Short-term, low-risk ways to grow savings
Recently, trying to invest and save for the future has felt like a never-ending cycle of highs and lows for many people. Those investing for longer-term goals, such as retirement, may be able to afford to ride out the market swings. But what if you need money sooner? ...
5 Questions to Ask Before You Buy Now, Pay Later for the Holidays
Shoppers gearing up for the 2023 holiday season won’t have to look hard for a convenient way to pay for all those presents. “Buy now, pay later,” a type of payment plan that divides the total cost of your purchase into smaller installments, is offered at most major...
Finance Nerds Share Tips for Managing Holiday Budgets and Stress
Holidays are meant to be full of love, but sometimes they’re full of stress and anxiety. One of the culprits can be the unspoken financial commitment of family dinners, travel and chaotic gift-buying. Sometimes the stress is beyond your control, but there are some...
How to Protect Yourself From Student Loan Scams as Bills Resume
As borrowers gear up for federal student loan bills resuming this fall, they face a revamped landscape that includes a new repayment plan, servicer switches and long call wait times. Another imminent concern: scammers who want to take advantage of the moment....
Head Into Shopping Season Ready to Manage Spending and Debt
Retailers once again have begun their bid for consumers’ attention with big sales early in fall, such as what amounts to a second Amazon Prime Day sale. A longer holiday shopping season lets you spread out expenses, but it also could lead to overspending. Danetha Doe,...
Safeguarding Yourself Against Fraud
While everyone is at risk and there’s no foolproof way to eliminate it, learning how to safeguard yourself against fraud can go a long way in lowering your risk. According to the Identity Theft Research Center (ITRC) Annual Data Breach Report, 2022 at least 422...
Student Loans Are Back. Time to Consolidate Credit Card Debt?
The federal student loan payment pause that began in March 2020 is ending. Loans began accruing interest on Sept. 1, and borrowers will start making payments in October. But the restart comes at a tricky time for Americans’ finances. Credit card debt is at a record...
5 Credit Card Scams to Watch Out for This Holiday Season
In the list of things you want to be doing around the holidays, fending off scam artists has to be at the bottom. And yet, the holidays can be a prime time for scammers hoping to take advantage of the busy season. One fraudulent transaction is easily overlooked in a...
9 Tactics for Home Buyers Grappling With High Mortgage Rates
Mortgage rates have risen to their highest levels in more than 20 years, making it harder to afford a home. And yet, out of necessity or desire, hundreds of thousands of people buy homes every month. With the 30-year fixed rate topping 7%, NerdWallet asked real estate...
5 Options if You’re Crushed by Student Loan and Credit Card Debt
The return of federal student loan payments in October has the potential to derail your finances, especially if you’re already struggling with credit card payments. One in five student loan borrowers have risk factors that suggest they could struggle with student loan...