personal finance

Imagine raising five young children, watching the economy collapse into itself, and not changing your spending habits. I don't have to, because it happened to me during the Great Recession of 2008. I have to say, I don't recommend it. My naivete led to my financial downfall, a divorce, losing touch with my family, and…

As mortgage rates rise, more borrowers are looking for ways to keep their homebuying costs down. Could an adjustable-rate mortgage be the way to do that?On Wednesday, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported that for the week ending April 11, 2025, the share of borrowers applying for ARMs rose to its highest level since November 2023."Given…

Melinda French Gates knew her three children were at high risk of being detached from reality, so she says she took pains to keep them grounded.With Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates as their father, Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe Gates were surrounded by a "crazy amount of wealth" and lived in an "extraordinarily large house," French Gates…

If you're reexamining your monthly expenses in light of the market turmoil, personal finance influencers are ready to help.President Donald Trump's new tariff policies have sent markets downward, resulting in a wave of uncertainty for business owners and everyday consumers.So, what should you do? We asked top finance influencers to share their No. 1 pieces…

To say I was elated when I graduated from Oxford with a master's degree is an understatement.Nestled in the graduation halls, beneath centuries-old frescos, donned head-to-toe in dramatic black robes, we grads listened joyfully as emphatic speakers told us about the big, successful lives that awaited us.Now, after nearly 17 months of unemployment, it all rings hollow.I…

In May 2023, my husband and I sat down to look over our budget app on his laptop — one of my least favorite activities.As a family of six living in the Chicago suburbs, our grocery bills were already sky-high and climbing with inflation. I hated budget conversations.Even though my husband never made me feel…

Adults are the world's fastest-growing group of toy buyers. In the US alone, they're spending over $7 billion a year on toys for themselves, like Lego, plush toys, Hot Wheels, Barbie dolls, and Sonny Angel figurines. The world's biggest toy producers, like Mattel, are taking notice, and have released entire product lines for adult fans.…

My son wanted Chipotle for dinner the other night, and I couldn't afford it.I didn't want to say, "Sorry, but I don't have the money" — again. So, this time, I said something different: "If you want Chipotle, we have to work for it."I explained to him that I'd have to make a few deliveries…

On a good first date, you want chat about hobbies, and siblings, and dream jobs. Nobody wants to kill the vibe by inquiring how much student debt the other person has. But as a relationship progresses, you'll find yourself assessing a lot about your partner: Their values, emotional management, political leanings, and so much more.…

Buying a car is a hellish experience. Aside from the cost (nearly $50,000 for an average new car these days!) there’s the exhausting battle of wills you must engage in. No matter how well you prepare, walking into a dealership sometimes feels like walking into a battle, because everyone there is trying to take advantage…