Personal Finance

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

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

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

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

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

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

For many people, retirement is the art of balancing less money with more free time, and many businesses know that money is tight in retirees' pockets. What are some breaks you can look forward to in retirement?

By Garth Sundem

While trust funds, or trusts, may seem the province of the wealthy, there are actually many benefits to creating one, even if you're not a multimillionaire.

By Susan Cassidy

Alternative investments have become increasingly popular, and they don't have to take the place of the traditional assets in your portfolio. But they do have some drawbacks, so read on and educate yourself before you spend a dime.

By Matt Sailor

When ATMs entered our daily lives in the '80s, an industry grew around the goal of making banking and living more efficient. But what can you do at an ATM aside from withdrawing cash?

By Rebecca Fairley Raney