Smart Money Insights 

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.

How to Avoid 10 Common Online Shopping Mistakes

The rise in online shopping has also led to new scams and other traps. Avoiding common mistakes can help you confidently shop online with bigger savings and better results.

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.

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.

Joint Bank Accounts: Pros & 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 Does Investing Work?

How investing works puzzles many people until they gain experience. This overview can help you get started.

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 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.

How do Savings Accounts Work in a Zero Interest World?

The effects of zero interest rates from the Federal Reserve mean Americans’ regular savings accounts earn close to zero interest. Here are three higher-interest alternatives.

Growth Vs. Value: Identifying the Right Investment Approach For You

Understand the difference between growth vs. value stocks to determine which investment style aligns with your goals.

What Is a Cashier’s Check?

Cashier’s checks work because banks are obligated to hold funds to pay the check until it’s cashed. That’s why cashier’s checks are preferred for many large transactions.

4 Ways to Boost Your Financial Security

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many individuals and families to consider what it means to be financially secure. Here are 4 ways to build financial security.

What You Need to Know About the Moving Expense Tax Deduction

The latest tax overhaul did away with moving expense deductions for most people, but there are still possible tax consequences you need to know.

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.

How to Manage Your Money Better

Learn how to manage your money and finances for the future with these smart money management tips.

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.

How to Calculate Interest Rates

Calculating interest rate can be complicated and confusing. Here are a few simple steps to calculate interest rate and credit card interest.

How Do Savings Bonds Work?

Learn what U.S. savings bonds are, why they’re considered a safe investment, and the unique qualities that separate savings bonds from other long-term savings options.

What Is Discretionary Income?

Gaining insight into discretionary income – what’s left of take-home pay after your life’s necessities are paid for – can help you be more financially fit.

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.

How to Write a Check in 6 Easy Steps

At a time with many digital payment options, some people aren’t sure how to write a check when the need arises. Follow these steps to help you write personal checks properly.

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.

Leasing vs Buying a Car: The Pros and Cons of Each

Most people still buy, but auto leasing has been growing fast. Here’s how your personal finance and lifestyle choices affect your lease-vs.-buy decision.

What Is the Child Tax Credit?

As of 2021, the child tax credit can get you up to $3,600 back from Uncle Sam for each child you’re raising – and it’s fully refundable.

What Is the Childcare Tax Credit?

The childcare tax credit helps working adults earn a tax break not only for expenses related to childcare, but for taking care of other types of dependents, as well.

Cyber Security Protection While Working from Home

When you're working from home, it's recommended to be extra vigilant to protect against cyber security threats. Basic precautions can help keep you cyber safe.

What Is the Education Tax Credit?

Learn how two different education tax credits can help offset school costs for college students, life-long learners, and anyone looking to improve their job skills.

What Is the Electric Vehicle Tax Credit?

The electric vehicle tax credit is still available – despite what you may have heard. But its availability – and amount – depend on the specific vehicle you choose to buy.

Can First-Time Home Buyers Get a Tax Credit?

Though the first-time homebuyer tax credit is no longer an option, there are many ways you can save money on your taxes as a new homeowner.

What Is the Earned Income Tax Credit?

The federal earned income tax credit aims to help low- and lower-middle-income working families raise living standards by reducing their taxes up to $6,728.

How Tax Credits Work

A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction of the income tax you owe. Learn about the tax credits you may be eligible for and how tax credits work.

Retraining Yourself for the Future of Work

The skills gap between the past and future of work is growing wider, but online courses can help retrain and upskill job seekers.

Is a Gap Year Right for You?

Taking a gap year before college is becoming a popular choice for young adults. Learn about the pros and cons of this alternative path, and what it could mean for your future.

What Is a Tax Credit?

Tax credits reduce your taxes, sometimes below zero. These tax credits can put money in your pocket – if you behave in certain ways believed to be good for America.

Where Is My Federal Tax Refund?

Waiting patiently for your federal tax refund? Here’s what you need to know to anticipate when your tax refund will arrive – and what to do if it doesn’t. 

What Is the Health Care Tax Credit?

If you qualify for health care tax credits, the government will pay some or all of your health insurance cost if you buy at a state-run exchange.

Paying Tax on Your Inherited Money

Here’s what you need to know about taxes when you inherit money or property, including the federal estate tax and the states where inheritance taxes are on the books.

Moving Checklist: 5 Keys to Keeping Your Finances in Order

Here are 5 steps you can add to your moving checklist to ensure financial continuity and stability. These ideas will de-stress you by keeping your credit standing intact while moving.

Phishing Attacks: How to Recognize and Avoid Them

Phishing scams that aim to steal your information remain extremely common, but basic precautions can help you spot them and avoid falling for them.

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.

Online Grocery Shopping: What You Need to Know

Online grocery shopping can be a convenient time-saver for families of all sizes. Learn about online grocery shopping and how it works.

What Are Refundable Tax Credits?

Refundable tax credits can get you a "refund" for more money than you paid in taxes in the first place, in return for certain behaviors the government encourages.

9 Tips to Make Remote Work from Home More Productive

These tips and best practices for working from home can help you streamline your efforts and increase productivity and effectiveness on the job. 

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 Should Know About Taxes in Retirement

Once you start living off your Social Security benefits and retirement savings, you might think your taxes in retirement would get simpler. You may need to think again. 

Telemedicine: What Is it and What Are its Benefits?

The role of telemedicine in health care has leaped forward this year, as research shows how patients and physicians can use the technology to save time and money.

How to File Taxes

Filing your own taxes may make you feel queasy. But for most people, doing it yourself can be easier than you might think – maybe that’s why more people are doing it themselves.

7 Top Tax Deductions for Homeowners

To encourage home ownership, the federal government offers many tax deductions that can lower your taxes and put money back into your pocket – or your home.

Choosing the Type of Mortgage Loan that Fits Your Needs

Buying a house usually means taking out a mortgage. Understanding different types of mortgage loans can ease the process of buying a house and potentially save you money, too.

9 Tips for How to Decorate Your Home on a Budget

There are different factors involved when you decorate – or redecorate – your home. Here are nine tips on how you can decorate your home without spending a lot of money.

Are Debt Relief Programs Too Good to be True?

Wondering how debt relief works? Learn more about debt relief programs, the risks and alternatives before you qualify for one.

How Much Should I Have in an Emergency Fund?

An emergency fund can help you manage your finances, especially when life becomes unpredictable. Learn how much you should have in an emergency fund, and where to keep it.

How to Save Money on Food and Grocery Delivery

Food delivery is more in demand than ever, whether for groceries, restaurant orders, or snacks. You can save money on food with these tips on delivery from around the web.

How to Eat Healthy on a Budget

Eating healthy on a budget is easier than you might think. Learn how a few lifestyle adjustments can help you save money and promote a healthy future.

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.

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 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 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 Are the Different Types of Debt?

Over your lifetime, you’ll probably use various types of debt for different purposes. Here are the key features of the main types of debt.

When to Tap Your Emergency Fund

An emergency fund can have your back through trying financial times, but it’s a good idea to avoid using it unless necessary. Learn when to tap into your emergency savings.

What Is an Income-Driven Repayment Plan?

Income-driven repayment plans aim to help college grads with student loan debt by lowering monthly payments to match their available income. But the payoff period is longer.

What Is Student Loan Debt Forgiveness?

Learn about student loan debt forgiveness, including different types of forgiveness and their qualification requirements.

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.

How to Use the Debt Snowball Method to Pay Off Debt

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

How to Get Out of Debt in 2022

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.

What Is Car Finance and How Does It Work?

Learn the differences between bank and dealer auto loans, and how your down payment and loan length affect your total cost of owning the car.

Can I Refinance My Student Loan?

Refinancing your student loans can lower your interest rates and save you money, but it’s not right for everyone. Learn the pros and cons of refinancing student loans.

How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

Explore expert recommendations on how to choose a debt reduction approach to help pay off your credit card debt.

What is Debt Free Living?

Learn how to live debt free – or at least get close. Here are 5 steps to help you minimize debt and build a better financial future.

Tips on How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt with a Personal Loan

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

The Real Cost of Having a Baby

Bottom line, it’s all relative: There’s no upper or lower income limit for having a baby, and the cost of child-rearing generally tracks with your income.

Tips for Making a Retirement Spending Plan

Retirement spending plans tell you what portion of your retirement savings you can spend each year. Here’s how to start a retirement spending plan of your own.

Budgeting Tips for New Homeowners

An accurate home budget can help you plan for the true cost of home ownership.

How to Save Money to Buy a House

Figuring out how much money to save to buy a house – and how to save it – takes time and strategy. Here are some ways to save money to buy that house you have your eye on.

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.

How to Start a Retirement Fund

Starting a retirement fund is key to your post-work future – and experts say you should begin saving for retirement in yours 20s. Here’s how to get started.

Tips for Selling or Buying a Home in Shifting Markets

Planning on buying a home? Thinking of selling a home? Timing is key to everything from getting a good price to closing a deal.

9 Ways to Finance Home Improvements

Home improvement projects are often expensive, so finding the best way to pay when renovating your home could be an important part of your planning.

How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring in 2022?

Thinking of taking that next big step? Here are some guidelines on how to shop for, and how much to spend on, an engagement ring.

First Time Homebuyer Checklist

Buying your first home can seem like a big project, but this financial checklist can help you manage it – and increase your confidence in the process.

10 Factors That Affect Home Insurance Costs

Many factors affect the cost of home insurance, with where you live and how much it costs to rebuild your home topping the list.

How Much of a Down Payment Do You Need to Buy a House?

You may no longer have to make a big down payment to buy a home – but the traditional 20% down payment still has some advantages.

Marriage, Finances, and Credit Cards

When it comes to finances in marriage, some couples merge their money, some keep it apart, and others find middle ground. Find out what works best for you.

Guidelines for When and How to Refinance a Home Loan

There are two basic reasons for refinancing your home: to get more cash to spend now, or to pay less for your home over the long run.

9 Tips on How to Retire Early

Dreaming of retiring in your 30s? Find out how you can save enough money to retire early and enjoy life.

FAQ: What Happens to Your Credit When You Get Married?

While there’s no such thing as a joint credit score, your financial habits after the wedding can affect your spouse’s score, and vice versa. Learn how.

Is Mortgage Refinancing the Right Move in an Economic Downturn?

Find out whether refinancing your mortgage is a good idea to provide the cash you need to tide you through an economic downturn.

Tips for Retirement Investment Options

How to invest for retirement has changed over time. Understanding where retirement strategy is heading can help you plan for your own retirement.

Explaining 6 Key Types of Retirement Plans

Want to know more about retirement planning? Discover the different types of retirement plans and their tax advantages that help you save.

5 Steps for Creating a Wedding Budget

It's time to plan the biggest day of your life – your wedding. Professional planners urge you to start with a budget shaped by the most important elements to you and your partner.

Plan Your Big Day With the Ultimate Wedding Checklist

Make your big day less stressful and more enjoyable – plan your wedding using these downloadable paper checklists and mobile apps.

Is Withdrawing Retirement Funds Early a Good Idea?

There are several ways to withdraw from your retirement funds early. Understanding all the costs – today and for your future – can help you decide whether it's right for you.