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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 Devon Delfino

Fight The IRS With First-Time Abatement

First-time abatement can help taxpayers in good tax standing avoid penalties -- if you can qualify. Read on to learn more.
April 25, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Here's What Happens When You Apply for a Mortgage and You're Self-Employed

It's by no means impossible to get a mortgage when you're self-employed, but it can be harder than if you're a salaried employee. Read on to learn more.
April 25, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

These 6 Items Are Over $50 Off at Sam's Club Now

Becoming a Sam's Club member could help you keep more money in the bank. Don't miss these limited-time sales, which promise discounts of over $50.
April 24, 2024 | By Dana George

3 Ways Taking Financial Advice From TikTok Can Leave Your Life a Mess

More than half of TikTok users say they turn to the platform for financial advice. Find out why that's a dangerous idea.
April 24, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

3 Signs You're Not Ready to Buy a Home This Year

It may not be the best time for you to buy a home. Read on to see how to tell.
April 24, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Never Overlook This When Applying for a Veterans Mortgage

One of the biggest perks of a VA loan may also be a huge drawback. Read on to learn what to consider with this kind of mortgage.
April 24, 2024 | By Dana George

What Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know About Payroll Taxes

Atop the mountain of issues a small business owner must oversee, payroll taxes is one of the most important. Find out why.
April 24, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Common Mistakes Veterans Make When Applying for a Mortgage

Buying a home as a veteran comes with special considerations and a few potential pitfalls. Read on to find out how to avoid them.
April 24, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

Will Hotter-Than-Expected March Inflation Push CD Rates Higher?

Annual inflation in March was higher than expected. Read on to learn how this might affect CD rates.
April 24, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

Looking to Save on Baby Gear? 9 Things You Can Buy Used and 7 Things You Really Shouldn't

Baby gear gets expensive quickly. Here's a quick primer on what's OK to buy used and what isn't.
April 24, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

This Is Hands Down the Worst Investing Advice I Ever Received

Bad investing advice could cost you big time. Read on to learn about some advice this writer thankfully strayed from.
April 24, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

Costco Sells Sports Collectibles Signed by Superstars. Are They Worth the Price?

Costco sells collectibles at a discount. Read on to find out how much you might save by buying them at the warehouse club.
April 24, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Keep This Risk in Mind When Opening a CD -- and It's Not What You Think

You need to be careful when opening a CD. Read on to see why.
April 24, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

How Often Will You Get Free Business Class Seats With Elite Airline Status?

There's no perfect answer when it comes to airline upgrade probabilities. But find out what you need to know about the process.
April 24, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

3 Reasons to Consider a Prepaid Phone Plan

You don't need to sign a long-term contract for wireless service. Learn why a prepaid phone plan could be a better option.
April 24, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

I Want to Buy an Airbnb -- How Much Do I Need for a Down Payment on the Mortgage?

Airbnb rentals can be an excellent way to invest in real estate and have a vacation home for your family to enjoy. Find out the down payment you'll need.
April 24, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

This Could Be the Most Valuable Feature of Your 401(k) -- and It's Not Your Employer Match

There's a benefit to participating in a 401(k). Read on to see what it is.
April 24, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

4 Problems You Could Face if You Don't Save Enough for Retirement

It's recommended that everyone saves for retirement throughout their career. Find out how your retirement could be affected if you don't save enough.
April 24, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

How Low Will Mortgage Rates Go in 2024? Here's What We Know So Far

Mortgage rates are expected to fall later in 2024. Just how far they fall is the big question. Read on to learn more.
April 24, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Why Haven't High Borrowing Costs Caused a Recession?

Many financial experts were convinced that a recession would've happened by now. Read on to see why we've been able to avoid one.
April 24, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

3 Little-Known Perks of Travel Credit Cards

Travel credit cards have lots of benefits, including some that fly under the radar. Discover the little-known perks you could get with a travel card.
April 24, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

3 Reasons to Cut Back on Your Costco Shopping

There is such a thing as too much Costco shopping. Read on to learn more.
April 24, 2024 | By Dana George

Why I'm Slowly Moving Money Out of My High-Yield Savings Account

High-yield savings accounts are awesome, but they don't have to be forever. Here's why one writer plans to move her money out soon.
April 24, 2024 | By Brittney Myers

These Credit Cards Offer Big Savings for New Homeowners

Being a new homeowner is expensive. Here's how to find savings from your credit cards.
April 24, 2024 | By Brittney Myers

My Amex Platinum Card Paid for Itself in 2023. Here's How

The Amex Platinum Card is objectively expensive. But it's worth it for many cardholders. Here's how the math worked out for this author.