Your Money Plan
Your "Fix My Finances" Starter Plan: 7 Steps to Take This Week
Most financial advice assumes you already have a plan. This one assumes you're starting from stress. Seven steps, this week, to get traction.
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Latest Articles
Get Out of Debt
What Is Debt Settlement and How Does It Work?
Settling debt for less than you owe sounds appealing. The credit damage and tax bill that often follow are less so. Here's the full picture.
Make More Money
How to Turn a Side Hustle Into a Debt Payoff Machine
There's a ceiling to how much you can cut. Extra income doesn't have one. Here's how to build a system that turns side hustle money into faster debt payoff.
Build Your Savings
The 6-Month Emergency Fund: How to Build It While Paying Off Debt
The classic advice is to stop everything and build a full emergency fund before touching debt. That's not always the right call. Here's a more practical approach.
Get Out of Debt
How to Negotiate a Lower Interest Rate on Your Credit Card
Most people never ask their credit card company for a lower rate. Of those who do, a significant number get one. Here's how to make the call count.
Start Investing
How Much Should You Have in a 401(k) by Age?
The '1x salary by 30' benchmarks are useful anchors, not commandments. Here's what they assume and how to think about your actual situation.
Get Out of Debt
How to Get Out of Debt on a Low Income
Most debt advice assumes you have extra money sitting around. This one doesn't. Here's what actually moves the needle when your budget is tight.
Make More Money
Gig Economy Taxes: What Every Side Hustler Needs to Know
Nobody warns you about gig economy taxes until you're staring at a bill in April. Here's how self-employment income gets taxed and what to set aside.
Student Debt
Student Loan Refinancing: When It Makes Sense (and When It Doesn't)
Refinancing can cut your interest rate. It can also lock you out of forgiveness programs forever. Here's how to figure out which situation you're in.
Credit Cards
How to Build Credit From Scratch (Starting at Zero)
No credit history means lenders can't evaluate you. Here's how to fix that — starting with a single card and a few months of patience.
Get Out of Debt
Debt Snowball vs Debt Avalanche: Which Payoff Method Wins?
The avalanche saves more money. The snowball keeps more people on track. Here's how to decide which debt payoff method actually fits how you work.
Build Your Savings
What Is a High-Yield Savings Account and Where Can You Open One?
Your emergency fund shouldn't earn next to nothing. Here's what a high-yield savings account actually is and how to find a good one.