Articles on Personal Finance

How Much Should You Spend on a New Car?

If you're looking for a new car, use this simple rule to put yourself in the driver's seat while remaining in control of your car expenses.

An Open Letter to America's Credit Card Companies

One consumer suggests five ways credit card companies can improve our love-hate relationship with those little pieces of plastic.

Buying Your First Home: What to Do and When to Do It

Buying your first home can be incredibly rewarding — and incredibly stressful. Keep your head on straight (and even enjoy the process!) with this guide.

5 Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Used Car

If you're in the market for good used car, here are five essential questions to ask yourself before you step on the lot or respond to the ad.

The State of American Money, April 1, 2013

On the first day of April, 2013, we have some VERY IMPORTANT FINANCIAL INFORMATION to share.

What I Miss About the Recession

A look at the recent Great Recession through a glass half full reveals a few positive effects of the economic malaise.

5 Debt Lessons From Darth Vader

What can a villain teach us about getting out of debt? More than C-3PO can teach us about programming binary load-lifters.

Best Money Tips: Steps to Stop Procrastinating With Your Taxes

Today we found some fantastic articles on steps to stop procrastinating with your taxes, how to be a millionaire in the making, and maximizing social security payouts.

A Brief History of Credit Card Marketing Tactics

Credit card companies have been trying to part us from our money for years — and their techniques are only getting more sophisticated.

6 Valid Reasons Not to Contribute to Your 401(k)

Depending on your situation and your goals, opting out of your 401(k) plan can be a smart financial decision.

Get Ready to Manage Your Bank (and Other Cash) Accounts

Recently, there's been no reason to pay much attention to how you store your cash — it doesn't earn enough interest to worry about. That's about to change.

You Shouldn’t Buy a Home If…

Home ownership isn’t for everyone. And even if it’s right for you, it might not be right for you right now. Read this to help figure out if you're ready.

Best Money Tips: Tax Loopholes for the Working Man and Woman

Today we found some stellar articles on tax loopholes, handling a part time side business, and beating burnout as a working grad student.

What You Need to Know About the FDIC

How safe is your money? Well, if you keep it in a bank, it's kept very safe by the U.S. Government...up to a point.

How to Set Up an IRA to Build Wealth

Want to become a millionaire? All you have to do is invest $11 a day in an IRA for 40 years. Learn how to set yours up.

Best Money Tips: IRS Audit Red Flags

Today we found some fantastic articles on IRS audit red flags, ways to spring-clean your finances, and hidden costs of DIY moving.

Canada and U.S. Retirement Showdown: Which Offers More for Retirees?

In the spirit of friendly cross-border competition, Canada and the U.S. face-off on retirement. Which country offers the best deal for retirees?

The Psychology of Money: How a T-Shirt Equals a Taco

Sometimes, really understanding your finances doesn't mean knowing the numbers — it means knowing how many tacos you can buy.

Best Money Tips: How to Save on Banking Fees

Today we found some great articles on saving on banking fees, decluttering your kitchen, and time management rules you are breaking.

To Stay on Financial Track, Perform a Yearly Earnings Review

If you want to make sure you're on the right financial track, add a review of your earnings to your annual tax-time financial routine.