.My Uncle Died Without a Will – And It Was a Nightmare

Written by Hannah Logan Publish date: June 4, 2021

What happens when a family member dies and doesn't leave a will? It's not pleasant, as one woman recounts. It's a frustrating exercise that underscores why everyone should have a legal will.

In April of 2017, my family got a call we never expected.

My father’s youngest brother had died suddenly in his home. My uncle Peter was a single man without children, so it fell upon my family to take care of his estate. While this is never a pleasant task for any family, our experience was made several times more difficult and stressful due to the fact that we were unable to find his legal will.

He was a former member of the Canadian Navy, based in Halifax. Upon receiving the news my parents flew out to Nova Scotia from our family home in Ontario to take care of everything.

.50 Ways You’re Throwing Money Away

Sabah Karimi Fri, June 11, 2021,

You probably don't realize all the ways you're wasting money and leaving free money on the table -- and these little missteps can add up to big dollar losses. Fortunately, once you're aware of these bad money behaviors, you can take steps to change them. Making small tweaks to your lifestyle and spending habits could pay off in a big way.

Throwing Money Away on Layaway

While layaway might seem like a sensible way to hold onto something you want to buy, it's not always a smart way to net savings. That's because layaway locks you into a certain price and -- if ultimately financed by a credit card -- additional interest charges.

..Old-School Money Advice You Shouldn’t Follow Anymore

These old-school rules could hurt you financially.

By Valencia Higuera

If you don't know much about money, you don't have to look far for advice. You can always learn from personal finance articles, books and videos or from money-savvy friends and family. Although there's no short supply of guidance, money rules can shift over time. For that matter, some old-school advice should be taken with a grain of salt. Here's what the experts said is some of the worst money advice.

Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

Most people need a mortgage to purchase a home. However, financing a house entails paying thousands of dollars in interest. To reduce interest charges, some borrowers come up with a plan to pay off their mortgages early by making extra payments. This advice isn't bad in itself, but according to Paul Moyer, the founder of SavingFreak.com, this advice doesn't make the same financial sense in our current low-interest environment as it did when mortgage rates were higher, like 6% to 8%.

.12 Essential Money Tips for Every Phase of Your Financial Life

Get the secrets money experts want you to know. By Gabrielle Olya May 17, 2021

Everyone makes money missteps at some point in their lives, whether it's splurging on unnecessary items or neglecting to contribute to retirement funds as soon as possible. Even financial pros are not immune to making mistakes. To help you avoid unnecessary pitfalls, check out these tips and tricks that can help you live your best money life -- no matter your age.

Start With Saving

Although it’s tempting to spend rather than save when you get a paycheck, it’s important to prioritize putting money away into your checking or savings account. On top of that, you should also use the right checking or savings accounts to grow your money.

.Rude Money Habits You Need To Break Now

Gabrielle Olya Tue, June 8, 2021,

Money can be a touchy subject, so how you approach it with others may take some extra thought and consideration. And although everyone has different levels of comfort when it comes to how they approach finances with friends, family and people they are doing business with, some behaviors are outright rude no matter who you are dealing with.

Here are 10 rude money habits you need to break now.

Money can be a touchy subject, so how you approach it with others may take some extra thought and consideration. And although everyone has different levels of comfort when it comes to how they approach finances with friends, family and people they are doing business with, some behaviors are outright rude no matter who you are dealing with.

.Financial Checklist for the Newly Married

Relationships & Money

Congratulations! You just got married! Maybe you even tied the knot without spending a fortune (now that is truly a feat). Regardless, you managed to get married in the middle of a global pandemic, so you deserve major kudos.

Now what?

As a newly-christened household, there are financial steps you and your partner need to take to make sure you’re legally and financially starting off on the right foot.

.The Financially Savvy Female: 3 Money Moves Every Woman Must Make, According to Rachel Cruze

Gabrielle Olya Sun, June 6, 2021, 6:00

OBankingRates wants to empower women to take control of their finances. According to the latest stats, women hold $72 billion in private wealth — but fewer women than men consider themselves to be in “good” or “excellent” financial shape. Women are less likely to be investing and are more likely to have debt, and women are still being paid less than men overall. Our “Financially Savvy Female” column will explore the reasons behind these inequities and provide solutions to change them. We believe financial equality begins with financial literacy, so we’re providing tools and tips for women, by women to take control of their money and help them live a richer life.

What is the biggest obstacle you face when it comes to financial success?

.How To Keep Your Financial Planning On Track in 2021

Resolutions lost their shine? Here’s how to get back the spark.

By Nicole Spector June 2, 2021

No matter how enthusiastic our New Year’s resolutions may have been to save more, spend less and/or take total ownership of our finances in 2021, they might now be losing their luster. The days since we made those ambitious resolutions are quickly passing and the shine is wearing off. Can’t we just cut ourselves some slack and do what makes us feel good and safe in the immediate sense, even if that means forsaking our lofty financial goals?

Try, if you can muster the energy, to return to that place of desire for a better financial life. If you feel that you’ve already blown it by, say, spending beyond your weekly budget or skipping a credit card payment, remember that a mistake doesn’t mean you can’t try again and have success. But don’t take it from me: Take it from the experts who’ve provided a road map to keep (or get) your financial planning on track in 2021.

.30 Essential Money Habits

By Elyssa Kirkham March 19, 2021

These money habits will help you grow your bank account.

What are you doing every day that can help you grow your bank account? If you can't answer that question, it's time to develop some new money habits. Just like with your physical health, your financial health depends on the daily decisions you make every day. While healthy habits such as eating better and exercising keep you fit, certain money habits can keep you financially comfortable and help you establish wealth.

1. Spend Less Than You Earn

This habit is Personal Finance 101. It's always going to be true that you'll never get ahead financially if you always have more money going out than coming in. The great news is there are two ways you can work on this habit: Focus both on growing your income and controlling your spending to live within your means.

.27 Things You Should Never Do With Your Money

By Roger Wohlner June 1, 2021

Avoid these big money mistakes and keep more of your cash.

There is possibly an endless list of things you shouldn't do with your money. But from bad habits to decisions based on wishful thinking, some of the bigger missteps can really cost you. To find out the biggest money mistakes you should avoid, GOBankingRates asked financial experts for their best advice.

Never Cash Your Paycheck Right Away

If you cash your paycheck right away, you might burn through it too quickly.

"You will most certainly spend it all if you cash your paycheck rather than have your employer directly deposit it into your bank account," said Barbara Friedberg, a personal finance consultant. "Even better is to automatically transfer a percent of your paycheck into a retirement investment account and direct-deposit the remainder into a bank account."