by Jenna Limbach Did you vow to to read more books in 2022, possibly shamed into it by all those people on social media claiming to have read a book a week in 2021? Book lovers, you can always save your dollars by using your local library and apps like Libby, but there’s something satisfying about having a full bookshelf, even if that bookshelf of new and used books is
by Timothy Moore, Jamie CattanachQuick NavigationGetting your tax affairs in order is just a simple fact of life. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy or pain free.There is a lot to know when it comes to filing taxes. Our complete guide for the 2021 tax year should help. (Ibuprofen sold separately.) Making more money is, in almost every way, a good thing. But it’s also true that the more money
by Mike BrassfieldSenior WriterEvery month, your car payment takes a big bite out of your bank account. The average payment these days is more than $600 a month for new cars and $400 a month for used cars.What if you could lower your monthly payment by $150 or so? Would that be worth a few minutes of your time?You should seriously consider refinancing your car loan. This means you replace
by Mike BrassfieldSenior WriterIf you’re financially stressed out these days, you’re far from alone. These are rocky and uncertain times we’re living in, and the stress level is super high.A number of recent surveys have confirmed that Americans are financially frazzled right now.For example, a survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that a whopping nine in 10 Americans say the COVID-19 crisis is causing stress on their
Real Answers for Life’s Money Challengesby Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorMy mom passed away last year with lots of debt in her estate. This debt includes a mortgage, IRS tax liens, credit card debts and other heirs who would need to be notified of her estate. The estate appears to be in debt just below $200,000 with no other assets available to pay for those debts. Unknown to me, my mom made
by Janet KeelerSenior EditorThe Great Cream Cheese Shortage of 2021 has spread into 2022 and with the Super Bowl approaching, this is serious business. And that’s because the best Super Bowl snacks often include cream cheese.We won’t dwell on what could have been on your game day party table, but rather focus on what super easy — and cheap — dips you can prepare to make them forget all about
by JoEllen SchilkeContributor Valentine’s Day is coming and you’re still paying off bills from the holiday time. Don’t stress it though. You can get a cheap but thoughtful gift for that special someone with just a little planning. There are a variety of discount stores — many with “dollar” in their name — offering the necessary components for Valentine’s Day. But don’t overlook other discount stores that can be a
by Nicole DowSenior WriterThe price of used vehicles is on an upswing, which might make you start looking at the car in your driveway in a new light.Kelley Blue Book, a leading automotive resource, reports that the average price for a used car in America was $28,205 in December 2021 — jumping 28% from December 2020 prices. Compared to two years ago, just before the start of the pandemic, the
by Rachel Christian, CEPF®Senior WriterThe fintech revolution is here and investment apps are leading the charge. Robinhood, Acorns, Betterment and other apps have simplified the investment process for everyday Americans by removing once-common barriers to access, like complex jargon and high trading fees. Investment apps shook up the archaic financial landscape by giving people user-friendly platforms to access the stock market with as little as $5. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, which coincided
by Robert BruceSenior WriterBuying a home is the biggest financial decision many people ever make. So it’s not a decision to be taken lightly.Whether you’re moving from a rental to your first house, looking to move out of your starter home, or thinking about buying that forever piece of real estate, you’ll need to have a good sense of your financial situation.Before signing the dotted line, you want to know
