Yes, interest rates are going down again. After nearly a year-long pause, the Federal Reserve resumed its short-term interest rate–cutting campaign in September 2025, dropping...
Personal Finances
All Personal Finances Articles
Eight Tips to Pay Off Credit Card Debt Fast
If you are wondering how to get out of credit card debt—or how to consolidate credit card debt—you’re not alone. The average credit card user...
529 College Savings Plans: New Tax Law Makes Them Better Than Ever
One of the best ways to save and pay for your child’s or grandchild’s education just got even better. 529 college savings plans are the...
What Is a Trust Fund?
Many people associate trust funds with rich 20-somethings posting photos on a yacht in Italy. But a trust fund can be an excellent estate-planning tool...
Multigenerational Estate Planning
Estate plans are traditionally created by members of a single generation. Mom and Dad hire an attorney to draw up their estate plan, and their...
What Is a Money-Market Savings Account?
We all know about checking and savings accounts, but you may not be aware of a third type of account. A money-market savings account combines...
What Is Considered Middle Class Now?
What does it mean to be middle class in the 2020s? The high cost of everything from housing to groceries has left many American households...
Visa vs. Mastercard: What’s the Difference?
When Americans make purchases with plastic, that card usually sports either a Visa or a Mastercard logo. These two payment-processing networks together command more than...
Best Credit Cards Now
What is the best credit card? There isn’t one—no single card is ideal for every cardholder, says Bottom Line Personal expert Ted Rossman of Bankrate.com....
Surprising Mistakes You Could Be Making In Your Will
Most people understand the importance of writing a will. If you die without one, your state’s “intestacy” laws determine who inherits your assets and in...
Protecting Elderly Parents from Financial Scams
Here’s a frightening scenario—your elderly mother has been sending money to a new “friend” she met on the Internet. You confront Mom and deliver a...
What Is FAFSA? How to Apply for Financial Aid
If you have a child approaching college age, you’ve probably heard about “FAFSA,” an important step in securing financial aid. But exactly what is FAFSA?...
