Buy, Build or Fix: Basics for Home Buyers

Hoping to buy a home in 2025? You’re not alone: According to a survey commissioned by NerdWallet and conducted online by The Harris Poll in November 2024, 15% of Americans plan to buy a home in the next 12 months. That is the highest share since we first asked that...

When to Splurge and When to Save

Splurging can be a smart move, but it often requires proactive planning. Sometimes, even budgeting experts say it’s OK to splurge. For Jen Smith, co-host of the “Frugal Friends Podcast” and co-author of “Buy What You Love Without Going Broke,” responsible splurging...

Should You Use Your Tax Refund to Pay Off Debt?

Here are some things to consider before using your tax refund to make a dent in your debt. Households are carrying record levels of debt. Balances climbed to $18.04 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Center for...

20% Down? The Myth That Could Be Holding Home Buyers Back

More than half of Americans still think a 20% is required to buy a home. This longstanding myth could get in the way of homeownership goals. Scraping together a down payment for a home is a challenge, especially in today’s housing market. But one persistent financial...

Impulse Buys May Be Ruining Some Americans’ Finances

A new NerdWallet survey finds that 22% of Americans have made impulse purchases that have significantly impacted their finances in the past 12 months. Long gone are the days where impulse buying meant grabbing an unplanned candy bar or magazine in the checkout line....