4 Gig Economy Trends to Watch in 2022

by Robert BruceSenior WriterIf 2021 proved anything, it’s that the gig economy is alive and well.From ride-sharing to food delivery to at-home businesses and freelance gigs, Americans got creative in how they earned their income over the last year. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, 16% of Americans have earned income from an online gig platform at some point.Looking ahead, the gig economy will likely continue to grow

Read More

How To Get Free Stuff on Amazon: 12 Great Tips and Tricks

by Matt Matasci Amazon is the biggest online retailer in the country and sells just about everything under the sun. If a product is for sale online, chances are it’s on Amazon. The retail giant doesn’t just sell its own products, it’s also a virtual marketplace for millions of vendors around the globe. Competition between these sellers is fierce and with just a little bit of work, you can take

Read More

6 Best Gas Rewards Programs Save Money at the Pump

by The Penny Hoarder Staff, Timothy Moore Grocery store loyalty programs used to be the way to go to save money on gas. But now that gas stations are offering their own gas rewards programs, it’s time to rethink your fueling strategy. And considering that we entered 2022 with prices $1 higher per gallon than at the start of 2021 (and some analysts predict a national average this year of

Read More

7 Banking Trends to Watch in 2022

by Timothy MooreContributorBanking has not been immune to the volatile conditions of today’s rapidly changing world. From the COVID-19 pandemic to a rise in artificial intelligence to new cybersecurity threats, banks continue to face large challenges that are ultimately changing the way they operate.We’ve seen large shifts in 2021, but we expect even bigger changes to the landscape of banking features in 2022.Here is a preview of what we expect

Read More

The Penny Hoarder’s Top Budgeting Stories of 2021

by Nicole DowSenior WriterAs life slowly crept back to normal in 2021 following the financial chaos and uncertainty of the year before, we were left with the desire to get a better handle on our individual money situations.Maintaining a budget is an excellent way to start. While keeping tabs on your cash flow isn’t necessarily fun, it will help you stay focused on your future goals.As 2021 winds down, here

Read More

5 Social Security Changes You Need to Know for 2022

by Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorEach new year brings changes to Social Security. Even if you’re decades away from retirement, it’s important to keep tabs on what’s happening. After all, Social Security gets a chunk of each paycheck during your working years. And without Social Security, about 40% of Americans 65 and older would have incomes below the poverty level.Read on to learn what’s in store for Social Security in 2022,

Read More

Here's What You Need to Know About Investing in 2022

by Mike BrassfieldSenior WriterHere’s a good question for the new year: Is 2022 a good time to invest in stocks?In turbulent times like these, it’s hard to know the right financial moves to make. A lot of the tried-and-true advice we’ve always relied on doesn’t seem relevant anymore. Is now a good time to invest? Should I focus on paying off debt? Or saving?It’s helpful to consult with a pro.

Read More

Less than half of financial advice is considered helpful by those who receive it [Survey]

Key TakeawaysFinancial advice is often given freely by well-meaning friends and family. Though well-intended, much of this advice may not always be helpful.With so many financial strategies floating around, some might not fit your specific objectives. Other times, money management tips can be downright toxic to your financial health. To gain insight into the topic of money management advice and whether it’s helpful, we surveyed over 1,000 respondents. Read along

Read More

People Say to Give Up These 4 Things and Retire Early — They’re Wrong

by Kari FaberStaff WriterIf you’re not already rich, the race to early retirement can feel like it’s marred by sacrifice. Give up this, give up that — like the only way to retire before 65 is if you suffer now.Sure, you want to be able to enjoy early retirement, and that means having enough money saved to do so. But you also want to live your life now in a

Read More

Here’s What to Include in a Winter Emergency Car Kit

by Timothy MooreContributorLiving in a region with blisteringly cold winters tends to make you somewhat of an expert on winter driving.But skilled winter driving means more than just knowing what to do if you slide on ice or how to properly clear your windshield. It means staying on top of important vehicle maintenance, like checking exterior lights, having your battery tested and regularly monitoring your tire pressure.Just as importantly, it

Read More