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.
5 Easy Grilling Ideas to Save Money on Your Next Cookout
Five easy grilling ideas to save money on your next cookout. You can host a great barbecue this summer even if you're on a budget. Grilling for a cookout full of loved ones is one of my favorite summer traditions. It’s a great time to catch up, watch the kids play and bask in the [...]
How Do You Deal with Money in a Relationship?
How do you deal with money in a relationship? Money causes stress in most romantic relationships, but to build a future couples need to talk about finances. Sign up for Ilyce Glink's Love, Money + Real Estate newsletter. This story was updated December 1, 2021 When should you tell a romantic partner how much money [...]
Natural Disaster: What to Do Before You Make Home Repairs
Natural disaster: what to do before you make home repairs. Consider these three things before repairing damage from Hurricane Dorian. The First Major Hurricane of the Season is Here with Hurricane Dorian UPDATED SEPTEMBER 5, 2019: The National Hurricane Center reports Hurricane Dorian is bringing life-threatening storm surge, winds, heavy rainfall and tornadoes to the [...]
Is Property Sold in a Trust Taxable?
Is property sold in a trust taxable? Inheriting a home through a trust usually simplifies the selling process, until you consider capital gains taxes. Q: I need some advice about selling a home held jointly in a trust in my name and my brother’s name. This was my mother’s house originally and she has since [...]
How Much Can I Afford to Spend on a House?
How much can I afford to spend on a house? There are four factors home buyers should evaluate when setting a budget to buy a house and avoid this situation. How Much Can I Afford to Spend on a House? Taking a realistic look at finances and setting a firm budget is a crucial step [...]
What Is a Good Salary? The Answer Will Surprise You
What is a good salary? The answer is surprising. The quality of life you can have on a certain salary varies drastically from city to city. A recent study by GOBankingRates looked at just how far a $100,000 annual salary goes in major cities across the country. Basic expenses, such as housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, [...]
Leaving an Abusive Home: How to Protect Your Assets
Leaving an abusive home: How to protect your assets when you fear for your safety but rely on the ownership interest for your financial future. Q: I pay half the mortgage on the home that I own with my boyfriend. I live there with him and our son. The title of the house is in [...]
2 Moving Tips to Make Your Big Move Easier
Moving tips to make your big move easier. These tips will help you plan a less stressful move, whether you're doing it DIY or hiring professional movers. An estimated 20 million Americans will pack up their lives and move into a new home this summer, according to InsuranceQuotes.com. No matter how organized you are (or [...]
Best Summer Vacation Ideas for Families on A Budget
Best summer vacation ideas for families on a budget. Budget-friendly summer vacation ideas for families who can't afford to travel this summer. Are you struggling to plan a summer vacation on a budget? You’re not alone, according to a recent Bankrate survey 60 percent of Americans who aren’t planning a summer vacation have decided they [...]
Trees, Neighbors and Insurance Coverage: What You Need to Know
Trees, neighbors and insurance coverage: What you need to know when nature strikes and your homeowner's insurance gives you the runaround. Over the past few weeks, we’ve received a number of letters on our recent column about trees, neighbors and insurance coverage. A reader wrote in that a tree fell on his neighbor’s garage and [...]