As a financial adviser, one of the most common questions I hear from clients is whether they should use their debit card or credit card more often. Both are essential tools in personal finance, yet they serve different purposes and carry distinct advantages and risks.
When Emily, a 26-year-old marketing associate in Chicago, got her first credit card, she felt like she had finally stepped into adulthood. The shiny card promised freedom—flights booked instantly, dinners with friends without worrying about cash, even reward points that looked like free money.
Personal loans can be a smart tool: they consolidate high-interest credit card debt, cover a one-off expense, or finance a project with a clear payoff plan. They can also be expensive if you choose poorly. This guide walks you through a practical, no-nonsense way to compare offers and pick the right loan
Investing often feels like a world filled with complicated terms, endless options, and an intimidating amount of financial jargon. Yet for many Americans, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have become the simplest and most accessible way to step into the market.
Money management can feel overwhelming, especially when bills, loans, and lifestyle expenses take up a large share of monthly income. Yet, building a strong financial future starts with small, consistent saving habits. For U.S. citizens, where living costs vary widely and financial products are abundant,
I’ve been in banking for close to four decades now. I’ve seen a lot—bank runs, economic booms, the rise of online banking, and now, a new wave: neobanks. Every time the banking world shifts, people ask the same question: “Is this better than what we had before?” And now, it’s “Should I go with a neobank or stick with a traditional bank?”
The auto insurance industry in the U.S. continues to evolve in 2025, with premiums on the rise in many states due to inflation, increased repair costs, and weather-related claims. However, even in this environment, there are still smart and completely legal ways for policyholders to reduce their auto insurance premiums without sacrificing necessary coverage.
When you’re young, healthy, and juggling rent, student loans, or maybe your first car payment, it’s easy to look at health insurance as just another expense you could avoid. As a professional insurance planner who’s been in this industry for well over a decade, I often hear young clients say, “I’m healthy, I don’t go to the doctor—why should I pay hundreds of dollars a month for something I rarely use?”