Money Talk

Where personal finance gets personal

Let's talk about it

Holiday Spending Game Plan

Consider these nine ideas to help you take control of holiday spending and avoid a financial hangover in the New Year.

November 16, 2023 Patrick Means

Manage your money

Holiday Spending Game Plan

Consider these nine ideas to help you take control of holiday spending and avoid a financial hangover in the New Year.

November 16, 2023

Your Mid-Year Money Check Up

Are you on track to meet your financial goals? Follow these five steps to find out.

June 14, 2023


Do You Need a Freedom Fund?

Want to make a life change but feel you can't financially? Start a freedom fund.

May 10, 2023

Giving Stock to Charity

Donating stock (as opposed to cash) to a nonprofit can benefit both you and the charity.

April 25, 2023

Selling Your House in a Down Market

Should you sell your house in a down market? Pay attention to both your wallet and the issues that impact your quality of life.

April 12, 2023

Retirement Match From Uncle Sam

The Saver's Credit is like a retirement match from Uncle Sam if you qualify. Here's what you need to know—and do.

March 15, 2023

Learn to invest

9 Scary Money Mistakes

What can Halloween teach you about money? Personal finance and investing don't have to be scary when you avoid these common mistakes.

October 25, 2023

Air Jordans: Diversification

My Jordan sneaker collection is an example of diversification in your portfolio. Explore why that is important.

September 13, 2023

Retired Investors and Inflation

The double whammy of tanked investments and high inflation is challenging, especially for retirees. Here's help.

January 18, 2023

Build your financial independence

Plan for major life expenses

Budgeting for Student Loans

Ready to face the return of student loan repayments? Conquer your budget by tracking expenses, cutting back on non-essentials, and balancing debt payment with retirement savings.

August 16, 2023 Cindy Scott

Can You Give Stock as a Gift?

Giving stock can be both a financial gift and a personal finance lesson. But get the details first.

November 16, 2022

Ready to Buy Your First Home?

There's more to timing your first home purchase than interest rates and prices. Consider these guidelines.

October 05, 2022

Using IRA Funds for First Home

Just because you can use IRA funds to buy a first home doesn't mean it's the best move for your financial future.

August 10, 2022

Save for retirement

How Does a Roth IRA Work?

Even if you don't have an employer sponsored retirement plan, it's still important to save for your future.

July 19, 2023 Patrick Means

Retirement Match From Uncle Sam

The Saver's Credit is like a retirement match from Uncle Sam if you qualify. Here's what you need to know—and do.

March 15, 2023

Using IRA Funds for First Home

Just because you can use IRA funds to buy a first home doesn't mean it's the best move for your financial future.

August 10, 2022

4 Major Retirement Risks

There are many unknowns when it comes to planning for retirement. Make sure you have a plan to address the biggest risks.

April 07, 2022

Nonworking Spouse Benefits?

There are ways to build retirement security for a nonworking spouse, but it takes careful planning as a couple.

December 08, 2021

How Much Do I Need To Retire?

How much do you really need to retire?

August 20, 2021

IRA Funding After Divorce

You can't fund an IRA with child support—or even alimony if divorced after 2018—but you can still invest it wisely.

July 28, 2021

Roth vs. Traditional 401(k)s

If your employer lets you decide between a traditional and a Roth 401(k), consider choosing both!

July 16, 2020

Military Personnel and the TSP

New changes in the military retirement system give greater importance to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Here's why.

May 20, 2020

After You Inherit an IRA

Inherited IRA rules are different for spouses and non-spouses, and have changed under the SECURE Act. Make sure you know the rules that apply to you.

May 19, 2020

Financial literacy for the next generation

Help your loved ones

Talking Money with Mom and Dad

Talking through these five money topics as your parents age could help bring peace of mind and relief to both you and your parents.

November 08, 2023

Handling an Inheritance

If you receive a sudden windfall, take time to review your financial picture before you start spending.

August 02, 2023

The Reverse Boomerang

Open and honest communication can help you go into multigenerational living with your eyes wide open.

July 05, 2023

Retire with confidence

Retired Investors and Inflation

The double whammy of tanked investments and high inflation is challenging, especially for retirees. Here's help.

January 18, 2023 Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz

Suddenly Alone—Getting Help

It's hard to focus on finances after losing a spouse. But there are resources to turn to for help and support.

September 14, 2022

Working Past 65 and Medicare

If you work past age 65, deciding when to enroll in Medicare depends on the size of your employer—and more.

July 27, 2022

4 Major Retirement Risks

There are many unknowns when it comes to planning for retirement. Make sure you have a plan to address the biggest risks.

April 07, 2022

What's Your Retirement Dream?

Retirement can be an opportunity to make big changes—provided you also take care to protect your finances.

February 11, 2022