If Club Med has turned into Club Dread, then you’re in good company. A whopping 85% of people who purchase a timeshare regret their decision.1 But getting out of a timeshare agreement isn’t easy. Smooth-talking salespeople are trained to keep you in your contract, or worse, upsell you or renegotiate…

So you’re dreaming of moving to the Golden State—but can you afford the cost of living in California? That’s a smart question to ask before you sell your house and load up a U-Haul with surfboards and sunscreen. According to a 2020 Cost of Living Index, the average city in…

Finding a treasure hidden in an old dresser drawer or the attic is the stuff of dreams. So is rooting through your jars of coins and coming up with a rare one that’s worth serious money. Striking it rich is a remote possibility for folks who have built up a…

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Key takeaways First-time car buyer programs offer flexible qualification requirements and other incentives to make it easier for those with little or no credit history to finance their first car purchase. These programs typically have eligibility criteria such as being at least 18 years old,…

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I travel a lot. Sometimes for work, and sometimes to sweep my wife off her feet with a not-so-surprise vacation. (Hey, it’s hard to hide a weekend getaway when you do a monthly budget together.) And as much as I love meeting new people and seeing new sights, travel can…

Key takeaways Car buying apps let you navigate the entire purchasing process from home or while on the go. Some apps also make it easy to list your car and show it off to potential buyers. Others provide instant cash offers if you’re looking to sell fast. Today, drivers can…

There’s a relatively new kid on the block in the investing world that’s gotten popular over the last few years, and it’s called an exchange-traded fund (ETF). Since you should never invest in anything you don’t understand, let’s walk through a breakdown of ETFs vs. mutual funds, so you can make the…

In the world of car insurance discounts, telematics is the “big new thing.” Using GPS technology to track drivers in real time, telematics permits insurers to observe individual drivers’ actual safety habits on the road and assign discounts — or, in some cases, rate increases — accordingly. Insurers offering telematics…

Cue the silver bells, because shopping for gifts (and coming up with gift ideas) just got a lot easier! Instead of sitting in holiday traffic and burning the gas you paid an arm and a leg for, check out these gift ideas that can make a big impact on everyone…

Key takeaways There are apps for just about every aspect of the home improvement process — including design or room refurbishing. Some mobile apps are free to download but will charge a monthly or a one-time fee to use some of its features. Most of the apps provide a one-stop…

Speculation is a common term in finance that often carries negative connotations. For many, it evokes images of risky behavior and sudden financial loss, but speculation is a nuanced concept.  What is speculation? Speculation revolves around market volatility. It involves buying or trading an asset to generate a significant return…

Are you being hounded by debt collectors? The constant phone calls, harsh language and threats to sue can be overwhelming and downright scary. Unfortunately, you also have to watch out for debt collectors who try to trick you into paying for a debt that’s already been paid or a debt…

Exchanging currency is vital to international travel, whether you’re visiting for leisure or business. Understanding the nuances of currency exchange can help you avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your travel budget.  Before you exchange money, you should know how to choose the right place to exchange your…

Key takeaways Most debt eventually disappears from your credit reports, but some debts stay on your reports for longer than others. Some of the debt on your credit reports demonstrates longevity, which can be positive for your credit score. Removing debt from your credit reports is almost impossible unless the…