You did it! You’ve saved up a down payment, improved your credit score, and settled on a couple of neighborhoods with the amenities you really want. You’ve even found a real estate agent you love working with. Now all you have to do is find the right house, and you’ve unlocked new features in the … Read more
Quick Look The gold standard is a failed monetary system in which the value of a currency is directly linked to gold. While it sounds like a good idea, there are more cons than pros. A look at the history of the gold standard shows why it doesn’t work. In October 2022, H.R. 9157 quietly … Read more
I recently beat out my Money Crashers colleagues in a grueling test of collegiate athletics knowledge. My prize was a Dunkin’ gift card in all its orange and white glory. There was just one problem. I live in Minnesota, home of Caribou Coffee. I’d never set foot in a Dunkin’ here. I wasn’t even sure … Read more
Americans’ personal savings have absolutely cratered since the middle of 2020. According to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the dollar value of our collective piggy bank declined from nearly $5 trillion in the second quarter of 2020 to just $626 billion in the the third quarter, or $15,990.59 per person. And … Read more
Last Updated: January 2, 2023 BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner – 2 Comments Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for more info. Are you looking for delicious and easy budget friendly meals? … Read more
A certificate of deposit, or CD, is an excellent place to park cash you don’t need right away. It’s insured by the federal government, it usually pays more than a standard savings account, and its yield (interest rate) is guaranteed for the entire term. That rate guarantee is important because CD rates can be volatile … Read more
Historically, one enormous advantage the wealthy had over the rest of us was access to expert investing advice. They didn’t need to be experts on stocks or market movements or investing. They could pay someone to “just take care of it.” Today, everyone has access to expert investing advice — if not through human investing … Read more
Over the long term, the stock market returns around 10% on average. Investors looking to sit back and relax can put their stock investments on autopilot, investing in index funds, possibly managed by a robo-advisor or investment advisor. It’s easy, and it works. But what if you’re not satisfied with average returns? Investors seeking an … Read more
If you’re a student (or parent) looking for a place to park your money without excessive fees or unrealistic balance requirements, check out the impressive array of low-cost, low-balance checking accounts available to students. Some actively restrict membership to younger individuals, most often those between 17 and 23 or 24 years old. But others are … Read more
Cash-back credit cards are popular because they provide tangible, easy-to-understand benefits. Who doesn’t like getting a credit on their monthly credit card statement – or, better yet, actual cash deposited into the account of their choice? Cash-back credit cards can be even more popular than our top-rated gas credit cards and travel rewards cards. But … Read more