Filing for Social Security benefits as soon as you can — or shortly thereafter — a few years early may seem like a good idea at first. The money is there, for the taking, and it is likely a substantial addition to your monthly budget. But be careful: When you decide to file for your benefits is one of the most critical financial decisions of your life. That’s why it’s important to understand that...

While you were dreaming of replacing your current vehicle with a roomier model with updated safety features and advanced tech, the economy was making other plans. Car prices have risen drastically over the past 18 months, leaving many consumers priced out of the market or choosing a less desirable alternative. But what if you could reduce the cost of your next ride by focusing on a few simple...

You might be counting down the days until you no longer need to carpool, use public transit, or depend on someone else’s schedule to get around town. But, if you’re like many first-time car buyers, you’re finding it hard to choose a vehicle that’s a good fit for both your personality and your bank account. Compare the pros of buying new versus used to help quickly narrow your selection and find...

After numerous test drives, you've finally found your dream car. You're ready for the dealer to hand over the keys, but there's just one problem. The monthly payments would put a major squeeze on your budget. Even with a good credit score and a competitive interest rate, securing an auto loan might interfere with your plans of paying off your student loans or other debts early. One way to create...

The final months of the year offer a valuable opportunity to make key financial moves that can set you up for success in January and beyond. Here are eight thoughtful pieces of advice to guide you through your fall financial check-up: Review Your Monthly Budget: Summer tends to be a season of increased spending, with vacations and social activities in full swing. Take a close look at your income...

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the menu in a diner? One that goes on and on for pages — offering you everything from breakfast to dinner, 24 hours a day? Retirement accounts aren’t all that different. While everyone knows (or should know) the importance of saving for retirement, the vast menu of retirement savings plans can be quite confusing. Add in the questions of how they work and how much...

Scoring those elusive tickets to see your favorite artist or sports team can feel like hitting the jackpot. But before you start your victory dance, pump the brakes. With ticket scams skyrocketing, it's wise to stay cautious. Scammers are lurking, ready to turn your excitement into their payday by snatching your hard-earned money. What is a Ticket Scam? Ticket scams trick people into buying...

Every day, shoppers encounter websites offering unbelievable discounts on popular items. But is the offer a real deal or a dud? A growing number of scammers are using website spoofing to steal personal information and financial data from unsuspecting shoppers. An inability to distinguish between real sites and dangerous fakes could leave you financially vulnerable. What is Website Spoofing...

Black Friday is known for doorbuster deals and unbeatable discounts, but some flashy ads proclaiming "70% off!” or "Lowest price of the year!" might offer few actual savings. Before you rush to buy, consider these strategies to help you make wise financial decisions this holiday season. Two Ways to Spot Genuine Black Friday Deals It’s easy to assume you’re getting the best deal when you see price...

On the internet, as on Halloween night, it's not always easy to distinguish between tricks and treats. Much like a candy-filled jack-o'-lantern, your smartphone contains an enticing array of personal and financial information. This makes cybersecurity crucial for protecting your financial well-being from digital ghouls and goblins. Unmasking the Monsters Cybercrooks constantly change their...