Personal Finance

To FAFSA or Not to FAFSA: A Former Student's View of Student Loans

It's getting to be that kind of year again--the time when you anticipate filling out your tax returns, sighing with relief, and then realizing that you're not finished with

Common Currency: A Primer

These postings will pertain to the economy of life, which is all about personal alternatives that shape our financial world.

Can the government help in a recession?

Recessions spread. A minor downturn in one business spreads to its suppliers and then to their suppliers. Workers are laid off (or simply fear that they will be) and buy less, sp

I Got Duped! Dealing With Credit Card and Merchant Disputes

So you bought an awesome thing-a-ma-jiggy or service with your credit card. But when you got it home you discovered the item doesn't work, the service was a heist, or the

Preparing for a Recession

Find out what, exactly, is a recession and what you can do to prepare for it.

Many Happy Returns: 5 Tips for Getting What You Really Want This Holiday

Sadly, a recent poll by Inside Indiana Business reports that 13 percent of consumer

Credit Card Fees: Hidden and Otherwise

Annual fees, grace periods, balance transfer options…it's a wonderful world of credit card jargon out there, and depending on your needs and planned u

Swipe envy

All the cool kids have credit cards. What if you don't? What if you are so young, so poor, so uncool that you can't get one? Do you have to stoop to paying for your food

Getting more for your money in the most unexpected place

I often get on my soap-box about bad customer service. I also preach (sorry) that you should all expect more for your money, be it shopping online or grabbing the weekly groceries.

What would da Vinci have paid?

The first time I drove across the country, my aunt gave me her old highway atlas. My finances were a bit tight at the time, so the gift, worth maybe $12, was very much apprecia

Review of The Money Mammals DVD for Children

Snigglezoo Entertainment recently sent me a review copy of their Money Mammals DVD to try out. The results were both surprising and delightful.

My Car is a Lemon! What Now?

It all looked so great at the outset. But numerous trips to the mechanic and problems at the side of the road have shown you that you unwittingly purchased a lemon of a car.

Is it Time to Talk with your Parents?

With your parents (and other family members), avoiding conversations about finances can be detrimental in more ways than one. Because life happens when you’re busy making pla

10 Financial Frights to Avoid

This is a lighthearted (yet serious) look at some of the financial pitfalls we may find ourselves in if we're not careful.

Save gas; don't make left-hand turns.

You have to hand it to UPS. They crunched the numbers, they looked at the hard facts and they figured out that by limiting the number of left-hand turns made, you can save a whole

Seven Tax-Efficient Perks to ask your Employer For

If you are doing a good job, your employer will want to keep you. And to do so, they know they might need to woo you or otherwise entice you to stay if your skills are marketable a

Disability Insurance: Payments and Pitfalls

Disability Insurance is yet another tool in the arsenal of insurance products that may be a life-saver for some people, but that also can unveil some bitter surprises at the worst

Cheap international payments with Esperanto

For as long as there has been international trade, there has been a need to make international payments. To show up in person with gold or silver coins risked both your life and y

The Quiet Millionaire: Parts 4 & 5 - Building Your Net Worth

In The Quiet Millionaire, author and Certified Financial Planner Brett Wilder gives common-sense advice on how to build net worth: “Your goal should be to make the value of what yo

Latest Articles in Personal Finance

How to Dispute Mistakes On Your Credit Report

Notice something amiss on your credit report? Don't fret. This is how you can dispute any mistakes.

The 8 Most Eye-Opening Money Attractions in the U.S.

Make your next vacation money-themed, and check out these eight amazing attractions across the U.S.

Someone Took Out a Loan in Your Name. Now What?

A fraudulent loan can have dire consequences for your personal finances. Here's how you can fix the problem, stat.

5 Things to Know Before Adding Someone to the Deed

Before you add someone to the deed on your home, you should be aware of these five things.

Banks Still Offering Free Checking and Savings with Great Interest Rates

Tired of fee-gouging from your old bank? Here are the banks with the best checking and savings terms.

Capital One 360: A Competitive Banking Option

CapOne 360 is a great option for those looking for low fees and great interest rates!

5 Best Online Checking Accounts

Whether you're looking to earn interest or for great customer service and reasonable fees, these five online checking account are all wise choices.

5 Ways Gig Economy Workers Can Save for Retirement

Even if your full-time job consists of several gig economy jobs, you can successfully save for retirement — here's how.

5 Renovations That Don't Increase Your Resale Value

Before you get started on a new home renovation, make sure you know if it'll increase your resale value.

How to Protect Yourself From Credit Card Theft

Don't let a scammer get a hold of your credit card number. Here's how to keep your account secure.

5 Reasons Not to Use Debit Cards When You Shop Online

Before you place an order through your favorite online retailer, consider these reasons to use credit instead of debit.

How Cosigning On a Student Loan Could Impact Your Finances

Before you cosign on a student loan, these are four important things to keep in mind.

16 Small Steps You Can Take Now to Improve Your Finances

Believe it or not, you can improve your finances in a big way by making several small money moves.

How to Maximize Rewards on Everyday Spending

If you're not using your travel or cash back card for certain expenses, you're leaving valuable rewards on the table.

How to Stay Calm During a Market Fluctuation

If you're tempted to bail on investments when you hear scary financial predictions, it's important you learn how to keep your cool.

The Pros and Cons of Refinancing an Auto Loan

Before you refinance your auto loan, here's what you need to know.

How to Make Better Financial Decisions

Focusing all your efforts into reaching one financial goal is a fairly straightforward process. But what about when you have more than one financial goal? This guide will help.

The Pros and Cons of Paying Off Your Debt Early

You dream of being debt-free, but is it all it's cracked up to be?

5 Things Keeping You From a Life of Financial Independence

These are common obstacles that could be standing between you and sweet financial freedom.

Should You Use a Personal Loan or a Home Equity Loan to Remodel Your Home?

Looking to remodel your home? Here's how to decide between a personal loan and a home equity loan to pay for it.