Personal Finance

  • 10 Tools to Help You Become a Smarter Consumer

    The first week of March is National Consumer Protection Week, and government and private organizations across the nation have been sharing advice and resources for consumers. Topics discussed range from online privacy and scams to debt and money management. Cheapism.com…

  • Score Savings by Refinancing Your Mortgage

    Housing is one of the biggest expenses most people shoulder, so reducing your monthly housing bill can make a big difference in your overall budget. For the millions of people who have a mortgage, refinancing provides one of the best…

  • What It Costs to Opt Out of Obamacare

    While filing taxes this year you may notice a new question on the form: Did you have health insurance throughout 2014? If yes, check the box. If no, a penalty will be deducted from any refund or added to the…

  • Enroll in Automatic Bill Pay and Save

    Automatic bill pay is yet another perk of the ever-evolving instantaneous Internet age. Many consumers take advantage of this convenient, rewarding way of paying bills. Others remain wary about authorizing a company to withdraw funds directly from their bank account…

  • 10 Things You May Not Realize Car Insurance Covers

    Have you ever carefully read your auto insurance policy? Understanding what’s covered and what’s not is critical, not least because knowing the details can save you money. Be sure to check for these 10 types of contingencies, perhaps in a…

  • Which Smartphone Insurance Is Best?

    Opinions differ on whether extended warranties for electronics and other expensive items are worth the cost. But the peace of mind that comes with having phone insurance if your hand slips and the device splatters may be priceless. SquareTrade, a…

  • 10 Discounts That Veterans Won’t Want to Miss

    Veterans Day provides an occasion to honor those who have served in the armed forces, but veterans are also recognized in small ways throughout the year. Although veterans discounts may…

  • What You Need to Know About Travel Health Insurance

    At the end of last year Heather Leikin travelled from Los Angeles to Mexico for a birthday and New Year’s celebration. But what was planned as a pleasant getaway turned…

  • Do You Need to Buy Rental Car Insurance?

    Whether you’re renting a car for a day or an entire week, you’ve probably had a friend or relative tell you to waive the offered insurance. “Your credit card has…

  • Free and Cheap Ways to Monitor Your Credit

    In the midst of the busy 2013 holiday shopping season a security breach at Target led to the theft of 40 million (and counting) customers’ credit and debit card information.…

  • How to Avoid Overdraft Fees

    Bank customers who overdraw their accounts pay an average of $225 per year in fees, according to a recent government report. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has released findings from…

  • Jean Chatzky of ‘Money Matters’: Tips For Saving and Planning Ahead

    Jean Chatzky, financial editor of the “Today Show” and author of seven personal finance books, strives to help baby boomers become and stay solvent. On her new RLTV series, “Money…

  • Five Realistic Financial New Year’s Resolutions

    It’s 2013 and you’re probably thinking, “another year, another set of New Year’s resolutions I won’t keep.” But if bolstering your finances is one realm that could use some attention,…

  • Price Alerts Help You Find the Best Time to Buy

    Online bargain hunting is both frustrating and exciting. You’re out to find a deal on something you love or need and you’re determined to stick to your budget. Make price…

  • Cheaper Produce at the Farmers Market? Studies Say It’s True

    Farmers markets tend to be thought of as the province of the well-to-do, peddling things like $12 heads of organic lettuce and edible chrysanthemum leaves. But with more than 7,000…

  • Reduce Your Credit Card Debt

    On Oct. 9, a line of well-dressed, manicured women filed into the New York City Metropolitan Pavilion. With more than 1,000 attendees grabbing appetizers and drinks, this girly event decked…

  • Can Paying With Your Phone Save You Money?

    The concept is a bit mystical, a little unsettling, and no doubt a glimpse into the world to come: shopping without any cash or credit cards, just a smartphone. It’s…

  • 12 Ways Credit Cards Can Save You Money While Traveling

    If you have a credit card (or three), it’s possible that you’re missing credit card travel rewards and perks that could save you money. Although many cards are marketed as…