Stacker-Personal Finance & Investing

  A new laptop or tablet can take up a sizable share of your back-to-school budget. Achieve shares some of the best ways to stretch your money. Big-ticket tech has the most savings options. Swap or buy used. Plan to save on small costs year-round by buying in bulk and using a rebate app. 1.

  Sending your child off to college is a big milestone, and for many parents, it’s the first time their teen will be managing money on their own. Talking about money is important in Louann Millar’s family. Millar, who is leader of youth and student banking at Wells Fargo, has two teenagers who, as in

  When it comes to investment opportunities, publicly traded securities like stocks and bonds dominate the conversation. However, private holdings offer intriguing prospects for investors looking to diversify their portfolios and tap into unique opportunities. They also make up a huge universe of investments beyond the publicly traded markets. For example, while there are 4,000

  Despite living in a time of economic turbulence, Gen Z and Millennials feel positive about retirement, according to a new survey by SoFi. Gen Z is particularly bullish on retirement. Fifty-seven percent say it’s achievable with a plan in place, compared to just 45% of Millennials who feel the same. To find out how

  For most tenants, rent is one of their biggest monthly expenses. But do late rent payments affect credit? If your rent is due soon and you can’t pay, or you’re looking to build your credit score, you might be asking this question. In 2026, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It all

  The scariest part of debt is rarely the math. It’s not knowing what you actually owe, what your options are, or what happens if you do nothing. And right now, millions of student loan borrowers are staring down a deadline that’s forcing them into something new, ready or not. If you’ve been on the

  Between lakeside getaways, music and food festivals, trips to the national parks and even hitting the movie theater for some air conditioning, there are plenty of ways you may be tempted to stretch your budget on a summer weekend. FOMO can urge you to pull out your wallet more than you should, leading to

  Help paying for college is a wonderful gift to help your child get launched in life. Even while you give your child the best chance of an affordable education and a successful start to their future career, you can stay the course toward your own financial goals. With careful planning, you can navigate the

  When you’re buying a home, choosing the right loan can feel just as big as choosing the home itself. The loan you choose can shape how much money you need upfront, what your monthly payment looks like, where you’re able to buy, and how comfortable you feel moving forward. If you’re trying to keep

  When you first start saving for retirement, you need to decide where to keep your funds, along with the rules and limits of that account. For individual retirement accounts (IRAs), you can choose from traditional and Roth account types. Each has specific contribution limits, income limits and tax rules. Below, Ally Financial outlines what

  Someone seeing an ad for Trump Accounts might wonder: How is this different from the 529 plan and custodial account I already set up? Why would I open a retirement account for my 5-year-old? Those questions get to the real issue: These accounts aren’t interchangeable, and the right choice depends on what you’re trying

  Buy now, pay later (BNPL) services are easier to use than ever. They’re available in stores or at checkout online, and even bundled with credit cards. They’re especially useful for people who want to pay off large items over time without using a credit card or incurring interest. In fact, because these payments are

  The Trump account, a new tax-deferred vehicle aimed at helping families save for children, poses a fundamental question: How is this tool best used? Last year’s tax legislation (known as the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act) introduced a new vehicle to the tax-deferred savings landscape: the “Trump account.” Like 529 college savings plans and

  Quantum computing occupies a strange place in the investing universe. The technology promises to revolutionize everything from drug discovery to cryptography, and it overlaps with artificial intelligence in ways that could accelerate both fields. While traditional computers process information one step at a time using bits that are either 0 or 1, quantum computers

  The safest way to store expensive jewelry is to keep each piece separate, dry, protected from scratches, and stored in the right place based on how often you wear it. The two primary rules: Daily-wear jewelry can be stored in a secure jewelry box, with pieces separated for protection against scratches and tangles. High-value

  Trump Accounts, the president’s foray into free cash for American children, officially launched on July 4, the nation’s 250th birthday. The accounts are designed to help families grow savings for children from the time they’re born, capitalizing on the 20 years or so they presumably have before entering the workforce. Babies born between the

  For business owners planning a sale, one of the most common concerns is the potential income tax liability associated with the transaction. With any business sale, a significant portion of the proceeds may be subject to capital gains taxes. As a result, business owners often seek strategies designed to help mitigate taxes and preserve

  When a senior loved one needs help at home, one of the first questions families ask is “How are we going to pay for this?” The emotional weight of seeing someone you love struggle with daily tasks collides with the financial pressure of affording care. You’re not alone in feeling that tension. A 2025

  Every summer, warm weather drives predictable shifts in consumer behavior: Families travel, airports fill up, and buildings crank up their cooling systems. The Motley Fool tested whether that seasonal pattern actually translates into stock market gains. Thirty-six publicly traded companies with a genuine reason to do more business in the summer — spanning hotels,

  Solar power, senior-care operators and aquaculture may not look like parts of the same investment market. In Portugal, fund managers are pitching all three to investors interested in the country’s Golden Visa fund route. Public mandates now range from ocean industries and technology to research-intensive companies and media. These are not claims about money

  Every investor loves a good “what if” scenario. What if you had put $10,000 into the right asset at the right time back in early 2021? To answer that, MarketWise analyzed 21 wildly different assets, from cryptocurrency and stocks to sneakers and Pokémon cards, tracking their performance from January 2021 through April 2026. The

  Summer can bring more time to relax and recharge and longer days, but it can also bring higher household expenses. From gasoline for road trips and everyday transportation to electricity for air conditioning, seasonal costs can put pressure on your budget. A new CreditFresh survey of 2,000 U.S. adults found that 70% of respondents

  Healthcare costs continue to rise, with the average annual premiums for employer-sponsored family health coverage up by 6% in 2025 compared to 2024. As a result, employers face growing pressure to offer meaningful benefits without stretching already tight budgets. Employees also want more support as they manage everyday medical expenses and prepare for future

  Estate planning is one of the most important decisions to make as you get older. Thinking about illness, who would step in, or who gets what, often raises concerns, causing people to procrastinate. What surprises most clients is that a finished estate plan tends to reduce stress rather than add to it. This guide

  A concentrated stock position can often represent success. It typically comes from owning company stock or equity compensation, a successful business exit, an early investment, an inheritance, or simply years of loyalty to one company. However proud you may be of your stock position, it brings up some questions for your investment portfolio. Below,

  About 84% of all shoppers have made impulse purchases before.1Most people have been perpetrators of impulse buying. It’s a familiar experience—the sudden feeling that a particular item on the shelf is absolutely necessary. You write down the list of things you need to purchase before going into the store, but somehow you walk out

  Less than a month after Robinhood let customers hand their brokerage accounts over to an AI agent, a group of lawmakers wants to know who’s on the hook when something goes wrong. On June 23, seven Democratic members of the House Financial Services Committee sent a letter to SEC Chairman Paul Atkins asking how

  Most people don’t set out to accumulate $100,000 in debt. It just happens. A mortgage here, a car payment there, a few months of leaning on credit cards, and suddenly the balance is overwhelming. Debt is one of those topics most people avoid talking about, which makes it easy to assume you’re the only

  Summer may bring longer sunny days, family vacations, and more time outdoors, but it can also put added pressure on household budgets. From higher electricity use during heatwaves to more driving, groceries, and family activities, many seasonal expenses are tied to everyday essentials rather than luxuries. A new CreditFresh survey of 2,000 adults across

  In the wake of losing a spouse, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. Along with navigating grief, family responsibilities, and daily life, many surviving spouses are also faced with important financial and estate planning decisions. In the months that follow, understanding which financial matters and estate planning steps

  An Italian investor-visa file can receive a committee decision in 30 days. Latvia offers five-working-day document review. Greece’s permit clock is two months once the file is complete. None measures the full journey from application to residence card—and several of the eight European routes reviewed publish no end-to-end target at all. This comparison from

  Financial avoidance is the pattern of consciously or unconsciously steering away from financial tasks — for example, not opening bills, not checking account balances, not returning calls from creditors, or not making financial decisions that feel too overwhelming to face. Contrary to what cultural messaging might tell you, it’s not laziness or irresponsibility but

  According to CNN, 76% of Americans say cost of living is their biggest economic problem. Despite having the largest economy in the world, many Americans report feeling financially strained. In recent years, rising living costs, increasing debt, and limited savings have contributed to widespread economic pressure across households. This article from CrediNinja examines the

  An interest rate is the amount lenders charge for borrowing money. It’s typically expressed as a percentage of the principal on an annual basis. Interest impacts your loan, so it’s crucial to have interest rates explained if you don’t have a complete understanding of how it works. How Are Interest Rates Determined? Rates are

  Feel like there’s not enough money at the end of the month? You’re not alone. Affordability and the cost of living are among most people’s top financial concerns. Getting more out of your money may seem like wishful thinking, but slashing everyday expenses and putting extra cash in your pocket may be more doable

  Life’s unexpected challenges often lead to surprise expenses. If you’re navigating a sudden shift in finances without the safety net of an emergency savings account, you might consider a hardship loan — a personal loan you can use to offset financial challenges. With a personal loan, you could get the money you need to

  As financial professionals gear up for their summer vacations, one surprising topic isn’t quite ready to take a break. Data from the Jump 2026 Financial Advisor Insights Report, which tracked the frequency of topics in conversations with financial advisors over the course of a year, shows a late-spring/early summer surge around the topic of

  How often should jewelry be appraised for insurance or other purposes? Experts recommend updating your jewelry appraisal every two to three years. You should also do this sooner if you upgrade the piece, prices shift significantly, or your insurer asks for updated documentation. Older appraisals can become outdated as replacement values change over time,

  The median monthly cost of homeownership in the U.S. now sits at $2,035, according to data from the Census Bureau. That figure, which includes mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowners insurance (fire, hazard, and flood), utilities, and applicable condo or HOA fees, is up 3.8% from the year prior. In some states, like California, Hawai’i,

  Where you live matters as much as how you drive when it comes to car insurance.  CarInsurance.com‘s analysis of full-coverage rates across more than 3,000 U.S. counties found a $3,805 annual gap between the most and least expensive counties in the country.  A driver with a clean record pays an average of $5,325 in

  Nearly 1 in 4 American adults is currently providing unpaid care for an aging family member — managing medications, attending medical appointments, coordinating home care, and often absorbing significant financial costs that never appear in any official accounting. Half report at least one negative financial impact from caregiving: depleted savings, new debt, reduced retirement

  Most banks and credit unions have daily limits on the dollar amount of the purchases that can be made with a debit or ATM card, as well as maximum limits on the dollar amount of cash that can be withdrawn each day. This is an ATM withdrawal limit. Limits also vary by bank, debit

  When you’re planning a vacation, are you the type that looks for the most efficient route using a reliable GPS? Or are you working with a travel agent who tailors every detail to your specific needs? Deciding between a robo advisor and a financial advisor can be somewhat similar. One offers high-tech automation that

  Getting laid off or facing a sudden decrease in income can destabilize your whole life. Beyond the emotional hit, a sudden loss of income raises urgent questions like how do you keep up with rent, bills and debt when the paychecks stop? Accredited Debt Relief shares practical steps to help navigate the financial impact.

  Car payments are one of the largest monthly obligations for most people, but they don’t happen in a vacuum. The average American is carrying debt across multiple categories at once. But their car loan may be the one lever they can pull to create more breathing room and get ahead of their debt. According

  Between outdoor happy hours, music festivals, sporting events, trips out of town, and even rising air conditioning bills, there’s a lot you may be spending your money on this summer. In the spring, PwC surveyed roughly 2,000 adults and found that Americans planned to spend more than $2,800 on travel. And a 2025 survey

  Making updates around the house can make your home more livable—and some renovations may add value. Whether you’re savoring the thought of having a professional-grade kitchen or need to replace the roof, home improvement loans could make it happen. If you’re wondering how to use a personal loan to fund a home makeover, Achieve

  Credit card, student loan, and car payments keep piling on, and despite how many payments you make, the mountain of debt doesn’t seem to shrink. If you’ve ever felt stuck in this endless loop, you’re not alone. Whether it’s high credit card interest or a student loan that feels like it will never end,

  Even with health insurance, one trip to the ER or a surprise medical test can leave you with medical debt you never saw coming. This guide from Accredited Debt Relief covers what to do in the hours, days, and weeks after a medical bill arrives, how to keep it from snowballing, and what your

  For health care professionals at all levels, from medical students to attending physicians, student loan debt is as pervasive as the common cold. Unfortunately, it takes a lot longer to go away. Severe student loan debt can affect borrowers’ financial health for years or even decades. This spring, SoFi surveyed 229 medical professionals across

  An IPO is the first public sale of a company’s stock. Individual investors may be able to buy IPO shares either through an eligible brokerage or on the public market after trading begins. However, access is often limited, and you may not be guaranteed shares, Wealth Enhancement explains. Additionally, given the nature of these

  High-interest debt can be difficult to get ahead of, especially when there are credit card balances involved. Federal Reserve data shows more than $1 trillion in revolving credit card debt is currently outstanding across U.S. households, so you’re far from alone if you’re looking for ways to manage large balances. If you own your

  Americans aren’t tied to their savings accounts anymore, and a new survey from Credit One Bank confirms it. According to the data, a majority of banking adults actively monitor and move their money to maximize their yields. Traditional banks, which have previously depended on long-term customer retention, may have to rethink their strategies. The

  Rent is usually the single biggest payment renters make each month, and how it gets paid can shape whether that due date is routine or stressful. Unlike a lot of smaller recurring charges, paying rent still often requires active effort: logging into a portal, writing a check, or remembering to hit send before a

  Italy is often grouped with “golden visa” countries, which can make the program sound simpler than it is. The official Investor Visa for Italy is a residence route for non-EU citizens who put money into one of four approved categories. A house, apartment, or villa is not one of them, Movingto reports. That distinction

  If student loan debt is costing you too much, it may be an option to pay off your student loans with a home equity loan. If you’ve built up some equity, a home equity loan could be a relatively cheap and easy way to borrow. Under certain conditions, it might make sense to use

  Before AI took hold of the financial advisory landscape, it was more challenging for advisors to take a day off or go on a summer vacation. That involved a lot of trust in their teammates and technology’s capabilities, let alone whatever efforts it took to go on the trip. But now with the adoption

  The Trump Accounts, which are designed to save for American children’s futures, can be a good start. But what if your family isn’t eligible for it, or you can’t get the $1,000 deposit that jumpstarts it? Luckily, there are options you can use either alongside or in lieu of the program if your family

CreditNinja reports seven key factors to consider before opening a high-yield savings account, including taxes, conditions, and ideal usage.

Splitero reports that deciding to pay off a mortgage before retirement involves budgeting, cash availability, market risks, tax implications, and alternatives.

Range reports AI fears have shifted from tech to the economy, causing a sell-off in various sectors as investors assess AI’s disruptive potential.

Finder.com reports that Robinhood’s new Concierge service aims to bundle investing, taxes, and estate planning into a unified financial platform.

Motley Fool Money reports that wasteful spending is common, especially among younger Americans, driven by impulse and emotional purchases.

GoodRx reports seven overlooked medical expenses that are tax-deductible, including acupuncture and medical transportation, if itemized.

TurboTax reports many simple tax filers miss savings due to confusion over new provisions, urging better understanding of credits and timely filing.

Achieve reports that “charged-off as bad debt” means creditors consider an unpaid debt uncollectible, impacting credit scores and potential collections.

Beyond Finance reports on debt collectors’ intimidation tactics and rights protections under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Know your rights!

Current reports it’s crucial to check your interest rates amid changing financial landscapes; small adjustments can significantly improve your finances.

Freedom Debt Relief reports that a debt validation letter helps confirm a debt’s legitimacy. Respond within 30 days and request details to protect your rights.

GoodRx reports that starting this year, the One Big Beautiful Bill expands HSA eligibility, covers more expenses, and raises FSA limits to $7,500.

CreditNinja reports many high earners live paycheck to paycheck due to rising costs, lifestyle inflation, and increased debt, highlighting financial instability.

Intuit Credit Karma reports that tax season causes significant stress, especially for Gen Z, with 62% citing it as their top financial worry.

Finder.com reports on tax strategies used by the wealthy, including incorporation, leveraging loans, and tax-loss harvesting to reduce their tax bills.

Ramp reports that employee reimbursements are non-taxable under accountable plans but taxable under non-accountable plans due to IRS rules.

Wealth Enhancement reports on 10 key financial vital signs to review annually, emphasizing the importance of a financial health checkup and three often ignored indicators.

Mercury surveyed 1,400 U.S. adults in committed relationships to uncover more about their choices, feelings, and behaviors around money, including who’s got the account passwords.