money

Real Answers for Life’s Money Challengesby Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorI work in a relatively small local community service organization in a small building. We have a few co-workers, a manager and a director. On a few occasions, our manager has invited everyone to attend a birthday lunch for one of the three of us. I love my co-workers, but I live for my lunch hour. We’re hourly, so not only must

by Michael ArchambaultSenior Writer Even the best financial wizards need a bit of help every once in a while. If payday is still around the corner but you need a little cash now, these apps can help to deposit small amounts of additional funds into your bank account quickly. We’ve researched the best options, examining each service’s loan amounts, fees (even those tricky hidden fees), overall speed to get to

by Kristin JennyContributorAll marriages require work and dedication, but being a military spouse to an active-duty member of the armed forces involves extra commitment and flexibility.Military families are required to relocate, every few years or even more than once in a year, and the moves can sometimes be sudden and unpredictable. This lifestyle can make it tough to hold down consistent jobs as a military spouse, 88% of whom are

by Nicole DowSenior Writer Owning an RV is a dream for many people. Maybe you want to travel the country without having to worry about booking lodging. Or go camping without giving up all of the creature comforts of home. Perhaps you’re itching to downsize and adopt a more mobile lifestyle — one where you’re not tied down to a mortgage or lease. A recreational vehicle provides you with freedom

by Timothy MooreContributorNew electric vehicle sales are on the rise despite soaring prices. If you want to save a buck and the Earth, consider a used electric car. We’ve got the tips to help you buy the best used electric cars on the market. And we are naming names.The initial year of the COVID-19 pandemic delivered a brutal blow to the automotive industry, but the larger economic effects of the

Best Overall Fair Credit LoanUpstartStarting at 5.22% APRBest for Bad CreditUpgradeStarting at 5.94% APRBest for Fast FundingRocket LoansStarting at 5.87% APRBest for No FeesDiscoverStarting at 5.99%APRby Timothy MooreContributor Having a strong credit score makes getting any kind of loan — including a mortgage, an auto loan and personal loans — much easier. But what about borrowers with fair credit? Because paying off a loan in monthly installments without missing a

by Lisa Rowan, Rachel Christian, CEPF®A payday loan can offer a quick reprieve from unexpected expenses or temporary tough luck.But if you don’t have enough money to pay back the loan next payday, you may need to take out another loan — or roll your balance into a new loan with interest rates that can exceed 300%.More than a dozen states have banned high-interest, short-term loans, but it’s still easy

by Rachel Christian, CEPF®Senior Writer It’s hard to rebound from financial shocks in retirement. Job loss, divorce, a health emergency or a death in the family can strap your resources, deplete your savings and leave you wondering what comes next. Economic volatility and soaring inflation only add to the stress. If you’re an older American struggling to afford housing, it’s important to understand your options. There are federal, state and

by Tiffany ConnorsEditor/WriterThey say that teaching is a calling. It’s just not typically a calling to money.If you’re an educator facing a pile of student debt, the good news is that there are multiple loan forgiveness programs specifically for teachers.You don’t need to be a math teacher to realize that the $30,000-plus average amount of student loans to get a bachelor’s degree would be tough to pay off on a