Falling Mortgage Rates: Will Homebuyers Catch a Break?
The past few years have been great for existing homeowners who are now sitting on record levels of equity. But for would-be home buyers, the past few years have been nothing short of brutal.…
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Maurie Backman
I’m 38 with a $3.5 million net worth – how do people go from 7 figures to high 8 or 9 figures in a decade?
There are millions of Americans who have less than $1,000 to their name. And the Federal Reserve recently found that Americans ages 65 to 74 have a median savings of $200,000 for retirement…
I Thought Buying Down My Mortgage Rate Was a Bad Idea—Here’s How It Could Make Me $171,000
Mortgage rates have been stubbornly high this year — as they have been for quite some time. So if you’re looking to sign a new mortgage or refinance an existing home loan, you…
I Sold My Investment Properties—What Do I Need to Know Before Buying an Expensive Car?
Once you reach a certain level of wealth, you may be inclined to treat yourself to different luxuries. That could mean taking flying first class when you go on vacation, hiring a personal…
I’m a woman in my early 20s and a previous financial advisor was less than perfect in terms of treating me as an equal. What do you recommend?
Working with a financial advisor has a lot of benefits. For one thing, a financial advisor can bring you peace of mind if you’re feeling shaky about your financial situation. Beyond that, they…
As an early retiree, how much income tax are you really paying on your withdrawals?
There’s a reason people are often encouraged to save for retirement in an IRA or 401(k) plan. These accounts offer a number of tax benefits. And if you save for retirement in a…
The Simple Math Behind How Quickly Cash Back Credit Cards Add Up To Big Rewards
There’s a reason people tend to use credit cards to pay for purchases. Not only does can it lend to better cash flow during the month, but you could end up getting rewarded…
Should I Use a Fifth of My Portfolio to Pay Off $45K Debt from Health Issues?
It’s an unfortunate thing that even people with decent health insurance can end up with medical debt. In fact, medical debt tends to be a big cause of personal bankruptcies. In this Reddit…
29 and Saving $46k on $113k Household Income: Am I on the Right Track for Financial Freedom?
Many Americans struggle to save money. And an early 2025 survey by U.S. News & World Report found that 42% of Americans don’t have any money in an emergency fund. U.S. retirement savings…
I’m 39 with $256K in my 401(k) – am I quietly falling behind, or secretly ahead of the curve?
On the road to saving money for retirement, it’s natural to have your share of doubts. And in this Reddit post, we have a 39-year-old saver who’s done a great job of funding…
Could These Potential Impacts of the Social Security Administration Closures Affect You?
Since taking office, President Trump has pushed for a number of changes within Social Security. Not only has he continued to call for an end to taxes on benefits, but he’s also given his…
I Struggle with Impulse Buying: How Can I Control My Spending Habits for Good?
If you’ve ever made an unplanned purchase and regretted it later, you’re no doubt in good company. Impulse buys can happen to the best of us, whether at the supermarket, a clothing store,…
I’m Relieved by the Market Correction as I Near Retirement—Is That Wrong?
When the stock market reached correction territory earlier in March, defined by a drop of at least 10% but less than 20% off a recent high, a lot of investors got nervous. It’s…
How I Survived Two Weeks on Just $20 for Food
If you’re having trouble keeping up with the high cost of groceries, you’re definitely not alone. In February, food prices were up 1.9% on an annual basis, according to the Consumer Price Index.…
My Widowed Mom’s Financial Advisor Charges 8% Annually—Is She Being Taken Advantage Of?
When I first started interviewing financial advisors to work with, there were different questions I asked each candidate. One was about their experience. Another was about the licenses they had. And finally, I…
Why Inflation Is Still Eating Your Paycheck (Even If Media Says It’s Over)
You may have heard that today’s inflation levels aren’t nearly as bad as they were a few years ago. And that’s actually true. In June of 2022, the Consumer Price Index, which measures cost…
I’m 35 with $330,000 in my 401(k). Am I on track for retirement?
The typical 35-year-old has $45,000 saved for retirement, according to the Federal Reserve’s most recent data. That’s not necessarily too worrisome, though. Although $45,000 is not a ton of money, the typical 35-year-old might…
Consumer Confidence Crash? Why People Are Still Nervous About the Economy
If you’re feeling uneasy about the economy these days, you should know that you’re in good company. The University of Michigan’s consumer confidence survey for March posted a reading of 57.9, a 10.5% decline…
I understand someone who is 100% financially illiterate needing an advisor, but what about the wannabe experts like myself?
My job is to write about personal finances topics, whether it’s saving money, budgeting, investing, or planning for retirement. And I’ve been doing this job for a pretty long time. Based on that,…
Traveling? Here’s Why You Should Give The Hotel A Credit Card Instead of Debit Card When You Arrive
Many people pay for hotel rooms at the time of booking to save money. But you’ll probably notice that whether you’re paying on the spot or are paid up already, you’re going to…