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The holiday season is filled with joy, generosity, and — too often — overspending. Between travel costs, gift lists, and countless family and workplace gatherings, it’s easy for seasonal expenses to add up fast. That may be especially true in 2025, given the lingering effects of inflation on consumer goods. According to Deloitte’s 40th Holiday… Continue reading Smart holiday budgeting: Using holiday loans responsibly for seasonal expenses

When you think about the banks you have to choose from, there are probably about half a dozen names that first come to mind. These are likely to be the large, major banks that advertise the most and have names you’ve grown up hearing about. Those big banks may be very fine institutions, but they’re… Continue reading How to choose a bank: Why bigger isn’t always better

Benjamin Franklin famously opined that death and taxes are the only two certainties in life. Uncertainty is certain in life, and we can rarely predict what may happen. Emergency funds are a good way to plan for the unexpected, but they may not always be the best choice to handle a large, unplanned expense. In… Continue reading Emergency personal loan vs. emergency fund: Which is best for a large expense?

Once you get married, no law states you must share a bank account with your spouse. While this is a common financial move, some couples choose separate bank accounts instead.  In fact, a study in the Journal of Consumer Research revealed that while 52% to 65% of newlyweds use joint accounts, 10% to 15% maintain… Continue reading Should married couples have separate bank accounts? 

Changing jobs is common, especially as employees make vertical moves for better pay or more favorable working conditions. Forgetting about retirement plans from past employers is a regular occurrence as well. There are more than 31.9 million lost 401(k) retirement accounts holding an estimated $2.1 trillion in assets, according to data from Capitalize, a technology… Continue reading How to find old 401(k) from previous employer: 4-step recovery guide

Earlier this year, both branches of Congress and President Trump approved a resolution blocking a rule that would have limited banking overdraft fees to $5. The rule would have become effective on Oct. 1, 2025. It cannot now go into effect without further Congressional action. Banking industry groups applauded the move to get rid of… Continue reading Senate vote on bank overdraft fees: What consumers need to know

When it comes to investing, I tend to prefer a balanced approach — one that blends growth potential with a solid dose of security. This has been especially true the last few years as my husband and I have moved closer and closer to early retirement. While I’m comfortable with stocks and index funds for long-term… Continue reading Why I invested in a Gainbridge annuity

The average American carries more than $6,000 in credit card debt, which is troubling on its own. Add in the fact that the average credit card interest rates currently exceed 20%, and you can see how the current debt landscape is a recipe for disaster. High-interest debt like this can be especially challenging to repay,… Continue reading How to use a personal loan for debt consolidation

If you’re not flush with cash, a monthly maintenance fee at your bank can feel like an unwelcome extra charge. This fee, also known as a service fee, is a regular charge some banks and credit unions apply for account upkeep. It might seem unfair to pay to keep your money in a bank account,… Continue reading How can you avoid a monthly maintenance fee? Guide to banking fee-free

Millions of Americans receive access to retirement planning through their employer-sponsored 401(k) plans. Although a powerful tool to save for retirement, it’s easy to forget when you switch jobs or retire. Scores of 401(k) plans are forgotten by Americans, with Capitalize reporting over 29 million 401(k) accounts, worth $1.65 trillion in retirement assets, being left… Continue reading How to rollover 401(k)