by Veronica Matthews, Nicole Dow Back-to-school season comes around the same time every year, but like the holidays, it has a tendency to sneak up on parents — and their bank accounts. With inflation and up-and-down gas prices, back-to-school is shaping up to be an even bigger budget challenge this year. According to Fortune Magazine, parents anticipate spending a whopping $661 on supplies, per child. The National Retail Federation estimates
by Dana Miranda, CEPF®ContributorEver wanted to cash in on nostalgia?Vintage and cultural collectibles have long been a pastime and earning opportunity for hobbyists and folks with quirky interests and cash to spare. In recent years, collectibles have become an attractive asset class for creative investors, as well.But it’s always been a tough market to break into — collectibles tend to be pricy to acquire because of the resources needed to
by Quinten PlummerStaff WriterIt’s official. Our parents were wrong: Playing video games isn’t a waste of time — especially since you can earn money playing games on your phone.A free app called Rewarded Play lets you earn hundreds of dollars in gift cards from popular brands just for playing games you’re probably already familiar with. Who knew Candy Crush and Words with Friends could turn into a legit side hustle?Playtime
Real Answers for Life’s Money Challengesby Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorCan I write my children out of my will for doing something against my wishes? Specifically, if one of them wants to start a business, but I would rather them work a steady job for someone else? I am a failed entrepreneur myself but have since gotten back on my feet. It would pain me for my children to fail at something
It seems that every time you check your mail these days you find, yet another, offer to receive $500 if you set up a checking account with XXX bank, right? You may be completely satisfied with your current banking situation but that $500 is really appealing. Depending on your unique financial situation, it might not be a bad idea to change banks, but it also might cost you more in
by Timothy MooreContributor What happened to those sweet Uber deals where the price of getting from here to there beat every other mode of transportation except walking? The pandemic, that’s what happened. In the initial aftermath of the 2020 lockdowns, when people felt safe hopping in rideshares again, prices for an Uber ride more than doubled in some parts of the country. By 2021, Rakuten Intelligence reported that average prices
by Rachel Christian, CEPF®Senior WriterThere’s been rumblings about retirees on Social Security possibly paying higher taxes in 2023 and 2024 due to inflation.But what exactly does that mean?First: You don’t have to worry about this if Social Security is your only source of income.But if you’ve been near the cusp of owing taxes on your Social Security benefits, recent and upcoming cost-of-living adjustments may push you over the edge.Here’s what
by Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorIf you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you’ve probably worried at some point about losing benefits. After all, the application process is notoriously long and cumbersome. If you’re nearing retirement age, those fears may become more pronounced. So what exactly happens to your SSDI when you reach retirement age?The good news is that you won’t lose those monthly checks. Read on to learn what happens
by Danielle BraffContributor The public library graduated from being simply a repository of books decades ago. Today, the public library is plugged into the virtual world in many ways. Do you want to stream music, movies and audiobooks? Check out a hundred magazines? Learn a new skill? You can do all of this through your local public library for free with their broad offering of free apps. Even better, you
by Catherine Hiles, Maryann Akinboyewa Pull any bill out of your wallet. See the dark green numbers on the top-left and top-right corners? They could mean your bill is worth much more than its face value. If a serial number’s digits are unique or interesting, collectors might be willing to pay big bucks — hundreds or even thousands of dollars — for your bill. You’ll make the most profit off
