A spontaneous lifestyle could be standing between you and your financial goals. But weighing the costs and benefits of every single purchase can snuff the fun out of life. There is a way, though, to balance spontaneity and financial responsibility. If your impulsive life choices are harming your finances, creating a financial cushion can be a smart move. Here's how to be financially prepared for...

Without a financial strategy, creating positive cash flow during retirement can be tricky. While your 401(k), pension, and social security benefits may yield a steady stream of monthly income in your golden years, there's another investment option worth considering — certificates of deposit (CDs). Ignoring the benefits of CDs in your retirement portfolio could mean missing out on an opportunity...

It seems like only yesterday you heard the words "You're hired!" for the first time. Now, 40+ years and several career moves later, you're considering your workforce exit strategy. While many people are eager to say goodbye to report deadlines, Monday meetings, and late-night work projects, you're hesitant to leave behind beloved coworkers and a steady paycheck. And that's okay — maybe even better...

Congratulations on receiving your college degree! Before you enter the workforce or enroll in an advanced degree program, there’s one more subject you still need to master – personal finance. By establishing smart money habits early in life, you might be able to avoid financial heartache down the road. Thankfully, you won’t need to sit through another lecture to gain the knowledge necessary to ace...

When your household expenses exceed your income, you know you need to adjust your spending. You've heard it all before: snip the streaming services, turn down the thermostat, cancel the gym membership — basically, cut out just about everything in your life that brings you joy or comfort. While these are excellent ways to save hundreds of dollars, who wants to deprive themselves of all those things...

Congratulations! Your child received their first college acceptance letter. Hopefully, there will be several more to follow. But with each letter comes worry — How are you going to pay for their college education? Whether or not you set money aside for this expense over the years, you likely don't have enough to pay for four years of tuition, books, supplies, and living expenses. The Free...

When you have a long list of home improvements you'd like to make, prioritizing projects in order of highest return is a smart financial move. Completing projects with the highest return will allow you to recoup more of your money when you sell your home. But figuring out whether a full remodel, partial upgrade or simple paint job should top your list isn't as easy as it seems on your favorite...

Whether you're stepping out on your own for the first time or recently moved to a new city, choosing a financial institution you can trust is a top priority. As you settle into your new environment, you'll soon discover that a financial partner should do more than offer a sign-up bonus for opening a checking account. Financial needs change over time, and your institution should be ready to support...

Paying bills on time and keeping credit account balances low aren't the only steps you can take to improve your credit score. Your monthly expenses may offer a hidden opportunity to rebuild your credit. While spending habits are often to blame for poor credit, it's possible to make them work for you instead of against you. Here's how. Sign up for free credit reporting bureau services. Many people...

In a seller's market, homebuyers must bring their "A" game when presenting a purchase offer. Areas with high demand and low housing inventory give buyers no choice but to submit offers that separate them from the crowd. An all-cash purchase offer can do exactly that. Sellers may even accept less than asking price for an all-cash offer since a real estate transaction untethered to lender financing...