Many people who have trouble budgeting money turn to a simple concept known as the 50/30/20 Rule. How it works: You divide your take-home income...
Personal Finances
All Personal Finances Articles
American Express High-Yield Savings Account: Rates, Features and How It Compares
“It’s hard for savers to know where to safely stash their cash these days,” says banking expert Ken Tumin. Rates available from FDIC-insured bank accounts...
High-Yield Checking Accounts: How to Earn More From Your Everyday Banking
Earning interest from a checking account might seem like a wise money move, but Bankrate financial analyst Stephen Kates urges caution. “Checking accounts that advertise...
Best New Side Hustles for 2026
It seems like everybody’s got a side hustle these days. Laura Olert, senior coaching manager at the talent mobility firm Randstad RiseSmart, frequently hears about...
How to Understand and Avoid Common Bank Fees
Banks often emphasize relationships in their advertising…but are they really in their customers’ corner? Don’t bank on it. Many banks thank their customers for depositing...
Estate Planning for Second Marriages
Second marriages inevitably create estate-planning complications, warns attorney Martin Shenkman, CPA. The need to update beneficiary designations, powers of attorney and other documents to name...
How to Calculate Your Discretionary Income
Discretionary income is an intuitive concept, but it is worth more than a passing thought. Understanding your discretionary income can help you align your thinking...
What Is Equity? And How Does It Work?
The term “equity” is used in different senses throughout the finance world, so you may be wondering, What is equity? Bottom Line Personal asked Eric...
Fee-Only Financial Planners
Do you know whether your financial advisor is overcharging you? Or if the advice you get is always in your best interest? You’re not alone. ...
Credit Union vs. Bank: What Are the Differences?
Banks aren’t your only option when you need checking accounts, loans and other banking services. Credit unions offer similar services and do so with similar...
Family Estate Planning: Best Ways to Leave Property to Your Heirs
Older Americans have a total of more than $17 trillion of equity in their houses. Transferring that residential real estate to your heirs upon your...
Aging In Place: The Financial Challenge of Growing Old In Your Own Home
Home is where the heart is…and often where it wants to stay. Three-quarters of older American adults hope to remain in their homes for as...
