Saving for retirement may not rank high on your list of priorities - until you realize how little you've set aside for Life 2.0. Day-to-day living can keep you focused on shorter-term financial goals, such as saving for a down payment on a car or home. Fortunately, there are steps you can take right now to boost your retirement nest egg and prepare for a comfortable third act. Here are six ways to...

If you're approaching retirement, you've likely spent some time comparing your retirement savings to how much you'll need to maintain your desired lifestyle. The result could leave you either confident or concerned. In either case, many Americans look forward to supplementing their retirement income with Social Security retirement benefits. Here's what you should know as you consider how Social...

Last year's record high temperature in Colorado of 115 degrees Fahrenheit was recorded at John Martin Dam. Whether you live near the dam in southeast Colorado or another area of the state, trying to stay cool during the summer months can put pressure on your air conditioning unit and your wallet. Outdoor entertainment, family vacation plans, and even everyday living may cause you to spend more...

Sticking to a budget is key to achieving financial goals like paying off credit card debt or saving for a down payment on a home. But unless you have a plan for your money, it will seem to make a plan of its own. While it's easy to see how a budget can help you take charge of your finances, continuing to follow that budget for more than a month can be incredibly challenging. If counting every...

When you're ready to say goodbye to steady rent increases and hello to a stable housing payment, you may think applying for a mortgage should top your to-do list. But to qualify for the lowest interest rate and most favorable repayment terms, there are at least three actions you should take before you apply for a home loan. 1. Check Your Credit Mortgage lenders require assurance that you'll repay...

On the road to a comfortable retirement, you're going to experience a few bumps — and maybe even a detour or two. One obstacle that can hinder your retirement plans is the need to financially support your adult children. A recent survey found that 50% of respondents have sacrificed or are sacrificing their own retirement to financially assist their grown kids. The level of assistance can vary from...

Having a baby is a life-changing event. When a tiny human relies on you for food, clothing, and shelter, financial priorities change. You may have already figured health care expenses and child care costs into your budget. Still, the sticker shock of new baby expenses may have you stumbling for a seat in your nursery glider. A NerdWallet analysis found that for a $40,000 income household, the...

Your first credit card likely accomplished two goals. First, it paid for purchases without immediately affecting how much cash was in your bank account. Second, it was the beginning of building your credit history. But now you're probably wondering, "How many credit accounts do I need to strengthen and maintain good credit? Is one too few? Are five too many?" Discover the answers to these, and...

Consumers often utilize either unsecured credit or secured credit to get the money they need to make large purchases or pay off debts. Like jelly and jam, these two credit types sound similar. But their underlying differences could flavor your financial future in ways you hadn't considered. Before applying for either type of credit, it’s important to gain a basic understanding of each one. What is...

You already know that potential creditors, like mortgage lenders and credit card issuers, review credit history reports and credit scores as part of the loan approval process. They want third-party confirmation that you repay debt obligations consistently. But why would an employer, landlord, service provider, or other company who is not extending credit want to look at your personal financial...