Category Archives: Finance

How to Monitor Your Credit Score and Credit Report

Bad credit can result in unfavorable interest rates that cost you thousands when you take out a mortgage, a car loan or a student loan. It could block you from leasing that apartment you’ve been pining for. And it can…

How to Invest in a Certificate of Deposit (CD)

Certificates of deposit (CDs) make financial sense for people of all ages who want a low-risk investment to park cash they don’t plan to use immediately. Maybe you want to use your cash to buy a car or make a…

How to Make the Most of Your Debit Card

Long ago, people actually walked into their bank branches to obtain cash from their accounts. Then, the 1980’s brought the widespread use of the automated teller machine, or ATM. When you opened a bank account, the bank would issue you…

How to Shop for Health Insurance

It’s impossible to say exactly what kind of health insurance to get. There are many variables that make a plan right for someone, so it’s a decision you have to reach on your own. But there are some basic guidelines…

How to Select a Checking Account

Checking accounts are some of the simplest – and least lucrative – financial products out there. They’re the best vehicle for actually using and spending your money, but as an investment tool, checking accounts usually offer low interest rates compared…

How to Make the Most of Your 401(k) Plan

Here are some tips to maximize your retirement savings: Consider a Roth 401(k) In a Roth 401(k), similar to a Roth IRA, you invest money that’s already been taxed. Then, when you retire and withdraw funds that money is not…

How to Insure Your Home

Homeowners insurance protects your home, its contents, and, indirectly, your other assets in the event of fires, theft, accidents or other disasters. A standard homeowners policy (known as an HO-3 policy) will protect you from things like fires and fallen…

How to Choose and Use Financial Software

Hop in your car for a long drive and you probably start glancing at your speed, gas, miles and temperature gauges. Yet during that other long drive known as life, most of us turn a blind eye to our financial…

How to Choose a Financial Planner

Financial planners advise clients on how best to save, invest, and grow their money. They can help you tackle a specific financial goal—such as readying yourself to buy a house—or give you a macro view of your money and the…

How to Start a 529 College Savings Plan

A 529 plan, named for the section of the Internal Revenue Code that created it, is a type of investment account that allows you to save for college. Why are 529 plans so great? It all has to do with…