The Ascent Staff

TMFAscentStaff

Summary

The Ascent brings financial expertise, trusted advice, and unbiased analysis to the world of daily personal finance decisions. Our mission is to help you live more richly.

The Ascent's Recent Articles

• Review Methodology
  May 18, 2022
  Transparent, accessible, jargon-free advice. Thoughtfully reviewed by experts. Not influenced by sponsorships.
  Read More
• What Are the Differences Between Activity-Based Costing vs. Absorption Costing for Decision Making?
  May 18, 2022
  Activity-based costing and absorption costing are both valuable accounting methods. However, one is trickier. The Ascent walks you through the differences.
  Read More
• Doug's Pancake Emporium
  May 18, 2022
  
  Read More
• Money Lessons We Learned From Our Dads
  Jun 20, 2021
  Here's a roundup of some important financial advice our writers have received from our fathers.
  Read More
• Moms Share Their 3 Biggest Financial Shocks in Raising Kids
  May 7, 2021
  Three moms who are also personal finance writers discuss the unpleasant financial surprises they've encountered in the course of parenting.
  Read More
• 3 Personal Finance Tips From Moms Who Write About It
  May 6, 2021
  Three moms who write about personal finance open up and share their secrets.
  Read More
• Why These 3 Mortgage Experts Just Refinanced
  Sep 15, 2020
  
  Read More
• Here's What Americans' FICO® Scores Look Like -- How Do You Compare?
  Jul 29, 2020
  The average American doesn't have a perfect credit score. How does your score measure up to others'? Compare your score -- and learn more about …
  Read More
• The Impact of COVID-19 on Unemployment in 2020
  Jun 24, 2020
  COVID-19 has had a huge impact on unemployment in the United States. These unemployment statistics show just how dire the situation is.
  Read More
• The Average Cost of a Funeral in 2020
  Apr 27, 2020
  What does a funeral cost? You might be surprised that it's easy to pay $10,000 or more. Here's the cost breakdown for funerals, including burials …
  Read More
• Defining Necessities: Exploring Generational Needs vs. Wants
  Apr 16, 2020
  Housing, vehicle ownership, and access to a smartphone are top necessities across generations, according to a Motley Fool survey.
  Read More
• 5 Generations' Financial Priorities During COVID-19
  Apr 14, 2020
  We surveyed 1,500 Americans to find out how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting their finances. The answer largely depends on which generation they're in.
  Read More
• Coronavirus Has 60% of Americans Worried About Money
  Mar 20, 2020
  Nearly half of all Americans have delayed a life event (like having kids) due to pandemic financial concerns. Find out more about the average American’s …
  Read More
• 5 Reasons to Avoid Car Dealership Financing
  Dec 6, 2019
  Getting a loan through a car dealership isn't always a bad idea, but often it's best to work directly with a bank.
  Read More
• Study: Side Hustles and The Gender Pay Gap
  Dec 5, 2019
  The hourly income gap between men and women for side hustles is far greater than the national average gender pay gap.
  Read More
• Americans Have Enough Credit to Buy Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Facebook
  Nov 5, 2019
  Card issuers are handing out huge amounts of credit. Should we be worried?
  Read More
• Study: It Pays to Be Generous
  Oct 28, 2019
  Generosity comes in many forms, but no matter how Americans practice giving, it could be the key to a happier life, according to a new …
  Read More
• Join the 2% of Americans Who Make Their Money Work for Them
  Oct 21, 2019
  Invest a bit of your time in managing your investments and reap the financial rewards.
  Read More
• 5 Ways to Keep More of Your Paycheck
  Oct 16, 2019
  Discover ways to reach your financial goals by hanging on to more of your hard-earned money.
  Read More
• 7 Reasons to Use a Brick-and-Mortar Bank
  Oct 16, 2019
  Online banking may be convenient, but a physical bank may offer much more.
  Read More
• How We've Felt the Gender Pay Gap
  Oct 13, 2019
  Women statistically earn less than men. Here’s how that’s impacted a couple of our writers.
  Read More
• Is It a Good Idea to Transfer Credit Card Debt?
  Oct 13, 2019
  Transferring a credit card balance to a new card with a 0% introductory APR can save you a lot of money -- if you do …
  Read More
• 5 Crucial Factors the FICO Score Ignores
  Oct 7, 2019
  While FICO may be the king of credit scoring, it overlooks key factors in creditworthiness.
  Read More
• What's the Best Way to Pay for a New Car?
  Oct 6, 2019
  Are you hoping to buy a new car but need help navigating your options for paying for it? Here's everything you need to know.
  Read More
• How Much Time Does the Average American Spend on Personal Finance?
  Oct 3, 2019
  Americans spend more time each day doing laundry than working on their personal finances. Find out how a few more minutes a day could increase …
  Read More
• 4 Things to Never Give a Debt Collector Over the Phone
  Oct 1, 2019
  Tired of dodging your debt? Here are some pitfalls to avoid when your creditors come calling.
  Read More
• 6 Surprises That Can Derail Your Budget
  Sep 20, 2019
  There are many expenses that most of us don't think about or plan for. Here are six that could damage your finances if you're unprepared.
  Read More
• Do I Need a Good Credit Score to Get a Small-Business Credit Card or Loan?
  Sep 16, 2019
  Are you interested in applying for a small business credit card or loan but worried about if your personal credit score is good enough? Here's …
  Read More
• Study: 1,000 Employees Share Most Taboo Money Topics
  Sep 12, 2019
  Would you talk about your personal finances at work? How about at the dinner table? We asked over 1,000 employees what money topics they were …
  Read More
• If You Haven't Checked Your Credit Report This Year, Do It Now. No, Really
  Sep 10, 2019
  Checking your credit report often keeps you in tune with what lenders, employers, and landlords see. Learn why you should check your credit report today.
  Read More
• 6 Downsides to Using Cash
  Sep 6, 2019
  Avoiding credit cards is often seen as a virtue, but it could cost you in ways you may not expect.
  Read More
• How to Build Your Credit Without Using Credit Cards
  Sep 4, 2019
  Do you want to build credit without using credit cards? Learn about your other options for establishing your credit history.
  Read More
• Use These 9 Simple Rituals for Perfect Financial Hygiene
  Sep 3, 2019
  These weekly, monthly, and yearly rituals will help you get organized, protect your money, and meet big financial goals.
  Read More
• 6 Things You Need to Know About High-Yield Savings Accounts
  Aug 29, 2019
  A high-yield savings account can increase your savings at a rate traditional banks can't touch. Learn the top six things many people don't know about …
  Read More
• The 8 Cardinal Rules of Using a Credit Card
  Aug 27, 2019
  Credit cards can help if you use them right or hurt if you use them wrong. Learn the eight cardinal rules of using credit cards …
  Read More
• What Happens to My Pets if I Die?
  Aug 16, 2019
  Even your pets should be part of your estate plan. Find out how a will or a trust could ensure that they stay safe and …
  Read More
• 5 Steps to Setting Financial Goals With Your Spouse
  Aug 15, 2019
  Setting financial goals with your spouse is critical. Make sure you take the right steps and learn how to hold one another accountable.
  Read More
• The 3 Types of Credit and Why You May Want All of Them
  Aug 11, 2019
  Carrying a mix of credit may help increase your credit score if you go about it the right way. Learn which habits can help increase …
  Read More
• Does Debt Consolidation Help or Hurt Your Credit Score?
  Aug 4, 2019
  Consolidating debt can help put an end to overwhelming bills and help your credit score if you do it right. Learn how each debt consolidation …
  Read More
• 4 Personal Loan Tips That Will Pay Off
  Jul 26, 2019
  A personal loan can be an affordable way to get cash quickly -- if you know what you're doing. Learn these four key tips to …
  Read More
• Americans in These 15 States Owe More Money Than They Earn Annually
  Jul 24, 2019
  Are you carrying too much debt? If so, you’re not alone. Here are 15 states that have a higher per capita debt balance than per …
  Read More
• How Financially Lit(erate) Is Your State?
  Jul 22, 2019
  Financial literacy helps you make good money decisions. But if you grow up in a state with poor financial skills, you could have extra work …
  Read More
• Why Your Savings Accounts May Soon Pay Less Interest
  Jul 12, 2019
  Are you worried about how the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates would impact your personal finances? Find out how you could be affected.
  Read More
• 2 Times We Should Have Listened to Dad's Money Advice
  Jun 6, 2019
  Does father always know best? Maybe not, but here are three times we should've listened to our dads about our finances -- but didn't.
  Read More
• Study: When Does the Average American Get Their First Credit Card?
  May 31, 2019
  The average American gets their first credit card at the age of 20, and here’s the impact.
  Read More
• The Best Money Advice I've Ever Gotten
  May 28, 2019
  Want to hear the best money advice received by our financial experts? Read on to find out from three financial writers about the best money …
  Read More
• Study: Are You Too Nice to be Financially Successful?
  May 23, 2019
  Does your personality affect your financial health? After surveying over 500 people across the country who fell into IBM’s Big Five personality models (agreeableness, conscientiousness, …
  Read More
• Study: The Psychological Cost of Debt
  May 21, 2019
  Does money buy happiness? We surveyed over 1,000 indebted Americans to explore the link between happiness, fulfillment, self-esteem, and financial distress.
  Read More
• The Ultimate Guide to Personal Finance for American Immigrants
  May 16, 2019
  Bank accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and retirement accounts are all vital American personal finance tools. As an immigrant, you can use all of these tools …
  Read More
• Medical Emergencies: Managing Finances Before, During, and After
  May 12, 2019
  Don't let a medical emergency decimate your financial future. Plan ahead with insurance programs, tap into state and federal support, and work with your family.
  Read More
• Study: The Financial Timeline of Relationships
  May 1, 2019
  The financial milestones of romance include everything from lending your partner money for the first time to saving for retirement together, but how and when …
  Read More
• 3 Fun Ways to Save More Money
  Apr 29, 2019
  Increasing your savings rate doesn't have to be a chore. Check out these fun and simple ways to boost your savings.
  Read More
• The New Parent's Guide to Financial Health
  Apr 24, 2019
  Don't let your new baby torpedo your financial future. Attend to your insurance and savings plans to help you set aside money and be ready …
  Read More
• The Definitive Guide to Saving Money by Going Green
  Apr 10, 2019
  We all want to save the planet. Some of the steps you take can save you money too. Small adjustments to your daily habits can …
  Read More
• Study: The Average Millennial Achieves Financial Independence at This Age
  Apr 10, 2019
  The average millennial achieves financial independence at 31 years old. Read on to find out why.
  Read More
• Achieving a Perfect Credit Score Is a Lot Easier Than You May Realize
  Apr 1, 2019
  Just 1% of Americans have a perfect credit score of 850, but achieving a perfect credit score isn't that difficult if you follow these strategies.
  Read More
• Study: How Americans Define the Middle Class
  Mar 29, 2019
  Who is the middle class? We surveyed Americans to get to the bottom (or middle) of the story, and here's how they financially defined the …
  Read More
• Study: The Most Wasteful Spending Habits Among Americans
  Mar 21, 2019
  We surveyed people in the U.S. to better understand how and why Americans waste money. Here are the top wasteful spending habits among Americans today.
  Read More
• Study: Have You Been Financially Unfaithful With Your Partner?
  Feb 25, 2019
  We surveyed those in serious relationships and uncovered how many people commit financial infidelity and what they do to cross this line.
  Read More
• How to Sign Up for a TD Ameritrade Brokerage Account: A Step-by-Step Guide
  Jan 24, 2019
  The first step toward achieving long-term investing goals is to open a brokerage account. Learn how to sign up for a TD Ameritrade account in …
  Read More
• Why Should I Sign Up for a Secured Credit Card?
  Jan 14, 2019
  Secure credit cards can be a good way to get your credit score out of the basement, but there are some caveats.
  Read More
• How to Build Your Credit After Divorce
  Dec 17, 2018
  Divorce can impact your credit for years to come and can also make it difficult to get loans or lines of credit on your own.
  Read More
• Why You Should Never Get a Credit Card Advance
  Dec 13, 2018
  Credit card advances will cost more than you think.
  Read More
• 6 Financial Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Credit
  Dec 4, 2018
  Mistakes that are ruining your credit are more common than you might think.
  Read More
• How to Sign Up for a Merrill Edge Brokerage Account
  Dec 4, 2018
  If you’re interested in giving Merrill Edge a try for your general investing or retirement needs, you’ll be happy to know that opening an account …
  Read More
• 5 Ways Other People Can Ruin Your Credit Score, and How to Protect Yourself
  Nov 20, 2018
  Safeguard yourself against these blows to your credit.
  Read More
• Is a Joint Credit Card Right for You?
  Nov 20, 2018
  A joint credit card account may seem preferable to adding an authorized user to your account, but it comes at the high cost of fewer …
  Read More
• How I Got My Credit Score to an All-Time High
  Nov 20, 2018
  This Fool's credit score increased 47 points. Anyone can do it.
  Read More
• Good Debt vs. Bad Debt
  Nov 20, 2018
  Is there really such a thing as good debt? Absolutely -- if taken in moderation.
  Read More
• An Invaluable Credit Lesson From Someone With a Perfect Credit Score
  Nov 20, 2018
  Never underestimate your bargaining power as a borrower.
  Read More
• Do You Really Get Rental Car Insurance Through Your Credit Card?
  Nov 20, 2018
  Yes, your credit card may include free rental car insurance, but there is some fine print you should know about.
  Read More
• How to Get Out of Your Car Lease Without Hurting Your Credit
  Nov 20, 2018
  It won't be easy, and you'll probably have to pay.
  Read More
• I'm Married. Do I Need My Own Credit Card?
  Nov 20, 2018
  Rely solely on your spouse's credit card accounts at your own peril. It's smarter and safer to have at least a card or two in …
  Read More
• Will My Credit Score Go Up If I Pay Off My Balance?
  Nov 20, 2018
  All other things being equal, it most definitely will.
  Read More
• Is Debt Settlement a Good Idea?
  Nov 20, 2018
  It may solve some of your problems, but it could also create some new ones.
  Read More
• 5 Credit Score Facts You Need to Know
  Nov 20, 2018
  These could help you improve your credit score and rebuild credit.
  Read More
• What Is Considered a Good Credit Score?
  Nov 20, 2018
  Here's what it means to have good credit, what it can do for you, and how to take your score to the next level.
  Read More
• 5 of the Best Things to Buy With a Credit Card
  Nov 20, 2018
  These purchases should always go on a credit card.
  Read More
• 11 Ways to Accumulate Credit Card Rewards and Points Faster
  Nov 20, 2018
  You don't have to double-down on your spending to double your rewards.
  Read More
• Interest Rates Are on the Rise. Here's How to Prepare
  Nov 20, 2018
  Is this a sign of an improving economy, or a warning to get that debt paid off? A little bit of both.
  Read More
• Do I Need Rental Car Insurance?
  Nov 20, 2018
  There's a good chance you already have rental car coverage from existing policies or credit cards -- but in some situations, buying the insurance makes …
  Read More
• What's the Difference Between FICO Score and VantageScore?
  Nov 20, 2018
  The two most popular credit scoring models can produce very different credit scores.
  Read More
• 10 Credit Tips From Someone With a Perfect Credit Score
  Nov 20, 2018
  Follow these suggestions if you want an 850 FICO score.
  Read More
• More Employers Are Checking Credit Reports. Should You Be Worried?
  Nov 20, 2018
  Your resume isn't the only document that matters to prospective employers anymore.
  Read More
• Should I Get a Fixed- or Adjustable-Rate Mortgage?
  Nov 20, 2018
  It all depends on your situation.
  Read More
• Should I Add My Child as an Authorized User on My Credit Card?
  Nov 20, 2018
  You'll be doing your child a favor if you do, but let's hope that decision doesn't come back to bite you.
  Read More
• Do My Rent Payments Affect My Credit Score?
  Nov 20, 2018
  More and more landlords are sharing your payment history with the credit bureaus. Is yours?
  Read More
• My Credit Score Is 800. Now What?
  Nov 16, 2018
  An 800 credit score puts you in elite company. Here's how to use your high credit score to your advantage.
  Read More
• How Useful Is That Free Credit Score?
  Nov 15, 2018
  There are dozens of credit scoring models out there, and some are more useful than others.
  Read More
• How to Get a Late Payment Removed From Your Credit Report
  Nov 15, 2018
  It isn't always possible, but these few tips can improve your odds of success.
  Read More
• Which Debt Should I Pay Off First?
  Nov 15, 2018
  Some strategies save you more than others, but the best one is the one you'll stick with.
  Read More