by Kent McDillContributorWhen you consider making a purchase via Amazon and scour the reviews that accompany the product, you expect to see an honest review from someone who has purchased the item.That is sometimes true. But in some cases, the reviewer has received free and discounted products for the purposes of writing a quality review that can be helpful to others. In this case, we still expect the product tester
by Brynne ConroyContributorMany wedding ideas start off grand — big guest list, big dress, big budget.But a number of factors have given rise to a new take on the big day: micro weddings. By keeping it small, couples can include all the important trappings that make for a dream wedding but at a much smaller price tag.Couples marrying later in life and prioritizing other goals like buying a house, not
Less than two years ago, I was giving advice on finding a job in an employer’s market. I said to shift your mindset from that of a job seeker to that of a Top Performer. Don’t try to just land a job. Show the company why they’d be lucky to have you. You want to evaluate the company in the same way they’re evaluating you. In an employer’s market, you might feel
by Nicole DowSenior WriterMany of us didn’t learn about money growing up.Personal finance wasn’t taught in schools. Our families didn’t discuss money around the dinner table. We were left to figure everything out on our own.Let’s take those upbringings as inspiration to do better by the next generation. Set your kids (or other young ones in your life) off on the right foot with these books that introduce them to
by Mike BrassfieldSenior WriterWhy pay for something if you can get it for free? That goes for job candidates, too. Why pay money to post a job opening when you can do it for free? There are plenty of free job posting sites where you can find new employees without spending a dime.Ah, but that’s the problem. There are so many of these free job posting sites now. It seems like
by Kari FaberStaff WriterWho couldn’t use some extra income these days? The thing is, more money almost always means more work. And you’re busy enough as it is. That’s why passive income is so great. But without a rental property or some massive investment, chances to earn passive income are pretty hard to come by.But if you live in New York, it couldn’t be easier. A company called OhmConnect pays
by Rachel Christian, CEPF®Senior WriterReverse mortgages can help older homeowners free up cash in retirement by borrowing against the value of their home.It can help retirees age in place while producing a stream of income for everyday expenses.But reverse mortgages are complex and controversial. Strict rules must be followed to avoid foreclosure, and the costs can outweigh the benefits.If you’re considering a reverse mortgage for yourself or someone you know,
by Kari FaberStaff WriterWhat seemed like a reasonable goal for an emergency fund — three to six months’ worth of expenses — no longer feels that way after Covid wreaked havoc on our economy.Financial expert Suze Orman thinks people with stable jobs should be aiming toward a 12-month emergency fund after seeing millions of people blow through their savings last year. If you thought it sounded ridiculous to save that
by Rachel Christian, CEPF®Senior WriterIf you’re seeking higher interest rates than your traditional bank account can provide — and you don’t need access to your cash for a while — you might want to consider a certificate of deposit (CD).But how does a certificate of deposit work, anyway? Read on. A certificate of deposit is a savings account that holds a fixed amount of money for a certain time, such
by Timothy MooreContributor Coca-Cola has been offering that refreshing fizz on a hot day for more than a century. You’re probably used to sipping on a Coke at dinner, ordering a Coke at the drive thru or, on nights you’re feeling adventurous, mixing it with your favorite brand of rum. But there are a whole lot more uses for Coca-Cola than just plain drinking. If you’ve got a 12-pack or
