Waiting until the perfect time to start building your savings nest egg could be costly. If you'd like to retire one day, or at least work less than you do now, a nonexistent or irregular savings habit will eventually bite you in the wallet. On the other hand, starting your wealth-building journey early could mean you only need to set aside a small, consistent amount each month - and let compound...

Unless you plan on paying cash for a home, car, or other significant expense, you'll need good credit to secure favorable financing. Your credit health will influence interest rates, repayment terms, and even loan approval. While many people focus on building good credit, few recognize the need to actively protect it. Here are three behaviors that could harm the credit you've worked so hard to...

Using a tax refund to splurge on a mini-vacation, luxury item, or other special purchase provides a temporary thrill. But the excitement of treating yourself is typically short-lived. While there's nothing wrong with enjoying "found" money, using some of it to help improve your credit can provide longer-lasting benefits. Here's how to use your tax refund to improve your credit. Get caught up on...

Credit surprises have the potential to creep up on you if you aren’t careful. Your history of on-time bill payment and low account balances were good practices, but a few missteps could have consequences that go well into next year. Here are five ways you might be setting yourself up for a credit nightmare without realizing it. Sharing your New Line of Credit Sharing your good credit with someone...

When it comes to choosing a payment method for everyday transactions, many people still prefer cash. Whether the goal is to reign in credit card use or stick to a budget, cash payments could help reduce overspending and put you back in charge of your finances. However, carrying around paper bills and coins instead of plastic could cost you in other ways. Here are five reasons to choose a debit...

If a home repair or improvement project is on your summer "To Do" list, using the equity in your home to pay for it might make good financial sense. However, choosing between a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to fund your project isn't always an easy decision. While both loan types use your home as collateral, each has its unique benefits and potential drawbacks. Get...

It's hard to watch friends, or even strangers, living a lifestyle that appears more relaxing or exciting than your own. Whether you label the resulting emotions FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) or a yearning to Keep Up with the Joneses, the sentiment could push you to live beyond your means and interfere with your ability to build a firm financial future. But there are ways to relieve the squeeze on...