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by Timothy MooreContributorDid the movie The Big Short go right over your head? Does Nasdaq sound more like a foreign country than a stock market index? When you hear about bear markets and bull markets, do you envision adorable cartoon mammals browsing for fresh produce at a local farmers market?You’re not alone.The stock market can be confusing, and if you’re not a financial wizard in the Wall Street inner circle,

by Dana Sitar, CEPF®, Jamie CattanachDigital-first financial services are the wave of the future: all of the money management, none of the getting off the couch.One of the earliest players and a leading company in the branchless banking game is Chime, a financial technology company founded in 2013 by Chris Britt (current CEO) and Ryan King (current CTO).Like other online banking options, Chime offers many of the most important features

by Dana Sitar, CEPF®ContributorIt’s clear from the popularity of online forums about investing (hi, Reddit), that a lot of beginner investors value the advice of fellow investors as much as — or more than — that of an actual financial advisor.So it was only a matter of time before an investment app built the community right into its platform.Public is one of the earliest active investing apps and the only

Real Answers for Life’s Money Challengesby Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorI’m in the process of divorce. It’s been two years since I’ve filed. My husband makes more money than I do. I’m disabled and can’t work. I hardly have an income coming in right now! I’m going to be 62 in four months. He is 54. Would I be able to get his Social Security if I retire at 62?-Legally SeparatedDear Separated,Bad

by Nicole DowSenior WriterWhat difference can saving your pennies make? A lot, it turns out, if you’re doing the penny challenge.This money-saving challenge helps you put aside $667.95 in a year — or $671.61 in a leap year. To participate in the challenge, follow these steps:Start by saving one penny on the first day.Each day that follows, add one cent to the amount you saved the day before. For example,

by Kristen PopeContributorIf money’s tight or you’re living paycheck to paycheck, being philanthropic probably seems beyond your reach.But here’s some good news: You can still give back to the charities and nonprofit organizations that are important to you.Even when you’re strapped for cash, there are things you can do to help others. Here are six ways. These options will let you do good and give back without spending money.While many