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Money in Your 20s: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Buying a Home
Learn five essential questions you should ask yourself before you buy your first home. These questions can protect you from making poor financial decisions.
Sell a Car With a Loan On It
When you owe more than your car is worth, it can be tricky to sell the car to someone else. It is possible, but you need to make sure to have a way to cover the difference in payments.
Setting Up a Budget
Learn the seven essentials steps you need to follow to set up a successful budget. These easy steps will streamline the budgeting process. This basic budget also allows you to adjust your categories as your needs adjust.
I Can't Afford My Car Payment!
You may come to the realization that you cannot afford your car payment. This may be the result of a job loss or that you have determined that you want to buy a home. You may have sat down and written out your budget for the first time, and realized that you are spending too much on your car every month.
Student Loans Early Payment
Are there advantages to keeping your student loans, as opposed to paying them off early? Do you wonder the best way to deal with your student loans? Learn whether or not you should work to pay off your student loans early.
Debt Repayment Plan
If you are serious about getting out of debt you need a debt payment plan to accomplish your goal quickly. You will learn how to set up a debt payment plan by deciding which debts to pay off first as well as the fastest way to do so.
Top 7 Reasons to Save Money
You can learn the top reasons to save your money. Saving your money will help you to reach your financial goals, provide financial security and enable you to have fun with the money you have now.
3 Ways to Manage Your Money
Learn the three most important things that you can do to make the most of your money. By applying these three things to your money management you will build great financial wealth.
Borrowing Money for School
Learn the steps you need to take before you borrow money for school. These steps will help you to save money and stay on track when it comes to your education.
How Much Should I Be Saving?
You know it is important to save money each month, but how do you determine the right amount for you? The best way to determine this is to carefully look at your budget and make the necessary adjustments.
Money in Your 20s - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Money in Your 20s guide site.
Pay Off Old Debt
If you have debt that you haven't paid on in a long time, you may be wondering what to do about it. It is important to take care of the debt. Often you can work out settlements that can save you money, and clear up your credit report at the same time.
Financial Choices and Your Twe
Learn how your financial decisions now can affect you in the future. This article points out that money is a tool, that you can choose to use effectively or ineffectively. As you address these issues you will better be able to make your money work for you.
Money and College
Good money habits begin in college learn five basics things you can do to improve your financial outlook. By managing your money now, you can prepare yourself for the future.
Credit Score and Old Debt
Paying off old debts may not make an immediate change in your credit score, but it can help you to qualify for a mortgage. It does affect the way that banks view you as a risk.
Basic Finances
Learn the essential things you need to do when you are just starting out on your own. This article covers everything from basic budgeting to understanding your benefits. You'll learn what to watch for when you open your bank account and what types of insurance you need.
Renting Your First Apartment
Renting your first apartment can be a daunting process. Learn what to look for in your first apartment. You will also find places to find better deals on your rent.
Get Current on Your Bills
If you find that you are behind on your bills or payments, it can quickly turn into a negative cycle. Learn what you can do to turn the situation around quickly.
Major Financial Milestones
There are several basic financial milestones that everyone meets. Whether you are preparing to buy a new home, get married, or plan for retirement you need to be prepared to handle these financial decisions.
Do I Need a Credit Card?
People feel they need credit cards for many reasons. Others feel that a credit card is a necessity. However it is possible to live without a credit card. Learn the five most common reasons people need a credit card and how you can manage without them.
Beginner Investing
Are you ready to begin investing? Investing for the first time can be intimidating. Learn five specific areas that you should consider before you begin investing.
Buying Your First Home
Buying your home is huge commitment and a time consuming process. It is important that you understand each of the steps or stages that you must go through on your way to home ownership
Do You Not Make Enough Money?
If you are having a hard time paying for your basic expenses you need to fix the situation as quickly as you can learn the five basic things you need to do to turn the situation around.
Paycheck Withholdings
Learn when you should adjust your paycheck withholdings, and an easy way to discover how many exemptions you should be claiming each year.
What Is the FDIC?
If you are worried about the safety of your money, you need to understand the FDIC and how it works, Your money is guaranteed up to $100,000 if your bank is FDIC insured.
Lower Your Interest Rate
How much are you paying in credit card interest each month? Learn five simple steps that can help you save money on your credit cards bills.
Track Your Expenses
Learn how to effectively track your expenses so that you can make your budget work for you. You can also track your expenses so that you can set up a workable budget.
Student Loan Consolidation
Student loan consolidation can lower your monthly payments and lock in your low interest rate. Learn the steps you need to follow in order to successfully consolidate your student loans.
Find Health Insurance
You may be self-employed, in between jobs, or just find that the insurance policy your company offers is too expensive, all these reasons are reasons to consider independent health insurance policies. It is dangerous to go without health insurance, you need to consider all of the options available to you.
Save Money on Your New Car
When you shop for a car you look at several different dealers, makes and models. It is just as important to shop for a car loan. You can often find a better interest rate through your local bank or credit union than you would find with dealer financing. Additionally if you are not financing through the dealer, you may have more negotiating power to lower the amount that your car costs.
Online Banking
Online banking is an easy and effective way to manage your money. It helps you to keep track of your transaction, and manage your money. It also helps you to stick to your budget, since you find out about forgotten transactions much sooner.
Certificate of Deposit (CDs)
A certificate of deposit (CD) locks your money in at a set interest rate for a certain period of time. A CD can be a useful savings tool for specific goals. However, there are negative aspects to using a CD as a primary investment tool.
Student Loan Alternatives
If you are balking at the thought of borrowing a lot of money to pay for college, there are alternatives to student loans. It may take a little creativity, but it is possible to graduate from college debt free.
Student Loan Payment Options
If you are having a hard time paying your student loans, learn what options are available to you. These student loan payment options can help you save money and get through difficult times
Start Investing
Once you are ready to start investing it is important that you understand what you are investing in. You can learn basic investing advice from your financial planner, but it is also important to understand the investing tools you choose to use.
Build Your Credit
Learn the four basic steps that will help you to use a credit card to build your credit. Credit cards can easily ruin your credit report, following these steps will prevent that from happening.
How Can I Prevent Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is a difficult decision to make. It will affect you for a long time. You need to weigh the negative effects of bankruptcy against any positive benefits you may see.
Look for a New Job
Finding a new job can be an intimidating process. Once you have your first job out of college, you may be tempted to stay there until you retire. However, you will be doing yourself a disservice. It is important to continue to look for growth in your potential as well as your salary and benefits. You can look for promotions inside your current company or you can look outside of your company.
Christmas Savings Account
Learn the benefits of a Christmas savings account. You will also learn the negative aspects of a Christmas savings account. This will allow you to make the best choice on whether or not you should have a Christmas savings account
I Can't Open a Checking Accoun
If you can't open a checking account, you may be wondering how you are going to be able to pay your bills, buy groceries or simply function financially. It is possible to get buy without a checking account.
How to Use COBRA Insurance
COBRA insurance is designed for the times you are between jobs or lose your insurance coverage at work. This option can be quite expensive, so it is important to explore your options and find the best fit for your situation.
Renter's Insurance
Renter's insurance is an easy way to protect your valuables. It is affordable and easy to obtain. Learn how much you need and things you should consider before you purchase your policy.
Get Out of Debt
One of the best things that you can do for yourself is to get out of debt. Debt is very limiting. It limits your earning potential by taking away from the money that you can invest and save. It limits your choices when it comes to changing your career or opening your own business. Debt will constantly hang over you. The only way to get away from debt is to pay it off and stop using credit.
Money and Marriage
Getting married is a big commitment. It involves a lot of trust and work. It is wonderful to find someone that you want to spend your life with. As you prepare to get married, it is important to sit down and discuss finances. One of the leading causes of contention and divorce in marriage is finances. It is important that you take the steps before you get married to make sure that you and your future spouse will work together.
Six Easy Ways to Save Money
Learn six super easy ways to save more money each month. These tricks will help you to save money without even thinking about it.
Understanding Your Paycheck
Learn exactly what is paying withheld from your paycheck and why. You will learn what all those abbreviations mean and where they are going.
Manage Your Credit
Learn the four things you can do so that you are in control of your credit and it is not in control of you. By choosing to manage and use your credit wisely, you will be in control of your financial future.
Get Your Free Credit Report
Checking your credit report is an important part of protecting yourself from identity theft. It is also a good idea to check your credit report a few months before you buy a home, so that you can dispute any information that is incorrect.
Debt Consolidation Loan
Learn what a debt consolidation loan and whether or not a debt consolidation loan is the right option for you. This article will help you to understand how debt consolidation will affect you in the long run.
Envelope Budget
The envelope budget is one of the simplest budgets to follow. If you hate tracking your expenses, and worrying about your money every night then this system is for you. Since it is cash based, you simply stop spending money when it runs out.
4 Rules for Buying a Car
Learn the four most important things to consider before you buy a car.
Keeping a Running Ledger
By keeping a running balance of your checking account, you can protect yourself from being overdrawn. Learn how to keep track in your account ledger.
Saving Money in College
Saving money in college is one of the best things that you can do financially. You may find it difficult to do on a tight budget, but it is possible. Learn the reasons and ways that you can save.
What Bank Accounts Do You Need
There are many bank account options available to you. You can have too many accounts. Learn what bank accounts you should have to make your life easier.
Budget as a Couple
Learn the best way to begin budgeting together. Budgeting as a couple does not need to be a difficult process. As you communicate your needs to each other and compromise this will become a much easier process.
Clear Up a ChexSystems Report
If you have been reported to ChexSystem, you may have a difficult time opening up a checking account. Learn what you can do to improve your chances at being able to open a checking account.
Dispute Your Medical Bills
Medical billing errors are quite common. It is important to watch your statements and bills carefully so that you are not overcharged. It is possible to dispute a charge, though it may take time and work.
Roommate Money Problems
Roommate money problems can be a big source of contention in your life. Learn the best ways to deal with and avoid the most common roommate money problems.
Evaluate Your Budget
Your needs and goals will change over time, and so you should evaluate your budget on a periodic basis. Ideally you should review your budget on a monthly basis and adjust any categories that are consistently lower or higher than you had budgeted, but at least every year you should sit down and totally assess your budget and your financial goals. This process does not need to take as long as setting up your first budget.
Opening Your Bank Account
Learn the five things you should consider before you open a new banking account. These things will help you to choose the right bank account which can save you money in fees and other charges.
Should I Save or Invest?
It is important to understand the similarities and differences between saving and investing your money. It is also important to be sure that you are doing both within your budget and wealth building plan. Basically saving money is putting money aside on a regular basis. You spend less money than you earn and put the rest into the bank. You should have this be an automatic part of your monthly budget.
Should I Use Budget Billing?
Budget billing is a service that many utility companies offer to their customers. It allows the customers to have a set price on their monthly statements. Learn if this service is right for you.
Are You House Poor?
If you find that you are financially strapped each month because of your mortgage, you may be house poor. Learn what you can do to fix the situation and prevent it from happening again.
Dispute Your Credit Report
Whether you have been the victim of identity theft or a clerical error, you can and should dispute any incorrect information that shows up on your credit report. Learn how now.
Recover From Being Overdrawn
Learn the five steps you need to take to stop yourself from being sucked into the overdraft cycle. By acting quickly you can turn this negative situation around and stop it from happening again.
Limit Your Student Loans
Student loans add up quickly. You can reduce how much you borrow by making wise choices and thinking creatively. Learn five ways that you can save money on college.
Employee Benefits
Once you start working you will begin receiving many employee benefits. It is essential that you understand these employee benefits and take full advantage of them.
Adjusting Your Budget
Learn the easiest way to transfer money between categories in your budget. Understanding when and how to do this will help you to successfully stay within your budget limits. It is also the key to taking control of your finances.
Find a Financial Planner
A financial planner can help you to reach your financial goals more quickly. It is important to find a financial planner that will work with your personality and goals.
Pay for Graduate School
Graduate school can be very expensive, but with today's competitive job market, it can give you an edge over the competition. Learn the ways that you can pay for graduate school.
"The Millionaire Next Door"
This book will change the way that you think about and manage your money. This review will help you to decide if this book is right for you.
Emergency Funds
Learn what an emergency fund is, how to determine how much to save and the best savings tool for it.
Five Insurance Mistakes
It is essential that you have insurance. You should make sure that you have adequate coverage for you needs. It is also important to realize that insurance will protect your assets and finances from an accident or other damaging situation. However it is common to make mistakes when it comes to insurance. Here are the five most common insurance mistakes.
Mortgage Options
There are many mortgage options available to you. You can choose from several different loan and payment options when it comes time to paying for your home. You need to make sure you find the options that work best for you.
Balance Your Checkbook
Learn the basic steps to balancing your checkbook. Everyone should know how to do this the old fashioned way--without a computer. This article additionally walks you through the steps that your computer program will have you complete.
Budgeting Your Variable Income
Learn how to budget your variable income so that you avoid the headaches that come with lower income months. A variable income budget is a fairly simple process and will help you to successfully make the most of your money and work.
When Should I Buy a House?
Buying a home is a big investment. It is important to make the purchase at the right time. You do not want to buy a home only to have the prices drop sharply in the first year that you bought it.
Choose Your Health Insurance
It can be difficult to wade through the stack of health insurance enrollment forms. You may have many options and you are not sure which one to choose. You can learn how to determine the one that is right for you.
Choosing Your Credit Card
There are several factors that you should consider before you get a credit card. Learn what benefits to look for, as well as what to walk away from.
Finding Money for Retirement
Saving for retirement is essential. Do not sell yourself short by using the excuse that you do not have money to save. Learn ways to find money to save for retirement.
Fixed Expenses
Learn the definition of fixed expenses.
"Microsoft Money"
A review of the money management software Microsoft Money. You will learn the positive and negative aspects of this software, so that you can decide if it is the right one for you.
Life Insurance
Learn what benefits life insurance provides for you and your family. You will also learn which type of life insurance is best for your family.
Credit Counseling Service
Learn if a consumer credit counseling service is right for you. There are positives and negatives to this service, you need to carefully consider the risks before you decide to use one.
"Rich Dad, Poor Dad"
"Rich Dad, Poor Dad" addresses the different attitudes and investment strategies that separate the poor from the wealthy. This book will change the way you think about money.
"Rich on Any Income"
"Rich on Any Income" offers great budgeting advice and easy instructions to help you set up an easy and doable budget.
Make the Most of your Paycheck
Learn three easy things you should do to make the most of your paycheck. These things can help you lower taxes and take full advantage of the many benefits that your job offers you.
Private Mortgage Insurance
Private mortgage insurance is designed to protect the lender from the buyer defaulting on a loan. There are ways around PMI, but you need to carefully consider these options.
Unsecured Debt
Learn the definition of an unsecured debt.
Borrow for Colle
Once you have determined where you are going, you need to decide how to pay for it. You need to decide how much you should borrow. You don't want to borrow too much money, but you need to borrow the right amount.
Recover from Job Layoffs
Losing your job can throw you into a financial tailspin. Learn what you can do to recover quickly from this crisis. You will need to manage your money wisely while you look for a new job, and focus on making the most of your situation.
Money Market Accounts
A money market account through your bank is a savings tool that allows easy access to your money. The interest rates on money markets are ties to the market, so you often earn a higher interest rate on your balance. Learn if a money market account is right for you.
401K
Your employer may offer you a 401K plan. This is a great way to begin planning and saving for retirement. Learn what a 401K plan is and how to use it to help you reach your goals.
Variable Expenses
Learn the definition of variable expenses.
Banks and Credit Unions
You will learn the difference between banks and credit unions. It is important to understand what each one offers to determine which one will best suit your individual needs.
"Moneywell"
Moneywell software is a new budgeting software program available for Mac users. It offers a great interface and the tools that will help you to track control of your finances.
Begin Saving for Retirement
Saving for retirement can be a daunting process. You need to have a specific goal in mind, and understand the tools that you have to help to reach your retirement goals. Learn these here.
ID Theft by a Family Member
Unfortunately identity theft is commonly done by someone who knows the victim. This can make it difficult for someone to resolve the matter completely. Learn the best ways to deal with the situation.
Tax Refund Options
You want to receive your tax refund quickly and safely. Learn the three options that are available to you. You will learn the pros and cons of each option so that you can determine the best one for you.
Shopping for a Car Loan
It is in your best interest to shop around for a loan when you buy a car, you may find that you can save a lot of money by opting out of dealer financing. Learn what you need to do in order to shop for a car loan.
Should I Take Out This Loan?
Many people fail to consider the implications and commitments that they make when they borrow money. It is important that you carefully consider several things before you decide whether or not you should take out a loan.
ChexSystems
If you have been reported to ChexSystems you may be wondering what you can do to take care of this problem. ChexSystems can have a crippling affect on the way that you handle your finances.
Help My Budget Isn't Working!
If your budget isn’t working for you, you need to carefully consider a few things. Your budget may not be working for a variety of reasons, and until you figure out what they are you can’t fix the problem. These simple questions can help you to address the issues that stop you from managing your money effectively.
Secured Debt
Learn the definition of a secured debt.
Budget by Snowmint
A review of "Budget" by Snowmint. Learn the pros and cons of using this software to manage your money.
Find Out How Much You're Worth
Learn how to determine your net worth. You can also learn what this means and how to change your financial outlook.
Self-Employment Taxes
If you are self-employed you need to know how to pay your self-employment taxes. Learn five basic steps to help you pay your taxes correctly and on time.
Merge Your Finances
Learn the basic steps you need to take to merge your finances with your spouse. These steps will help you get off to the right start in regards to your money.
Basic Savings Account
A basic savings account is a good way to begin saving money. Learn how to determine the right savings account for you and how to determine when it is time to save another way.
Stolen Checkbook
Learn the five steps you need to take to protect yourself once your checkbook is stolen. This will help you to handle this event quickly and efficiently.
Talk About Marriage and Money
Learn the important money matters that you should discuss with your fiancé before you get married. You will learn the importance of understanding finances and communicating effectively about your money.
Social Security Questions
As a young investor or worker you may be wondering how social security will affect you. This will answer your basic questions about social security.
Dealing with Identity Theft
Identity theft is becoming much more common. Learn how to tell if your identity has been stolen, how to prevent it from happening to you, and what to do if it has.
Luxuries
Learn what should be considered luxuries.
What's Good Debt?
Many people believe that there are some debts that are unavoidable such as a mortgage or student loans. They consider these types of debt good, since they help you better your financial picture in the long run.
Stafford Loans
Learn the different types of Stafford loans that you can borrow each year.
Self-Employed Health Insurance
Learn the different factors you should consider when you purchase health insurance for yourself. You will understand the different accounts available to you and how to choose the best plan.
Short Term Disability
Short term disability insurance can help to cover expenses when you are injured or become serious ill. Learn whether or not you should have short term disability insurance.
Retirement Savings After 401K
It is important to take advantage of your employer's match, but are there other options you should consider after you have reached that match? You may want to learn how to grow your retirement savings tax free while making the most of your savings options.
"The Total Money Makeover"
"The Total Money Makeover" offers suggestions on getting out of debt and staying that way.
Holiday Shopping Mistakes
Learn seven holiday shopping mistakes to avoid. These holiday shopping tips will help you to avoid the common spending mistakes that many shoppers make in the holiday rush.
5 Reasons to Buget
The thought of budgeting usually brings a negative response from people. However budgeting doesn't have to be negative. It can help you to begin to control your finances and give you the money you need to live your life the way you want to.
Prepare for a Job Loss
Whenever there is a recession or a downturn in profits many companies resort to layoffs to protect their bottom line. It is important to be prepared so that if you are ever laid off you will be able to handle the crisis. Learn the steps you need to do in order to survive.
Fix Bank Account Problems
You may discover that you have discrepancies between the ledger of your checking account and what the bank has recorded. You may also discover that you have unauthorized transactions. These problems need to be resolved. Learn the steps you need to follow to resolve the problem.
Roth 401K
A Roth 401K is similar to a traditional 401K, but offers different tax savings options. Learn if this new account is the right one for you.
Sinking Funds
Learn when to use sinking funds and the best ways to save for them.
Value Funds
Value funds can be a part of your investment portfolio. These funds can help you to spread your investments conservatively.
RC Vehicles Pit Stop - A toolbox guide Pt.1 - Basic Tools
Serious Radio Controlled vehicle enthusiasts need quality RC tools for pit stops and maintenance of their RC vehicles. Here is a list of Basic RC tools for remote controlled cars, on and off road racers, trucks and buggies.
Paying for Your Wedding
Your wedding is the beginning of your marriage, do not let overspending start your marriage off a negatively. Learn how to save money and budget your wedding properly.
What Is Bad Debt?
Many people borrow money to get things that they want right now. If you borrow money to pay for the fun things you do, you may be accruing bad debt. Understanding bad debt and how it affects you will help you in the future.
Financial New Year Resolutions
Learn five simple goals that can change your financial life. These goals will help you manager your money and make the most out of your money.
File Your Taxes
Filing your taxes can be much simpler than you realize. Taking the time to carefully consider your filing options will save you time and money. Learn the seven things to consider before you sit down to file your taxes.
Types of Insurance
Learn the what type of insurance coverage you should get, and the insurance policies that you are safe not having.
Should I Cosign on a Loan?
You may have a friend or family member ask you to cosign on a loan for them. This is a difficult decision to make, but you should fully understand what the long term impact of this is.
Finances and Having Kids
Having a child does affect the way you handle your money. The changes may not be as big as you think, but you should be prepared to shift your financial focus just a bit once you start having a family.
Save Money on Your Health Care
Even with insurance the cost of health care can be phenomenal. You can help to reduce the amount you pay out of pocket by following the insurance companies rules. It is also important to pay close attention to your statements so that you avoid paying for procedures you didn't have done.
Self-Employment Planning
Learn the areas you need to plan to cover when you are self-employed. You will learn the tax savings available to you as you take care of each of these areas.
Radio Controlled Vehicles - Glossary of RC Parts and Terms
Get aquainted with Radio Controlled Vehicle terminology, a comprehensive glossary of RC terms and parts for RC airplanes, boats, cars, on and off road racers, trucks and buggies.
Self-Employment and Retirement
Learn the best retirement savings options for the self-employed. You will learn how to save money for retirement while taking advantage of special tax savings for the self-employed.
Sinking and Emergency Funds
People often confuse sinking funds and emergency funds. They also use their emergency fund, when they should be setting up a sinking fund to cover that particular expense.
Student Loans and Graduation
When you first graduate from college you may be wondering what to do with your student loan. It is important to begin thinking about paying back your student loan as soon as you graduate. You should plan on paying this loan off as quickly as possible. You do not want to have your student loan for the years to come.
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance can save you money when it comes to taking care of your teeth. Learn how to decide if a dental plan is a good option for you.
Refund Anticipation Loan
Learn what a refund anticipation loan (RAL) is and whether or not you should get one. This loan is offered by the major tax preparation businesses, and targets lower income households.
Financial Moving Checklist
Moving is a stressful time. If you are moving to a new area for a new job or your first job, you need to make sure that you have your finances covered. Generally when people think about moving they focus on finding a place to live and packing up their things. It is important to take time to make sure you take care of all of your finances.
Should I Use My Stock Options?
Stock options are one benefit that many employers offer. Learn whether or not you should take advantage of stock options, and what to do with them once you have them.
Open Enrollment
Take advantage of your company's open enrollment period. This will allow you to change your current benefits so that they best meet your current needs. You can learn what options you should take advantage of, and which ones you really do not need.
Private Student Loans
Private student loans are one alternative to financing your college education. It is important to carefully consider the terms and risks involved with taking out private student loans.
Retirement vs College Savings
Retirement savings and college savings are both important priorities, so how do you decide which one to put first in your financial plan. Retirement will secure your future and keep you from being a burden on your children.
Interest Only Mortgage
An interest only mortgage payment option can lower your monthly payments, but delay paying on the principal of the loan. This can add years on to your loan and you will end up paying more interest over the life of your loan.
Asset
Learn the definition of an asset. Also learn the difference between an appreciating asset and a depreciating asset.

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