Why a Freelancer in Texas Should Consider a Guaranteed Issue Policy
A guaranteed issue life insurance policy can be approved in days for Texas freelancers with pre-existing conditions, offering final expense protection without a medical exam.
Why You Might Still Owe Taxes Even If You Claimed All Your Deductions
In 2025, one in four taxpayers still owed taxes after deductions, even with all allowed claims. Learn why this happens and how to avoid it.
Life Insurance for Young Professionals: What You Need to Know in 2024
Lock in life insurance for young professionals under $30/month with $500,000 coverage. Avoid future premium hikes and protect debts.
What Nobody Tells You About Managing Money After a Divorce
Women lose 41% of income after divorce while men lose 22%. Here are the hidden costs and liabilities that standard advice misses.
The 50/30/20 Budget Rule Is Broken for Most Americans — Here Is What to Use Instead
The 50/30/20 rule fails when rent alone exceeds 50% of income. See what actually works when housing costs crush the math.
How Inflation-Adjusted Shopping Habits Have Shifted Consumer Behavior in 2026
With CPI at 4.2%, shoppers making the sharpest behavioral changes aren't necessarily the ones hurting most—they're the ones paying attention. Here's what's shifted.
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What to Do If Your Mortgage Appraisal Comes in Low in 2026: 3 Proven Alternatives
8.6% of home appraisals came in below contract price in 2024. Learn three alternatives to avoid price renegotiation or use cash to cover gaps.
Beyond Generic Budgets: Advanced Price-Tracking Strategies Most Shoppers Overlook
Free tools like CamelCamelCamel and Keepa combined with cashback extensions can capture 5–15% more savings than standard budgeting apps. See how to time purchases at historical...
Cash Flow vs. Net Worth: Which Number Should You Actually Be Watching?
Most people obsess over net worth—but cash flow is what keeps you afloat when the water heater breaks. Here's which metric actually deserves your attention.
How a 45-Year-Old with Student Debt Got Approved for a 30-Year Mortgage in Florida
A 45-year-old in Florida with student debt can get a 30-year mortgage if payments stay under 30% of income. Learn how to qualify despite high insurance costs.
Digital Couponing for Beginners: How to Start Saving Without the Paper Clutter
169.2 million Americans used digital coupons in 2025. Start with one store app, clip a few offers, and save—no scissors or binder needed.
Beyond the 4 Percent Rule: Smarter Retirement Drawdown Strategies Most People Miss
Morningstar's 2025 research shows 3.9% is now the safer starting rate. Dynamic strategies and Roth conversions can boost lifetime spending by 10–20% over fixed withdrawal rules.
Mortgage Preapproval vs. Prequalification: What’s the Real Difference in 2026?
In 2026, with rates at 6.49%, preapproval is a competitive necessity. Learn how it differs from prequalification and why it matters.
How to Negotiate a Medical Bill Down — Even After Insurance Has Paid
93% of people who tried negotiating a medical bill got at least partial success — yet most pay without question. Here's how to cut your balance by 30–50%.
Is the Thrift Savings Plan a Good Idea for a Federal Employee?
Retirement, Savings & Investment
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is the Government’s version of an employer’s 401k. It is specially designed to provide for the future retirement needs of Federal employees and uniformed service...
Sterling Savings Bank Expands its Footprint in the Northwest
The Sterling Savings Bank of Washington State has just recently expanded. It just completed the purchase of the local operations of the Boston Private Bank & Trust Company (Boston Private),...
African Americans Have Debt Reduction as Top Priority
Savings & Investment, Smart Spending
When it comes to saving for retirement African Americans do not do quite as good of a job as the rest of the population. In fact even though half...
When Is It Smart to Decline Rental Car Insurance?
Renting a car can get expensive, and for this reason, many people choose the smallest, most economical car. But even if you find a vehicle with a low daily rate,...
First-time Jobless Claims Decreased 12,000
The Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report shows that American workers filed 12,000 fewer initial claims for the week ending June 8, as the figure drop to 334,000 compared to 346,000...
Housing Bubble or Recovery?
The first housing bubble just burst in spectacular fashion a mere 5 years ago. So, what is going on now? Is this just a normal, relatively slow, recovery of the...
Stealth Tapering By The Fed? Why You Should (Mostly) Care.
Savings & Investment, Smart Spending
Stealth tapering by the fed refers to the latest worry on Wall Street. Namely that the Fed will begin to taper off on their binge buying of U.S. debt known...
Getting a Mortgage through American Savings Bank
Mortgage, Savings & Investment
The American Savings Bank will provide you with the various mortgage options you need. Buying your home, or refinancing one, is easy and there are many options available for getting...
Ah, The Sweet Smell Of Money! Canadian Bills With A Touch Of Maple Syrup?
Economic News, Savings & Investment
Canada rolled out its new $100 Canadian bills recently and got a strange response. Many people claimed that the plastic money had a distinct scent of maple syrup. Nobody seemed...
How much real estate investment return do you need to be happy?
Mortgage, Savings & Investment
As you may know by now (and may have heard it many different times), real estate investing is generally best for the patient in it for the long run.
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How a Teacher With a Pension Built a Second Retirement Income Stream
Teachers' pensions cover only 50–70% of pre-retirement income. Here's how to build supplemental retirement income through 403(b)s, side work, and smart account layering.
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Is a Warehouse Club Membership Worth It? Our Honest Breakdown
Most families break even on a $60 warehouse club fee in just one month. See who actually saves money—and who wastes it.
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How to Get a Mortgage with a 580 Credit Score in 2026: Real Options That Actually Work
Get a mortgage with a 580 credit score in 2026 using FHA loans, which allow 3.5% down with a score of 580. Expect rates around 7.5% for a 30-year loan.
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High Deductible Health Plan Strategies Most Enrollees Never Use
With employer premiums rising ~9% in 2026, more workers are landing in HDHPs by default. Here's how a fully invested HSA turns that into a tax advantage—and when it backfires.
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Buy Now Pay Later vs. Saving Up First: When Does Each Option Make Sense?
BNPL works only if you have zero debt, a full emergency fund, and zero-fee terms. Here's when saving first makes more sense—and why cash flow is everything.
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Retirement Withdrawal Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands in Taxes
Wrong withdrawal order, missed RMDs, and timing missteps trigger thousands in taxes and Medicare surcharges. Strategic sequencing can save tens of thousands over retirement.
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The Hidden Cost of Convenience: How Small Daily Purchases Add Up Faster Than You Think
Micro-purchases add up to $3,000–$6,000 per year for most households. See how hidden spending costs sneak up and what to do about it.
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Beyond the S&P 500: Alternative Assets Worth Adding to a Balanced Portfolio
S&P 500 concentration risk is real—its top 10 holdings now represent a third of total weight. See why allocating 5–20% to real estate, private credit, commodities, and...
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