by Carson Kohler, Robert BruceWhen it comes to remote work, everything changed in 2020.You know how it happened. The pandemic struck and employers who weren’t already allowing remote work were forced to do so. The pandemic continued and employees continued to stay at home. Then, as vaccinations became widely available and covid rates dropped, employers saw the benefit of employees working remotely.Remote work, which a decade ago was a benefit
by Nicole DowSenior WriterSo you’ve made a budget, cut out unnecessary spending and found ways to earn extra income. You finally have money to set aside. Great work!Now the question is: Where will you stash that cash?If you just let it pile up in your checking account — or worse, stuff it under your mattress — your money won’t be working to its highest potential. You want your savings to
Varo BankBest for Cash Back3.00% APY Axos Bank Essential Checking AccountBest for Unlimited ATM AccessUp to 1.25% Chime SpendingBest for Digital Features0.50% APY Ally Interest CheckingBest for No Fee PerksUp to 0.25% by Kathleen GarvinContributorDo you remember why you chose your current checking account?If you got started early, your parents might have helped you open a kids’ checking or savings account at their bank’s branch. Or maybe you went with
by Rachel Christian, CEPF®Senior WriterTax time is officially upon us: The Internal Revenue Service began accepting and processing 2021 tax year returns on Jan. 24.Whether you’re anticipating a refund or dreading the bill, you’ll want to mark some important dates on your calendar.First, you should receive your W-2 forms in the mail soon if you haven’t already. You know, those little sheets of paper showcasing your wages and tax —
by Kari FaberStaff WriterYour washing machine. Your car. Your front tooth.If any of those broke right now, would you be able to get it fixed immediately? Or would you have to walk around with a gap in your smile for months until you could get the money together?If you can’t afford to pay to fix it today, you’re not alone. According to a 2020 Bankrate survey, only 41% of Americans
by Mike BrassfieldSenior WriterWe’re big on investing. It’s an important way to grow your money and set yourself up for retirement someday.But is it dangerous to be too obsessed with the stock market?You bet it is. Our financial advice columnist, Dear Penny, recently heard from a reader whose husband stopped funding his 401(k) so he can bet on the stock market, instead.Is it OK that he’s stopped contributing to his
by The Penny Hoarder Staff As cable subscription prices rise higher and higher and customer satisfaction ratings dive lower and lower, cutting the cable has never been more popular. Sure, there are the usual big names in streaming services available for a monthly fee, but it’s possible to kick subscription fees entirely. Luckily, there are more options than ever for replacing your traditional cable setup. Many free streaming services have
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
by Rachel Christian, CEPF®Senior WriterDo you dream of living in Europe?Of sitting in cafes, eating pastries and learning a new language?Ashley Fleckenstein did.But, like most young Americans, she didn’t have the money to just pick up and go — or the right qualifications to get a full-time job abroad.So Fleckenstein decided to become an au pair, an international nanny who typically provides live-in child care services to a host family.If
Real Answers for Life’s Money Challengesby Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorCan I sue my ex-boyfriend and the father of my adult children for the $500 I lent him a year and a half ago? It was supposed to be repaid in two weeks, going on two years. I have proof by text him saying he would pay me back. He gets Social Security and works under the table. He has plenty of
