Smart Money Insights 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Inflation Rates and How to Calculate Them

Here’s an overview of the typical inflation rates economists use to better understand the U.S. economy, why they matter, and how to calculate them.

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 to Get Smarter About Saving for College

Saving for your child’s college education can help them graduate with less debt—making their experience more rewarding and improving their long-term financial outlook.

How to Start Saving Money by Spending More Mindfully

Help improve your financial future by learning how to save money on groceries, housing, education, and other monthly bills.

Financial Planning Process: What it Is & How it Works

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.

How to Make a Monthly Budget, One Step at a Time

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.

How Much Does it Cost to Fly With a Dog?

Whether domestic or international, traveling with a dog can get complicated. Here’s what goes into the cost to fly a dog—or any other pet.

8 Ways to Save on Last-Minute Holiday Travel

Save money on your next holiday vacation with these travel tips. Find travel discounts and use your travel credit card to save on flights and hotels.

Budget Travel: How to Get the Most for Your Money

Plan your next vacation on a budget with these 8 smart travel tips. Learn about saving on flights, hotels and dining, planning a tour, and more.

Tips to Make Holiday Travel Less Stressful & Lower Cost

Traveling during the holidays is exciting—but has its own set of challenges. Here are some tips to help make holiday travel less expensive and more enjoyable.

Average U.S. Credit Card Debt

Credit card debt is on the rise. Look into the numbers behind average U.S. credit card debt and how it increases with age.

Navigating a Changing Personal Debt Landscape

Personal debt management is usually easier when you know how to navigate a changing debt landscape. Learn how to manage personal debt during economic downturns.

What are Debt Management Programs and How Do They Work?

Learn how debt management programs can help you get out of debt faster, how they might impact your credit score, and the role of non-profit credit counselors.

What is Debt Consolidation and Why Should Millennials Care?

Debt consolidation can simplify your life and help you gain more control of your finances by consolidating some of your monthly bills into a single loan.

Melt Away Debt With the Debt Snowball Method

Take a strategic approach to paying off your debt—find out if the debt snowball method is right for you.

Tips on How to Get Out of Debt in 2020

A guide on how to start reducing debt this year, whether it’s from a student loan, auto loan, credit card spending—or all of the above.

Should You Take Out a Personal Loan to Pay Off Credit Card Debt?

Credit card debt is very common and costly. Here are a few strategies to help you pay off credit card debt fast.