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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

May 1, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

How Much Life Insurance Should You Have as a 40-Year-Old?

There's no set-in-stone rule, but here's how to figure out the right amount of coverage for you. Keep reading to find out the formula.
May 1, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

5 Easy Tricks That Help Me Save Money at the Supermarket

Feeding my family has become expensive. Read on for a few ways I've been able to cut my grocery costs.
April 30, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

Is Your Travel Rewards Credit Card More Expensive Than You Think?

Travel credit cards can be beneficial for travelers. But do you know how much your card costs? Find out what could make your travel credit card more expensive.
April 30, 2024 | By Jordi Lippe-McGraw

Never Overpay for Child Care Again With These 7 Tips

There are ways to save on child care without sacrificing quality. Read on to learn more about financial aid and flexible options.
April 30, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

The 4 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make When Paying Off Credit Card Debt

Credit card debt can be an expensive problem to have. Watch out for these mistakes that could keep you in debt even longer and cost you more money.
April 30, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

This Simple Move Could Leave You $100,000 Richer

There's a simple step that could set young people on a solid financial footing. Read on to see what it is.
April 30, 2024 | By Cole Tretheway

The Most Misunderstood Part of Auto Insurance for College Grads

Full coverage doesn't exist. Find out what college grads misunderstand most about auto insurance.
April 30, 2024 | By Jordi Lippe-McGraw

4 Essential Tools to Reduce Your Child Care Expenses

Child care is expensive, but there are ways to cut your costs. Keep reading to learn how.
April 30, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

3 Little-Known CD Perks to Watch For

CDs are a great way to grow your wealth, but it can be tough to know which to choose. Here are three CD perks that could make a difference for you.
April 30, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

3 Crucial Things I'm Teaching My Kids About Money

There are a few money ideas I want my kids to know. Read on for a discussion of what young people should know about saving, investing, and giving.
April 30, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

I Got Life Insurance When I Was Only 33 Years Old. Here's Why

I bought a policy nearly a decade ago, despite the low risk of needing to use it. Keep reading to learn why it's best to buy insurance at a young age.
April 30, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

Costco vs. Sam's Club: Which Is Better for Furniture?

Finding good furniture is hard. Read on to find out which discount membership club has the best furniture deals.
April 30, 2024 | By Christy Bieber

You Could Earn Double the Best CD Rates With Low-Risk Investments. Here's Why You Want to Buy a CD Anyway

CDs are paying 5.00% right now, but you could earn 10% via another investment. Find out why you may still want a CD anyway.
April 30, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

3 Warning Signs You Have Too Many Streaming Services

Most Americans pay for multiple streaming services. Here are the most common warning signs that you should cut back on yours.
April 30, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

2 Pitfalls You Might Encounter if You Refinance Your Mortgage in the Spring of 2024

Thinking of replacing your current mortgage with a new one? Read on to see why that may not be the best idea right now.
April 30, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

The 4 Worst Money Moves You Can Make in Your 20s

Decisions you make in your 20s have a huge impact on the rest of your life. Learn about the money moves you should avoid during this decade.
April 30, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Planning to Travel This Summer? 3 Great Credit Cards to Help You Save Money

If you're planning on flying or driving for a summer vacation, these three cards can maximize your rewards.
April 30, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

The 5 Top Reasons to Shop for Auto Insurance in 2024

Drivers have been comparing their auto insurance options this year. Check out the top reasons to shop for auto insurance to see if you should do the same.
April 30, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

3 Signs You're Not Taking Advantage of Your Walmart+ Membership

Don't like throwing money away? Then make sure you're not overlooking some major benefits of Walmart+.
April 30, 2024 | By Christy Bieber

You Could Earn a Guaranteed Rate Above 5% If You Invest in a CD. Here's Why It's Not a Good Idea for Everyone

CDs can be a great investment only in some circumstances. Read on to learn when to avoid CDs.
April 30, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

Tips for Managing Cash Flow in the Early Stages of Your Small Business

Many small businesses struggle with cash flow management. Read on to learn how to control yours when you're first starting out.
April 30, 2024 | By Jordi Lippe-McGraw

5 Financial Wellness Tips Just for Women

Women face a financial literacy gap in this country. Keep reading to learn how to transform fear into freedom.
April 30, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

The Unexpected Downsides of Keeping Too Much in a Savings Account, Even With Rates Above 5%

It's possible to overfund your savings account, and it causes more issues than you may realize. Check out the unexpected downsides of doing this.
April 30, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Worried About a Recession? 3 Things to Do With Your Brokerage Account Now

A near-term recession seems unlikely at this point. But if you're nervous about one, it's important to know what to do. Read on to find out.
April 29, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

The No. 1 Way for Average Americans to Become Millionaires

You don't need to earn a massive salary to become a millionaire. Discover a proven method that could get you there on an average income.