10 Signs You're Heading for a Money Meltdown
We all want to avoid facing hard financial truths sometimes, but ignore these 10 warning signs of an impending money disaster at your own peril.
emergency fund
Women and Money: Saving, Struggling and Teaching the Kids
A global survey on financial literacy confirms it: Men and women have different financial priorities. But what may surprise you is how styles vary from country to country.
Which to Do First? Pay Down Debt or Save for a Rainy Day
Millions of Americans have heavy debts and limited savings, so when a rare bit of spare cash appears, they face a conundrum: Should they pay down debt or build up savings?
10 Reasons Why You're Not Feeling Better About the Economy
The Dow is cruising at new highs, 236,000 jobs were created in February, consumer confidence is up, and Americans are feeling secure enough to take on new debt again. But if you're feeling somehow left out of the party, you aren't crazy. Things are still far from golden.
Living Without Credit Cards: She Made It Work, and You Can Too
Every time you make a plane reservation or rent a car or pay for concert tickets, you're asked to provide a credit card number. Liz Smiley provides a debit card number instead. Smiley has lived without a credit card for more than four years, and she doesn't miss it a bit.
Most Americans Have More Savings Than Credit Card Debt
A recent survey shows that a majority of Americans have more money in their "emergency funds" than the owe on their credit cards. But if most people have more savings than credit card debt, how come it also feels like the majority of us are broke?
Money Troubles: Who's Hurting the Most in Today's Economy
The sluggish economy has made money tighter across the nation, but, no surprise, the pain isn't being shared equally. A recent survey from Bankrate asked Americans how they're feeling about their finances, and reveals which groups are struggling the most.
Why Your Financial Planner Isn't Giving You the Advice You Want
Most people could really use some help managing their finances, yet relatively few seek the services of professional financial planners. The reason: Those pros typically aren't focusing on what the average client really wants.
5 Ways to Prevent Panic From Plundering Your Portfolio
With the stock market near its all-time high, few investors are terribly worried about their portfolios right now. But that makes it the best time to take steps to panic-proof your portfolio in preparation for the next financial crisis.
Your Parents Think You Stink at Managing Your Money
Fidelity recently conducted a survey asking parents how they think their adult children are doing at handling their finances. As you might expect, those parents didn't hold back with their criticism.
10 States with the Most People Living on Edge of Financial Ruin
Across America today, millions of people are unable to save for even short-term emergencies -- but in some places, people have it worse than others. Business Insider reveals the states where residents are the least able to cope with unexpected money troubles.
Build Your Emergency Savings: 25 Ways to Make Extra Money
It's a personal finance rule of thumb: Have enough of an emergency savings cushion that you could get by without income for 3 months. But in this economy, who can save that much? You can -- and we've got 25 ways to help you find the extra cash to make it happen.
Should You Invest Your Emergency Fund?
Smart personal finance rules dictate having an emergency savings fund set aside where you can access it fast. But do you really have to keep enough money for three to six months of expenses in a savings account where it earns almost no interest?
My $5,000 Emergency: How I Managed It (and You Can, Too)
A $5,000 car repair bill is the kind of thing that can push even a frugal family's finances over the edge. But here's a simple emergency fund tip that will help you avoid a worst-case scenario when Murphy's Law catches up with your budget.
Money Resolutions Revisited: 3 Tales From the Financial Trenches
If you're one of the millions of Americans who made a financial New Year's resolution, after almost a month, you might need an inspiration boost. So, check out these stories of three real people on the way to achieving ambitious financial goals this year.