Personal Finance

FUTA, the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, was written into law in 1939 in response to the Great Depression and, as we discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic, it still has great relevance today.

By Joanna Thompson

The BLS Report that showed a 4.2 percent inflation rate for April had many people wondering if a period of high inflation was coming. Here are some smart money moves to make if it does happen.

By Dave Roos

Sometimes a money order is the best way to conduct a financial transaction, but knowing how to successfully fill one out is key.

By Cherise Threewitt

A lot of people don't like to think about death, which is why many estates go unplanned. But if someone dies without a will, their survivors may end up in a long expensive fight in probate court.

By Alia Hoyt

Forbearance plans are typically offered as a way to keep borrowers in their homes during a period of unemployment or recovery from a natural disaster. The CARES Act makes it easier to qualify.

By Dave Roos

Refinancing your mortgage may be a great way to lower your monthly bills, but you need to keep these points in mind.

By Alia Hoyt

Not all investment professionals are fiduciaries — we've got four questions that smart investors need to ask a financial adviser before putting him or her in charge of their investments.

By Dave Roos

The last thing you want for your child is to have their identity stolen before they're old enough to open a credit card. The good news is there are ways to protect them from financial fraud.

By Cherise Threewitt

You've lost your job and gotten behind with your rent. You know your landlord is looking for you. What's the best way to handle this and avoid eviction?

By Dave Roos

Student loan refinance and student loan consolidation are completely different beasts. If you're weighed down with student loan debt, you need to know the difference.

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

Refinancing your student loans seems like a no brainer. But is it always a good idea?

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

So you didn't quite finish college, and your student loans are piling up. Can you still refinance them even though you didn't earn your diploma?

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

If you need money in a hurry, there are numerous ways to get it. But many quick loan options come with serious drawbacks.

By Patrick J. Kiger

A personal loan is a great way to pay for small-scale home renovations, but for bigger jobs, a home equity loan or line of credit may be a better option.

By Patrick J. Kiger

Lenders don't ask your reason for wanting one, but our experts discuss some typical motivations for taking out a personal loan.

By Patrick J. Kiger

Taking out a personal loan can be a great way to fulfill a short-term goal or finance a dream, but there are definitely some mistakes to avoid.

By Patrick J. Kiger

Personal loans generally are installment loans that can be obtained without collateral. They have many uses and may be cheaper than running up a big credit card balance.

By Patrick J. Kiger

You might be confused by the difference between term and whole insurance, as well as all the other life insurance products out there. Or whether you even need life insurance in the first place.

By Dave Roos

Mortgage refinance rates can vary from lender to lender. So, how do you know that you've got the best rate you can?

By Alia Hoyt

"How low will my new interest rate be?" is not the only question to ask before you refinance your mortgage. Here are five others you should think about.

By Alia Hoyt

So you have homeowners insurance, but do you know exactly what you will need in order to file a claim when the time comes?

By Patrick J. Kiger

The annual cost of homeowners insurance can vary by hundreds of dollars and depend on many different factors. How can you save money on this necessary expense?

By Patrick J. Kiger

You'd like to take advantage of the low interest rates out there to refinance your mortgage, but your credit is less than stellar. Is it worth even trying to refinance?

By Alia Hoyt

Homeowners insurance generally is required only if you have a mortgage on your home. But even when your home is paid off, you'd be wise to maintain coverage.

By Patrick J. Kiger

Need some extra cash to take care of some debts? You could tap into your home equity through a cash-out mortgage refinance. But what are the pros and cons?

By Alia Hoyt