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by Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorIf you’re among the millions of Americans grappling with medical bills, obtaining a mortgage or car loan will soon get easier.The three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and Transunion — recently announced sweeping changes to how medical debt will appear on credit reports. The overhaul will erase about 70% of medical debt from consumers’ credit histories. Here’s what’s changing: One reason for the changes: Medical

by Danielle BraffContributorAluminum foil is a Penny Hoarder’s BFF when it comes to preserving leftovers. But if you’re just using that handy foil to wrap up day-old food, you’re totally missing out on so many other uses for this extraordinary kitchen standby. You might be dating yourself if you are still calling the kitchen workhorse “tin foil” though it’s not uncommon to hear that phrase. Foil was made of tin

by Robert BruceSenior Writer When it comes to gas prices, we’re in uncharted territory. According to AAA, the average price of gas in the United States reached $4.33 on March 11 – the highest in history. GasBuddy says the weekly rise of 49 cents per gallon in early March was the second highest week-to-week increase on record, second only to the week following the Hurricane Katrina catastrophe in 2005. Everyone’s

by JoEllen SchilkeContributorYou probably have aluminum foil, baking soda, peanut butter, vinegar, and Windex in your house and you may even have coconut oil. If not, you should. These common household items can save you emergency trips to the store as well as money.You may never buy bleach, stain remover, or furniture polish again. Imagine the space you’ll save under the sink and other spots you store household products.Our guide

by Kent McDillContributorThe Federal Reserve has hiked interest rates for the first time since 2018, partially due to consumer angst and anger about rising inflation. Have you seen the price of gas?In general, a rate increase is good for savers and we may see some drops in prices of consumer goods. But the hike is not so fabulous for borrowers who will see mortgage and credit card rates jump.Millennials and

Real Answers for Life’s Money Challengesby Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorI recently moved into my father’s house to help him pay bills. He claimed that the pandemic affected his finances. For about 15 years, our relationship was strained because of his second wife. I rarely visited until after she passed away and knew nothing about the state of the house, which looks fine at first glance. After moving myself and my children