Mortgages 101: Getting Started on the Path to Homeownership When you embark on the search for a new home, you may think you know the steps to take: Read the listings, visit some open houses, sign on with a Realtor, make an offer. In fact, there's a biggie missing from that list — a step as important financially as the house you decide to buy itself: Get a mortgage.
What Is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), and How Can I Avoid It? Q: I've been seeing the term "PMI" pop up while researching mortgages, but I'm still not totally clear on what it actually is. Why do some people have to pay for private mortgage insurance, and is it something you can get out of?
Should You Buy or Lease Your Car Q: Some of my friends say buying is the only smart move, but others swear by leasing... So what's the truth in 2026?
A Primer On Buying Your First Car Ready for sticker shock? The average price of a new vehicle in the U.S. was $49,353 in early 2026, according to Kelley Blue Book. Even if buying used is on your agenda, the average price of a used car is now hovering at $25,287, so still not a steal.
What Steps Should I Take to Simplify My Budget? Question: What steps should I take to simplify my budget? I've never been very "money-minded," and because I find budgeting difficult (and frankly NOT fun), I've never had a budget for longer than a few weeks.
The 30-Minute Budget Reset QUESTION: My spending has felt a little out of control lately. How can I give my budget a realistic reset without overwhelming myself?
The 30-Minute Budget Reset for 2026 QUESTION: My spending felt a little out of control this year. How can I give my budget a realistic reset for 2026 without overwhelming myself?
Romance Scams 101: How to Protect Your Heart and Your Wallet Question: I'm dating again after a long time, and I keep hearing horror stories about romance scams. How can I tell the difference between someone who's genuinely interested in me and someone who's trying to take advantage of me?
Raising Money-Smart Kids in an Instant-Gratification World Question: How do I raise money-smart kids when my child constantly wants the latest thing they see their friends playing with, and everything around them screams "buy it now"? What can I actually do to instill good habits now?
Love and Money: How to Talk Without Tension Question: My wife and I struggle to talk about money without fighting. And because we know those conversations are likely to end in a fight, we often just avoid the topic, which means that small issues build up until they become big problems. I want to make an effort to stop money fights before they start... but how?
