Personal Finance

FICO vs. Fakes: Are You Getting the Wrong Credit Score?

FICO has a formula that rates your creditworthiness. Other companies do too, but using their services could get you in trouble. Learn why.

Boost Your Retirement Savings: Avoid 401(k) Fees

New rules will make it easier to monitor fees charged by your 401(k) account administrator. Here's how to avoid paying many of them.

ChexSystems: What It Is, and How It Can Make It Difficult for You to Open a Bank Account

Most of us know that looking at our credit report is part of maintaining financial health, but what about our banking report? Enter ChexSystems.

How Traditional Banking Practices Can Make You Poor

Traditional banking practices benefit the banks, not the customer. Discover how, if you're not careful, banks can hurt your finances.

From Beanie Babies to Baubles: 5 Unconventional Investments

If you're savvy, your unconventional investment can produce an outsize return. But be wary — these also come with a lot of risks.

The "Secret" Credit Card Perk That Saved Me $300

What to do when a purchase breaks after the warranty is over? Read your credit card fine print — you might be able to get a full, no-string-attached refund.

New Breadwinner in the Household: How Does This Affect Life Insurance?

When your family's income changes, it's important to reexamine your life insurance coverage. Here's what you need to know.

How Much Should You Invest?

Knowing how much you should invest can be a very difficult (and very personal) question. Read this overview of your options to help you decide.

The "I Knew It!" Benefit of Expense Tracking

It's worth tracking your spending because it's the only way to learn where your money is going. But it's worth doing for another reason as well.

Why We Take on Credit Card Debt

Why some of us take on so much debt — and how others manage to avoid it so well — can seem mysterious. Discover some of the reasons.

Wipe Out Your Debt the Fast and Easy Way

Learn the magic bullet that can solve most of your financial problems.

by: Donna Freedman | channel: Personal Finance

No Hassle: Capital One Cash Rewards Card

A miserly 1% cash back isn’t great, but several other attractive features make this card a good choice, especially for world travelers.

Best Money Tips: Ways to Save Money for a House

Today we found some fantastic articles on ways to save money for a house, steps to take before a job interview, and how to protect your stuff.

Stockpiling Is Rarely the Answer

Stockpiling for an emergency might seem like a good (and frugal) idea. But in reality, your time and money is probably better spent.

21 Ways to Make a Big Financial Change

Making big financial change requires vision, commitment, and inspiration. Here are 21 ways to stay the course and meet your goals.

The Power of the Customer in Banking

When big banks make big changes we don't like, it's easy to feel helpless. But the truth is that raising your voice can make a real difference.

What's a Fair Relationship Between Salary and Rent?

A recent study suggests that many workers can't afford a decent place to live. But is truth that we need to change our concept of a good standard of living?

Keep Your Credit Card Safe While Shopping Online

Whether you're doing holiday shopping or just making an everyday purchase, follow these steps to keep your credit card information safe.

7 Essential Truths for a Successful Retirement

Retirement planning can seem overwhelming, but don't let that overrule common sense. Instead, follow these seven essentials for a successful future.

7 Great Investments for First-Timers

If you're new to investing and unsure of where to start, don't fret! Check out these investments that are great for newbies.

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.