Personal finance

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What Is a Budget Deficit?

When the government spends more than it receives in revenue, there's a budget deficit. It ...

By Emily Starbuck Gerson

Sep 16, 2026Personal finance

Are Mortgage Points Worth It?

If you’re considering buying mortgage discount points, here’s what you need to know to det...

By Ben Luthi

Sep 16, 2026Mortgage

7 Financial Planning Tips for Seniors

Financial planning doesn't end when you reach retirement. Budgeting, paying taxes and work...

By Marianne Hayes

Sep 16, 2026Personal finance

Where Should I Keep My Emergency Fund?

Keep your emergency fund someplace where your money earns interest without compromising sa...

By Evelyn Waugh

Sep 15, 2026Saving

What Is a Tax-Advantaged Account?

Tax-advantaged accounts make it easier to save more and grow your money faster by offering...

By Gayle Sato

Sep 15, 2026Investing

What Does a Title Company Do?

If you’re buying or selling a home, you’ll likely need to deal with a title company during...

By Ben Luthi

Sep 15, 2026Mortgage

How to Set Up an IRS Payment Plan

An IRS payment plan can help you avoid liens and collections when you can't pay your tax b...

By Gayle Sato

Sep 15, 2026Taxes

What Is a Trustee and What Are Their Responsibilities?

A trustee manages the assets and property in a trust and oversees their distribution accor...

By Gayle Sato

Sep 15, 2026Personal finance

How to Invest in Index Funds

Index funds are an efficient way to invest diversely. Here's how to start.

By Evelyn Waugh

Sep 14, 2026Investing

How to Buy an Annuity

If you're curious about how to buy an annuity, begin with your investment goals and why yo...

By Marianne Hayes

Sep 14, 2026Investing

How to Cash Out Bitcoin and Crypto

Learn about six different ways that you can sell Bitcoin and other cryptos for cash.

By Louis DeNicola

Sep 14, 2026Investing

Are Medical Expenses Tax Deductible?

You may be eligible to deduct medical, dental and other health-related expenses if your to...

By Gayle Sato

Sep 14, 2026Taxes

What Is a Trust Fund?

A trust fund is a legal entity used to hold, manage and distribute assets to beneficiaries...

By Gayle Sato

Sep 14, 2026Personal finance

How I Had to Adjust My Finances as a New Mom

As an expectant mom, I sharply increased my emergency fund, started a savings account for ...

By Brianna McGurran

Sep 14, 2026Personal finance

Are Annuities Safe?

Annuities are low-risk investments that may fit into your long-term financial plan, especi...

By Marianne Hayes

Sep 14, 2026Investing

Retirement Checkup: 5 Simple Steps to Evaluate Your Savings

A retirement fund checkup allows you to assess your nest egg and savings strategy so you c...

By Marianne Hayes

Sep 14, 2026Retirement

How Much Is My House Worth?

To know how much your house is worth, you can get a ballpark estimate online. For serious ...

By Gayle Sato

Sep 14, 2026Mortgage

How to Put Your House in a Trust

Putting a house in trust is usually more involved than simply leaving it in your will, but...

By Marianne Hayes

Sep 14, 2026Personal finance

What Is a Short Sale on a House?

A short sale may benefit you if you're financially unable to make monthly mortgage payment...

By Tim Maxwell

Sep 14, 2026Mortgage

Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trust: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the differences between a revocable and an irrevocable trust can be an impor...

By Marianne Hayes

Sep 14, 2026Investing

What Is Personal Finance?

Learning the fundamentals of personal finance can help you take control of your money and ...

By Evelyn Waugh

Sep 14, 2026Personal finance

How Long Will My Retirement Savings Last?

How long your retirement savings will last depends on factors including your expenses in r...

By Brianna McGurran

Sep 14, 2026Investing

How to Find a Tax Advisor

Get referrals if possible, then check the credentials and qualifications of prospective ta...

By Gayle Sato

Sep 14, 2026Taxes

Are Annuities Taxable?

Investments in annuities grow tax deferred. Withdrawals may be fully or partially taxed de...

By Gayle Sato

Sep 14, 2026Retirement

Home Equity Rates: HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan

Home equity loans and HELOCs will have rates that are similar to one another. Those consid...

By Chris Horymski

Sep 11, 2026Mortgage

What Is a 50-Year Mortgage?

Learn what a 50-year mortgage is, whether it's available, and how it would compare to 30-y...

By Karen Axelton

Sep 11, 2026Mortgage

Compare Current HELOC Rates

How much a HELOC will ultimately cost depends on numerous factors. Some of these factors a...

By Chris Horymski

Sep 11, 2026Mortgage

4 Paycheck Advance Apps to Help You Get Paid Early

Paycheck advance apps allow you to access a portion of your earned wages before your next ...

By Ben Luthi

Sep 11, 2026Personal finance

How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Before Retirement

The benefits of paying off your mortgage before retirement are hard to beat, but make sure...

By Tim Maxwell

Sep 4, 2026Retirement

Does Renters Insurance Cover Theft?

A renters insurance policy protects you against theft in your home, your car and even when...

By Kim Porter

Sep 4, 2026Rentals

How Much House Can I Afford Calculator

To estimate what you can realistically spend on a home, calculate your monthly payment and...

By Gayle Sato

Sep 4, 2026Mortgage

How to Buy a House With Low Income

A low income might limit your options, but you still could be able to buy a home.

By Louis DeNicola

Sep 4, 2026Mortgage

Cash-Out Refinance vs. Home Equity Loan: Which Is Better?

A cash-out refinance and home equity loan are financing options to access your equity as c...

By Tim Maxwell

Sep 4, 2026Refinance

What Is a Mortgage Loan Modification?

A mortgage loan modification restructures your existing home loan, typically in a way that...

By Jim Akin

Sep 4, 2026Mortgage

How Much Renters Insurance Do I Need?

Check out these guidelines to decide what policy limits you need based on the value of you...

By Jennifer Brozic

Sep 4, 2026Rentals

How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

You could pay off a mortgage early with higher payments, refinancing or using windfalls, b...

By Emily Starbuck Gerson

Sep 4, 2026Mortgage

What Is Title Insurance and Do You Need It?

Title insurance is protection for you and your lender against claims on your house arising...

By Jim Akin

Sep 4, 2026Mortgage

What Does Renters Insurance Cover?

Renters insurance typically covers your personal belongings, helps pay the cost of living ...

By Karen Axelton

Sep 4, 2026Rentals

How Long Does Mortgage Underwriting Take?

Mortgage underwriting can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Here's how you c...

By Marianne Hayes

Sep 4, 2026Mortgage

What Is a Conforming Loan?

A conforming loan is a mortgage that sticks to eligibility rules determined by Fannie Mae ...

By Brianna McGurran

Sep 4, 2026Mortgage

6 Types of Budget Plans to Help You Manage Money

Using a specific budgeting method can help you stay better organized and work toward your ...

By Ben Luthi

Sep 3, 2026Budgeting

Are Government Bonds Risk-Free?

No investment is ever 100% risk-free, but government bonds are about as safe as it gets. J...

By Marianne Hayes

Sep 3, 2026Investing

Pros and Cons of Buying Stocks

If you’re thinking about investing in the stock market, it’s important to understand both ...

By Ben Luthi

Sep 3, 2026Investing

Do You Need a Broker to Buy Stocks?

A brokerage account is one way to access the stock market, but you can buy stocks and othe...

By Marianne Hayes

Sep 3, 2026Investing

Do You Need to Actively Invest Your Rollover IRA?

Rolling old 401(k) and IRA accounts into a single rollover IRA streamlines your retirement...

By Gayle Sato

Sep 3, 2026Investing

Current Yield vs. Yield to Maturity: What’s the Difference?

Calculating yield to maturity requires more legwork, but it can also provide a more accura...

By Marianne Hayes

Sep 3, 2026Investing

How Much Should You Budget for Discretionary Spending?

If you’re struggling with knowing how much to set aside for discretionary spending each mo...

By Ben Luthi

Sep 3, 2026Budgeting

What Is a 401(k) Brokerage Account?

A 401(k) brokerage account works like a regular brokerage account, except that it operates...

By Marianne Hayes

Sep 3, 2026Investing

Should I Store Cash in a Brokerage Account?

Brokerage accounts aren't just for investing in the stock market. They can also put your u...

By Marianne Hayes

Sep 3, 2026Investing

Can I Withdraw a Social Security Benefit Claim?

You may be able to withdraw your Social Security claim or pause benefits to let your month...

By Gayle Sato

Sep 3, 2026Retirement

What Is a 60/40 Portfolio?

A 60/40 portfolio is 60% stocks and 40% bonds. It's designed to balance growth and consist...

By Marianne Hayes

Sep 3, 2026Investing

APY vs. Interest: What’s the Difference?

Learn how interest rates and APYs differ to make the best choice when opening a new accoun...

By Louis DeNicola

Sep 3, 2026Saving

How to Get a HELOC

Before applying for a home equity line of credit (HELOC), determine your eligibility, lear...

By Tim Maxwell

Sep 3, 2026Mortgage

When’s the Right Time to Buy and Sell Stocks?

Your financial goals, age, risk tolerance and investment portfolio can all help you determ...

By Ben Luthi

Sep 3, 2026Investing

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