We cover the basics and more about personal finance, answering frequently asked questions about credit and debt, identity theft, saving for college, retirement, estate planning, insurance, taxes, job hunting, and raising money-savvy kids. Check out the articles, columns, blog posts, radio shows and videos for tons of personal finance advice.
Is Black Friday Shopping Worth It?
Is Black Friday shopping worth it this year? Your Thanksgiving night might be better spent with loved ones thanks to Cyber Monday, pre-holiday sales and post-holiday extended sales. Between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday, U.S. consumers will spend well over $20 billion, predicted by Adobe Analytics in their holiday sales forecast. That makes up a huge [...]
What’s Causing Millennials’ Money Woes?
On Stress Awareness Day, we take a look at the pain points causing Millennials to stress about their money. A new Bank of America report, which analyzed the financial habits of over 1,000 Millennials, found that the majority of respondents felt they weren’t saving enough for future expenses like home buying and retirement. Best Money [...]
How Much Money Do Americans Spend on Takeout and Lattes?
Americans spend a lot of money on takeout and lattes but just how much are they spending and what does that mean for their savings and retirement readiness? Americans spend an average of $2,944 each year on financial vices like takeout, drinks and lottery tickets, according to new research from Bankrate. For most individuals, dining [...]
Is the American Dream Out of Reach?
Some Americans think financial stability and homeownership are out of reach but a good strategy can help them get out of debt, buy a home and prepare for retirement to achieve the American Dream. More than 80 percent of Americans agree that the heart of the American Dream is financial stability for themselves and their [...]
Your Love Life Might Be Hurting Your Wallet. Here’s Why:
Your love life might be hurting your wallet. Recent research found that if financial literacy levels are unequal between you and your partner, that disparity will only grow as you age, causing irreparable damage to your personal finances. Recent research from the University of Texas at Austin found that two people involved in a relationship [...]
Could Increasingly High Drug Prices Kill You?
A recent article from Managed Care magazine shows that many Americans are struggling to keep up with the high price of prescription drugs. Deciding whether you can afford to buy something you want, like a new dress or phone upgrade, can seem like a tough decision, especially if it is just out of your financial [...]
Should You Have a Transfer on Death Deed, a Living Trust or Both?
Should you have a transfer on death deed, a living trust or both? For this reader, it may be best to pursue all options available to them. Q: My father signed a quit claim deed in 2008 for my mother to be sole owner of their mobile home. Now, in 2018, she put him as [...]
Buying Your Spouse Out Of The House
Buying your spouse out of the house is not unusual, but take some consideration before getting a loan do so. Q: My ex-husband wants money before he signs the house over to me. We have no mortgage on the home. I’d like to know if I can take home equity loan just to pay him [...]
Is Your Email Address Wrecking Your Creditworthiness?
Is your email address wrecking your creditworthiness? A recent study found that a person’s digital footprint can predict their financial behavior. Did you know your cell phone or email address can reflect your creditworthiness and might limit your ability to take out a mortgage? According to a recent study from Frankfurt School of Finance & [...]
‘$idehusl:’ Q&A with Financial Columnist Kathy Kristof
In this $idehusl Q&A with financial columnist Kathy Kristof, we discuss Millennial employees and how their need for side hustles are fueling the gig economy. As costs rise and wages stagnate, Millennial employees are struggling to earn enough money to live the way they want to live. Their solution? Side hustles that allow them to [...]