by Kent McDill The NFL playoff schedule for the 2021-22 season is set and the 14 teams that have a chance to get to the championship game in Los Angeles are now beginning their post-season play. And, you will begin preparations for watching your favorite team or the team you love to hate play in games that really, really matter. But, you don’t have cable TV service any longer. You
by Kari FaberStaff WriterHomeownership is the American dream, right? We spend years — sometimes decades — saving up enough money for a down payment for our first home and mark it as a major milestone in our lives.But sorry to rain on your parade — just the down payment isn’t enough.Sure, you’ll get the keys and have takeout on top of a box marked “front hall closet” on your first
by Timothy MooreContributorNational parks offer an affordable way to experience some otherworldly places without leaving the country and, with thousands of trails to hike, rivers to kayak and lakes to swim, they allow you to enjoy a socially distanced vacation experience that is all outdoors.Since the start of COVID-19, I’ve pivoted my travel away from international flights and indoor museums to the deep waters of Biscayne in Southern Florida, the
by Mike BrassfieldSenior WriterCredit card debt is the worst, am I right? And the really nasty part is, your credit card companies are counting on you falling behind on your payments. That’s how they really make their money.Sure, it’s awfully handy to swipe that plastic whenever you want something. But before you know it, you’ve got an outstanding balance you can’t pay off that month. It sticks around month after
by Rachel Christian, CEPF®Senior WriterBelieve it or not, the government will pay you to save.Seriously. Check this out.It’s called the Saver’s Credit, and it’s one of the most valuable tax credits available. But it’s also one of the most overlooked.Keep reading to learn who is eligible for the Saver’s Credit and how it works. The Saver’s Credit is a way to put money back in your pocket when you save
by Kent McDill Bank of America and Wells Fargo have jumped on the bandwagon to eliminate overdraft penalties, though they aren’t riding all of the way yet.The nation’s No. 2 and 3 banks announced in January that they will give customers a break on high penalties for overdraft fees but unlike other U.S. Banks did in 2021, they aren’t eliminating them completely.Bank of America is slashing overdraft fees from $35
by Nicole DowSenior WriterNo excuses.Getting in shape requires making a decision and a commitment to putting in the work. It also takes an investment — in time and often in money.Choosing a gym can be a very personal decision. Location might be important to you. You may want a gym you pass on your normal commute so you aren’t forced to travel out of the way.You might want a large
by Rachel Christian, CEPF®Senior WriterIf you own a home, your mortgage payment is probably your biggest monthly expense.But what if you could eliminate that huge financial obligation ahead of schedule — and own your home free and clear?There are a few tried-and-true ways to pay off your mortgage early — simple changes like making an extra monthly payment as well as more complex and expensive options like refinancing.Paying off your
by Nicole DowSenior Writer Curious how YouTube TV works but aren’t ready to sign up? Feel like binge-watching a new series on Hulu without forking over subscription cost? Free trials can give you a sneak peek. But free trials aren’t really meant to be free. The goal is to introduce you to a product or service and then hook you so you decide to keep it (and pay for it)
by Kari FaberStaff WriterDebt happens.Most Americans have some sort of debt — and not all of it is good debt, like a mortgage, car loan or student loans, which are considered good investments.Credit card debt, medical debt, overdue bills and high interest loans are just a few of the types of bad debt that can wreak havoc on your life. They can destroy your credit, snowball into even more debt
