Personal Finance

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

Georgia started its HOPE Scholarship Program to reward academic achievement and retain in-state talent, and some other states now have similar programs. What does it take to get a HOPE Scholarship and keep it throughout college?

By John Kelly

Gaining admission to medical school can be quite challenging, and once you get in, it will likely entail four years of blood, sweat and tears. Wouldn't you prefer to do it in the Caribbean or some other exotic locale?

By Victoria Vogt

The U.S. Social Security system acts as a giant safety net that provides financial help to retirees and younger people who have suffered a serious injury or illness. It also helps out the family members of those who have died or endured a disability.

By Ed Grabianowski

Most working adults in the U.S. associate April 15 with frantic runs to the post office, but they might feel better about federal taxes if they knew what they paid for.

By Dave Roos

Sales taxes are more a pain in the neck than actual financial burden to the average consumer. What most don't realize is that these taxes are crucial to the health of some local economies.

By Linda C. Brinson

The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) helps students cover college costs while getting military training. How do you know if you're eligible for ROTC, and what service commitments are required?

By Lance Looper

Joint degree programs can put you on the fast track to earning two degrees at once. How is their admissions process different from traditional college admissions?

By Nina Holmberg

If you're having trouble paying off your student loans, deferment or forbearance may be an option. What's the difference between the two, and how could they help you pay off your debt?

By Susan Sherwood, Ph.D.

Before you can even begin to tackle all the challenges college has in store, you first have to figure out how to pay for it. That's where financial aid can come in handy. But what's the difference between loans and grants, and which is right for you?

By Jennifer Sellers