How Much You’ll Really Pay for That Student Loan

Those who graduate college with student loans owe close to $30,000 on average, according to the most recent data from the Institute for College Access & Success. But they’ll likely repay thousands more than that because of interest. One key to limiting interest cost is choosing the right repayment plan. The bottom line? Opting for lower [...]

Back-to-School Shopping: Kids Influenced by Social Media Push Parents to Overspend

Kids pushing their parents for the coolest in back-to-school gear is a late-summer tradition, and today, youngsters have some backup: social media influencers. Peer and social media influences on children are not news unto themselves, but it turns out these factors are affecting how parents spend their back-to-school dollars, according to a new NerdWallet survey [...]

7 Things College Freshmen Don’t Need — and 10 They Do

Those ubiquitous checklists of “dorm room essentials” for college freshmen are filled with items that will be ditched by the end of first semester. Some parents “go to the store and grab a list like they did when their kids were in elementary and high school and just go straight down the list,” says Lisa [...]

What Not to Buy for Your Vacation

Purchasing a bunch of unnecessary items and then overpacking for a trip won’t just annoy your traveling companions and give you a sore arm from lugging around a heavy suitcase. It can also blow your limited vacation money. Here’s what not to buy for your next vacation in order to save both money and time. Travel-size products Avoid [...]

Scrub These Expenses From Your Budget in 2019

You don’t have to cancel your Amazon Prime or turn your vacation into a staycation in order to save money. Here are some less painful things you can cut from your budget in 2019. Duplicate clothing Make this the year you resolve to stop buying your favorite piece of clothing in every color of the rainbow. [...]

Exercise Options Besides an Annual Gym Membership

Resolving to get healthier in 2019 is admirable. Elbowing through the mosh-pit gym crowds in January is impressive, if not pretty. Not using the gym at all by June, even after paying for a yearlong contract, is, well, disappointing. And it’s a waste of money, even if your intentions were good. After all, joining a [...]

4 Tech Tasks to Keep Your Parents Safer Online

All of us are vulnerable to fraud. But the ways some older people use technology can put them at higher risk. That’s where you come in. When you’re home for the holidays, or the next time you visit your folks, offer to help with a few tasks that can keep your parents safer online. Check [...]

You’re Married, but Your Assets Don’t Have to Be

People who aren’t rich or famous typically don’t have prenuptial agreements, which are legal documents detailing who gets what in a divorce. Even ordinary folks without prenups, though, should think about how to protect their money if something goes wrong. Planning for divorce may be cynical, but it’s also smart, San Diego certified financial planner [...]

These 5 Gas-Saving ‘Tips’ Don’t Work

When gas prices spike, drivers love to swap gas-saving tips. The crazier the tip, the faster it seems to spread. The problem is, some such “tips” are more urban legend than fact. Others might have been true back in the day, but improved automotive technology has erased any real benefit. Keep in mind that, over [...]

Planning a Wedding? Start With the Budget

The proposal was perfect. You’ve told friends and family the exciting news and shared pictures of the sparkly new ring on Instagram. Now it’s time to plan the wedding. Setting a realistic budget is a smart first step. But throwing out a number is one thing; sticking to it is the hard part. According to The Knot’s 2017 [...]