Advertiser Disclosure

Money Smarts

How much should you save each month?

How much should you save each month?

Wondering how much should you save each month? There’s no set answer, but learn how you can determine the best savings amount for your situation here.
How to check your credit score

How to check your credit score

How to consolidate credit card debt

Make money online: 20 online occupations for digital nomads and natives

Best online surveys for extra money

Best online surveys for extra money in June 2024

Is Cash App legit?

Is Cash App legit?

Cash App is a mobile app that allows you to send and receive money, in addition to buying stocks and bitcoin. It’s a legitimate financial app that is safe if you use it carefully.
Estimated tax payments

Estimated tax payments: What you need to know

You might have to make estimated tax payments if you don’t have a salaried position or if you’re not withholding enough money from your paychecks in a tax year.
States with no income tax

The nine states with no income tax: Is one right for you?

There are nine states in the U.S. that don’t have income tax: Alaska, Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

Self-employment tax: What every freelancer should know

People who work for themselves pay the government self-employment tax to fund Medicare and Social Security programs in the U.S. Here's how it works, and how to calculate how much you owe.
Are solar panels worth it?

Are solar panels worth it?

The average residential solar system costs $25,000, but lower electricity bills can mean you’ll break even in eight to nine years.
How to make money from home

How to make money from home: 22 options to increase your income

There are more opportunities than ever to make money from home, but you should choose a niche that fits your skills and schedule. These 22 ideas could be the inspiration you need.
How to make money as a teenager

How to make money as a teenager

There are some great opportunities for teenagers to make money online. Here are some of them.

What are NSF fees?

A nonsufficient funds (NSF) fee is charged when you don’t have enough money in your account to cover a payment. Here are tips on how to avoid these fees.

How much debt is too much?

Debt can be used strategically to improve your situation, but it’s important to avoid too much debt. Learn how much debt is too much and how to avoid taking on more than you can handle.
How to make your money work for you

How to make your money work for you

Each dollar you earn has a job to do. Maximize those dollars with these strategies for saving, budgeting and earning.

What’s the highest credit score possible?

The highest credit score possible is 850, but it’s not necessary to reach this score to access the best deals. If you are one of the 23% of Americans with a a score above 800, you’ll still benefit from lower interest rates and easier approval.

What is a debt snowball?

Debt snowball is a method for paying off multiple debts, starting with the smallest and moving to the largest. It can be an effective way of streamlining your debt payments and reducing the interest you pay.
What is a reverse mortgage?

What is a reverse mortgage?

A reverse mortgage lets homeowners aged 62 or older tap into their home equity to boost their retirement income, but it's not free money. Here's how a reverse mortgage works.
best money-making apps

10 best money-making apps for June 2024

With high prices brought on by inflation, finding ways to make extra money is one of the best strategies to fight back. To help you find a solution we’re drilling down on the nine best money-making apps of 2024.
Average cost of a home renovation

The average cost of a home renovation, room by room

Are you thinking about starting a home renovation project? Before getting started, make sure you know the cost. We’ve broken things down by project and room.

APR vs. APY: What's the difference?

If you don’t know the difference between APR and APY, you’re in good company. The two abbreviations are similar, but one applies to loans and the other to savings products. Learn the difference here.
Wyoming is a tax friendly state for retirees

The 10 best states for a tax-friendly retirement

State taxes on retirement income, sales taxes, and property taxes can be a factor in the overall cost of living in a particular state. Be sure to understand the state tax situation for retirees in any state you are considering for your home in retirement.
best side hustle ideas to earn extra money

40 best side hustle ideas to earn extra money in June 2024

Starting a side hustle is easier than ever. From becoming a freelancer to taking online surveys for extra cash, here are the best side hustles for 2024.
How to save money

How to save money

Knowing how to save money can reduce your spending and help you reach your financial goals. Learn various ways to save in this article.
How does debt consolidation work?

How does debt consolidation work?

Debt consolidation can help streamline your debt and lower your monthly payments and interest rate. However, there are pros and cons to this option.

What is an HSA account?

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are savings accounts used by those with high-deductible health plans to help pay for qualified medical expenses before a deductible is met.
Best credit monitoring services

Best credit monitoring services: Your options to keep an eye on your score

Credit monitoring services can safeguard you against costly identity theft and fraud. Let's take a look at the top credit monitoring services for you and your family.

What is a good credit score?

A good credit score is considered anything above 670 for FICO and above 661 for VantageScore, and it can help you get better rates on loans and credit cards.
passive income ideas

Passive income ideas: From annuities to real estate and everything in between

Passive income streams can take the form of an investment account or an added income stream attached to your primary job or a side hustle. These income streams can be a valuable addition to your regular income.
Old couple enjoying a camping trip

8 money moves to make as interest rates remain high

Since the Federal Reserve started its most aggressive rate hiking campaign in decades, the landscape for savers and investors has changed profoundly.
Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE)

Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE): What is it, and is it right for you?

The Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) movement appeals to those who want a life of financial independence. But retiring early is not for everyone.

What is a line of credit?

A line of credit (LOC) is similar to a credit card because it’s revolving credit you can access as needed.

Is Social Security taxable?

Your Social Security benefits may be subject to federal taxes based on your income and filing status. Most states do not tax Social Security benefits.
build credit

How to build credit fast: The basics and more

Whether you’re building credit from scratch or trying to repair your credit history, you can use loans and credit cards to prove your trustworthiness.
How to freeze your credit

How to freeze your credit

Freezing or locking your credit can be important to protect yourself from identity theft and unauthorized credit inquiries. When freezing your credit, you prevent lenders and other financial institutions from accessing your credit history without explicit permission.

How to fix your credit score in 10 easy steps

You may be able to improve your credit score in just a few simple steps. Improving your credit score will take effort, but it could be well worth it to get better loan terms, which will save you money down the road.
recovery rebate credit

What is the recovery rebate credit and how to claim it?

If you did not receive all the COVID-19 pandemic economic stimulus payments in 2020 or 2021, you may still be able to file for payments through the Recovery Rebate Credit.
How to buy a house: A step-by-step guide

How to buy a house: A step-by-step guide

The home-buying process can require up to 15 steps from start to finish. We break it down from first finances to closing costs.

What is a trust?

A trust is a type of estate planning vehicle that allows a trustee to hold assets on behalf of trust beneficiaries as designated by the grantor of the trust. There are various forms of trust that can be used to accomplish your objectives.
How to choose a financial advisor

How to choose a financial advisor: Five necessary steps

If you have a large amount of money, or you’d just like to learn how to manage your money better, it may be time to hire a financial advisor. But first, you’ll need to choose a financial advisor.

Target launches paid Circle 360 membership

Target recently launched its same-day delivery service, Circle 360. Members get a variety of perks for only $99 a year. Here’s what you need to know.
What is compound interest?

What is compound interest, and how does it work?

Learn about how compound interest works and why it’s a powerful tool for financial planning and maximizing returns.
What is the gift tax?

What is the gift tax?

The gift tax is a federal tax on property or assets transferred from one person to another where the giver doesn’t receive the full value of the items in return.
What is a home appraisal and how does it work?

What is a home appraisal and how does it work?

Having a home appraised is a necessary part of the process of buying a home, but the outcome of an appraisal can be equally important to sellers and lenders. After all, the value listed in an appraisal can make a difference in the sale price of a home, the down payment required, or whether the buyer can be approved for financing in the first place.

8 best places to retire in the US

There are many factors to consider as you look for the best place to spend your retirement. Climate, taxes, and access to local recreational opportunities are just a few.
Credit monitoring on a laptop

What is credit monitoring?

It's important to understand what credit monitoring is and how it works, along with the difference between other services, such as credit repair and identity theft monitoring. Here's what you need to know.
How to budget money

How to budget money

When thinking about how to budget money, understand that there are different types of budgets and that certain budgets may work better for you than others do.
How to start a business

How to start a business in ten steps: Tips on marketing, business plans and more

You can start a business in 10 steps. Get tips on research, marketing, creating a business plan and choosing a structure. Keep reading to learn more.
How long does it take to build credit?

How long does it take to build credit?

You can use a secured credit card or credit-builder loan to establish a credit history, but the most important factor in achieving a good credit score is making credit repayments on time.
retired couple looking in the distance

How to retire early

Early retirement requires diligent planning early on. Find out the steps you'll need to take to retire while you're still young enough to enjoy it.