Articles on Personal Finance

Receiving Your Tax Refund in Savings Bonds

If you qualify for a tax refund this year, getting it in the form of U.S. Savings Bonds can be a great way to jump-start or augment your savings.

Best Money Tips: Tips for a Successful Yard Sale

Today we found some great articles on how to have a successful yard sale, uses for plastic grocery bags, and making money online doing simple tasks.

16 Great Tax Deductions You May Have Overlooked

Many people miss out on these big tax deductions, adjustments, and credits. Are you one of them?

When You Should and Shouldn't Rent

There are many great debates in the world: The chicken or the egg? John or Paul? Should you rent or not? This helps answer one of those.

While Waiting for Rates: I-Bonds

You could reach for yield by taking on more risk, or you could suck it up and wait for rates to go up. If you prefer to wait, consider I-Bonds.

4 Thorny Payroll Tax Issues and How to Handle Them

Small businesses face plenty of challenges, including several tough payroll tax challenges. Here's what you can do about them.

Houses You Can Build Yourself

From eco-friendly prefab kits to dwellings built out of other people's trash, the possibilities for building your own home are only limited by your imagination.

Want to Buy a Home With No Money Down? Try a USDA Loan

Despite the recent economic crunch, consumers can still purchase homes with no money down through the USDA Rural Development program.

6 Quick Tips for Organizing Your Finances

Whether you're surrounded by piles of unsorted financial documents or could just use a little straightening up, here's how to painlessly get organized.

How to File Your First Tax Return

Your first tax return can be a breeze if you follow these simple steps.

How the Reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Will Affect You

On February 11, the government announced its plan to wind down mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. How will this historic reform affect you?

McMansion to McCottage: Why Smaller Houses Are Smarter

When it comes to our homes, is bigger always better? From saving money to cutting clutter and more, explore the benefits of buying or building small.

Tips for Playing Credit Card Roulette

It's exciting, it's risky, and it means you might get to eat for free -- or pay the entire bill. Discover the fun and danger of credit card roulette.

Lower Interest Rates with Credit Sesame and Lending Club

First I consolidated my credit cards using a service that barely changed my inflated interest rates. Then I got a better deal — here's how.

Student Loans: How to Make Post-College Decisions

Making decisions about student loans doesn’t have to be difficult. But it should be personalized.

9 Real Estate Clauses to Watch Out For

If you're planning to lease space for your business, make sure you're aware of all the associated fees — otherwise, you could be in for serious sticker shock.

Selling Your Life Insurance Policy for Cold, Hard Cash

Would you sell your life insurance policy for a lump sum, knowing that someone else now profits from your death?

Do You Spend More with Cash or Credit?

I totaled up all my credit card expenses in 2010 to try to figure out if I spent more using credit than I would have with cash. Here's what I found.

5 Things Everyone Should Know About This Year's Tax Changes

Know this year's key updates so you don't miss any tax cuts or deductions.

Save Money with a Dependent Care Tax Credit and FSA

If you pay for day care or other services, you may be able to save thousands with an FSA, the Child and Dependent Care Credit, or both.