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Household Finance

Young couple looking at family finance papers
Household Finance
Breaking the Taboo: Why You Need to Talk Money With Your Partner
“The talk:” awkward, but worth having.
Composite photo of several credit cards and a phone displaying a credit report or score.
Household Finance
How to Use Credit Cards to Improve Your Credit Score
Swipe, pay off, repeat.

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How to Use Credit Cards to Improve Your Credit Score
Swipe, pay off, repeat.
Best Rewards Credit Card: Airline Miles, Points, or Cash Back?
The best rewards card is one you’ll use.
Health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): A Tax-Free Way to Manage Health Care Costs
Stretch your medical spending dollars.

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Household Finance
What Are Tax Credits (And How Do I Get Them)?
Children, college kids, EVs, and more.
Household Finance
How to Use Credit Cards to Improve Your Credit Score
Swipe, pay off, repeat.
Household Finance
Best Rewards Credit Card: Airline Miles, Points, or Cash Back?
The best rewards card is one you’ll use.
Household Finance
Breaking the Taboo: Why You Need to Talk Money With Your Partner
“The talk:” awkward, but worth having.
Household Finance
Health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): A Tax-Free Way to Manage Health Care Costs
Stretch your medical spending dollars.
Household Finance
Tax Deductions, Tax Credits, and Tax Refunds—What’s the Difference?
Top line, bottom line, leveling line.
Household Finance
HELOC vs. Second Mortgage: Different Home Equity Loan Types
Two ways to tap home equity.
Household Finance
First-Time Home Buyer? Here’s What You Need to Know
It’s a big step. You ready?
Household Finance
So You Want to Buy a Car? What to Know Before Visiting the Dealer
Be sensible, not emotional.
Household Finance
College Savings Plans: Why an Early Start Can Pay Off
Never too early to start.
Household Finance
Mortgage Types: Fixed vs. Variable, 30-Year and Other Loan Terms, and More
You thought choosing paint would be hard
Household Finance
Debt Snowball or Debt Avalanche: Which Is Smarter for Paying Off Debt?
Prioritize your highest APR.
Household Finance
Keys to Vehicle Buying: How to Finance a Car
Nail down the numbers.
Household Finance
Seven Steps to Paying Off Student Loans Faster
You can do this.
Household Finance
Don’t Fear the Gift Tax: Understanding Gift Tax Exclusions and Rules for 2023
Most people can give without being taxed.
Household Finance
Your Guide to Student Loan Forgiveness Types
Potential paths to a clean slate.
Household Finance
Federal Loans vs. Private Loans: Understanding Student Loan Issuer Types
Which loans should you get?
Household Finance
Selling a House? Follow the Seven Steps in our Staging Checklist
Declutter, beautify, update as needed.
Household Finance
Take Cover: Why Insurance Is Necessary and Which Types You Really Need
There are several safety nets to consider.
Household Finance
How Your Credit Report Influences Your Credit Score
Good credit has its perks.
Household Finance
Using Emergency Savings vs. Getting an Emergency Loan
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Household Finance
Your Guide to Opening and Using a Bank Account
There’s a first time for everything.
Household Finance
Why Is My Paycheck Smaller than My Salary?
Here’s how to read a pay stub.
Household Finance
Good Debt vs. Bad Debt: It’s All About Targeting Your Goals
Some types of debt are better than others.
Household Finance
What Is a Health Savings Account (HSA)?
Tax-advantaged savings for your health care expenses.
Household Finance
Your Guide to Payday Loans, Title Loans, and Other Predatory Loans
Don’t get trapped in debt.
Household Finance
Borrowing from Your Parents (the Bank of Mom & Dad)
Family lending—the right way.
Household Finance
Understanding the Three Types of Income: Earned, Investment, and Passive
The three ways you make money.
Household Finance
Can Automatic Bill Pay and Other Tools Help You Put Your Money on Autopilot?
Commence budgeting sequence.
Household Finance
Set up Your Emergency Fund: Saving for a Rainy Day
A cushion if you fall.
Household Finance
How Interest Rates Work: A Beginner’s Guide for Borrowers & Savers
What you earn and what you pay.
Household Finance
Using the 50-30-20 Rule to Power Your Household Budget
It’s a great starting point.
Household Finance
What Is a Credit Score? And Is FICO Really the Only Credit Score that Matters?
Your guide to credit scores.
Household Finance
Should You Itemize Tax Deductions or Take the Standard Deduction?
 The math changed in 2018.
Household Finance
Federal Student Loans: Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized Loans
You might get one, or both, types.
Household Finance
When the Economy Goes South: Recessions Explained
These declines affect everyone.
Household Finance
What Is Buy Now, Pay Later and Should You Take Advantage of It?
There’s always a catch.
Household Finance
What’s a Marginal Tax Rate? How Do Federal Tax Brackets Work?
Cutting through the tax rate jargon.
Household Finance
Money Basics for Kids: 5 Skills to Teach Them Now
Steady saving, smart spending, generous giving.
Household Finance
Credit Card Companies: Who’s Who and How They Make Money
Learn about networks vs. issuers.
Household Finance
Understanding Consumer Confidence and Consumer Sentiment Data
Wallets open or closed?
Household Finance
Understanding Credit Cards: Their Purpose, Positives, and Potential Pitfalls
Swipe, tap, or insert—and then pay.
Household Finance
Is Your Head Spinning with Mortgage Terms?
Here’s a glossary for you.
Household Finance
College Readiness: Financial Factors to Consider as Your Child Navigates High School
It’s academic.
Household Finance
Should You Rent or Buy Your Home? Weighing the Costs and Benefits
Planting roots or rolling stone?
Household Finance
Protect Yourself: Identity Theft Is Growing More Sophisticated
But you can defend yourself.
Household Finance
Your Guide to Setting a Monthly Budget
The budget you’ll actually stick to.
Household Finance
Retirement and Key Savings Goal Plans: Why an Early Start Can Help You Get Ahead
Why an early start can help you achieve more.
Household Finance
Expected Family Contribution and FAFSA: The College Cost Home Stretch
How to grab your share of financial aid.
Household Finance
How to Raise Your Credit Score
Consider these four money moves.

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passive income

Passive income is money that you earn either automatically or without putting in much effort. Examples of passive income include rental income, interest income, investment income, and affiliate marketing.

Popular Terms