Real financial wellness tips given by real people

Host an affordable summer BBQ—5 tips

Summer’s here and it’s time to fire up the grill and have a backyard BBQ. It’s an iconic summer experience, but hosting one can be a pricey proposition. Here are five tips to help you host an affordable summer BBQ that will bring the heat without burning up your budget. 1. Plan your menu carefully …

What is the average credit score?

Here’s what you need to know about credit scores, including the factors that go into calculating them.

5 ways to save for a special occasion

A special occasion—like a wedding, big birthday, or anniversary—often comes with a big price tag. Planning for how to pay for these events doesn’t have to drag down the excitement of the day. Here are some ways you can keep costs down and plan a great celebration without stressing about the cost. 1. Set a …

how to split finances when you’re living together

When you’re moving in with a significant other (or even sharing a home with roommates) it’s important to come to a clear agreement on how you’ll split financial responsibilities. Here are five tips to help you successfully split finances when you’re living together, to make sure everyone feels comfortable and no one’s left stressing over …

Convenience foods that are healthy and affordable

In a world that often demands more time than we have, affordable convenience foods have become a staple of modern life. But when we hear “convenience food” most of us think of greasy fast food or microwave meals packed with preservatives. But there actually are some options out there that break this mold—affordable, reasonably healthy …

What is a credit union?

Let’s look at the differences between credit unions and banks and the pros and cons of them.

The 4 best money management apps for 2024

These days, managing personal finances is easier than ever, thanks to money management apps. Many of them are free, and only charge for certain features, so getting started can be as simple as downloading an app to your phone. Most of these apps cover a lot of the same ground, but many also offer unique …

Top 5 Trader Joe’s products for affordable snacking

Who doesn’t love Trader Joe’s? Nice prices on everything from produce to alcohol is always a winning strategy. But as every TJ’s shopper knows: the snacks are where it’s at. Whether you’re into savory or sweet, they always have a selection of fun and creative snacks you can’t find anywhere else. And each year they …

What is an unsecured credit card?

Learn about unsecured credit cards, their benefits, and potential risks.

5 ways to reduce variable spending

Managing our finances can feel like trying to tame a wild animal—it can be unpredictable and overwhelming. (‘Why did we ever bring home this ocelot?’) The variable spending in our budgets can be a little unruly, too—sometimes manageable, other times off the charts. Variable spending means all those expenses that aren’t fixed, such as eating …

5 ways to make money while you sleep

Who doesn’t love the idea of making money while you sleep? No one’s going to actually pay you for sleeping (at least not that we’ve seen). But there are ways that you can earn passive income, with minimal daily effort. Here are 5 ways you can make money without having to work at it (or …

The 5 things that determine your credit score

Your credit score is a complicated beast, there’s no doubt about that. It usually goes up or down at least a little bit each month, and sometimes it’s hard to understand why. There are 5 key things that determine your credit score. 1. Your payment history (35% of your FICO score) Have you paid most …