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.

65% of American families lack a cash buffer large enough to manage a simultaneous spike in expenses and dip in income.

The material made available for you on this website, Credit Intel, is for informational purposes only and intended for U.S. residents and is not intended to provide legal, tax or financial advice. If you have questions, please consult your own professional legal, tax and financial advisors.