Yearly Archives: 2022

by Rachel Christian, CEPF®Senior WriterAfter two years of postponed shows and cancellations, music lovers are flocking to big festivals across the country. While festivals themselves are amazing, the damage they inflict on your wallet isn’t. Travel, lodging, meals, admission and incidentals all add up quickly.Just take a look at 2022 ticket prices for some popular music fests around the country:  Most ticket prices don’t include options lile parking, camping, meals and

Real Answers for Life’s Money Challengesby Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorI’ve been separated for more than 10 years after a 30-plus-year marriage. The past 10 years, I’ve supported the family home, paid off all outstanding bills and paid off the credit card debt of over $15,000. I also sold the family home last year and split the proceeds equally. Before selling the home, I couldn’t afford an attorney for a divorce. (I

by Nicole DowSenior WriterYou spend enough on vacation as it is.The last thing you need is to blow $5 on bottled water, $75 on parking and $200 for an overweight suitcase at the airport.When you’re trying to get from the curbside to the terminal, here are seven hacks to help you save money at the airport. You’ll pay a premium buying meals at airport restaurants or snacks from the kiosk

by Michael ArchambaultSenior Writer No need to whip out your wallet at the store anymore. Google Pay will get this one, just tap your phone or smart watch at a supported payment terminal. Google Pay is a digital wallet and payment platform that enables you to make online or in-store purchases using your Android smartphone or watch. Setting up Google Pay on your favorite Android device is easy and offers

by Robert BruceSenior WriterIf you own a smartphone, you’ve likely been on the receiving end of a random text from someone asking to buy your house. These unsolicited text messages have inundated the real estate industry in recent years, leaving some property owners wondering if the texts are legit.The answer to that question varies and largely depends on who sent the text.“They come from a mix of various people,” says

by The Penny Hoarder Staff You’ve done what you can to cut back your spending.You brew coffee at home, you don’t walk into Target and you refuse to order avocado toast. (Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)But no matter how cognizant you are of your spending habits, you’re still stuck with those inescapable monthly bills. You know which ones we’re talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…So

by Rachel Christian, CEPF®Senior WriterWhen was the last time you printed out your resume and handed it to an actual human being?These days, many job seekers don’t interact with a real, live person until they get past an electronic screening round.More companies are using automated applicant tracking systems (ATS), also known as talent management systems, to find job candidates.While ATS systems are efficient, they eliminate resumes that are missing important

by The Penny Hoarder Staff So, you have thousands of dollars in credit card debt, and the burden of paying off all that — and interest — is gobbling up your income. Instead of financially treading water making minimum payments and paying maximum interest, make the smart move, and take out a debt consolidation loan. It’s a personal loan, usually at a lower interest rate that you can use to

by Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorA secured loan is a type of loan backed by collateral that your lender can seize if you don’t make payments. A mortgage is one of the most common types of secured loans. Your home is the collateral. If you don’t make your mortgage payments, your lender will start the foreclosure process to seize your home.Most personal loans are unsecured loans, meaning they aren’t backed by

by Danielle BraffContributorYour pet is part of your family, but that doesn’t mean his food needs to cost as much as yours — even if you’re trying to feed him high-quality food.But unfortunately, pet food, too, was affected by supply chain woes and shortages during the pandemic. There are fewer drivers transporting the ingredients and products across the country; there are cargo ship delays; and the number of people with