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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 8, 2024 | By Ben Gran

Have You Done Your BOI Reporting for Your Small Business? Do These 3 Errands Next

BOI reporting is a new federal requirement for business owners in 2024. Check out three important tasks to do before and after you file your BOI report.
May 8, 2024 | By Ben Gran

Top 5 Money Mistakes That Couples Make

Want to save your relationship from money trouble? Watch out for these big money mistakes for couples -- and keep talking and loving each other.
May 8, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

Here's How You Can Take Advantage of Southwest Airlines' Newest Perk

Want to book a Southwest flight but don't have enough points? Now you can with this new feature. Find out how to redeem points and cash for Southwest flights.
May 8, 2024 | By Ben Gran

How to Save Your Relationship From Money Trouble

Want to prevent fights about money? See why 37% of couples feel financially unequal -- and learn what you can do better.
May 8, 2024 | By Ben Gran

U.S. Bank Is Offering a $200 Bonus for New Accounts. Here's Why It's Not Worth the Effort

Some banks' new account bonuses sound impressive, but the numbers don't add up. See why U.S. Bank's $200 savings account bonus isn't that great.
May 8, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

3 Terrible Choices We Make With Credit Cards That Feel Smart at the Time

Credit cards come with risks, like interest rates and fees. Learn which three choices feel can come back to haunt you later.
May 8, 2024 | By Ben Gran

Could This Personal Finance App for Couples Save Your Relationship?

Tired of fighting about money in your relationship? Check out Tandem, a personal finance app for couples to split bills, save money, and set goals.
May 8, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Understanding the Downside of CDs for Young Investors

CDs are red-hot right now, but they're not the best fit for everyone. Learn why younger investors may struggle with CDs.
May 8, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Get a Free Night at a 5-Star Hotel With This Card's Limited-Time Sign-Up Bonus

Chase is offering an excellent welcome bonus on two of its top credit cards. Find out what it could mean to you.
May 8, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

Should You Buy Outdoor Furniture at Costco?

Buying household goods at Costco can save you money. For some shoppers, buying outdoor furniture there is worth it, too. Find out what you need to know.
May 8, 2024 | By Ben Gran

Do You Feel Behind on Retirement Savings? Here's Why You Might Be Fine

Worried that you'll never be able to retire? Here are five reasons to breathe easier.
May 8, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

Ranked: The 5 Best CDs to Open in May 2024 (Rates up to 9.5%)

Banks continue to pay out generous rates on CDs. Find out which five CDs have the highest APYs in May 2024.
May 8, 2024 | By Ben Gran

4 Unexpected Challenges in Starting a Small Business and How to Overcome Them

Want to start a business? See how to tackle four big obstacles in getting your new company off the ground.
May 8, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

CD Rates Are Already Falling. Is Now the Time to Lock in a 5% APY?

CD rates have been exceptionally high over the last year, but they're beginning to come down. Here's what to know if you're thinking about opening one.
May 8, 2024 | By Ben Gran

This New Product From Wealthfront Could Be Better Than 5% CDs

Want to earn a higher return on your cash savings? Check out the Wealthfront Automated Bond Ladder, a new bond investment product with state tax advantages.
May 8, 2024 | By Ben Gran

5 Perks You Should Get With Airline Elite Status -- But Don't

Wondering if airline elite status is still worth it? Take a look at five creative elite status perks we'd love to see.
May 8, 2024 | By Christy Bieber

CD Rates Above 5% May Not Last Much Longer. Here's Why I'm Still Not Rushing to Buy

CD rates are great right now, but today's high yields won't be available forever. Find out why I'm not jumping to invest before they disappear.
May 8, 2024 | By Brittney Myers

How to Fly Business Class to France for Free

How to Fly Business Class to France for Free
May 8, 2024 | By Ben Gran

How to Invest Your 401(k) Money if You're 30 Years Old

Want to know where to put your 401(k) money as a 30-year-old? Here are three easy asset allocation strategies.
May 8, 2024 | By Emma Newbery

CDs vs. Savings Accounts: Here's How to Decide

High interest rates have led many Americans to buy CDs in recent years. Find out how they differ from savings accounts and if they might make sense for you.
May 8, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

3 Ways Veterans Can Secure an Affordable Mortgage

You served your country, and you deserve to own a home here. Keep reading for a few tips to find a home loan you can afford.
May 8, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

I Use This Travel Credit Card Perk Every Time I Fly

Travel credit cards have lots of valuable benefits. Learn about one that could help you have a much better time at the airport.
May 8, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

3 Lessons Learned From Failed Attempts at Credit Repair

I destroyed my credit during college, and it took me a while to get the credit repair game right. Read on for a few hard-learned lessons.
May 8, 2024 | By Ben Gran

Why These 2 Big Savings Account Bonuses Aren't Worth Signing Up For

Feeling tempted by a big bank sign-up bonus to get hundreds of dollars of cash for a new savings account? See why these deals have downsides.
May 8, 2024 | By Ben Gran

Top 5 Tips to Make Your Side Hustle More 'Serious' (and Successful)

Want to make serious cash from your side hustle? See how to maximize your small business marketing (and profit) for every hour of side hustling.