Your Finances

Investing for Teens

While teens should start with the basics of personal finance, like saving and budgeting, learning how to grow their money through investing is also essential. While investing may initially seem complicated, teaching teens about financial literacy can simplify the process. Starting to invest at a young age allows teens to take advantage of time and the power of compounding, giving them a head start toward building long-term financial stability and wealth.

2025 Child Tax Credits

Child Tax Credits are tax breaks the federal government offers to support U.S. taxpayers with eligible dependent children under 17. These credits aim to reduce the economic burden of raising children and make it easier for families to afford essential expenses.

What Is Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Insurance?

While most travel insurance policies provide certain trip cancellation benefits, they often only cover specific reasons like natural disasters or medical emergencies. Cancel-For-Any-Reason (CFAR) insurance could be worth considering if you need more flexibility with your travel insurance.

What Is FAIR Plan Insurance?

FAIR Plan insurance, which stands for Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plan, is a high-risk home insurance policy designed as a last resort option for homeowners who cannot obtain coverage from a standard insurance provider. It helps those who live in areas or have homes considered too risky by traditional insurers.

How Do Living Wills Work?

Discussing death and dying with family members is challenging, but it’s essential when it comes to planning for the future. A living will, similar to a last will that dictates asset distribution after death, is a document outlining your preferences for medical treatment if you cannot make decisions yourself.

Preparing Your Teen for Their First Job

Encouraging your teen to secure their first job is significant. It’s an opportunity for them to contribute to expenses, gain independence and acquire real-world experience. This initial job can shape their development and possibly guide their career path. As a parent, you can support them in this endeavor by offering guidance and resources.

Understanding Home Hospital Care

Home hospital care is a healthcare model that gained significant traction during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing patients to receive acute hospital-level care in their homes.

What Is an Advance-Fee Loan Scam?

Even though anyone can be a victim of a personal loan scammer, some people are at more risk than others. Advance loan scammers typically target those financially struggling as they are more desperate for cash and will ignore red flags like “guaranteed loan approval.” In addition, those with poor credit and urgently needing money may fall for scammer companies that offer loans or credit regardless of creditworthiness.

Spotting Health Insurance Scams

Scammers often aim to steal your money and identity by exploiting those confused about health insurance laws and plans. Health insurance scams typically target older adults, veterans, and immigrants, preventing them from getting the necessary medical coverage.

How to Spot a Money Wiring Scam

Wire transfers and online payments are excellent ways to transfer funds to individuals and businesses. However, digital payments are immediate and irreversible, and scammers frequently use them in money fraud schemes.

Balancing a Checking Account

Finding the Right Checking Account for You

Putting Money in a Certificate of Deposit (CD) Account

The Benefits of Prepaid Cards

Savings vs. Money Market Accounts

Avoiding Non-Sufficient Fund and Overdraft Fees

Getting Organized for Bill Payment

Balance Your Checkbook

A Financial “To-Do List” When You Move

Mortgage Relief Scams

The End of a Marriage

Rebuilding Credit After Bankruptcy

If You’re Facing Bankruptcy

Avoiding Costly Car Repair Mistakes

Are Paper Checks Still Relevant?

Exchange Rate Basics

Are You Prepared Financially for a Natural Disaster?

When Your Home is a Money Pit

Preparing for an Economic Downturn

What Do You Need in Your Wallet?

The Pros and Cons of Cash Advances

Debit or Credit Card?

The Basics of Mobile Payments

Preparing Financially for a Climate Changing World

How Safe is Your Money?

Making a Comeback from a Financial Setback

Financial Basics for Service Members

Introduction to Online Billpay

What is a Cryptocurrency?

Peer-to-Peer Payment Tools

Digital and Mobile Wallet Basics

What to Do When You’re Short On Money

The Benefits of Online Banking

Selling a Home That is Financially Underwater

Avoiding Tax Penalties

Safe Practices for Mobile Banking