Personal Finance

This channel is where we explore the holistic health of your financial house. Helpful, accurate articles include topics on credit, debt management, financial planning, real estate and taxes.

Learn More / Page 15

You want to make money with your investment portfolio, not lose it in the next market crash, right? So are there really any investments that are considered risk-free?

By Beth Brindle

Budget-conscious shoppers pride themselves on saving money and scoping out sales and steals. Retailers make a mint off customers who fall for too-good-to-be-true deals. Wise up by getting acquainted with these 10 tricks.

By Chris Obenschain

You walk into the grocery store with a specific list and a firm budget, and somehow, you end up spending more than you bargained for. Was it the two-for-one cereal where you went wrong, or the organic produce you upgraded for? Nah, your grocery store just tricked you.

By Echo Surina

Advertisement

With soaring prices and stagnant wages, balancing the family budget can be tough. How can you use the Internet to save you money?

By Bambi Turner

Who can resist a buy-one, get-one free sale? Or a sweater that's 75 percent off? It's smart to stock up when there's a good deal on your favorite goods, but what about the stuff that never goes on sale? Smart shoppers know that some things are worth the splurge.

By Natalie Kilgore

The word "mortgage" comes from an old French phrase meaning "death pledge" and the concept of amortization comes from the same etymological root. Contrary to popular belief, the latter phrase isn't scary -- in fact, it makes paying your mortgage easier.

By Dave Roos

You spent your childhood wanting to be just like them. Then, during your teenage years, you did everything you possibly could to be nothing like them. Somewhere along the way, though, you did, in fact, become your parents. How did that happen?

By Sara Elliott

Advertisement

The holidays are alive with the sound of parties, and this year, it's your turn to get in on the hosting fun. We'll show you how to throw the ultimate holiday shindig without breaking the bank.

By Emilie Sennebogen

Now that you're all grown up with a place of your own, the first place to go shopping is your parents' house, of course. From dishes and clothes to special antiques, these 10 things should definitely make the move with you.

By Emilie Sennebogen

Would you believe it's possible to save more than 90 percent on your grocery bills? It takes measures many people would consider extreme, but saving serious money doesn't have to completely dominate your life.

By Jessika Toothman & Ellen Stockstill

We've all been there, wavering between the pretty box of the cereal you know and love and the less-lovely box that costs half as much. But is cereal (or medicine, for that matter) a good product to scrimp on?

By Julia Layton

Advertisement

Does it seem as if you're always running out of bread, milk and eggs? You're not alone. These are just three of the top 10 groceries Americans buy. What are some others?

By Laurie L. Dove

All supermarkets sell products for more than cost. But some products are marked up beyond reason. Which items are ripping you off?

By Debra Ronca

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a difficult one for both children and parents. Fortunately, there are movies out there that compress the long and rocky road to adulthood into a 90-minute, family-friendly story that gives parents and teens something to talk about.

By Heather Kolich

Gone are the days of cheap beer in the fridge and a bag of chips on the table. You're a grown-up now, and your parties should reflect that. But that doesn't mean you have to break the bank to impress your guests.

By Emilie Sennebogen

Advertisement

Dinner parties done right are fun and memorable, and your guests will keep coming back for more. But that doesn't mean you have to spend a mortgage payment to get it right. Now, more than ever, you can wine and dine on a budget.

By Sara Elliott

There's a popular myth that the IRS says paying taxes is voluntary, so no one has to do so. While that's untrue, certain wage earners are exempt from paying taxes. Who are these folks?

By Jodie Schneider & Melanie Radzicki McManus

There have always been wealthy kids living off money they've inherited, but a trustafarian is a rich kid like none other. So who are these trustafarians and where did the term come from?

By Susan Cassidy

It's a rare accountant who thinks dipping into an IRA is a good idea, because tapping into that fund can be expensive. However, some people do cash out their IRAs early. What are the main reasons for doing this?

By Dave Roos & Denise Harrison

Advertisement

It may sound crazy, but there are lots of reasons why you might want to give your inheritance a second thought before cashing that check. Why would you disclaim an inheritance?

By Jacob Clifton

Saving money from your paycheck every week may sound daunting, but it's essential if you plan on retiring some day. But just how much do you need to save, and how do you do it?

By John Perritano

The average consumer spends more than $600 on cleaning supplies each year, from sprays and soaps to sponges and vacuums. But with a little cleverness and comparison shopping, you can save some green while still keeping it clean.

By Jennifer Sellers

Most people take up hobbies for fun, and even ones that seem free (like running and hiking) can turn into a money sink in a hurry. Here are 10 hobbies that can turn into money-makers instead.

By Danielle Fisher

Advertisement

More than half of all Americans haven't figured out how much they need to save for retirement. Read on if you're one of them.

By John Perritano

These days, it can be hard enough to pay bills, much less save enough for a down payment on a house. If you want to buy a home sooner rather than later, can you cash out your IRA to help cover the costs?

By Denise Harrison