Personal Finance

For many high school students, college looms as the place where they'll form lifelong friendships, take tentative steps toward a chosen career and -- oh -- educate themselves further. Is a college visit necessary to pick a good school?

By Caitlin Uttley

For most people who pursue higher education, a college degree is the end of the line. But for others, it's simply a launching point to a post-graduate education. What do you need to know before you start applying to grad schools?

By Julia Layton

If you apply early decision, you might increase the likelihood that you'll be accepted into your dream college. But will you hurt your chances to receive financial aid?

By Sarah Winkler

Picking the right college is about more than just academics. Everything from the dining hall's menu to the cleanliness of your dorm affects your experience. To get a taste of co-ed life, you'll have to visit the campus.

By Chris Obenschain

A scholarship is a gift of money that funds your college education. You don't have to be a star football player or straight-A student to get one, but you do need some scholarship savvy. Consider this your crash course in securing cash for college.

By Gallagher Flinn

When it comes to credit, a little discipline and diligence go a long way. You could call each of the three credit bureaus and compare their reports side by side, or you can order a 3-in-1 credit report and save some time.

By Dave Roos

For something so relatively easy to obtain, credit can easily cause a careless borrower lots of stress. Here are 10 simple ways to build credit -- and keep it.

By Dave Roos

Minimum wage is supposed to ensure that workers get paid enough to live. So why do some people think it should be abolished?

By Dave Roos

Investing may seem complicated, but there are ways to build your portfolio while minimizing risk. What's the best plan for diversifying your investments?

By Dave Roos

The faster April 15 approaches, the more rushed we are when we prepare our taxes. And that's never good news where mistakes or the IRS is concerned. So which errors do we make the most?

By Jonathan Atteberry

Financial planners will tell you that creating your own personal budget is a great way to help you find your way out of debt. How hard is it to write a budget and stick to it?

By Dave Roos

At some point, you'll likely want to stop working. At some point, you'll also have to figure out how to pay the bills once you retire. Here are 10 tips to help you out.

By Josh Clark

In the late 1970s, all U.S. airlines were deregulated giving carriers the authority to set their own prices. Without regulated fares, budget airlines began to form. But exactly how do they cut costs?

By Ed Grabianowski

A staycation doesn't mean taking the laptop into the backyard and working from hom; it's about relaxing and exploring your own part of the world. So how do you make sure your staycation stays interesting?

By Julia Layton

You can rent to own a high-definition TV for just a few dollars a week, no credit required. It seems like a good deal, especially if you can't afford a new TV. If it's so great, why doesn't everyone do it?

By Dave Roos

It's a piece of advice you've probably heard: Don't pull your credit report too often, or you'll hurt your score. But what's a soul to do when you're shopping around for the best interest rates on a new house or car? How often can you look at your re

By Jane McGrath

Everyone knows that the things we buy at retail are marked up so vendors can make a profit. But the final cost depends on what you're buying -- and where you buy it.

By Dave Roos & John Kelly

Shopping online is so easy that people forget that it's fraught with pitfalls. You can buy anything you want with a mouse click, but you have to be careful on the Internet.

By Josh Clark

Cash, credit or debit? You're probably thinking that's not much of a choice since it's all money anyway. That's not exactly true, and you could get burned if you're not careful.

By Josh Clark

Extended product warranties are a good thing -- most of the time. However, under certain circumstances, it would be in your best interest to ignore the hard sales pitch and steer clear.

By Josh Clark

So you don't know what to buy your dad for Christmas. Maybe you can't wrap a gift to save your life. Whatever the reason, more people are giving gift cards these days. Buyer beware: They have more hidden strings than you may realize.

By Cristen Conger

Money woes can take a toll on your health and relationships. But the good news is that there are things you can do to lower your financial stress right now. Take a deep breath, slow down and check out our list.

By Jane McGrath

You can start investing even with a modest income. There's no need to keep procrastinating until the time is right. As little as $25 a month could get you closer to the life you dream of.

By Dave Roos

Flat tax. FairTax. Bumper stickers and blogs tout them as solutions to income tax rates. But how could these plans change the way Americans are taxed on the money they earn?

By Jane McGrath

Banks do much more than just hold (and repurpose) the money you give them. From mobile banking to international banks to bank alternatives, get a glimpse into the world of banking in our image gallery.