Personal Finance

It isn't easy to become tax exempt, but it sure can make April 15 less stressful. So what type of organization qualifies?

By Susan Cassidy

Your homestead is your primary residence -- and that home of yours is protected by law. So, how do you receive property tax exemptions and guard against creditors when you face financial hardship?

By Susan Cassidy

You don't have to be super-rich to bid at an auction house. In fact, many auctions cater to all price points -- from clown portraits and Herman Miller chairs to airplanes. But you do have to possess a formidable will, not to mention a mean stink eye meant for fellow bidders.

By Julie Douglas

It's a document many people find unsettling, but in the event of a health crisis that leaves you incapacitated, a living will ensures that your treatment wishes are honored. We'll take you through the steps it takes to create this document.

By Jacob Silverman

When planning a road trip, you should focus on having a good time, not on your trip's financial tally. But by the time you get home, your road-weary family could have racked up a huge credit card bill. Here are some tips for saving cash on your next trip.

By Emilie Sennebogen

If you don't have a bank account, that doesn't necessarily mean you can't get a loan to cover bills or major expenses. What types of loans are you eligible for, even without a bank account?

By Jennifer Sellers

A new city means exciting new experiences. It also means facing the unknown, which can be a bit scary. Don't worry; there are future friends in that crowd of strangers. We'll help you find them.

By Emilie Sennebogen

Sometimes people need to settle down or start over. It's best to do those things as cheaply as possible, so we've compiled a list of the 10 U.S. states with the lowest cost of living.

By Josh Briggs

Home, sweet home just isn't as cozy without any electricity. It takes a little effort to pick the best utility providers and have the services turned on, but these modern amenities make life much sweeter!

By Echo Surina

Rent or mortgage payments will undoubtedly be your largest single housing expense, but utilities will typically come in second -- sometimes a close second. Don't get left with a bill you can't handle.

By Julia Layton

They're not extravagant but efficiency apartments do offer affordability and convenience. We'll show you how to get the most from the limited space.

By Sara Elliott

If your apartment complex catches fire or floods in a natural disaster, you may be surprised to find out how little of your property is covered by your landlord's insurance policy. But we've got you covered. Here are the easy-to-understand components of renter's insurance.

By Sara Elliott

Winning the lottery is a dream come true, but broke relatives, media scrutiny and the very real possibility of losing it all can turn it into a nightmare quickly. How can you survive such a life-changing event?

By Josh Clark

Getting an education is one of life's great accomplishments, and, just like many valuable things, it doesn't come cheaply. Many of us will need some type of financial aid, and we have 5 tips to keep in mind while you're applying.

By Melissa Sandoval

Vacations are rarely cheap. There's the airfare, the hotels, the tourist food and the souvenirs. But surely some of that expense is negotiable. What's worth splurging on when you're away from home, and where should you pinch your pennies?

By Julia Layton

A degree from a top-ranked law school is one of the most prestigious postgraduate degrees available. Pursuing one, however, is a lot of hard work. How do you gain admission to law school?

By Josh Clark

Rhodes Scholarships pay for post-graduate work at the University of Oxford. But this prestigious scholarship isn't just for students who spend all day in the library. Athletes tend to do well, too.

By Jamie Page Deaton

The Fulbright Scholarship helps students pursue research abroad in hopes of boosting international understanding. How can you apply for this scholarship, and what costs does it cover?

By Lance Looper

There are many benefits to student loan consolidation, like lower monthly payments, more time to repay the lender and special repayment plans. But is consolidation the right option for every graduating student with loan debt?

By Eric Baxter & Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

Dentistry can be a very lucrative career and dentists are in demand. Becoming a dentist isn't that easy, though: There are only a few dozen dental schools in the U.S. and thousands of applications for very few slots. How can you gain an edge?

By Ed Grabianowski

Postdoctoral research, also called a postdoc, is an option for people who have earned a Ph.D. Traditionally, they're a way for young scientists to gain more in-depth training in their field and to supply research institutions with inexpensive labor.

By Melissa Sandoval

Do you need some help financing your college education? Stafford loans are federal student loans designed to supplement scholarships, grants, work-study jobs and family resources to help meet the cost of tuition, fees, room and board.

By Marie Willsey

The dental profession is one of the few bright spots in a gloomy employment picture for the U.S. The retirement of older dentists plus low past enrollment equals a very good prognosis for the future of the field -- but how do you get dental training?

By Linda C. Brinson

College is expensive, but students don't have to shoulder that financial burden alone. In fact, parents can contribute to their child's undergraduate expenses by applying for a PLUS loan.

By Dave Roos

If you're paying off student loans, you might be able to take advantage of a perk that lets you deduct the interest when paying income taxes. How do you know whether you're eligible for this tax break?

By Jane McGrath