Personal Finance
New Africa / Shutterstock.comExploring estate sales has been one of my favorite summertime activities for more than 20 years. For this professional picker, roaming through old houses with the possibility of hidden treasure around every corner is a thrill like no other. But in a world of big-box stores and…
A micro retirement is an intentional, extended career break taken mid-career rather than waiting until traditional retirement age. Unlike standard vacation time, these breaks typically last from a few weeks to a year, are usually unpaid, and are self-funded and self-directed rather than provided by an employer. Micro retirements can…
The order in which you withdraw money from your retirement accounts could cost, or save, you tens of thousands of dollars over the course of your retirement. While most retirees follow the conventional wisdom of tapping taxable accounts first and saving Roth accounts for last, this seemingly logical approach can…
Key takeaways Getting preapproved for a mortgage before you start looking for an agent can help inform your decision. A referral from a trusted friend or family member is very helpful, but it’s still smart to do your own research. Look for someone with solid experience in the specific location…
Claiming a dependent on your tax return can unlock meaningful savings, but the rules around who qualifies are more nuanced than many people realize. Whether you’re supporting a child, an aging parent, or another family member, understanding the IRS requirements and the benefits tied to dependency status can make a…
Martinns/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate A money market account is a type of savings deposit account that tends to offer check-writing privileges and a debit card for ATM access to your savings. Typically, savings accounts usually don’t let you write checks from the account, making money market accounts a unique…
Whether they’re delivering food late into the night, selling handmade crafts online or creating social media content with the hopes of landing a brand deal, nearly one in three Americans are turning to side hustles to make ends meet as essential costs rise. Side hustles and small business creation boomed…
fizkes / Shutterstock.comNearly 90% of all homes in the U.S. use air conditioning to keep cool during the summer, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. And while that might stop you from sweating all day long, it does put some pressure on your budget as your electric bill rises…
Key takeaways You typically need better credit to qualify for a home equity loan than a mortgage, but some lenders will still approve you with a score as low as 620. If your credit score isn’t ideal, you may still qualify for a home equity loan, but you’ll likely pay…
Six streaming price hikes in 2025. Another Netflix increase in March 2026. And now half the country is stacking $20-a-month artificial intelligence subscriptions on top of everything else. If you haven’t audited your recurring charges lately, I’d bet you’re paying for at least two services you don’t use — and…
