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The Ascent Articles

Learn more about applying the principles of money management to help stay in control of your finances.

Recent Articles

April 25, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

This Dating App Could Find You a Match -- With Great Credit

It's important to find someone who's a great match for your personality. Should you also focus on finding a great financial match? Read on to learn more.
April 25, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

3 Reasons to Move Money Out of Your Savings Accounts ASAP

It's good to have some money in savings. But if these signs apply to you, it may be time to find another home for your cash.
April 25, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

3 Ways You Could Save Money by Retiring Abroad

It's estimated that millions of Americans have chosen to live abroad. Find out how doing so could help your retirement savings go much further.
April 25, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

I Travel Often, But an Airline Credit Card Isn't the Best Rewards Credit Card for Me. Here's Why

An airline credit card may be ideal if you fly often with the same airline. But, some travelers will benefit from using a travel credit card. Find out why.
April 25, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Open a 0% APR Credit Card

Paying zero interest on a credit card for a certain period might sound tempting. But if these three reasons resonate with you, you might want to avoid them.
April 25, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Here's What It's Like to Live in New Jersey as a Family of 4 on $150,000

A $150,000 income might seem like a lot. But read on to see why in some parts of the country, it's not a ton of money at all.
April 25, 2024 | By Christy Bieber

These 3 Banks Are Offering New Account Bonuses That Are Easy to Earn

Fifth Third Bank, Citibank, and Bank of America are all offering bonuses with relatively low direct deposit requirements. Check out these bank offers.
April 25, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

Here's the Money Move I'm Making Since Ditching My PMI

If you're no longer paying for private mortgage insurance (PMI), you may want to save the extra money. Find out why one writer is making this money move.
April 25, 2024 | By Devon Delfino

How to Get Life Insurance Fast as a Senior

If you need fast life insurance coverage as a senior, traditional policies may not make sense. Read on to learn about three smart policy options to consider.
April 25, 2024 | By Mary Girsch-Bock

How to Categorize Business Expenses

Wondering what business expense category that bill you just paid falls into? The Ascent takes a look at business expenses and how you should be categorizing them.
April 25, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

How to Choose the Right Credit Card as a Gig Worker

If you're a busy gig worker, don't miss out on valuable credit card perks and rewards. Here are some tips to help you choose the right credit card.
April 25, 2024 | By Ben Gran

How Does Financial Advice on TikTok Stack Up? Here's What an Expert Thinks

Is TikTok personal finance advice actually good? See what this expert thinks about TikTok finance ideas, without breaking your budget.
April 25, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Here's What You Get With Delta SkyMiles Elite Status

Do you have Delta SkyMiles Medallion status, or do you plan to earn it this year? Here's what you'll end up with in the process.
April 25, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

If You're a Driver in These 7 States, Your Credit Score Can't Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates

In some states, it's illegal for insurers to use a driver's credit score to deny or cancel auto insurance coverage or set insurance rates. Find out where.
April 25, 2024 | By Ben Gran

3 Reasons a Big Tax Refund Can Actually Be a Good Thing

Are you getting a big tax refund in 2024? The average tax refund is $3,011. See why it's a good thing to get a tax refund -- even if accountants may disagree.
April 25, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Here's What Happens When You Don't Have at Least $500 in Emergency Savings

Having little to no emergency savings could cost you a lot of money over time. Read on to learn more.
April 25, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

The Downside of Not Planning a Budget as a Digital Nomad

Budgeting skills can be helpful for digital nomads. Developing money management skills is wise if you're working while traveling the world. Find out why.
April 25, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

You Can Get Money Out of a Roth IRA Before Age 59 1/2 Without a Penalty -- but You Shouldn't

Roth IRAs give you a lot of flexibility with your money. Read on to see why you actually shouldn't take advantage of it.
April 25, 2024 | By Jordi Lippe-McGraw

5 Ways for Seniors to Save Money on Life Insurance

Don't pay more for life insurance than you need to. Discover how seniors can save on life insurance with five key strategies.
April 25, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

3 Signs an FHA Loan Isn't Right for You

Tempted by an FHA loan? Read on to see why you may want to go another route.
April 25, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

The Fed Might Not Lower Interest Rates in 2024. Here's What That Means for CD Rates

It's getting less likely we'll see significant rate cuts in 2024. And this could have implications for CDs. Keep reading to learn more.
April 25, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Avoid These 3 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make in the First Year You Open a 401(k)

It's a great thing to save in a 401(k). But read on so you can avoid some costly mistakes.
April 25, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

The Fastest Way to Improve Project Delivery in Your Small Business

Do you struggle to meet project deadlines? Late project delivery could cost your business. Find out how small businesses can improve project delivery results.
April 25, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

I Couldn't Afford Daycare for 3 Young Kids. Here's What I Did Instead

This writer had to pivot when she realized how costly daycare would be. Read on to see if you should do the same.
April 25, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

64% of Americans Say It's Best to Pay Off a Mortgage ASAP. Here's Why They're Wrong

In some situations, it's best to get ahead of a mortgage. But read on to see why that advice may not apply to you.