Smart Money Insights 

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

The 12 Most Popular & Affordable Family Vacations

Need family vacation ideas? Whether you’re looking for the beach, a theme park, or sightseeing trips, here are a dozen of the most popular and affordable options.

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?

You can get up to $2,000 back from Uncle Sam for each child you’re raising – even with income of $200,000, or $400,000 for married couples.

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 $6,660.

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.

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, 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.

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 2021

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.

How Much Should You Spend on an Engagement Ring in 2021?

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.

The Hard Truth About 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.

Find the Ultimate Wedding Checklist to Plan Your Big Day

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.