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When I started my first blog in 2004, I was in my early 20s. I’m now in my mid-forties. And while my first blog no longer exists, I still remember a lot of the posts I’d written (and I can always peek into the Wayback Machine if I forget, you can too… enjoy!). Over the … Read more

Ever wonder why everything is sold as a monthly payment? It’s not an accident. Marketers have realized that if you take a big price and break it down into a series of smaller, more palatable payments, we are more likely to buy something. It’s called the Monthly Money Trap. Depending on where you live, a … Read more

Credit card piggybacking is when you add someone else as an authorized user to help them improve their credit history and thus their credit score. Adding someone as an authorized user is free and they will see that credit line appear on their report, which can help improve it. Remember that the FICO credit score … Read more

I grew up with a solidly middle class upbringing. My parents owned our home, my dad worked full-time and my mom worked part-time. We were frugal, as many immigrants are, because we had to be. My dad came here on an education visa with a one-way ticket. He would send money home all the time. … Read more

A sweeping new piece of legislation known as the “Big Beautiful Bill” is packed with tax breaks, expanded deductions, and changes to key government programs. This bill could dramatically alter the financial landscape for millions of Americans. Here’s what you need to know. Read more: Existing Tax Rates Become Permanent PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/shutterstock.com The … Read more

The retirement account landscape seems like a mish mash of acronyms – 401(k), IRA, HSA, etc. If you’re new to this, as I was when I first started working, it can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there is an order of operations when it comes to saving for retirement. And it’s an order that works for everyone, … Read more

Our kids’ school sent out a list of summer reading programs that we’ll look to get our kids involved in. It’s great that so many books stores and organizations are getting in on the action that was once the domain of Pizza Hut and their Book It program! (and if you happen to live in … Read more

I haven’t paid an ATM fee in ages because I use an Ally Bank checking account. They will reimburse me $10 per statement cycle on fees charged by another bank when I use their ATM. They also have a partnership with Allpoint and MoneyPass so I can access my cash through those networks without paying … Read more

Planning for the future isn’t just about your finances; it’s about peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Whether you’re already retired or just thinking ahead, a well-prepared estate plan ensures your wishes are honored, your assets are protected, and your family isn’t left scrambling. Don’t leave important decisions to chance. Instead, take … Read more

This is how the travel hacking world works in a nutshell: Get a credit card with a huge welcome bonus Scour reward ticket calendars for amazing deals, which are often last minute Take advatange of transfer bonuses to get extra points And the hard part of all this, beyond the spending, is that it requires … Read more