Congratulations! You’ve worked hard this year. You made it through some tough days (or weeks or months). And now, if you’re lucky, you might end up with a holiday bonus. But before pocketing that hard-earned boost to the bottom line, it’s worth taking a moment to think about how you want to use it. Here… Read more

When you were a kid, did you ever save quarters in a jar? Or set aside a portion of your allowance in a piggy bank for a big purchase, like a bicycle, a pair of designer shoes, or anything that mom said “no” to buying? As useful as those tools are for teaching good budgeting… Read more

No matter where you are in your career, the potential of eventually retiring can be a daunting experience to think about. Are you saving enough for the future? If you are, when will you have enough money set aside to be able to retire? The list of questions goes on and on. Even though the… Read more

“Open an account with us – and get a free toaster!” These days, the bank toaster (clock radio, electric blanket, or other gadget) has become a cliché for consumer banking. But what you might not know is that the decline of kitchenware freebies over the years is directly linked to a new development in America’s… Read more

Bad credit is something that is stopping many people in the country from accessing loans, getting favorable rates, or even getting access to basic amenities. It can feel crippling and can be tough when it’s the result of mistakes you made when you didn’t know better. However, you shouldn’t despair, as people get out of… Read more

Whether you’re between jobs, facing unexpected new expenses or just trying to stay on top of your finances, there are plenty of good reasons to review – and refine – your budget. Adjusting to a leaner lifestyle isn’t always easy. Maybe you’ve pledged to fix your finances before but struggled to stick to your plan…. Read more