Dear Penny: How Can I Recover After Losing Big Money to a Ponzi Scheme?

Real Answers for Life’s Money Challengesby Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorHow does one recover from investing in a Ponzi scheme? I am feeling very stupid and embarrassed. The SEC will take two to three years to figure out and recover any funds remaining. I have additional funds to reinvest, but it is money I want to leave my daughter. What advice do you have for me?-A.Dear A.,Plenty of smart people have

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6 (Totally Wrong) Ways We've Had Money Mansplained to Us

by Kari FaberStaff WriterOn a scale of one to 10, how much do you loathe mansplaining?Personally, it’s an 11, taking the top spot over manspreading and bropropriating but barely squeaking past manterrupting.Just thinking about the unsolicited — or downright wrong — advice us women sometimes have to listen to sends chills down my spine. It’s especially bad when it comes to financial advice. Studies show women are increasingly becoming the

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Know the Good and Bad of Subscription Boxes Before Signing Up

by Elizabeth Djinis The appeal of a subscription box is obvious: A little gift delivered to your door each month. Better yet, the specifics of the contents are a surprise. Sort of like a birthday present. But like any commercial gimmick, monthly subscription boxes have their pros and their cons. Beauty boxes like Birchbox want to keep you invested, so the monthly plans lessen in price from $15 to $13

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Manage Your Money Like a CEO by Studying This One Number

by Mike BrassfieldSenior WriterCEOs know money. That’s why they make so much of it.Every company’s CEO keeps an eagle eye on one number — the bottom line. Add up your revenue, subtract your expenses, and you’ve got your bottom line. Ultimately, it’s the only number that matters.So many of us get a little sloppy about the bottom line. We earn what we earn, and we spend a little too much,

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How Much Do You Get Paid to Donate Sperm? We've Got All the Answers

by Dana Miranda, CEPF®ContributorLet’s talk about how to make money by selling your sperm. Like, how this actually works.Popular media sends a strong message: Selling your sperm is a lucrative and simple way to make money when you’re low on cash.There’s no need to feel weird about sperm donation, despite the many jokes about the process. Sperm banks support thousands of families who struggle with infertility and parents who want

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17 Money-Saving Cruise Tips

by Robert BruceSenior Writer Cruising is back. And, after two years of being stuck on land, many vacationers may be ready to get out of the house and onto the ocean. As more cruise lines lift COVID-related restrictions, they are opening up their cruise ships to more people. In late February, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian cruise lines announced they would be making masks optional (or “recommended” but not required)

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How to Sell Photos Online: 15 Websites + Pro Tips

by Kristen Pope, Dana Miranda, CEPF® Quick Navigation Best Sites to Sell Photos Online Other Ways to Sell Pictures Online Tips for Selling Photos More Ways to Earn Money From Photography Attention shutterbugs: Do you bring your camera everywhere you go, snapping perfect shot after perfect shot? You can turn that hobby into a side hustle and learn how to sell photos online and make money. Cash in on your

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Best Savings Accounts for April 2022

Best for High-Yield SavingsHigh-Yield Savings0.50%APYBest for Users Who Want to Save SmarterOnline Savings AccountUp to 0.50%APYBest for Connecting to Multiple Accounts360 Performance Savings 0.40% APYBest for Access to a Cash-Back Debit CardSavings Account0.40%APYby Kathleen GarvinContributor When it comes to savings accounts, where do you even begin? Do a quick search, and you’ll find many savings accounts with different options with varying percentages, monthly fees and minimum requirements. Not to mention

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Decorators Share the Best Ways to Refresh Your Home for Free

by Katherine Snow SmithContributor Spring brings change outside so it’s only natural to want to redecorate inside. Whether you’re just freshening up or looking for a whole new look, it doesn’t have to cost a lot. In fact, seasoned decorators say there are plenty of ways to redecorate that don’t cost a dime. ‘Shop’ What You Already Have “I always tell people to ‘shop’ in your home,” said decorator Stephanie

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19 Best Bank Promotions, Bonuses and Offers — April 2022

Best for Helping Out a FriendChime Referral Bonus$100 Best for Socially Conscious ClientsAspiration Plus$200 Best for Basic CheckingChase Total Checking$225 Best for Instant BonusSoFi Checking and Savings$120 by Timothy MooreContributorSo, you’re looking for a new bank account.You’ve got several factors to consider — ATM access, interest rates, monthly account fees, minimum balances, online bill payments and more.Another factor: sign-up promotions and bonuses. Banks and credit unions frequently run promotions to

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