Temperatures are on the rise, and so are summertime scams. While you’re enjoying a friendly cookout or relaxing by the pool, crooks are putting in extra hours devising schemes to separate you from your money. But you can avoid getting burned — no sunscreen required. Protect yourself by staying alert to these common warm weather scams. 1. Travel Scams Snagging a deep discount on a vacation rental...

The road to living the financial life of your dreams isn't always smooth. It's filled with surprise potholes and unexpected detours. A loss in income or large emergency expense can weaken your resolve and possibly stall your financial dreams for a time. And believing certain money myths might cause your dreams to break down altogether. It's the myths related to goal-setting that can do the most...

Whether you plan to exit the workforce in a few years or a few decades, understanding retirement spending now can help you better prepare financially for Life 2.0. Knowing how much you might spend could make hitting your savings targets less of a guessing game and increase your confidence about the future. While healthcare spending is likely to increase as you age, it's not the only expense...

Checking accounts make it easy to manage everyday spending. They offer the convenience of direct deposits, online and in-store debit card purchases, ATM cash withdrawals, and might even allow you to earn dividends on your account balance. But, with money coming in and going out of your account so quickly, you might be concerned that your account won't have enough funds to cover scheduled payments...

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a newborn or adopted child. You've likely waited for months or possibly years for your new family member. But you may also be worried about the financial responsibility of a growing family. Prepare to put those concerns to rest. Read up on the financial moves expecting parents should make so the only thing that keeps you up at night is your new...

Home prices continue to rise in metro areas contributing to an already competitive housing market. Sellers are benefiting from multiple offers, bidding wars, and quick sales. Fortunately, selling your home isn’t the only way to cash in on its rising value. A robust housing market and record low interest rates provide a unique opportunity for homeowners represented in a simple formula: Market Value...

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...

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...

If college graduation is around the corner, you've probably been exploring your employment options. It's likely that one of your biggest concerns at the moment is compensation. After all, you have student loans to repay. But only focusing on the starting salary of each job opportunity may cause you to overlook two factors that could influence the value of those earnings: cost of living and...