Since 2011, the average price of a house in the U.S. has more than doubled — rising from $176,000 in 2011 to $358,000 in 2022. Though home prices have recently dipped for the first time in more than a decade, inflation, growing student loan debt and high interest rates have made the dream of homeownership […]
Cryptocurrency is no longer a novelty. From our social media feeds to Super Bowl commercials, digital currency is increasingly mainstream. But some people remain hesitant about cryptocurrency because of its inherently risky and volatile nature. In this guide, we’ll explain how to invest in cryptocurrency, including where to purchase digital coins and the safest way […]
How you feel about investing in stocks depends on how comfortable you are with taking risks. You may love the idea of playing the stock market if you’re OK with taking chances. Who doesn’t dream from time to time about getting rich by picking the next Apple? But if caution is more your style, investing […]
You’ve probably heard that investing is one of the best ways to put your money to work. But if you’ve never put money in the stock market, the prospect can be overwhelming to say the least. What investments should you choose? How much money does it take to get started? And what kind of account […]
Regardless of where you are in life, you will likely need to open a bank account at some point. But what do you need to open a bank account, exactly? Whether you’re a total newbie or just haven’t opened one in a long time, the process of opening an account can be stressful — but […]
Over the last several decades, technological advances have revolutionized the way we bank. There are more options for where to do your banking now than ever before. If you are just now breaking away from your parents’ bank account or are considering leaving your current financial institution, the options for opening a new account can […]
If you’re looking for a way to finance large purchases or pay off debt without drowning in interest, 0% APR credit cards can be a game-changer. These cards offer a promotional period during which no interest is charged, giving you time to pay off balances or make purchases without worrying about interest fees. Whether you’re […]
Want to earn money just by making everyday purchases? Cash back rewards credit cards are a smart way to make your spending work for you. Whether you’re filling up your tank, stocking up on groceries, or grabbing dinner, a cash back credit card lets you earn a percentage back on everything you buy. In this […]
Balance transfer credit cards give borrowers a second chance at paying down their debts without the threat of predatory interest. If you’re struggling with high-interest credit card debt, a balance transfer credit card could be your financial lifesaver. These cards allow you to move existing debt from one or more credit cards to a new […]
Planning a trip? The best travel credit cards offer consumers rewards points or miles toward purchases like airfare, hotels and rental cars. Though some carry steep fees, the right card not only saves you money on foreign transaction fees but also offers rewards and perks that enhance your travel experience. And they might also come […]
In today’s world, using the right rewards credit card is one of the smartest ways to get more value from your everyday spending. Whether it’s cashback on groceries, points toward travel, or miles for your next adventure, rewards credit cards are designed to help you earn as you spend. But with so many options available, […]
You probably know that saving and investing are essential to retirement planning. But just as important to the equation: Social Security planning. It’s impossible to overstate the importance of Social Security to retirees. The truth is, Americans aren’t saving or investing enough for a secure retirement. Without Social Security, approximately 4 out of 10 people […]
Even if you’re young, it’s never too early to think about saving for retirement. If you have a job that offers a 401(k) savings plan, enrolling and contributing money will put you on your way to building a nice nest egg. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re already maxing out your 401(k) contributions — […]
A Roth IRA could be a great option if you’re looking to supplement your employer-sponsored 401(k) — or if you don’t have one and need an alternative way to save for retirement. We’re going to talk about Roth IRAs, how they compare with other retirement accounts and how you can decide if a Roth IRA […]
You probably don’t need us to tell you that the earlier you start saving for retirement, the better. But let’s face it: For a lot of people, the problem isn’t that they don’t understand how compounding works. They start saving late because their paychecks will only stretch so far. Whether you’re in your 20s, or […]
If you have a lot of credit card debt, you should seriously consider consolidating it. Credit card consolidation is when you borrow money at a lower interest rate and use that loan to pay off your higher-interest credit cards. It’s a twofer: You can save a ton of money on interest payments, and you free […]
A personal loan is a great way to fund large purchases, like home renovations or a wedding. It’s also a good solution for consolidating your debt. But not all loans are created equal. When analyzing several different interest rates, origination fees, loan terms, and loan amounts, shopping for a loan can quickly become overwhelming. It […]
If you’re struggling to pay off your student loans, rest assured — you aren’t the only one. In 2024, more than 42 million Americans had federal student loan debt, which typically takes roughly 20 years to pay off. The average borrower has nearly $38k in federal student loans — more than double the average in […]
We know how incredibly easy it is to rack up credit card debt. Nearly 50% of Americans carry a credit card balance, with the average debt totaling $6,501 in 2023.¹ Credit card holders between the ages of 40 and 49 hold even higher debt, averaging around $7,600. Rising inflation rates have made it even harder […]
Debt is a fundamental aspect of modern finance, affecting daily spending and long-term financial planning. This guide covers various types of debt, both good and bad, and their effects on our lives. Financial experts provide practical tips on escaping debt and share real-life success stories. What Is Debt? Debt is money one party borrows from […]