by Veronica MatthewsContributorSummer is the season for the great American cookout. Grills and barbecues across the country will soon be sizzling with traditional menu items like steaks, hot dogs and hamburgers as well as savory veggie options like black bean burgers and grilled mushrooms.But when you add up the beers, burgers and potato salad, hosting a backyard cookout can burn a hole straight through your wallet. So how can you
by Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorDo you ever wonder why it’s so hard to save money — even when you’ve cut the cable and the meals out, and you’ve never even had a latte habit?One reason it’s so hard to save is that your fixed expenses — the ones that stay the same each month, like your rent or mortgage, car payment, property taxes and insurance premiums — tend to be
by Dave SchaferContributorThere’s no way around it — college is expensive. This means that for many students, taking out a loan is the only way to realistically cover these expenses. And, like most other loans, student loans accrue interest.In this article, we’ll explore the current interest rates across the most common student loan products, including federal and private student loans.When we discuss federal interest rates on student loans in this
by Catherine HilesContributor Cash from national contests can help you pay off debt, finance that dream vacation around the world or send you on a shopping spree in style. But you can’t win the money unless you enter the contests. The odds may be tough but it’s easy to enter online. And, someone has to win, right? Why not good people like you? The contests listed here represent about $195,000
by Rachel Christian, CEPF®Senior WriterMillions of Americans now qualify for discounted or free internet access thanks to an expanded federal program announced by the White House on Monday.The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) grants up to $30 a month toward high-speed internet for qualifying households.Twenty of the nation’s largest internet providers are also offering plans of $30 or less per month for qualifying households.If you qualify for an ACP grant, pairing
by Robert Bruce, Lisa Rowan Think you need to work long hours to qualify for company-backed retirement plans, tuition reimbursements and affordable health insurance? Actually, you don’t have to have to be a full-time employee to get those perks. There are many companies that offer generous benefit packages for their hourly part-time employees. These 14 companies lead the way in offering part-time jobs with benefits. You could land a flexible
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
