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by Tiffany ConnorsEditor/WriterIf you need money for college, then you need to know about FAFSA deadlines.FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.The FAFSA the primary source the federal government uses, based on your specific financial information, to decide if you qualify for need-based financial aid, including federal student loans, scholarships, grants or work-study opportunities.Many states and colleges also use your FAFSA information to determine whether you are

Real Answers for Life’s Money Challengesby Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorI am in a bit of a mess and have no idea what I should do. My boyfriend and I have been dating for about seven years. Last year we decided to buy a house and finally move in together. Unfortunately for personal reasons (not bad credit), he is not able to have anything in his name. Therefore, the house is under

by Kent McDillContributor For whatever reason, you do not yet qualify to receive Social Security benefits, but you are old enough to begin thinking about your retirement. What can you do about that? One of those reasons you haven’t paid enough into the system to qualify may be that you stayed home to raise children. That’s a big job for sure, but an unpaid one. Now that the children are

by Carson KohlerStaff WriterYou’ve been Googling ways to alleviate your debt. Many experts suggest refinancing or consolidating.In the next breath you ask: What’s the best company?Upon more research, you find there are something like one zillion options, but you keep hearing mentions of Upstart, a non-traditional lending platform.What’s so special about it? In addition to assessing your ability to pay back a loan based on your credit score, it takes

by Nicole DowSenior WriterRaising a child — or children — is an incredibly rewarding experience.It can also be a very expensive one — and doing it alone can be a major source of financial stress.Being a single parent means you have to become a pro at making your money stretch and establishing your own financial safety net.We spoke with three financial professionals — who have personally experienced life as a

by The Penny Hoarder Staff You buy a bunch of bananas with the best intentions, mostly to slice and eat on cereal or mix with yogurt for breakfast.Or maybe you plan to eat one every afternoon as a pick-me-up since bananas are loaded with natural sugars to give you a boost. Vitamin C and potassium provide more healthy benefits. Oh, and fiber.Then two or three of the bunch turn on

by Timothy MooreContributorWells Fargo landed in hot water several years ago when it was revealed that employees had created millions of fraudulent accounts in order to make their sales targets.Increased consumer acceptance of online banking, where customers can expect better interest rates and mobile apps, has also posed a problem for Wells Fargo, whose core checking account is not interest-bearing and whose savings account earns a meager 0.01% APY.On top

by Nicole DowSenior WriterPersonal finance books can be a source of inspiration and guidance. They can help you improve your financial literacy and your life.If you’re looking for a good read that can impact how you make, save and grow your money, pick up one of these popular personal finance books. Add these helpful personal finance books to your “to read” list.“The Total Money Makeover” breaks down how to transform

by Dana Miranda, CEPF®ContributorPaid survey sites can be a simple way to earn a little extra cash in your free time.And although surveys aren’t our favorite way to make extra money, they can be a convenient side hustle to take on while you’re doing other things— like waiting on-hold with your bank or in line at the grocery store. Why not turn those empty moments into extra cash by clicking

by Mike BrassfieldSenior WriterIn school, they’ll teach you all the algebra you can take. They’ll teach you about geometry and trigonometry. They might even teach you about calculus.But they don’t teach you diddly-squat about money. No sirree. All the differential equations in the world aren’t gonna show you how to handle your money like a grown adult.Despite all our education, our overall state of financial literacy is way too low.