personal finance basic
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Practical guides to budgeting, saving, paying off debt and earning a little more — written in plain English, with free calculators and worked examples.
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Fresh guides from the blog.
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Sinking Funds: What They Are and How to Start One
A sinking fund is money you set aside a little at a time for a planned expense, so the bill is already covered when it arrives. The formula, three worked examples, and how to set up your first funds.
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Secured vs Unsecured Credit Cards for Beginners
A secured card needs a deposit, usually $200 to $500. An unsecured card needs no deposit but asks for stronger credit. How each one works, what they cost, and which one fits you.
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What Is FDIC Insurance and Why It Matters
FDIC insurance protects your bank deposits up to $250,000 if your bank fails. What it covers, what it does not, and how to check your bank is insured.
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How Much Emergency Fund Do You Need? With $ Examples
Three to six months of essential expenses is the usual target for an emergency fund. This guide works out the number in dollars, with examples for real budgets.
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Does Checking Your Own Credit Score Hurt It?
No, checking your own credit score never hurts it. Your own check is a soft inquiry. Here is how soft and hard inquiries differ, and where to check your credit for free.
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High-Yield Savings Accounts: What to Look For
The national average savings account pays 0.38% APY. Top high-yield accounts pay around 4.2% to 4.5%. Here is what to check before you open one.
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New here? Start with the basics
Begin with a simple budget, build a small emergency fund, then tackle debt one step at a time. Our guides explain each step in plain English, with no jargon.