In your early 20s, a savings of $10,000 can be a great safety net and, as I found out, it’s a pretty realistic milestone. That is, if you have a plan. For me to hit that goal at that age, I mapped out my own strategy. I prioritized getting money …
These days, just when we think we can give our wallets a break, suddenly there’s yet another expense to pay for. While we can’t entirely escape some of life’s biggest expenses — like weddings, home repairs, college tuition and car purchases — we can plan for them so we don’t …
A widely touted benefit of running a small business is access to tax write-offs that are generally unavailable to W-2 employees — like business dinners, business travel and rent if running your business from home. But to really maximize these tax savings, business owners have to be organized. Having accurate …
If you’ve ever considered paying off your mortgage three, five or even 10 years earlier by making extra payments, you’re not alone. Ross Mannino, a financial adviser and managing director at Ameriprise Financial Services, told CNBC Select that clients come to him with this idea all of the time. For …
When people think about cutting back on spending or saving more, they often picture drastic changes, like giving up going out with friends or skipping trips altogether. But building savings doesn’t always have to require major lifestyle changes. In some cases, it can start with just $5. Simple, repeatable actions …
High interest rates get a lot of hype (including from us at CNBC Select), but they aren’t always the best choice for everyone. In some situations, accepting a lower savings return, or annual percentage yield (APY), can actually make more sense. This might be the case if you need quick …
Parties and events are some of the most enjoyable ways to connect with loved ones to celebrate the holidays and mark special occasions — whether it’s a small family dinner or a fully catered, Instagram-worthy soiree. But while the memories are priceless, party costs can quickly add up, especially if …
The Federal Reserve meets for the last time this year on December 10, and, again, the big question centers around what will happen with interest rates. The federal funds rate certainly influences our everyday lives: It determines how expensive it is for Americans to borrow money, how rewarding it is …
If you’re struggling to afford homeownership, you’re not alone. In the U.S. in 2025, the average age of first-time homebuyers clocked in at 40 years old, up from age 29 in 1985, according to a new report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). And waiting to buy isn’t necessarily …
Holiday shopping season is upon us and, for personal finance reporters like ourselves, that means diving into all the different ways Americans are paying for gifts this year. For a good chunk of shoppers, turns out they plan on paying later. As many as half of holiday shoppers intend to …