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Personal Finance

Is My Family’s Definition of Success Leading Me to Financial Mediocrity?

-->Key PointsA Reddit user is worried his family defines success the wrong way.The poster’s family focuses on status, not on building a solid financial life.The Redditor can avoid falling into this trap by setting financial goals and prioritizing investing.It sounds nuts, but SoFi is giving new active invest users up to $1k in stock, see for yourself (Sponsor)-->-->What does it mean to be financially successful? A Reddit poster is grappling ...

David Williams in Personal Finance 2026-07-03 13:26

Current ARM mortgage rates report for Nov. 27, 2025

Homeowners with some tolerance for uncertainty might find that an adjustable-rate mortgage is worth considering as a way to get a low introductory rate before the adjustments kick in. This loan type can be a particularly good choice if you’re aiming to rent out for flip the property, or when you know you intend to move before the loan’s fixed-rate period ends.Keep reading and we’ll explain how ARMs work, consider when an ARM is worth considering ...

Robert Brown in Personal Finance 2026-07-02 11:55

Home equity loan vs. home equity line of credit (HELOC)

When you find yourself in need of a large sum of money—whether for an emergency medical expense, a home improvement project, or any other big life expense—you probably start researching the best loan option for your unique situation. In particular, if you’re a homeowner, you might consider tapping into your home equity with either a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). But which is the better choice?Borrowing against your hom...

Robert Johnson in Personal Finance 2026-07-02 18:08

Should I buy a $75,000 Tundra with my $100,000 salary and $60,000 in savings?

Just because you make a six-figure annual income doesn’t mean you should blow it. Indeed, we’ve heard countless stories about high-earning folks who still manage to live paycheck to paycheck. Lifestyle creep, big splurges (perhaps to deal with being burnt out at the office), and a lack of budgeting are all factors to blame for high-earning individuals who can’t quite seem to get ahead financially.nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGer...

Sarah Miller in Personal Finance 2026-07-01 18:00

I’m Concerned About Yieldmax; Are We Just Financial Junkies Chasing Quick Fixes?

-->Key PointsHigh dividend paying YieldMax ETFs have changed the paradigm in many investor minds about dividends for income, rather than as a leverage tool for wealth building.Old school investors who segregate growth and income investments as separate entities often fail to look at the bigger picture, albeit with a different set of risks involved.Deploying dividend compounding and other techniques used by portfolio managers for decades in a new ...

Robert Brown in Personal Finance 2026-06-30 11:35

Should I Trade In My $67,000 Jeep Wrangler for a $15,000 Infiniti and Eliminate Payments?

Everyone knows (or hopefully knows) that as soon as you buy a car and drive it off the lot, you’ve already lost a certain value of the vehicle. It’s a frustrating but true reality of vehicle ownership, and it doesn’t matter how much the car is or what brand it is. Once you drive it away, its value decreases. nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArial...

Jane Johnson in Personal Finance 2026-06-30 11:17

What I Learned Trying to Factor Social Security Into My Retirement Plans

-->-->Key PointsA Reddit poster wants to know howSocial Security fits into their retirement income.It’s important to recognize the role those benefits will play, especially given the potential for cuts.Don’t plan to retire only onSocial Security, and, if possible, make it a more minor income stream for maximum protection. Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help ...

David Brown in Personal Finance 2026-06-28 11:53

I Struggled to Repair My 2010 Prius And Don’t Know If It Was Worth the $4,300 Investment

Owning an aging car can feel like balancing on a financial tightrope. One misstep, and suddenly you’re staring at a repair bill that costs more than your monthly rent. That’s exactly the dilemma Reddit user PitKempo1 found himself in this year when his 2010 Toyota Prius demanded $4,300 in repairs. The big question loomed: Should he invest in repairing his old car, or finally cut ties and move on?nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGerm...

Michael Davis in Personal Finance 2026-06-28 11:51

Am I Fooling Myself with MSTY Dividends When My Account is at Break Even?

As even the most simple investor knows, timing the market is one of the most challenging things to do in life. You have a better chance of finding the fountain of youth than you do trying to know exactly when the right time is to get into any stock or ETF. nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArialText ShadownoneBackground ColorblackBackground Opacit...

David Brown in Personal Finance 2026-06-27 18:12

I’d Hold High Income ETFs to Beat the SPY

The S&P 500 is wandering into uncharted territory as it looks to wander above the 6,500 mark going into the last four months of the year. It’s never been so concentrated at the top, and with valuations on the rise (it may find itself closing in on a 30 times trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple), some wonder if theSPDR S&P 500(NYSEARCA:SPY) is overdue for a correction.nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugue...

Sarah Brown in Personal Finance 2026-06-26 11:09

Why I Don’t Get the Hype Around SCHD – Is There More to This ETF Than Just $1 in Dividends?

TheSchwab US Dividend Equity ETF(NYSEARCA:SCHD) is one of the most well-known dividend ETFs. It has produced a 45% return over the past five years and boasts a 3.75% SEC yield. It also has a 0.06% expense ratio, so investors get to keep almost all of the gains. nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArialText ShadownoneBackground ColorblackBackground O...

Emily Smith in Personal Finance 2026-06-26 11:29

I Owe $30,000 on My Car Worth Only $20,000 – How Can I Escape This Financial Mess?

One of the most aggravating aspects of buying a new car is that almost immediately after you drive it off a dealer’s lot, its value drops. There is virtually no exception to this, no matter the brand name or the dollar value of the car, it drops as soon as you drive away.nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArialText ShadownoneBackground ColorblackBackgro...

Emily Smith in Personal Finance 2026-06-25 11:47

Best checking account bonuses for December 2025

Key TakeawaysTop checking account bonuses in December 2025 can earn new customers between $250 and $400, with leading offers from banks like Capital One, TD Bank, and Fifth Third Bank.To qualify for these bonuses, you typically need to open a new account, set up direct deposits that meet minimum thresholds, and keep the account open for specified period requirements and bonus amounts vary by bank.These bonus offers are typically limited-time prom...

Jane Davis in Personal Finance 2026-06-25 11:29

You can earn up to 4.18% APY. Check out the best CD rates on Dec. 2, 2025

You can still earn a great return on a certificate of deposit, just don’t wait to deposit your money. As the Federal Reserve cut interest rates three times in 2024, average CD yields fell lower. They largely stabilized in 2025 as the Fed held off on more rate changes—but the central bank finally cuts in September and October, and another meeting still to happen this year, CD rates could conceivably decrease before the end of 2025.The best CD rate...

John Johnson in Personal Finance 2026-06-23 18:16

My ULTY Strategy Is Working, Time to Buy More Despite Market Drops

-->Key PointsULTY’s precipitous NAV drop has disheartened a number of investors who bought it last year, despite the high dividend distribution yield.As ULTY’s stock price has traded sideways since the April market drop in response to the reciprocal tariff policy, some of the diehard investors are dollar cost averaging and joining new investors who have learned about ULTY only recently. The bulls and bears each have valid points to their arg...

Sarah Williams in Personal Finance 2026-06-22 18:48

I’m Lost About My Grandpa’s Social Security Money, Where Do I Start?

Of the 70 million-plus people who receive monthly Social Security checks, many rely heavily on this money. For a large percentage of this group, this money might be their only income, so it’s super important that the checks arrive on time, every month.nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArialText ShadownoneBackground ColorblackBackground Opacity50%Window...

Sarah Davis in Personal Finance 2026-06-19 11:27

Should I Invest $500,000 in QQQI and SPYI for the Next 40 Years?

The magnitude of enthusiasm surrounding higher-yielding covered call (premium income) ETFs has been strong among the retail crowd. And while the yields are above and beyond what you’d come to expect from an ETF that just owns shares of various dividend-paying companies, investors must consider the nuances before placing a big bet. Indeed, yields can be on the move. And when it comes to options market premiums, investors had better be prepared for...

Jennifer Davis in Personal Finance 2026-06-18 18:22

Current refi mortgage rates report for Dec. 1, 2025

The current average refinance rate on a 30-year, fixed-rate home loan is 6.27%, according to data from the popular real estate marketplace Zillow. If you’re a homeowner hoping to refinance your mortgage for a lower rate or perhaps to tap home equity, read on to see average refi interest rates for a variety of loan types and terms. You can also see the prior day’s report here.Check Out Our Daily Rates ReportsDiscover the highest high-yield savings...

John Smith in Personal Finance 2026-06-17 18:00

We expect to reach $20 million in a few decades, but I worry about not working – is our financial future truly secure?

As soon as you decide the FIRE lifestyle is going to be for you, it comes with some immediate decisions. First and foremost is understanding how much you think you will need for an easy and early retirement. Rest assured, this isn’t an easy decision, as it’s far more complicated than simply choosing a number. nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyAria...

Robert Miller in Personal Finance 2026-06-17 18:58

I Lost My 11th Social Security Card, What’s Next?

It may come as a surprise to many Americans that there’s a fixed limit (it’s 10) on the number of Social Security cards you can get. Undoubtedly, you may think that it’s quite hard to lose such an important piece of identification 10 times in a lifetime, but it does happen, especially to those who don’t have access to secure places to store such sensitive materials.nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont Co...

David Johnson in Personal Finance 2026-06-16 11:59

Baby Boomers On Social Security Have Just Days To Pay Attention To This

-->-->Key PointsIn just a few weeks, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release key inflation data.That data will come into play in the context of next year’s Social Security COLA.Current estimates are calling for a 2.7% COLA in 2026, but if inflation picks up, that number could increase.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has...

Jane Miller in Personal Finance 2026-06-15 18:06

Current ARM mortgage rates report for Nov. 26, 2025

If you’re the type of homebuyer who is willing to deal with a little uncertainty in exchange for the possibility of getting a low rate, an adjustable-rate mortgage might be right for you. These can be particularly good options for homebuyers planning to rent out or flip an investment property, or who know they intend to move before the loan’s introductory fixed-rate period ends.Read on and we’ll break down how ARMs work, consider when they might ...

Emily Johnson in Personal Finance 2026-06-14 11:03

Earn up to 4.18% APY. Here are the best CD rates today, Dec. 8, 2025

It’s still a good time to earn a great return on a certificate of deposit, just don’t wait to take action. After declining in 2024 as the Federal Reserve cut rates, average CD yields stabilized in early 2025 thanks to the central bank hitting pause on more rate changes for several months. However, the Fed finally took action with its first rate cut of 2025 after meeting Sept. 16-17, then made a second cut in October.The best CD rates yield up to ...

John Brown in Personal Finance 2026-06-14 11:19

Current price of silver as of Monday, November 24, 2025

At 8:15 a.m. Eastern Time on Nov. 24, 2025, silver was valued at $50.26 per ounce. That’s a $0.72 uptick from the same time on Friday and more than a $19 gain over the past year.Silver price per ounce% ChangePrice of silver yesterday$49.54+1.45%Price of silver 1 month ago$48.91+2.76%Price of silver 1 year ago$30.30+65.87%Price of silver yesterdaySilver price per ounce$49.54% Change+1.45%Price of silver 1 month agoSilver price per ounce$48.91% Cha...

Jennifer Davis in Personal Finance 2026-06-13 11:21

The best high-yield savings account rates on Dec. 3, 2025: Earn up to 5.00% APY

You’re looking at up to 5.00% APY on top high-yield savings accounts as of Dec. 3, 2025. To put that in perspective, that’s more than 10x higher than the FDIC-reported national average of 0.40%. For anyone trying to get real returns on their savings, the difference is substantial.Whatever brought you here—whether it’s building an emergency fund saving for a major purchase like travel, putting away funds to invest in precious metals, or planning f...

Sarah Smith in Personal Finance 2026-06-13 18:34

I Regret Financing My New Car – What Are My Options for Managing Payments?

-->Key PointsA Redditor going to college was convinced to take out a large car loan.He’s regretting taking the loan, and wants to know what options he has.Selling the car, refinancing the debt, or finding a job to pay for the loan are going to be his best and only choices.Millions of Americans keep making 5 basic mistakes with insurance and keep overpaying every year, sometimes by thousands of dollars. But, it’s easy to avoid if you know how.&nbs...

Jennifer Williams in Personal Finance 2026-06-12 18:42

I Have 8 Credit Cards – Am I Keeping Too Many or Should I Close Some?

It won’t come as any surprise that more and more Americans these days are carrying credit, as the use of cash has dropped below 20% of purchases. For this reason, it also won’t come as a surprise to learn that the average American has at least four credit cards in their wallet at any given time. nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArialText Shadowno...

Michael Miller in Personal Finance 2026-06-11 11:55

With $1m in Retirement Accounts, Should I Pay Off The 2.75% Mortgage or Invest The Cash?

Trying to decide how to handle a large mortgage, whether through a balance or high interest rate, is something far too many people are trying to decide right now. As a home is generally someone’s biggest monthly expense, anything that can be done to minimize costs sounds ideal. nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArialText ShadownoneBackground Color...

David Smith in Personal Finance 2026-06-10 11:25

If Financial Advisors Are So Good, Why Don’t They Just Invest for Themselves?

-->-->Key PointsA Reddit poster wants to understand the valuefinancial advisors bring.They also question whyfinancial advisors don’t just invest their own money and get rick if they’re so good at it.Working with a financial advisor could benefit you, but it’s important to find the right one.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor h...

Jane Smith in Personal Finance 2026-06-09 11:03

ULTY Is Set to Surge To $7 A Share By The End of 2025

-->Key PointsULTY has surged in popularity amongst investors dazzled by the 80%+ distribution yield, despite the stock price losing nearly 70% in 18 months.Loyal shareholders and a number of analysts think ULTY will climb back up, with some estimates as high as $18.00, according toAInvest.While $18 would be a 200% jump from the $5.75-$6.00 range at the time of this writing, a $7.00 upswing is feasible for several potential reasons.Are you ahead o...

David Davis in Personal Finance 2026-06-08 11:01

With $90,460 in Debt, What Is The Realistic Path Out?

No matter how you cut it, debt is a very real part of our world, as much as we try to live on a budget. According to a recent CNBC study, the average American has approximately $90,460 in debt, which seems impossible to escape.nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArialText ShadownoneBackground ColorblackBackground Opacity50%Window ColorblackWindow Opacity...

Emily Williams in Personal Finance 2026-06-07 18:16

My Investments Are Set To Generate $738,311 in Annual Distributions

-->Key PointsYieldMax ETFs that return high dividends have become very popular with DIY investors and FIRE adherents.Due to the monthly or weekly frequency of YieldMax ETF dividend distributions, those who use a DRIP program are maximizing dividend compounding to their wealth building advantage. Since acquiring additional dividend generating ETF shares is compounding so frequently, the distribution payouts can conceivably recoup initial inve...

Michael Smith in Personal Finance 2026-06-06 11:43

I Make $150,000 in Southern California But It Feel Like I’m Drowning Financially

It should go without saying that no matter how much money you make, it’s perfectly reasonable to feel stressed out about finances these days. This is especially true if you feel like you make a good living but also live in a high-cost-of-living area that leaves you feeling house-poor. nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArialText ShadownoneBackgroun...

Jane Brown in Personal Finance 2026-06-05 18:08

Why I’m Confused About Backdoor Roth IRAs and Traditional IRA Benefits

One of the most important decisions anyone has to make in achieving their financial goals is how to invest their money. This might sound like something you can decide in just a few minutes, but let this be a reminder that any decision now can have long-standing consequences, so you have to decide carefully what your first or next move is going to be. nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFo...

Robert Brown in Personal Finance 2026-06-04 11:11

Axos Bank review 2025: High APY options for checking and savings but subpar CD rates

San Diego-based Axos Bank is an online bank offering numerous account options for individual and business customers. In addition to multiple checking accounts designed to suit various life stages and financial needs, including a rewards checking account, the bank provides money market, high-yield savings, lending, and investment account services.Founded in 2000, Axos Bank highlights its tech-driven platform and well-developed mobile app that allo...

Robert Williams in Personal Finance 2026-06-03 11:47

My husband wants me to retire in my 40s but I don’t know if it’s financially realistic

For many couples out in the world today, the question of when to retire is naturally starting to come up more and more. With a tough job market, the decision to try and save up as much as possible so you can exit the workforce early is becoming increasingly attractive. nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArialText ShadownoneBackground ColorblackBack...

Michael Miller in Personal Finance 2026-06-03 11:37

I’m Approved for a Car Loan – How Should I Negotiate at the Dealership?

One of the most challenging things anyone can do is buy a car, which is arguably the most stressful purchase you can make, second only to purchasing a home. Between negotiating at different car dealers and even choosing a car itself, this isn’t the most consumer-friendly activity. nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArialText ShadownoneBackground Co...

John Smith in Personal Finance 2026-06-02 18:14

My Strata Elite Card Caused Travel Chaos – Should You Think Twice Before Getting One?

The Citi Strata Elite credit card is a pretty powerful high-end card when leveraged effectively. And while not everyone has had a good experience, such as this Reddit user who shed light on the troubles it gave them during their travel voyage, I do think that dismissing a card because of an anecdotal experience isn’t the best idea. However, I do think that learning from the experiences of others and preparing accordingly is always a smart move.ne...

Jane Brown in Personal Finance 2026-06-01 18:30

Why I Questioned JEPQ’s High Returns and What You Should Know About Dividend Funds

TheJPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium ETF(NASDAQ:JEPQ) is a case study in higher yields not always being better for investors. On the surface, JEPQ’s 9.96% SEC yield looks like a compelling opportunity for investors. If you invest $100,000 into the fund, you will receive $9,960 in annual cash flow. Most dividend stocks and funds can’t keep up with that type of yield. nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont...

Jennifer Williams in Personal Finance 2026-05-31 11:19

I Make $40,000 a Year – What Should I Do With My $800,000 Inherited Roth IRA?

Investing money in a brokerage account is a valuable starting point to building long-term wealth, especially if you’re also capitalizing on retirement accounts. You  can build your own wealth and pass it on to your kids if you stay financially disciplined. nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArialText ShadownoneBackground ColorblackBackground O...

John Williams in Personal Finance 2026-05-30 11:45

I Wish I Hadn’t Spent So Much on New Cars – Here’s My Regretful Financial Journey

-->Key PointsA Reddit user regrets wasting money on cars.He realizes his vehicle purchases were wealth killers since he wasted money on car payments and expensive insurance.Others can learn from the OP’s mistake and build wealth instead of wasting money on an asset that goes down in value.Millions of Americans keep making 5 basic mistakes with insurance and keep overpaying every year, sometimes by thousands of dollars. But, it’s easy to avoid if ...

Robert Brown in Personal Finance 2026-05-28 18:56

Dave Ramsey Said to Claim Social Security at 62- Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Follow His Advice

-->-->Key PointsAge 62 is the earliest age to claim Social Security.Financial guru Dave Ramsey thinks it could make sense to file for benefits then.The problem is that filing at 62 reduces your benefits, and many retirees can’t afford that.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best ...

John Jones in Personal Finance 2026-05-27 11:21