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Child care costs have surged past rent for many families, but you don’t have to choose between work and care. Discover flexible options like sliding-scale co-ops and care pods, unlock every tax break from Dependent Care FSAs to state credits, and build a small automated “care fund” to weather rate hikes, all to reclaim control over your budget and your peace of mind.
Read MoreWhen a Senate megabill overhauls student loans, streamlining repayment into just two plans, stretching forgiveness to 30 years, capping Parent PLUS and grad borrowing, and tying federal aid to school performance, borrowers face a bunch of new risks. Simplified options can ease confusion, but longer payoff timelines and reduced protections may push students toward costlier private loans. Now is the moment to compare your plan options, model a 30-year budget, hunt for scholarships or grants, vet schools by outcome data, and stay abreast of legislative shifts. With the right strategy, you can turn policy uncertainty into a clear path forward.
Read MoreWhen lawmakers move to cut the CFPB’s budget in half, from 12% to just 6.5%, we lose consumer protections against hidden fees, predatory loans, and financial fraud. Find out what the change really means for your wallet, how it could affect your everyday banking, and the simple steps you can take now to safeguard your rights and your money.
Read MoreStruggling to keep up with your mortgage payment? Queen, I get it. The stress of falling behind on your biggest monthly bill can feel overwhelming. But before you spiral, know this—you're not out of options. There are steps you can take to either keep your home or make a smooth exit if that’s the better choice for your financial future. Let’s break down your options step by step so you can make the best decision for you and your money.
Read MoreChoosing the right savings account can boost your financial goals and income. Learn how to compare interest rates, avoid fees, and find the best account to fit your needs in this detailed guide.
Read MoreDollar stores have a way of sucking you in and forcing you to buy a bunch of things you don’t need. The promises of items for $1.00, well now $1.25 due to inflation, can make anyone feel like a smart shopper. But are these stores really the treasure troves they claim to be, or do they cost you more in the long run?
Let’s dive into the psychology and strategy behind dollar stores, so you can make smarter decisions about where your hard-earned money goes.
Read MorePaying off a debt and seeing your credit score drop can be frustrating, especially when you were told that paying off your debts was a good thing. Your credit score impacts your ability to secure loans, credit cards, and even housing. In this article, we'll explore the common reasons behind a sudden drop in your credit score and provide practical tips to help you fix these issues. Stay informed and proactive to maintain a healthy credit score and secure your financial future.
Read MoreDiscover the importance of understanding your net worth and how it can impact your financial health. In our comprehensive guide, we delve into why net worth matters, how to calculate it, and the tools you can use to track and improve it over time. Learn actionable tips to manage debts, increase assets, and plan strategically for different stages of life. Whether you're just starting out or gearing up for retirement, understanding your net worth is essential for making informed financial decisions.
Read MoreValue-Based Budgeting is a personalized financial planning method that prioritizes spending on what truly matters to you, aligning your expenses with your deepest values and life goals. Learn how this approach can lead to increased financial satisfaction, reduced waste, and enhanced achievement of your dreams. Discover practical steps to implement Value-Based Budgeting, ensuring every dollar you spend enriches your life in meaningful ways. Whether you're saving for a dream vacation or investing in your education, find out how making value-driven financial decisions can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life.
Read MoreThe Mint Budgeting App is waving goodbye, and it's time for us to find a new money-tracking pal. It’s like changing cars; we gotta make sure the new one fits just right. Before Mint clocks out, let’s grab our money info from it and then hit the app store to test drive some new budgeting apps. It’s a big ol’ digital playground out there with lots of apps ready to help us keep our dollars and cents in check. By taking a few for a spin, we’ll find which one clicks with us the best. And hey, while Mint was a cool companion, there's a whole world of budget buddies out there waiting to help us stay on the money-saving track!
Read MoreHave no idea how life insurance works? Or are you caught in the life insurance limbo, unsure whether to pick Term or Whole Life? It's like choosing between a red or a nude lipstick—both are fabulous but serve different moods! Here’s a breakdown, the ins, outs, and in-betweens of Term and Whole Life Insurance, so you can make a choice that's as informed as you are fabulous. Whether you’re a newbie momma, a savvy career woman, or looking at retirement down the line, find out which insurance policy will help you live your best life, worry-free!
Read MoreSaving money is an essential aspect of personal finance that can help you achieve your financial goals and secure your future. However, many people struggle with saving consistently due to various reasons such as lack of discipline or a tight budget. In such cases, automating your savings can be a game-changer.
Read MoreStruggling to keep your dollars in check? Discover the top 5 budgeting apps for 2023 that help you manage everything from groceries to getaways. Whether you have an Android or an iPhone, these apps have got your financial back.
Read MoreCredit reports are an important tool for understanding your financial situation. They provide a snapshot of your credit history, including all of the accounts you have open and how you manage them. Understanding how credit reports work can help you make better decisions about borrowing and managing debt. Credit reports can also help you protect yourself against identity theft and fraud. In this article, I’ll explain the basics of credit reports, including what information they contain, what information it doesn’t contain, why you should get a copy of your credit report, and how to get a copy of your credit report.
Read MoreOwning a house is the American Dream, but too many people find themselves in over their heads, resulting in a nightmare, not a dream. If this sounds like you or you think you’re house poor, here’s what you can do.
Read MoreHas a family member or friend ever asked you to co-sign for them and you either considered saying yes or actually said yes and went through with it? Well if you are considering co-signing for someone, I'm going to tell you why you should NEVER co-sign for anyone and teach you some easy and creative ways to say "NO". Now, don’t be discouraged, if you said yes and went through with it, I'm going to tell you how you can get your name off someone else's loan and why you should NEVER do it again.
Read MoreSaving money is important, but not all savings accounts offer the same benefits. For example, a savings account at your local bank will pay minimal interest, resulting in a few dollars a year, but a high yield savings account can help you reach your financial goals faster. How can HYSAs pay so much? Here’s how they work.
Read MoreSeeing an item you want but not having the cash to buy it can be frustrating. But, Buy Now, Pay Later programs put those days behind you, allowing you to spread the payments out for the item. You’ll likely see advertisements for this option in-store and online, so it’s important to know how it works. Here’s everything you must know about the program and how it works.
Read MoreYour credit score is important for many instances in your life and is made up of years of credit history. You can’t make up a good credit history overnight, but you can quickly hurt your credit score if you aren’t careful. Here are six ways you can hurt your credit score and how you can avoid it.
Read MoreDid you know the money you save for healthcare can also save you money on taxes? Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Savings Accounts are two options to lower your tax liabilities and help you pay your medical expenses. While HSAs and FSAs have many similarities, there are differences too. You’ll qualify for one or the other, but not both.
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