The Ascent Articles

Should you really be paying for a Costco membership? Maybe not. Read on to see if you're throwing your money away.

Do you wonder what it takes to be rich? See what high-earning Americans ($100K or more) believe are the secrets to a "rich" lifestyle.

The safest banks in America have large assets and security measures to protect against cyberattacks. Find out which banks rank high for safety.

A high credit score could make it easier to borrow money. Read on to see what else an impressive score might do for you.

CDs are popular these days because rates are strong. But read on to see why opening a CD may not be your best move.

It's essential to choose a business credit card that meets your needs. Find out what card features matter.

Skip the fees and keep things simple. Find out how to avoid common mistakes when picking banks.

CDs are paying 5% -- but how long will that last? Read on to find out.

Less than 2% of Americans have perfect credit. Find out why achieving a perfect 850 is so rare -- and see whether you really need to or not.

30-year mortgage rates have started to come down but remain elevated. Find out how to get the best rate possible.

Flying business class could be easier than you think. Discover three ways to book it without breaking the bank.

Credit scores may feel like they're cloaked in secrecy, but once you understand how they work, you can make improvements. Here's how.

High-yield savings accounts pay real money on your saved cash -- but they also have other excellent benefits. Read on to learn one writer's top HYSA feature.

Is it worth switching banks for higher-yield savings accounts, even if the Federal Reserve cuts rates? See why near-zero interest accounts are costing you.

Flight disruptions are seemingly just a part of the travel experience these days. Check out these tips for how to handle it if this happens to you.

Love the idea of making money in your sleep? Read on for some options that could make you a whole lot richer.

There are plenty of perks to flying first class. But learn about a rarely discussed downside when you always fly this way.

Even a great credit card may not always fit your needs. Here's what happened when one writer decided to downgrade their Amex Platinum Card.

Are you losing sleep about money? You're not alone. See why Americans feel stressed about money, and learn how to shore up your personal finances.

For young home buyers, 4% mortgage rates may feel "normal," but they're not. Keep reading to learn whether you can count on them to be that low again.

Don't overpay for your next flight booking -- use online tools to find the best airfare prices. Learn about a free tool that could save you a lot of money.

Laurel Road is offering up to $540 on a Loyalty Checking account, plus $10 monthly when you meet requirements. Find out how to earn this amazing offer.

It's nice to earn extra interest on your cash in a savings account. But read on to see why putting some of your money elsewhere could be a much smarter move.

I used to always fly economy, but now I make sure to book a better seat. Check out my reasons for switching and how to afford an upgrade.

An Executive membership at Costco gives you cash back on your purchases. But read on to see why an upgraded membership may not be as great as you thought.