How a Fed Rate Hike Raised My Credit Card Payment Overnight
It’s funny how life can throw you a curveball when you least expect it. For years, I considered myself reasonably savvy with my finances. I worked hard my whole life, saved diligently for retirement, and thought I had a pretty good grasp on things like budgeting and credit. My name is Arthur, and I’d like […]
I Thought I Locked in a Good Auto Loan—Then Rates Spiked
It’s funny how life can throw you a curveball when you least expect it, especially when you think you’ve got all your ducks in a row. I’ve always prided myself on being a careful planner, particularly with finances. After retiring, my wife, Sarah, and I had mapped out our expenses, our little adventures, and of […]
The Year I Did My Own Taxes and Almost Made a $2,000 Mistake
It’s funny the things you decide to take on. For years, I’d happily handed over my shoebox of papers – or, in later years, a neatly organized folder – to Sarah. Sarah was my accountant, a wonderful woman with a kind smile, a sharp mind for numbers, and a reassuring way of saying, “Don’t you […]
The Hidden Fees in My Auto Loan That Cost Me Hundreds
It’s funny how a little bit of excitement can cloud your judgment. I’d always considered myself pretty careful with money, especially as I got older and my income became more fixed. I’d read articles, listened to advice, and generally felt like I had a good handle on things. But the allure of a shiny new […]
15 Store Loyalty Programs That Are Actually Worth It
Many of us have wallets or keychains brimming with loyalty cards from various stores. Retailers love these rewards programs because they encourage repeat business and provide valuable data. But are they always worth the effort for us, the consumers? The truth is, some programs offer genuinely valuable perks, discounts, and even cashback shopping opportunities, while […]
10 Senior Discounts That Aren’t Widely Advertised
Welcome! As we journey through our retirement years, making our money work smarter for us becomes even more important. Many of us are familiar with well-known senior discounts offered by national chains or organizations like AARP. These are fantastic, but did you know there’s a whole world of savings out there that isn’t always shouted […]
8 Surprising Trends from This Month’s Job Report
Hello there! Every month, when the new job report figures are released, it’s easy to get lost in the headline numbers about unemployment rates and job growth. These reports paint a broad picture of our nation’s labor market. But often, the most interesting stories are found when we look a little closer, beyond the big […]
10 Browser Extensions That Automatically Apply Coupons at Checkout
We all love a good deal, don’t we? The satisfaction of saving a little extra on a purchase can brighten anyone’s day. If you enjoy shopping online, you might be missing out on easy savings. But what if finding those discounts could be automatic, without you having to search for coupon codes yourself? That’s where […]
8 Secret Retail Website Sections Where the Best Discounts Hide
We all love the thrill of finding a fantastic deal. Getting what you want or need for less than full price feels like a victory! Online shopping offers incredible convenience, letting us browse and buy from the comfort of our homes. However, it can sometimes feel like the best prices are cleverly hidden away. The […]
