What is an emergency fund? Sometimes called a rainy day fund , an emergency fund is money that you set aside to serve as your financial safety net for when you need it. What qualifies as an emergency? To a certain extent, an emergency varies by the individual, but one way to think of it...
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Learning how to live on your own can be an exciting time in your life, but it’s also a big and costly transition. One of the first and most important decisions you’ll need to make involves finding a place to live that fits your budget. Because this is typically your largest expense, it raises the...
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Strolling around the local farmers market on a Saturday morning is a popular pastime, and if you grow, bake, craft, or create things as a hobby, you may have wondered if you might sell your goods and produce there. Farmers markets are growing in popularity, so it’s no surprise that gardeners, bakers, artists, and other...
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Whether you’ve owned one before or you’re new to riding a personal watercraft (also known as a PWC), selecting a PWC that best suits your lifestyle and budget requires research and time. To help make the selection process easier for you, we put together these buying tips for personal watercraft. Knowing What to Look For...
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Any sudden, unplanned decision to purchase a product or service is considered to be impulse buying. These spur-of-the-moment purchases can be big or small, but they are never planned. If you’re standing in line at the supermarket checkout and suddenly decide to purchase a candy bar, that’s an impulse purchase. But the same can be...
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Are you renovating your home? Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, make sure you do it right the first time. Home projects can take a big bite out of your budget and your time if they’re not done properly. Here are some of the most common home renovations mistakes to avoid: 1....
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Going from renting an apartment to owning a home is a big step that can impact your finances and your lifestyle. It’s important to understand the pros and cons before making a decision, and you’ll also have to weigh your needs. You may want more room and autonomy over your living space. Or you may...
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If you’re considering purchasing life insurance, it’s crucial to understand the different types of life insurance policies available. While term life insurance is pretty simple to understand, permanent life insurance comes in many forms, with investment options that increase their complexity. Here’s what you need to know about the different types of life insurance before...
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Airfares are rising and airport security lines are getting longer, so why not plan a hassle-free “staycation” this year? You’ll save time and money and, if you plan it right, you’ll feel more relaxed when it’s time to go back to work. The key to the perfect staycation, experts say, is to treat it like...
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Retailers do whatever they can to attract online shoppers—free shipping, easy returns, coupons and bargains on things for your favorite foodie or your animal lover. Online shopping days like Cyber Monday have been rivaling and beating brick-and-mortar sales in many industries. Unfortunately, increased online activity entices scam artists, putting your personal information at risk. Learning...
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Are you ready to buy a home? If so, you have a lot of options — one of which is a prefab home. A prefab home, or a prefabricated home, is a house that’s built in sections at a factory and assembled once its components are delivered to your property. There are a lot of...
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Get a Life Insurance Quote Starting a family is a decision that requires some careful considerations, including thinking about any career issues that might arise and assessing your emotional readiness. During the planning process, getting your finances in order is a good first step. Having children can be costly. According to a U.S. Department...
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Owning a pet can be a rewarding experience, but it comes with a financial responsibility that should not be taken lightly. It costs about $1,520 a year to own a dog and $1,158 for a cat. On a national level, Americans spent a staggering $53 billion on their pets in 2012, according to the American Pet Products Association. Check out our infographic containing annual pet costs, pet insurance costs and more to find out the true cost of owning a pet.
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Are you looking for a new job? You’re not alone. Research suggests that 51% of currently employed adults are looking for new jobs, and 47% believe they have a good chance at finding one.[1] No matter what kind of position you’re looking for, making a job switch means you make financial changes, too. Between a...
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There are many times during the year that can induce stress in people’s lives. The holiday season. Moving. An important work deadline. But a day that almost everyone considers universally stressful? Income Tax Day. While taxes can be confusing and time-consuming, tax time doesn’t necessarily have to be taxing. Stick to these tips to get...
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