Personal Finance

On the bookshelf right next to where I do most of my financial writing, you’ll find an array of personal finance books. Some of them have been there for years — they are the essential personal finance books I recommend to everyone, full of timeless advice. Many others are more …

Trong Nguyen / Shutterstock.com We love shopping for Costco bargains, but it turns out some of the warehouse store’s Kirkland Signature house brand offerings are not the sweet deals they seem to be. Often it’s just too much of a good thing. You won’t use up the item before it …

Photo by littlenySTOCK / Shutterstock.com Credit cards can seem like lifesavers when you want or need to make a large purchase. Using a card is so easy — like buying something on someone else’s dime. That is, until you overextend yourself. Then, you realize that you ultimately will pay an …

Photo by 9dream studio / Shutterstock.com Out with the old and in with the new — habits, that is! 2021 is nearly here, promising a fresh start with 365 days to work toward and achieve all of your goals for the new year. From a 52-week guided goal journal and …

Personal loans can help you fund home improvement projects, weddings, debt consolidation and other personal life events. Before running to a big-box financial institution, consider applying for your next personal loan from your local credit union. Because of their non-profit structure, the best federal credit unions can offer flexibility and …

Renters insurance coverage covers costs associated with property damage, stolen property, personal liability and medical payments if a guest is hurt inside your rental property. It even provides reimbursement if you’re displaced because of damage to your rental. Although your landlord may not require it or your budget is super …

If you’re getting ready to buy a home — or at least start the process — you may have realized that this isn’t the easiest road to navigate. Buying a home can come with tons of questions on rates, lenders or even terms used during the loans process. It also …

Photo by Maridav / Shutterstock.com The next time you need to unstick, soften, shine, depilate or de-squeak something, try baby oil. The lightly scented mineral oil is good for numerous applications that have nothing to do with babies. In fact, having baby oil on hand can spare you from needing …

Buying your first home with a minimal down payment sounds, at least on the surface, like a great plan. After all, adulting costs money and you’ll need funds to buy furniture, appliances and other household items. Before you go looking for a mortgage lender willing to let you buy your …