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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 18, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

75% of First-Time Home Buyers Are Optimistic About Today's Housing Market. Here Are a Few Positives

Looking to buy a home? Today's real estate market isn't easy to navigate, but see why it's not all bleak.
May 18, 2024 | By Ben Gran

How to Overcome These 5 Bogus Fears and Open a 5.00% APY Savings Account

So you're thinking about opening a 5.00% APY savings account -- but you have some worries. See how to overcome the fears, and get the "free money."
May 18, 2024 | By Jordi Lippe-McGraw

The Best Way to Book Qatar Airways' Famous QSuite With Credit Card Points

You can unlock the luxury of Qatar Airways' QSuite for less! Learn savvy strategies to book using credit card points.
May 18, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

How to Make $1,000 a Year With CDs

Today's great CD rates make it easier to earn $1,000 annually on these lucrative bank products. Find out how to earn $1,000 with CD investments.
May 18, 2024 | By Cole Tretheway

This Is Why Your California Auto Insurance Just Got More Expensive

Allstate hiked car insurance rates in California by 30% in 2023. Find out why auto insurance is getting more expensive.
May 18, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

The 5 Vacation Costs That Stress People Out the Most -- and How to Cut Them

Travel is fun, but it can also lead to stress about money. See which vacation costs are the biggest stressors and how you can solve them.
May 18, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

Here's What Happens When You Put $50,000 in a 5-Year CD

Got $50,000 in savings? Learn how much you could earn by putting it in one of the best 5-year CDs.
May 18, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

The 3 Most Common Payroll Mistakes Small Businesses Make

Is your business at risk of making major payroll mistakes? Read on to see if that's the case, and learn how to avoid common blunders.
May 18, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

How Much of an Emergency Fund Do You Need if You're Buying a House?

It's important to have ample cash reserves as a new homeowner. But how much is enough? Read on to find out.
May 18, 2024 | By Jordi Lippe-McGraw

7 Surprising Insights Into Boomers' Financial Habits

What can financial trends among baby boomers teach us about finances in America? Keep reading to find out.
May 18, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Could CD Rates Rise Again in 2024?

It's unlikely that CD rates will go up from where they are today. Read on to see why.
May 18, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

5 Reasons Not to Renew Your Costco Membership

A Costco membership is an extra expense, so it's wise to ensure it's still worth the cost before you renew. Find out why you may want to avoid renewing.
May 17, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

Stock Market vs. 5% CD: How Much $5,000 Grew Over the Past 2 Years

The stock market trounced CDs in recent years. Read on to find out the best place to put your money and when.
May 17, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Earn $250 Back After Spending $1,000 With This Credit Card

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card makes it easy to save money on exploration. Read on for a breakdown of this card's features.
May 17, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

3 Ways to Save $7,500+ by Buying a Tesla

Teslas can be a good EV option for some drivers. Read on to learn how to save big on your next electrified ride.
May 17, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Earn $200 Back After Spending $1,000 With This Credit Card

The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card offers great perks for those deep in the bank's ecosystem. Read on to learn about its features.
May 17, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Here's How Much You Need to Spend at Costco to Make an Executive Membership Worth It

There's a simple formula you can use to determine whether an Executive membership at Costco makes sense. Here's what you need to know.
May 17, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

You Won't Believe How Much I Saved on Homeowners Insurance by Shopping Around

I cut my homeowners insurance bill by 25%. Check out some shopping tips you can use to save, too.
May 17, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

Can You Ever Have Too Many Bank Accounts?

Having multiple bank accounts has advantages, like increased FDIC insurance coverage, but also comes with risks. Learn how to open multiple accounts wisely.
May 17, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Earn $650 Back After Spending $3,000 With This Card

Like Hilton properties? Keep reading to learn about the Amex card that can make your stays there even more worthwhile.
May 17, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

Ranked: The Best Airlines for Economy Class

Are you planning to book an economy class flight soon? Don't settle for any airline. Find out which airlines offer the best economy class experience.
May 17, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

Earn $200 in Cash Rewards After Spending $500 With This Credit Card

Rewards credit cards make it easy to save more money. Check out the Wells Fargo card you could use to earn hundreds in cash rewards in a matter of months.
May 17, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

3 Amazon Shopping Mistakes I've Finally Learned Not to Repeat

I've made far too many Amazon blunders in my day. Read on so you can avoid my mistakes.
May 17, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

This Is How Much Money You Could Make With $5K in a High-Yield Savings Account

There's never been a better time to have money in the bank. Keep reading to see how much interest you can earn if you choose the right account.
May 17, 2024 | By Dana George

Why Every Small Business Should Consider Contactless Payments Through Their POS

Contactless payments have become the norm in the U.S. Check out why your small business may want to offer this option.