Smart Money Insights
Ideas to help you get a better sense of your financial picture.
Discrimination and political hurdles can make managing personal finance harder for LGBTQ+ folks. Creating a financial strategy and seeking expert advice can help.
If you need a cashier’s check, where do you start? Here’s the lowdown on where to get a cashier’s check, what it costs, what information you need to provide, and more.
Most workers worry they won’t have enough money saved up to retire comfortably. Estimating how much you’d need by age 60 can help boost your confidence.
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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.
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.
Everything You Need to Know About Home Appraisals
Learn what home appraisals are, how much they cost, who does them, why they’re so important to the home-buying process – and what to do if yours comes in low.
Smart Ways to Increase Your Home Value
These tips from real estate experts show ways to increase the value of your home without throwing money down the drain.
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.
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.
How to Use Your American Express Card with Venmo and PayPal
Amex has teamed up with Venmo and PayPal to enhance the way you send money and split purchases with friends and family. Here’s how it works.
What Parents Need to Know About Kids’ Savings Accounts
Kids’ savings accounts can help instill financial awareness from a young age and engage kids in managing their money. Learn about setting up kids’ savings accounts.
Different Types of Equity Mutual Funds
Equity funds are available in many different types. This explanation of equity mutual fund types can help new investors choose the funds that are right for them.
Capitalized interest is the addition of unpaid interest charges to the balance of a loan. Find out how it can affect your personal finances, especially student loans.
How to Make Money with Your Car
There are many ways to make money with your car. Ridesharing. Food deliveries. Advertising. Let your skillset help you decide how to do it.
What Is the Average Interest Rate for Savings Accounts?
Average savings account interest rates at brick-and-mortar banks are historically low as of late-2021 – but shopping around can help you find higher rates.
Managing subscriptions like TV and music streaming apps can help you cut costs – a worthwhile task when these services can amount to hefty monthly bills.
What Are American Express Membership Rewards® Points?
The American Express Membership Rewards program gives Card Members flexible ways to earn points on eligible purchases, plus a variety of redemption options.
Online Banking Is Fast Becoming the New Normal
Online banking is increasingly popular. It has advantages and disadvantages, but the good news is you can opt for the digital banking features that work best for you.
Protecting Yourself from Gift Card Scams
Knowing the types of gift card scams and tips to avoid them can help keep you safe from this increasingly common form of fraud.
How to Protect Against Senior Fraud
Elderly fraud and scams are on the rise, as older adults shift online in a big way – and so do scammers targeting their finances. Here are tips to protect against senior fraud.
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.
What is APR and How to Calculate it
Learn what annual percentage rate (APR) is, how to compare different types of APR and how to calculate it.
Shopping online for a car is an accelerating trend changing the purchase process from start to finish. Here are some tips to help you navigate this growing trend.
What Do Financial Advisors Do & How Much Do They Cost?
If you’re confused about how much financial advisors cost, you’re not alone. Here’s how to break down financial advisor fees – and avoid costly errors.
Mutual funds offer a (relatively) easy way to invest in stocks or other financial assets – although they also involve some risk.
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.
10 Ways to Maximize Your Unemployment Benefits
Learn about ways to make the most out of your unemployment insurance benefits so your time between jobs can be less stressful and more productive.
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.
A Guide to Investing in Stocks
A practical guide for beginners investing in stocks, including how to get started and how much to invest.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy a Money Order with a Credit Card
Wondering if buying a money order with a credit card is a good idea? Find out why experts say to keep your card in your wallet.
Is Using a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea?
Reverse mortgages can be a good way to fund your retirement – but usually only in a narrow set of circumstances. Otherwise, they may be an expensive way to borrow money.
How and When to Pay Your Credit Card Bill
It’s important to pay your credit card bill in full—and on time—each month. Here’s what you need to know.
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.
How to Consolidate Debt: 9 Steps to Regain Control
Debt consolidation can help simplify your finances and reduce monthly payments. Learn how you can consolidate debt with these 9 steps.
Tips for Filing Unemployment Claims
If you’re suddenly out of a job, unemployment claims can help you get by. Here’s what you need to know to start claiming unemployment benefits.
When Are CDs a Good Investment to Consider?
A certificate of deposit, or CD, is a safe but limited way to hold some of your money. Learn when investing in a CD is the right choice for you.
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.
Managing Credit Card Debt After a Job Loss
Losing your job can be daunting, especially in an economic downturn. These tips may help you manage and get some relief from credit card debt.
Deferred interest offers can help you finance a big-ticket purchase interest-free – but only if you pay off the balance in full before the promo period ends.
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Federal tax brackets are used to calculate how much each portion of your taxable income will actually be taxed. Here’s how they work and a few examples to demystify them.
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.
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.
How to Make Your Money Work for You
There are many ways to get your money working for you without your active involvement. Here are 8 tips to maximizing your money.
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’re managed, which may affect their payoff for you.
Tax Credits vs Tax Deductions: What’s the Difference?
Tax credits and tax deductions are two different ways to reduce your tax bill. Here’s why one of these tax breaks can be more valuable than the other.
Buy Now, Pay Later with Plan It® by American Express
Buy now, pay later with Plan It, an Amex Card feature that helps give you more control by letting you split up large purchases into monthly installments with a fixed fee.
Looking for ways to make money from home? Learn how to embrace new ways to earn money, from capitalizing on your interests to trying out new business ventures.
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Teaching children about money involves lessons about earning, budgeting, investing, borrowing, planning, and entrepreneurship.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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How Much Savings Should You Have?
How much should you really have in your savings account? Experts say it depends on many things – your age, income, lifestyle, and more. Find out how to think about your savings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Many people experience financial stress. Here are a few expert suggestions to help ease money worries.
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.
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.
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.
Unsecured debt is a debt owed to a creditor that is not tied to an asset like your home or car. Here are some pros and cons of carrying unsecured debt.
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A VA home loan is a mortgage guaranteed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). There are several benefits to these types of loans – if you qualify.
What Is Debt-to-Income Ratio and How Do You Calculate It?
Debt-to-income ratio, or DTI, can play a key role in your ability to borrow money. Understanding your debt-to-income ratio can help you manage your overall finances.
How to Qualify for a Home Loan
Before approving you for a home loan, lenders may look at your income, assets, and credit score. These tips could boost your chances of a getting a mortgage.
Should You Get a Personal Loan to Buy a Car?
You’re usually best off with an auto loan when you buy a car, but there are a handful of special situations where a personal loan may be a better bet.
Is a Secured or Unsecured Personal Loan Right for You?
There are two different types of personal loans – secured and unsecured. Learn which one is best for you and how they impact your credit score.
What Happens to Debt When You Die?
If you wonder what happens to your debt when you die, here’s a look at the basic rules and various exceptions to the rules.
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Debt settlement helps you reduce debt by paying a fraction of your total balance. Learn more about how it works, its impact on your credit score, and its risks.
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.
Credit card debt is on the rise. Look into the numbers behind average U.S. credit card debt and how it increases with age.
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.
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.
Closing costs are usually between 2% and 6% of the home's purchase price – but regional taxes and variations in home prices can make a big difference.
Learn the risks and rewards of doing a cash-out refinancing of your mortgage to help tackle some of your biggest personal finance goals and challenges.
The SECURE Act retirement bill offers new incentives for individuals to invest in retirement plans, and for employers to provide them.
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What Does an Average Wedding Cost?
Planning how much to spend on a wedding can be tricky. Find out about average wedding costs to help you plan accordingly.
9 Steps to Consider When Buying a House
Got your eye on your dream home? Following these steps may help you successfully navigate the process of buying that house.
Should You Rent or Buy Your Next Home?
Deciding whether to rent or buy a home is a big decision. Crunching the financial numbers is important, but so too is a clear-eyed sense of what fits your life best.
When to Start – Or Stop – Saving for Retirement
Conventional wisdom says to start saving for retirement as soon as you can. Learn about the benefits and risks to starting early – and pausing in times of economic hardship.
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Buying a house can be a complex process. New approaches may make it easier, but it’s a good idea to understand all the key requirements and possible approaches.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dreaming of retiring in your 30s? Find out how you can save enough money to retire early and enjoy life.
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.
The material made available for you on this website, Credit Intel, is for informational purposes only 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.
