To Co-Sign or Not to Co-Sign? That Is the Question
If you're in a shaky financial state, having someone willing to co-sign for a loan can be a lifesaver. But for the co-signer, it's not about altruism; it's a question of risk.
family money
Save a Bundle on Back-to-School with Sales Tax Holidays
When times are tough, every penny counts. That's why shoppers look forward to what has become an annual summer ritual in many states: the chance to avoid sales tax on certain purchases.
Twentysomethings: It's Time to Declare Financial Independence
As we prepare to celebrate our nation's independence, let's take a moment to think about our individual declarations of financial independence. If you're still ruled by debt, fiscal confusion, and reliance on others, here are a few tips for breaking free.
Is Your Spouse Cheating On You Financially?
Though 82% of couples surveyed say they've never kept a spending secret from their partner, that still leaves a lot of people using all sorts of tricks to hide purchases. Are you being totally honest with your honey about money?
Obama on Personal Finance: First Car Had 'a Big Hole in the Floor'
Mitt Romney's net worth: $200 million. Barack Obama's response to Romney's claim that he's "out of touch" with the concerns of ordinary Americans: Priceless. "I bought my first car for about $900," said Obama. "It had a big hole in the floor that allowed you to see the road, so I knew my wife wasn't marrying me for my money."
See How One Family Lives Well On $20,000 a Year
NBC's Today profiles one American family living just above the poverty line, but quite happily and comfortably. Watch author and self-professed cheapskate Jeff Yeager's take on such extreme thriftiness to see if you can learn anything from Jennifer and Michael, who claim to have found a simpler, more satisfying existence.
High Health Care Costs Drag Down Economic Growth
Nearly everyone is feeling the pain of high health care costs. Between 2003 and 2010, the cost employers paid for family coverage rose 50% and employees' share of the tab increased 63%. That's money siphoned away from the rest of the economy.
Do You Need Long-Term Care Insurance?
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, those of us who reach age 65 will have a 40% chance of entering a nursing home, and 10% will stay in one for five years or more. So does this mean you need long-term care insurance?
1 in 4 Spouses Is Willing to Cheat ... Financially
Your sweetheart may be keeping a big secret from you, and it's not that there's some other guy or gal. It's the truth about their money. According to new poll from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, 24% of respondents wouldn't tell their spouse if they were experiencing financial difficulties.
Create a Trust, in Case of Tragedy
Most parents know how important it is to choose a guardian to take care of their children in case something terrible happens. But what about your children's financial needs? There needs to be a plan in place for those, too. That's why parents should consider creating a trust. Here's what you need to consider.
How to Dig Yourself Out of Credit Card Debt
U.S. credit card debt shrank 5% in the second quarter from a year ago, approaching 10-year lows. It's not just due to banks, which have written off uncollectible debts. Learn how consumers are taking control of their finances and how you can too.
Moms' Best Back-to-School Savings Tips
As the new school year approaches, families head to the shops for new supplies. But the back-to-school shopping season can be hard on the wallet. Follow these money-saving tips from moms across the country and you'll have plenty of cash left for apples for the teacher.
Buying Your Teen's First Car: What You Need to Know
Buying your teen a first car is fraught with emotions, and even more laden with financial implications: Used or new? Who pays for what? How much input does the new driver get in the purchase decision? How can you get the best deal on insurance? We surveyed the experts to get those answers and more.
