.Financial Responsibility Is Self-Care

6 Ways to Treat Yourself (and Your Wallet) This Week

by Mike Brassfield Senior Writer Updated July 14, 202

In times like these, we could all use a little self-care. Things like getting a massage, maintaining good sleeping habits, eating a vegetable or two, curling up with a good book and sticking with a somewhat regular workout could do us all some good.

Ah, but what about financial self-care? We’re always being reminded to take care of our mental, emotional and physical health. But what about your financial health?

We all need that too, because we’re all financially stressed. For example, a survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that a whopping nine in 10 Americans say the COVID-19 crisis is causing stress on their personal finances.

.Here’s Why Having Separate Bank Accounts in Marriage Might Make Sense

by Nicole Dow Senior Writer August 10, 2021

If you’re married or living with your significant other, there’s a lot you share. Your home. Your weekend plans. Perhaps even a kid or two. But just because you’re sharing a life together doesn’t mean you have to share the same bank account. Having separate bank accounts in marriage or a serious relationship may be the perfect solution to harmonious money management.

Having separate bank accounts isn’t an indication that you’re not connected as a couple. In fact, there are plenty of valid reasons why a couple might choose to not to merge finances.

.6 Reasons Why It’s So Hard To Get Out of Debt

Cynthia Measom June 30, 2021

Getting out of debt isn't easy. It requires a lifestyle shift. Sometimes, you have to make a small change in the way you handle your finances -- and sometimes a big one.

If your New Year's resolution for 2021 was focused on getting out of debt, you may not have made much headway. This past year has been financially devastating for many families; and despite some assistance from the federal government, the Democrat-Republican congressional divide has slowed up stimulus for individuals and businesses alike.

.Planning To Retire? Here’s A List Of At Least 14 Things To Account For First

Alessandra Malito Tue, August 10, 2021

Retirement requires an enormous amount of planning, affecting not only how much money to put aside for old age but how to spend and maintain it.

Retirement Tip of the Week: When planning for retirement, especially if you plan to retire soon, make a list of expenses you expect to have — as well as any other variables that will affect your financial picture. Compare it to your income.

.9 Easy Ways to Be Fiscally Responsible

Jacqueline Sanchez June 30, 2021

For some, it's surprising the amount of consumer and student loan debt a person has. This financial situation is a future you likely won't want for your children. So, "How do I prepare my children for the future and be fiscally responsible?"

This simple question of "How?" can unlock the way you think about money. It often isn't enough to graduate college and work a stable career.

.7 Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Financial Advisor

August 11, 2021

Choosing a financial advisor is a major life decision that can determine your financial trajectory for years to come. A 2020 Northwestern Mutual study found that 71% of U.S. adults admit their financial planning needs improvement. However, only 29% of Americans work with a financial advisor.1

The value of working with a financial advisor varies by person and advisors are legally prohibited from promising returns, but research suggests people who work with a financial advisor feel more at ease about their finances and could end up with about 15% more money to spend in retirement.6

.6 Reasons Why It’s So Hard To Get Out of Debt

Cynthia Measom June 30, 2021

Getting out of debt isn't easy. It requires a lifestyle shift. Sometimes, you have to make a small change in the way you handle your finances -- and sometimes a big one.

If your New Year's resolution for 2021 was focused on getting out of debt, you may not have made much headway. This past year has been financially devastating for many families; and despite some assistance from the federal government, the Democrat-Republican congressional divide has slowed up stimulus for individuals and businesses alike.

.Homeowners Shared 13 Tips That'll Truly Make All The Difference When Buying A Home

"Bottom line: If you’re happy in your rented apartment, STAY in your rented apartment."

by Jasmin Suknanan

We recently published a post on reasons why people say they regretted buying their home. And let us tell you, people had *a lot* to say.

But we also noticed people sharing some useful home-buying tips that can actually prevent new homeowners from having some of those regrets. So we rounded up some of those tips below! Here are the best ones:

1. "Equity, equity, equity. Do your research, and know what is important to you. Get a good real estate agent who really wants what’s best for you, not just the quick sale for commissions."

"Don’t buy more than you can afford, even if the bank allows it." —callumsmommy

.Think Like a Billionaire With These 19 Traits From Mark Cuban and the Super Rich

Discover the qualities that made the world's biggest success stories who they are today.

By Morgan Quinn June 2, 2017

To become a huge success, you might decide to blaze your own trail. But hacking through the jungle of life can leave you bruised and battered by the time you finally reach your destination.

Walking in the footsteps of those who succeeded before you makes for an easier journey all around. The world's most successful people — with some of the largest net-worth totals, as calculated by Forbes — credit some key traits for getting them to where they are today. Absorb their lessons, and maybe you'll become a billionaire.