Dear Penny: Will I Hurt My Credit by Opening New Cards for Sign-up Bonuses?

Real Answers for Life’s Money Challenges I want to take advantage of credit card sign-up bonus offers. I know I can pay the cards off on time. Im just worried about my credit score. Will it be affected in the long term if I pay them off on time? -S. Dear S., Im glad youre asking about this, but Im concerned about your motives. Are you working on building your credit history?...

January 25, 2019 · 1 min · 161 words · George Webster

5 Free Apps to Help You Plan Your Wedding

I spent way more money onmy weddingthan I had intended. Its hard not to! Putting on a full-fledged wedding involves much more than choosing a venue and ordering a cake. Aileen Perilla/ The Penny Hoarder There are seemingly countless steps involved, and unfortunately, most of them requireputting down a little cash. And youll spend significantly more if you hire a wedding planner to make the process easier. Wedding Planner by The Knot...

January 23, 2019 · 3 min · 540 words · Tony Bautista

Here’s Why More Expensive Cloth Diapers Could Be Worth It

Babies might be small and cute, but they can also be expensive. Im currently on my second cloth-diapered kid. Now, Im a cloth diaper pro. Pocket diapers consist of a diaper cover and inserts that you stuff inside. Sharon Steinmann/The Penny Hoarder I know what works for me and what Im willing to pay. Pocket diapers consist of a diaper cover and inserts that you stuff inside that cover. Youll need to wash the cover and inserts after each use....

January 20, 2019 · 3 min · 454 words · Dawn Washington

Is Using Student Loans to Cover Living Expenses a Bad Idea?

Then, Id take out a loan for two years of living expenses. Thank you so much! -E. Dear E., This is such an exciting time! But I would encourage you to flip your thinking about how to use it. Youll be studying a lot, youll be tired and youll start treating yourself. A takeout meal here, a little splurge there. The mentality that youll pay it back later is a recipe for financial disaster....

January 18, 2019 · 1 min · 188 words · Rhonda Beasley

How Friendship Is Helping These Women Crush Their Combined $70K in Debt

Their game began when Terrell got approved for an Amazon credit card. Hill was so excited for her that she applied for one and got approved as well. We Dare You to Take Control of Your Debt Up for a debt challenge? In 2018, Sha’Kreshia Terrell and Sau-Sha Hill began doubling down on their debt-payoff efforts. Last year alone, the friends paid off $27,000 of their combined $70,000 of debt. Terrell has $1,450 of debt left, and Hill has $2,500....

January 17, 2019 · 3 min · 606 words · Nicholas Arroyo

Want $30 to Spend on Anything at Walmart? Follow These 2 Simple Steps

How would it feel to whack $30 off your next grocery bill? Your shoulders sink as you eye the increasing subtotal, then wait! Youve got $30 in gift cards. This is quite an easy feat to accomplish. For example, Ebates gives you up to 10% cash-back on online purchases at Walmart. Youll get your free $10 gift card to Walmart when you give the site a try. No Interest Til Almost 2027?...

January 16, 2019 · 2 min · 317 words · Jessica Reed

My Spending Has Put Me in Serious Debt. Should I Consolidate?

Real Answers for Life’s Money Challenges Ive realized lately that Im horrible with money. About two years ago, I opened a new checking account and credit card. I was making a ton of money at the time and let my shopping get out of control. Then my boyfriend and I broke up. My commission wasnt coming in like it had the prior year. But I kept spending, not thinking of the consequences....

January 11, 2019 · 2 min · 411 words · Stephanie Sawyer

Hate Doing Taxes? Here’s How to Easily File Them — Without Even Leaving Home

Do you procrastinate on taxes until April 15 every year? Does the sight of a W-2 form make your eyes cross? Does pricy tax software make you want to run and hide? Tina Russell/The Penny Hoarder Thats what youll get fromH&R Block, the biggest tax-preparation company in the world. Because theyve been in business since 1955, you might think theyre stodgy and old-fashioned. you’re free to also file for free if youre paying tuition or receiving student loans....

January 10, 2019 · 2 min · 308 words · Ronald Moore

These 5 Art Majors Found Fulfilling Work in Creative Fields. You Can Too

We spoke with several creative graduates to learn what unique roles theyve achieved with their art degrees. For several years, Chon worked in advertising. And while the business can be a rewarding and lucrative career for art majors, Chon wasnt feeling it. Courtesy of Lexi Frank Photography She was frequently stressed by her job, so she turned to photography as a creative outlet. Chon has been running her pet photography business for more than 10 years....

January 9, 2019 · 3 min · 438 words · Marie Smith

Empower App Review: This Money Management App Solves All Your Financial Woes

Overall, it was a decent experience, he says. It didnt become an issue until I became a real estate agent. Although he was making money, it wasnt in the form of a regularly scheduled direct deposit. Marco_Piunti/Getty Images His bank didnt like that, so it started slapping him with a $12 monthly fee. Its not like its a bunch of money, but it adds up, Johnson says. It was like, Why am I paying you guys to hold my money?...

January 7, 2019 · 3 min · 493 words · Robert Rodriguez

This Woman Was Always the Bridesmaid, So She Decided to Start a Business

Each bridesmaid dress is well worn, from deodorant stains to tattered hems. Each carries a story. Glantz has enough to rival a bridal boutique. Glantz is up to her ears in dresses because she makes a living as a professional bridesmaid. Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week. This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed. Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire....

January 7, 2019 · 2 min · 425 words · Michelle Simmons

This Woman’s Story Will Change the Way You Think About Public Assistance

I had a kid… once. Her name was Averi. She looked like my daughter, but she was my niece. Averi, who loved to play dress-up in thrift store finds, brushes her teeth before heading to bed. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Bolling My sister was unable to care for Averi. It came down to me or foster care. At 27, I was suddenly responsible for keeping a 4-year-old alive. Most parents get months to prepare; I had less than a week....

January 6, 2019 · 8 min · 1647 words · Patrick Hicks

From Poverty to Owning an Accounting Firm: Here’s How She Did It

In 2014, I graduated from college and spent 15 months traveling the world. Id often stop traveling for a few months to work side jobs and earn enough to travel more. Whenever possible, these jobs were in theater, my dream career. Photo courtesy of Katherine Pomerantz Unfortunately, we moved to a rural state without enough paying theaters to keep me employed full time. Instead, I worked 60 to 80 hours per week at whatever jobs I could find....

January 5, 2019 · 4 min · 847 words · Ryan Turner