Should you take money advice from a stranger on the internet? In Reddit’s r/personalfinance channel, anonymous users exchange tips on buying homes, choosing insurance plans and managing very personal, nuanced money situations. (Think: “How do I handle my dying dad’s debts?”) “It’s like crowdsourcing financial advice,” says Dana Eble, a public relations specialist based in … Continued
For 61% of students, college costs more than they expected, according to a recent survey from College Ave Student Loans conducted by Barnes & Noble College Insights. Yoselin Guzman, an 18-year-old UCLA freshman from Compton, California, can see why. “There’s like little costs you don’t even see,” says Guzman, noting how expensive dorm items, books … Continued
Earth-friendly school supplies can be expensive, but going green doesn’t mean asking your kid to open a lemonade stand to help pay. You can be gentle with the planet and respectful of your wallet. Start by widening your idea of what’s “green.” Look for freebies first Using what you already have is the ultimate environmentally … Continued
Easy access to free credit scores has helped many Americans improve their credit. But at a certain point, chasing every possible point gets you nothing except bragging rights. How do you know when your credit score is high enough for you to relax? Checking your credit score is a bit like checking your weight. You … Continued
Setting smart, achievable goals is important if you want to take charge of your financial life. But many of us are surprisingly bad at choosing the goals that actually matter most to us. Investment research firm Morningstar had 318 people write down their top three financial priorities, then showed them a master list of goals … Continued
When major winter storms pass overhead, it usually means trouble for travelers. Airlines can be forced to cancel thousands of flights that affect travelers throughout the country, hotels may abruptly sell out, and cruise ships have to change departure times to get to safe waters. The good news in the midst of bad weather is … Continued
Customer service desks will be packed on the day after Christmas with consumers requesting refunds and exchanges, but store aisles will be packed with something else — deals. Here’s why you should venture out on Dec. 26, and how to emerge with a bargain instead of a headache. Seasonal staples will be on sale After-Christmas shopping used … Continued
If you don’t see a sale sign, it doesn’t mean you can’t get a deal. Here are four ways you could save money the next time you shop online or in person. 1. Sign up If you’re willing to supply a retailer with some of your personal information — such as your name, address or birth date … Continued
This year marks a decade since the global financial crisis. Although the biggest financial institutions still dominate the landscape, banking has undergone some changes. The proliferation of smartphones means mobile banking now plays a significant role in how we manage our money. A 2016 Fed survey found that over half of smartphone users with bank accounts used … Continued
Budget Before Black Friday to Prevent Costly Regrets After If your wallet could talk, would it blacklist you from Black Friday shopping? Before you get swept up in the dizzying deal frenzy this Nov. 23, here are three tips from financial experts about how to stay on budget — and stop yourself from buying things you don’t need. Be … Continued