
View ArticleHere's What You Need to Know About Investing in 2021
Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners. Here’s a good question...
View ArticleHow to Save a 12-Month Emergency Fund From Scratch
The conventional advice for how much money you should have saved in your emergency fund used to be three to six months worth of living expenses. Then the coronavirus pandemic hit. As millions of people...
View ArticleThe 7 Best High-Interest Checking Accounts for August 2021
When you think of interest-generating bank accounts, your mind likely goes to savings. After all, that’s your reward for building an emergency fund or socking away money for a future expense, right? A...
View ArticleHow to Calculate Net Worth (and Why It Matters)
Debt freedom is overrated — so says Tiffany Aliche, founder of The Budgetnista. Her advice? Think bigger. “Debt freedom is a goal, debt freedom is not the goal,” said the financial educator. “The goal...
View ArticlePeople are Buying Homes and Cars Again — How to Boost Your Credit Score for...
Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners. Although the COVID-19...
View Article45 Free Things to Do in Chicago
Quick Navigation 45 Free Things to Do in Chicago Must-See Attractions in Chicago For Art and History Lovers Enjoy Chicago’s Outdoor Spaces Free Festivals and Annual Events Hanging out in Chicago can...
View ArticleFull Retirement Age Is Based on Year You Were Born
The age 65 has always carried big significance. For Baby Boomers and those from the previous generation, the age 65 was a target. It was the unofficial age for retirement. But we need to adjust our...
View ArticleThings Break. How to Make Sure Your Emergency Fund Can Cover Them
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View Article5 Smart Uses for Your Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments
Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners. Parents, we know what a...
View ArticleWhat to Expect if You’re Doing a Mortgage Refinance After Forbearance
When the COVID-19 homeowner mortgage forbearance program was first announced last year, I insisted we enroll. As a food and travel writer, I knew I’d lose income. In a worst-case scenario, where we...
View ArticleDear Penny: My Husband Secretly Made Bad Investments and Lost $50K
Dear Penny, My husband is on Social Security Disability and I just recently retired. He went into our savings without my knowledge and lost a portion of it by making bad decisions on investments. We...
View ArticleIt’s tough to make any meaningful return on your savings right now. But you probably already knew that. Interest rates for bank savings accounts — you do have a savings account, right? — have been...
View ArticleHow to Make Money Fast So You Have Cash When You Need it
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View ArticleStudent Loan Administrative Forbearance Extends Through Jan. 2022
If you have federally held student loans, you’re getting a break on making payments — again. The Department of Education extended its freeze on interest rates and payments for federally held student...
View ArticleHere's What to Do Before Debt Collectors Start Calling
Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners. Debt happens. Most...
View ArticleHow to Void a Check the Right Way
Much like cursive, fewer people are learning the ins and outs of check writing, thanks to advances in direct deposit, online autopay for bills and payment apps like Venmo and PayPal. But that doesn’t...
View ArticleWhy You Might Want Separate Bank Accounts in Marriage
If you’re married or living with your significant other, there’s a lot you share. Your home. Your weekend plans. Perhaps even a kid or two. But just because you’re sharing a life together doesn’t mean...
View ArticleGet Paid to Write: Top 20 Sites That Pay (up to $1 per Word)
Getting paid to write may sound easy, but the reality is a little more complicated. Freelance writing can be hard to break into, and the pay can be low (or nonexistent) for beginners. The trick is to...
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