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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits help millions of disabled Americans keep a roof over their head and food on the table. Unfortunately, SSDI payments don’t magically show up in your bank account. SSDI recipients generally must wait five months to get their first SSDI payment, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Payments begin […]
How Long Does It Take to Get SSDI? Read More »
A debt trap can occur when you are forced to take out new loans to repay your existing debt obligations, creating a cycle of compounding debt. Even a small new loan can push you into a debt trap if you can’t repay it on time or in full. A cycle of debt can be hard
What Is a Debt Trap? Read More »
If you think you’ve got this summer’s vacation already plotted out, make sure you’re not forgetting to budget for all costs. Sneaky, easy-to-forget costs can add up and throw your trip off budget. Trip expenses will vary depending on where you’re going, for how long and your plans while you’re there. But if you forget
7 Travel Expenses You May Be Forgetting to Budget For Read More »
Creating a budget is key for affording your expenses, avoiding debt and reaching your financial goals. But anyone who’s ever tried to stick to a rigid budget has likely experienced the reality that things don’t always go as planned. You may spend more on transportation, bills, groceries or dining than you anticipated. When that happens,
How to Build a Budget Buffer Read More »
Inflation is putting financial pressure on U.S. households. Consumers are now paying 6% more for goods and services than they were in March 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While that’s down from last year’s highs, which were the highest rates seen since the 1980s, inflation still remains steep. This persistent hike
6 Ways to Fight Inflation and Save Money Now Read More »
From juggling student loan payments to saving for a car, making personal finance decisions can be overwhelming. On top of that, you may have other financial goals in mind but no idea how to achieve them. To help get your finances on track and prepare for your future, you may want to start a budget.
Budgeting for Young Adults: 19 Money Saving Tips for 2023 Read More »
Getting divorced causes disruption in all aspects of life, especially when it comes to parenting and finances. To ease the burden of shifting from a two-household income to one, a divorce decree or child custody agreement often requires the noncustodial parent to pay their ex child support. While it’s illegal to defy court orders that
How to Budget With Inconsistent Child Support Read More »
Direct deposit is a fast, efficient way to move a payment directly from the account of the payer to your personal bank account. These days, most employers offer the option of direct deposit for your paychecks. The funds are generally available much more quickly compared to depositing a paper check; depending on your bank’s rules,
Early Direct Deposit: How You Can Get Paid Early Read More »
If you’re wondering how to save money, you’re in good company. 64% of Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck, and people across the socioeconomic spectrum are feeling the strain. Of the 166 million people in this circumstance, 8 million earn more than $100,000 a year. When your income barely covers your monthly expenses, it can be tough to
How to Save Money: 12 Ways to Grow Your Savings Read More »
Do you have enough money to cover unanticipated hardships like major medical bills, vehicle breakdowns, and home repairs? If not, you need an emergency fund. Find out how to start a new one or grow the one you have. The post How to Start an Emergency Fund — Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on Money Crashers.
How to Start an Emergency Fund — Step-by-Step Guide Read More »
An impulse purchase is spending you do suddenly and immediately when you weren’t planning to. If you’re struggling with impulse spending, you’re not alone. Impulse buying isn’t always a terrible thing—if you can afford it, and you really want it, it may cause you no harm at all. But overspending on impulse can also wreak
How to Stop Impulse Spending Read More »
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8 Black Financial Influencers You Ought to Follow Read More »
Dear Penny, I had a handyman with two helpers do remodeling in my house over a period of many months. Sometimes, all three came to my house; sometimes, he sent one or the other to work at my house. The last job he did for me, he said on his way out the door that
Dear Penny: My Handyman Says I Should Tip Him $20/Job. Seriously? Read More »
Balancing your checkbook might feel like an archaic practice since the use of paper checks is falling out of style, but it still serves a purpose. The practice is a way to get a solid handle on how much money is going in and out of your account each month, which can help you identify
How to Balance a Checkbook Read More »
If your adult child has moved back home, you’re part of a growing trend. In the U.S., 1 in 4 adults ages 25 to 34 live in multigenerational households, compared with just 9% in 1971, Pew Research Center reports. A child living at home can make certain things easier for parent and child alike, but
How to Manage Money With Adult Children Living at Home Read More »
Dear Penny, My husband’s parents have always expected their adult children to pay their way for restaurants and vacations, and whenever they need or want something that they don’t want to purchase. My father-in-law says his kids can afford it because they all have better jobs than he had, but he never paid for college
Dear Penny: Are We Jerks if We Don’t Pay $600 for My In-Laws’ Housecleaning? Read More »
Accountability apps can give you tools that help you stick to your budget. If you have a hard time developing internal motivation to stay on budget, these apps can provide external motivation you need to get you through rough patches. Check out these four different types of accountability apps that you can use to stay
4 Types of Accountability Apps to Keep You on Budget Read More »
Figuring out and sticking to a budget isn’t super fun for most people, but it certainly is a smart way to handle your money. The 50/20/30 rule is one of many budgeting plans that help us get spending under control. This plan works well for households where no more than 50% of the money coming
Understanding the 50/20/30 Rule: Our Easy-to-Follow Guide Read More »
Budgeting is crucial to a successful financial plan, but it’s not always easy, especially if you’re doing it all on your own. The best budgeting apps can help you get your finances in order, stay organized and work toward your money goals. Here are our choices for the top five budgeting apps that are currently
The Best Budgeting Apps of 2023 Read More »
Dear Penny, I’ve decided to basically cut off my daughter once she’s finished high school, which will be just over five months from now. She didn’t do anything wrong. I’m not eager to be rid of her, and I could easily continue to provide her basic needs, but I won’t. I myself lived with my
Dear Penny: Should I Tell My Daughter She’s Cut Off at 18 Now or Wait? Read More »