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.
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 [...]
How to Afford Your Summer Travel Plans
How to afford your summer travel plans without totally breaking the bank, or taking out potentially risky travel loans. Have you considered taking out a travel loan to pay for a vacation? I read an article on MarketWatch about several companies offering payment plans for flights, hotels and amusement. Each company offers different loan terms, [...]
How to Manage a Life Estate
How to manage a life estate: This older form of transferring an estate can cause a lot of confusion. Here’s what you need to know about your obligations. Q: My dad quit claimed his house to me but if he wants, he can live there his entire natural life. Does that mean I own the [...]
How to Sell Your 1031 Exchange Inheritance
How to sell your 1031 exchange inheritance in order to avoid complications with taxes after the sale. Q: I have inherited a 1/3 interest in a property that is part of a 1031 exchange. The total value of the property is being split between 3 heirs and is worth about $150,000. Is there any way [...]
I Think I’m a Victim of a Scam. Now What?
I think I’m the victim of a scam. Now what? If you’re getting bills from unheard of companies, pull your credit report immediately. Q: I’m wondering if I’m being scammed. I received what looks like a bill from a company in Pennsylvania claiming that I have a current balance due of $704.02 as of February [...]