Author: Kim Franke-Folstad
6 ways to protect your money from inflation
Inflation has been squeezing — and infuriating — U.S. consumers for a long time now. What began as an annoyance (an extra pinch at the gas …
Should you have a weekly budget? Here are the pros & cons
No matter what your financial goals might be — paying down student loans, saving for a new car or house, or just getting a better grip …
Can this strategy help you save money on your mortgage?
If you’re shopping for a home loan, you may be wondering if using mortgage points to “buy down” your interest rate is a good move for …
You may be surprised by how much you can take out in personal loans
If you’re preparing to make a major purchase, do some home improvements, or consolidate debt, you might be wondering how much you can borrow with a …
Looking for home sweet home? You may have more options than you think
If someone asked you to describe your “dream home,” what picture would pop into your mind? A single-family home with a big backyard, or a …
Does your state have the highest average student loan debt?
There’s no question that furthering your education can be an expensive endeavor. Almost a third of all American students take on some level of debt …
These 12 staging tips could help you sell your home
If you want to sell your home faster and for the highest possible price, you may find that it helps to thoughtfully stage it with potential …
What happens to a car loan when someone dies?
Probably the last thing on most car buyers’ minds when they walk into a dealership is the thought that they might die before they manage to …
Is interest on your car loan tax deductible?
Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive …
5 companies that offer credit card pre-approval
Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive …
Pros & cons of buying a starter home
Young people and professionals who are just starting out often opt to first buy a modest home at an affordable price. It sounds like a good …
6 ways to organize your bills
Making sure all of your bills are paid on time every month can be a tedious and time-consuming task. But it’s also an important one. …
A guide to getting through financial hardship
If you’re suffering through a period of financial hardship—whether it was caused by a loss of income, a medical emergency or some other challenging situation—you’re not …
How to negotiate medical bills
Facing a staggering medical bill can feel overwhelming, but if you find yourself struggling to pay, don’t give up hope. You may be able to work …
Strategies to lower your energy bill when working from home
One of the obvious perks of working from home is the opportunity to cut some expenses. If you’re no longer commuting every day, cooking more instead …
Should you ever use your 401(k) to pay down debt?
You have debt. But you’ve also got a stash of cash in your 401(k). If you’re feeling overwhelmed by high-interest credit card balances, a student loan, and/or …
4 financial new year’s resolutions your future self will thank you for
You can usually guess someone’s New Year’s resolution because it often involves losing weight, getting into better shape or cooking more nutritious meals. Look, …
3 common debt payoff strategies
In the U.S., debt is a reality for many Americans. According to the Federal Reserve’s most recent report, our total national household debt is $13.95 trillion. That’s …
How to plan the ultimate debt payoff strategy
Debt often has a negative connotation, but there are plenty of good reasons to have it — for example, using student loans to increase your …
Can you get your Sallie Mae loans forgiven?
The reality is that Sallie Mae student loans aren’t likely to evaporate into thin air. That’s because Sallie Mae is a private lender now. And despite …
Should I pay off debt before buying a house?
Ready to buy your own home? There’s a lot to consider, especially if this is your first time applying for a mortgage and you’re carrying debt. …
Pros & cons of using a debit card online
These days, debit cards are accepted almost everywhere credit cards are accepted, both in-person and online. And that can be a game-changer for consumers who are …
Can you lose your house with a reverse mortgage?
For older Americans who may find they need more money in retirement, using a reverse mortgage to convert some of their home’s equity into cash can …
The facts about getting audited
Filing your taxes can be challenging enough for the average American taxpayer. (Especially if you ended last year owing to some money to Uncle Sam.) But …
Where is my tax refund?
It can be tough to tamp down your impatience while you’re waiting on an income tax refund, especially if you have plans for the money. The Internal Revenue …
Popular monthly dividend stocks
You might not guess it from the way many investors base their mood on the day-to-day movements of the stock market, but for most people, an investment …
Do I need life insurance?
If you’re trying to decide if you need life insurance, a good place to start might be to ask yourself: Would anyone be put at risk …
Money management for college students
Parents expect that their children will head off to college with concerns about fitting in, finding friends, and not failing classes. What they may not think …
How does unemployment work?
Millions of Americans who never imagined they’d be out of work—especially in what was until recently an incredibly hot job market—suddenly have been forced by the …
How to budget for a baby
Having a baby can fill your house with love. It also can take a toll on your finances. So while you’re obsessing about pink, blue, or …
