Personal Finance

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

Gold can be a wise way to diversify your investment portfolio. But how do you invest in this precious metal? Is it as simple as walking to the jewelry store and stocking up?

By Matt Sailor

Dating is already stressful enough without having to worry about money. What are you going to wear? Where will you go and what will you say? But when you're working with a tight budget, you can still be creative and have a fun time on your date.

By Jane McGrath

Even though your bank offers a variety of convenient services, chances are they're not free. And regulations now require banks clearly state all of their fees upfront, but that doesn't mean we expect them.

By Stephanie Crawford

What can you do if you're not happy with your health insurance? Are you stuck with it or are there better options available? Find out the answer here.

By John Perritano

Anyone who has battled medical bills and insurance companies knows how frustrating they can be. But there are ways you can negotiate those medical bills down -- and keep your sanity.

By John Perritano

If you're looking for a new place to put your money, it pays to concentrate on finding the right bank for you. What are some of the different things to consider for both your present needs and future financial growth?

By Jacob Clifton

Knowing how to manage your money is a valuable skill, regardless of the state of the economy. And in today's tech-savvy climate, an array of tools can help you do just that. Read on to see the top 10 tech tools for managing your money.

By Wesley Fenlon

From the outside, banks and credit unions seem very similar, but under the surface, the two types of financial institutions couldn't be more different. What are the differences between banks and credit unions?

By Jacob Clifton

Online banking is simple and convenient, but it's easy to be wary of managing your money via the Internet. And with both credit card and identity thefts still on the rise, should we assume that online banking is really safe?

By Wesley Fenlon

The average family of four spends anywhere from $561 to $1,285 a month at the supermarket. What are some items that you should always buy generic in order to save money?

By Laurie L. Dove & Jacob Clifton

Tax evasion challenges the idea that any publicity is good publicity, especially since there's more than a 90 percent conviction rate when the tax man takes a celeb to trial. Who are some of the most famous celebrity tax evaders?

By Garth Sundem

Up until 1833, failure to pay what you owed could and did land you in jail. Debtors' prisons forced offenders to pay not only their debts, but also their prison fees. But do debtors' prisons still exist today?

By Garth Sundem