The best ways to be money smart this week

The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments.My husband and I received tiny shoes, outfits and baby books for our kids when they were born...

The word “investment” likely brings to mind stocks and bonds, but the best return on your money might be obtained by tackling consumer debt. NerdWallet’s annual consumer credit card report found that 18% of Americans say rising interest rates have made their overall debt more expensive. While you can’t predict what money invested in the...

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, April’s inflation report showed a decrease for the 10th consecutive month. So why am I not celebrating yet? Because gas is still over $3 per gallon where I live in North Carolina (and it tops $4 on the West Coast), and virtually everything I buy at the grocery...

Consumers aren’t the only ones getting used to the digital tipping screens that are becoming increasingly popular for in-person purchases. Behind the scenes, striking the right balance with preset tipping options is a delicate process for small-business owners. Set them too high and you could upset some customers. Too low, and you could be leaving...

Spring is kickoff season for many kitchen remodels, bathroom updates and deck repairs, but recent economic turmoil may have homeowners questioning their home improvement plans.Spending on home renovations is expected to slow this year because of factors such as declining home sales and values, rising interest rates, continuing inflation and rumblings of a coming recession,...

Politics and a pandemic have shoved stodgy student loans into the spotlight. Since 2020, borrowers have encountered an onslaught of changes to the federal student loan landscape, including more than three years of paused payments, an upcoming repayment plan overhaul and potential debt cancellation.Backtracked announcements and timeline changes have made it difficult for borrowers to...

Eight states have adopted pay transparency laws, including California and New York, with several more considering legislation. Much of the buzz around these laws has been regarding large corporations and their employees, but how do small businesses fit into the picture? Here's what you need to know. Who must complyIn the states and several localities...

If you're under the impression that the federal government is playing Robin Hood with mortgages — forcing home buyers with good credit to pay more than people with bad credit — you have been bamboozled.The numbers tell the truth: Home buyers with high credit scores pay less on their mortgages than buyers with low credit...

Beginning in 2020, a wave of credit cards offering non-traditional rewards and perks started hitting the market. Rather than focusing on traditional miles, points or cash back, the young financial technology companies (aka "fintechs") behind these cards started leaning in to unique rewards — from crypto and wine to fitness and environmental benefits — to...

Attending college can get pricey, so you’ll want to avoid costs from other places — like your bank account.More than 668,000 students paid nearly $15.5 million in bank account costs in a year, an average of almost $26 per person, according to a 2022 report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. What’s worse is that...