3 Things That Change When You’re a Homeowner
You signed the papers, got the keys and opened the front door. Now, that quaint little place is all yours. But more freedom comes with more responsibility. A lot changes once you’re a homeowner. Here’s how to prepare for a few of the adjustments — emotionally and financially.
When Leasing a Car Is the More Frugal Option
The least frugal option traditionally has been leasing, where you make monthly payments to drive a car but don’t own it. You’re paying for the vehicle during its most expensive period — cars lose more than half their value on average in the first three years
Savings Tips for Newbies, Experts and Everyone in Between
Unemployment is still elevated, however, and those who have lost income may be finding it more difficult to save. Either way, it’s important to have a savings plan.
How to Fill In Your Financial Blind Spots
Knowing enough about money to cover your bills is a start, but it’s not enough financial literacy to provide long-term security. Most of us eventually wonder what else we should be doing — and whether what we don’t know could hurt us.
How to Craft Smarter Money Goals in 2021
Setting money goals in 2020 was likely an exercise in futility. Maybe you’d been saving for a trip abroad, but the pandemic kept you at home. Or you wanted to save up for a down payment on a house, then the recession left you out of a job.
How to Buy a Car With Your Partner
With a vehicle, you and your partner can live out car commercial fantasies as you zig and zag on scenic switchbacks. But, just as every car ad ends with the financing information, you’re not going to live out that fantasy until you talk money, too.
How to Budget When You Hate to Budget
Budgeting is a pain. But what’s more painful is a bill you can’t easily pay, debt that costs a fortune or not having enough money to retire.
Your Credit Report May Be Wrong — Here’s What to Do About It
Consumers filed complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in record numbers in 2020, according to a report released Monday by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group.
With Student Loan Payments Set to Return, Here’s How to Get Help
For 42.9 million student loan borrowers, it’s been 18 months without a payment. That ends in October — ready or not.
Start Early to Get Your House Retirement-Ready
Many people want to remain in their homes after they retire rather than move to a senior living facility or community. Unfortunately, most homes aren’t set up to help us age safely and affordably.
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before You Retire?
Most people would be better off not having mortgages in retirement. Relatively few will get any tax benefit from this debt, and the payments can get more difficult to manage on fixed incomes.
For online grocery delivery, add fees to the list
In between orders from Costco, Whole Foods, Imperfect Foods and more, I’ve noticed our virtual shopping habit is changing how we budget. We’re accounting for new grocery-related expenses. We’re also more deliberate about what we buy.
Ditching Credit Cards? Here’s What Could Happen to Your Score
When your spending spins out of control, one way to rejuvenate your finances is to go on a financial fast. But while chopping up your credit cards may feel cleansing, you might be surprised at what it could do to your credit score.
Common Tools Can Save You Time, Money on Taxes
Receipts, like memories, tend to fade with time. That’s just one reason to digitize and track tax-related information. The right apps and habits can save space, time, money and hassle — but only if you use them.
Will You Really Run Out of Money in Retirement?
Many U.S. households retire without enough money to maintain their pre-retirement standard of living. Once retired, though, people often reduce their spending enough to make their money last, according to a recent study by David Blanchett
