How to Save Money and Build a Budget
Build a budget and start to save more money with these resources.
FEATURED ARTICLES
What Is Gross Income?
Understanding the definition of gross income can be important because gross income is the starting point for calculating many other types of income.
What You Need to Know About Roth IRA Income Limits
Understanding Roth IRA contribution income limits can be key to your ability to use these tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts.
What Is Supplemental Income – and How is it Taxed?
There are many ways you can earn supplemental income, from your employer or from side gigs, to help achieve your financial goals – but take note of the tax implications.
WHAT'S NEW
Benefits of Opening a Checking Account
Learn about the advantages of having a checking account, including convenience, security, and access to financial services. See how a checking account can streamline your banking.
6 Ways to Track Your Spending
Learning how to track your spending can provide clarity and help you stay in control of your finances and on track as you work towards your financial goals.
Fun Things to Do Without Spending Money
Explore fun things to do with no money (or very little). Museums, library events, game nights, and more all offer ways to unwind and socialize on a tight budget.
ALL BUDGETING 101 ARTICLES
What is Financial Planning and How Does it Work?
Personal financial planning can help protect you from life’s unpredictability. Find tips to improve your financial planning process and learn to build a budget.
What Is Supplemental Income – and How is it Taxed?
There are many ways you can earn supplemental income, from your employer or from side gigs, to help achieve your financial goals – but take note of the tax implications.
What You Need to Know About Roth IRA Income Limits
Understanding Roth IRA contribution income limits can be key to your ability to use these tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts.
What Is a Wire Transfer?
Wire transfers are a fast and secure way to send money. Learn how they work and what to consider before using one.
How Long to Keep Financial Records
How long you should keep bank statements and other financial records varies. See how long you should keep records for tax purposes and personal finance management.
What Is Adjusted Gross Income?
Adjusted gross income is simply all the money you made for a year minus special adjustments the IRS allows to help lower taxes.
Tips to Make Paying Bills Easier
See how to pay bills and learn how to simplify the bill payment process to improve your financial wellness and avoid missed payments or late fees.
What Are P2P Payments?
A P2P payment involves sending or receiving money via a third-party digital platform. They offer convenience but may carry a level of risk as well.
Fun Things to Do Without Spending Money
Explore fun things to do with no money (or very little). Museums, library events, game nights, and more all offer ways to unwind and socialize on a tight budget.
How to Make a Monthly Budget in 4 Steps
Take control of your personal finances: Here are some expert budget-building tips and a 4-step guide to help you achieve your budgeting goals.
What Is Net Income?
Net income is the amount of pay you actually get to spend on needs and wants. Understanding net income can help your short- and long-term financial planning.
Do Checks Expire?
When do checks expire? How long a check is good for will depend on the type of check in question, and a few additional factors.
How Do HELOCs Work?
HELOCs let you borrow funds from your home equity. Learn how HELOCs work and why they can be a cost-effective way to finance home improvement projects.
6 Ways to Track Your Spending
Learning how to track your spending can provide clarity and help you stay in control of your finances and on track as you work towards your financial goals.
Guide to Personal Finance for LGBTQ+ Americans
Discrimination and political hurdles can make managing personal finance harder for LGBTQ+ folks. Creating a financial strategy and seeking expert advice can help.
How to Budget for Health Care Costs
Learn how to plan a budget that covers unexpected health care costs as well as those expected ones, including insurance premiums and deductibles.
What Is Gross Income?
Understanding the definition of gross income can be important because gross income is the starting point for calculating many other types of income.
What is Discretionary Income?
Discretionary income is the money available for spending, investing, or saving after taxes and essential expenses have been paid.
Robo-Advisors vs. Financial Advisors: How Are They Different?
When it comes to choosing between a robo-advisor and a traditional financial advisor, you’ll want to consider your needs, the cost, along with pros and cons.
Know the 4 Key Steps to Balancing Your Checkbook
Balancing a checkbook gets easier the more you do it. Learn the purpose of balancing your checking account, why it’s important, and how to do it correctly.
How to Open a Checking Account
Learn how to open a checking account in this step-by-step guide, along with tips to help you manage your checking account effectively.
Inflation 101: Meaning and Causes
Inflation is a measure of rising prices for the things people usually buy. No matter how large your income or savings, a high inflation rate means your money buys less.
How Can You Use an American Express® Personal Loan?
An American Express® Personal Loan provides financing for Card Members. Gain access to the funds that you need with competitive rates.
What Is Modified Adjusted Gross Income?
Modify and adjust mean roughly the same thing. Here’s why our tax forms need modified adjusted gross income when we already have adjusted gross income.
What, Exactly, is “Personal Finance”?
Understand what personal finance is, why it is important and how you too can do personal finance to help you manage your money.
What Is Cash Stuffing?
Cash stuffing is a new name for the old envelope system. Here’s how stuffing cash in envelopes can help you control spending and stick to a budget.
What Is Compound Interest & How Is it Calculated?
Understand what compound interest is and how it works. Make interest work for you and grow your finances more quickly.
What is Zero-Based Budgeting?
In a zero-based budget, you assign a “job” to every dollar you earn, every month—whether you’re spending or saving that dollar.
4 Tips for Better Financial Habits
Good financial habits can help you improve your overall financial well-being. Learn how these four tips can help jumpstart your journey to financial success.
Top Tips to Help Women Achieve Financial Independence
The desire to be financially independent transcends gender. But there are unique issues women need to navigate to achieve financial freedom. These strategies can help.
5 Common Financial Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Planning your financial life starts with following smart advice. This includes knowing how to dodge some of the most common financial mistakes.
Fixed Vs. Variable Expenses: What’s the Difference?
Discover the difference between fixed and variable expenses and how each impacts your monthly budget.
How Much Should I Spend on Groceries?
People can spend very different amounts on groceries, depending on their family size, income level, and many other factors.
How to Manage Your Money Better
Learn how to manage your money and finances for the future with these smart money management tips.
WHAT'S NEW
How Much Savings Should You Have?
Experts suggest your savings should reflect your age, income, and lifestyle. Here’s what to consider when determining how much you should save for the future.
How Much Should I Have in an Emergency Fund?
An emergency fund is essential for managing unexpected life events. Learn how much to save and where to keep your emergency fund for best access.
When to Tap Your Emergency Fund
An emergency fund can support you during financial difficulties, but only tap into it when necessary. Learn when it’s appropriate to use your emergency savings.
FEATURED ARTICLES
Joint Bank Accounts: Pros and Cons
A joint bank account is an account you share with another person. Learn how a joint account works and the pros and cons of opening one.
How to Make Your Money Work for You
Learn how to make your money work for you with these nine tips to help you save more and build long-term financial stability.
A Guide to Investing in Stocks
A practical guide for beginners investing in stocks, including how to get started and how much to invest.
WHAT'S NEW
Robo-Advisors vs. Financial Advisors: How Are They Different?
When it comes to choosing between a robo-advisor and a traditional financial advisor, you’ll want to consider your needs, the cost, along with pros and cons.
What to Know About Investment After Retirement
Having multiple income streams in retirement is important. See key considerations and strategies that could help you to invest after retirement.
How to Determine Your Investment Risk Tolerance
Risk tolerance is the level of risk an investor is willing to take with their investments. Use these questions to help gauge your risk tolerance.
ALL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES ARTICLES
What Is an Inherited Individual Retirement Account (IRA)?
An inherited Individual Retirement Account (IRA) comes with different options for beneficiaries. Learn more about the complexities of inherited IRAs.
What Is a Collateralized Loan Obligation (CLO)?
Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs) are an investment option, but they do carry risks. Learn more about what CLOs are and how they work.
What Is an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)?
Find out what an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is, and see different types of IRAs, along with benefits, and contribution guidelines.
What Is an ESOP?
An Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) allows employees to acquire shares in the company they work for. Learn how an ESOP works, and what happens if you leave.
What Is Actual Cash Value?
Actual cash value is a method used to calculate the value of insured property. Here’s how it works and how it differs from replacement cost value.
Major Asset Classes Explained
Understanding major asset classes can help you to make investment decisions. See diversification strategies that can help you create a balanced portfolio.
How to Determine Your Investment Risk Tolerance
Risk tolerance is the level of risk an investor is willing to take with their investments. Use these questions to help gauge your risk tolerance.
Effects of Inflation on Investments
Learn how inflation impacts investments, including stocks and real assets, and see strategies for mitigating its effects on your portfolio.
How Does Investing Work?
How investing works puzzles many people until they gain experience. This overview can help you get started.
Different Types of Equity Mutual Funds
Equity funds are available in many different types. This explanation of equity mutual fund types might help new investors choose the funds that are right for them.
Comparing 4 Different Types of Mutual Funds
Understanding the four main types of mutual funds can help beginner investors decide which mutual funds they might want to invest in.
How to Invest in a 401(k)
If your employer offers a 401(k) investment option, it can be a convenient way to save for retirement. Here are the ins and outs of investing in a 401(k) plan.
A Guide to Socially Responsible Investing
Socially responsible investing can reward both the investor and the community by putting investors’ money toward ethical, socially conscious organizations.
Mutual Funds vs ETFs: What You Need to Know
What’s the difference between mutual funds vs ETFs? Despite many similarities, the main difference lies in how they’ve managed, which may affect their payoff for you.
Diversification Strategies for Your Investment Portfolio
Diversification refers to shifting your investments to help limit your exposure and reduce volatility. See diversification strategies you may want to consider using.
What Are the Benefits of a Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA)?
Discover the tax advantages and benefits of a Roth IRA. Learn why tax-free growth and contribution flexibility make it a valuable investment tool.
How to Invest in Real Estate
Real estate investing can potentially earn you money or diversify your investment portfolio. There are big, medium, and small ways for you to get involved in the market.
What Are ETFs & How Do You Invest in Them?
ETFs are investment funds that give investors a simple way to diversify their holdings, often for lower fees than mutual funds. Learn the pros and cons of ETF investing.
Growth vs. Value: Identifying the Right Investment Approach For You
Understand the difference between growth and value stocks to determine which investment style aligns with your goals.
A Guide to Investing in Stocks
A practical guide for beginners investing in stocks, including how to get started and how much to invest.
The Differences Between APR, APY, and Interest Rates
APR and APY both include interest rates, but one is mostly for borrowers and the other for investors. Learn more about the differences between APR and APY.
7 Habits to Help You Achieve Financial Freedom
Explore financial habits, like setting goals and developing a healthy money mindset, that can help you achieve long-term financial freedom.
How to Make Your Money Work for You
Learn how to make your money work for you with these nine tips to help you save more and build long-term financial stability.
How to Start Investing, for Beginners
Thinking about investing? Here are a few steps to help you choose the type of starting investment that’s best for you.
Joint Bank Accounts: Pros and Cons
A joint bank account is an account you share with another person. Learn how a joint account works and the pros and cons of opening one.
When Are CDs a Good Investment to Consider?
A certificate of deposit, or CD, may be a safe but limited way to hold some of your money. Learn when investing in a CD is the right choice for you.
How to Invest in Mutual Funds
Mutual funds offer a (relatively) easy way to invest in stocks or other financial assets – although they also involve some risk.
What Types of Investments Are Best for You?
Experts advise aligning your investments based on when you’ll need the money – short-term, medium, and long.
6 Financial Moves to Make Before a Recession
Recessions can put your financial security at risk. Knowing what happens in a recession provides a roadmap to help make your financial plan recession-proof.
Why Saving Is Not Enough for Growing Money
Learn how investments can help you grow money for the future, while savings accounts can help you keep money on hand.
FEATURED ARTICLES
How Do Savings Bonds Work?
Learn what U.S. savings bonds are, why they’re considered a safe investment, and what your options are with this long-term investment.
Money Market vs Savings Accounts: What You Need to Know
Savings accounts and money market accounts, while different, can each provide a safe and secure way to earn interest and grow your finances, regardless of market conditions.
How to Open a Bank Account for Kids
See how to open a bank account for kids. Some banks have no age restrictions, while others do, but an adult will typically need to be present.
WHAT'S NEW
How to Find the Routing Number on a Check
The routing number on a check is not difficult to find. Knowing which numbers are which can provide valuable insight into the structure of a check.
How to Set Up Direct Deposit
With direct deposit, payment can be sent electronically straight into your bank account. See how easy it is to set up direct deposit in our step-by-step guide.
Create a Family Savings Plan That Can Help You Reach Your Goals
Discover the benefits of a family savings plan. Learn steps you can take to achieve your financial goals and foster a culture of saving in your household.
ALL SAVING STRATEGIES ARTICLES
What Does FDIC Stand For?
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insures consumer deposits in member banks in case they fail. Learn how to check if your deposits are protected.
How to Set Up Direct Deposit
With direct deposit, payment can be sent electronically straight into your bank account. See how easy it is to set up direct deposit in our step-by-step guide.
How to Find the Routing Number on a Check
The routing number on a check is not difficult to find. Knowing which numbers are which can provide valuable insight into the structure of a check.
What Is a Health Savings Account?
Health Savings Accounts can help you save money on medical costs and be used for long-term tax-free savings – as long as you have a high deductible health plan.
What Are ACH Payments and Transactions?
Automatic Clearing House (ACH) payments and transactions offer some advantages, but they have their downsides as well. See how ACH payments work.
What Percentage of Income Should Go to Rent?
The 30% rule states that renters should spend no more than 30% of their gross monthly income on rent, but this rule may not work for everyone.
How to Manage Your Subscriptions: Strategies to Save Money
Looking for tips on how to manage your subscriptions? See strategies that can help you save money with subscriptions, and maybe even help your credit.
New Rules for Inherited IRAs and 401(k)s
Inherited IRA rules have changed: Now, anyone other than a spouse who inherits money from a 401(k) or IRA must withdraw all the money within 10 years.
How to Open a Bank Account for Kids
See how to open a bank account for kids. Some banks have no age restrictions, while others do, but an adult will typically need to be present.
Moving out of State Checklist: 7 Tips for Cutting Costs
If moving is stressful, moving out of state is even more stress! Here’s a checklist for how to move out of state like a pro—and keep costs low.
What Is the 50/30/20 Budget Rule?
The 50/30/20 budget approach divides monthly income into three buckets to help you right-size your spending today and build savings for tomorrow.
What Is an American Express® Savings Account?
Discover the features and benefits of an American Express® High Yield Savings Account, including mobile banking. Learn how to open an account.
What Is the Average Interest Rate for Savings Accounts?
The average interest rate for a savings account will vary, depending on the type of account and other factors. Shopping around could help you to find the best deal.
7 Budgeting Tips to Help You Save More Money
These seven tips for budgeting money can help move you closer to your financial goals – and may increase your happiness, too.
Benefits of Opening a Checking Account
Learn about the advantages of having a checking account, including convenience, security, and access to financial services. See how a checking account can streamline your banking.
What’s the Difference Between a Checking Account and Savings Account?
Checking and savings accounts offer different features and benefits. Checking accounts are for regular transactions, while savings accounts are best for saving.
7 Tips to Manage Your Money During Inflationary Times
During inflation, we all need to be smart with where we put our money. These tips can help you be a smart consumer and investor to reduce the burden of inflation.
Money Market vs Savings Accounts: What You Need to Know
Savings accounts and money market accounts, while different, can each provide a safe and secure way to earn interest and grow your finances, regardless of market conditions.
7 Savings Challenges to Boost Your Bank Balance
Make saving fun! Learn several fun money-saving challenges to help you save money. Develop healthy financial habits that can help you reach your goals.
Top Tips to Save Money as a Young Couple
Saving money as a couple can help you both reach financial goals faster, but combining finances can also add hurdles. These tips may help.
How Do Savings Bonds Work?
Learn what U.S. savings bonds are, why they’re considered a safe investment, and what your options are with this long-term investment.
Saving vs Investing – What’s the Difference?
Saving and investing are two different ways to achieve financial goals. Understanding the differences can help you choose the best approach for you.
How to Stop Spending Money and Start Saving
Knowing how to stop spending money and start saving is easier said than done. Learn how to take control of your budget and relationship with money with these tips.
Types of Savings Accounts
Different types of savings accounts are useful to put money away for different future purposes. Comparing their features can help determine which is best for you.
How do Savings Accounts Work in a Zero Interest World?
During economic downturns, the Federal Reserve can cut interest rates, leading to near-zero interest on savings. Here are three higher-interest alternatives.
Create a Family Savings Plan That Can Help You Reach Your Goals
Discover the benefits of a family savings plan. Learn steps you can take to achieve your financial goals and foster a culture of saving in your household.
How Much Should You Save Each Month?
How much you should save each month depends on your income, expenses, and savings goals. Many financial experts recommend the 50/30/20 budget rule as a good start.
FEATURED ARTICLES
How to Save Money on Food and Grocery Delivery
Food delivery is a popular service, whether for groceries, restaurant orders, or snacks. Learn ways to save money while enjoying food delivery.
Holiday Shopping Trends: Online Experiences and Mobile Purchases
Explore the latest holiday shopping trends, including immersive digital experiences, increased mobile shopping, and a rise in local support. Happy Holiday Shopping!
20 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shopping Tips
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the most popular shopping events of the year. These holiday shopping tips can help you navigate Black Friday and Cyber Monday safely.
WHAT'S NEW
What Is Layaway and How Does It Work?
Layaway can be a good way to finance big purchases, but is it the best option? See how layaway works, its pros and cons, and alternatives to consider.
What Is the Average Tip Percentage?
The standard tip percentage for eating out in the U.S. is 15% to 20%, but this can vary. See factors that can impact how much you should leave for a tip.
How to Stop Impulse Buying
Impulse buying can derail even the best budget. See steps you can take to help stop impulse spending and develop healthy financial habits.
ALL LIFESTYLE ARTICLES
What Is the Average Tip Percentage?
The standard tip percentage for eating out in the U.S. is 15% to 20%, but this can vary. See factors that can impact how much you should leave for a tip.
20 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shopping Tips
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the most popular shopping events of the year. These holiday shopping tips can help you navigate Black Friday and Cyber Monday safely.
What Is Layaway and How Does It Work?
Layaway can be a good way to finance big purchases, but is it the best option? See how layaway works, its pros and cons, and alternatives to consider.
How to Save Money on Food and Grocery Delivery
Food delivery is a popular service, whether for groceries, restaurant orders, or snacks. Learn ways to save money while enjoying food delivery.
How to Stop Impulse Buying
Impulse buying can derail even the best budget. See steps you can take to help stop impulse spending and develop healthy financial habits.
What Is Online Banking and How Does It Work?
Online banking offers a great deal of convenience, allowing you to access your bank account or conduct transactions via your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
65% of American families lack a cash buffer large enough to manage a simultaneous spike in expenses and dip in income.
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