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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

July 2, 2024 | By Dana George

How Much Money Should You Keep in Your Checking Account? Here's the Sweet Spot

It can be tough to determine how much money to keep in your checking account. Keep reading to zero in on how much you should aim for.
July 2, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Costco Hack: I Just Fed My Entire Family Dinner for Only $10

Costco is known for its low prices. Read on to see how this writer just put dinner on the table for $10.
July 2, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Here's One Seamless Way to Pump Extra Money Into Your Brokerage Account Every Year

Love extra money? Here's how to get some in your brokerage account.
July 2, 2024 | By Devon Delfino

CD vs. HYSA: What's the Better Place for Your Savings Right Now?

CDs offer stability, while HYSAs are more accessible. Read on to learn which option makes the most sense right now, and why you should open it ASAP.
July 2, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

3 Reasons Not to Buy Your Groceries at Costco

Saving money on groceries is a big reason to join Costco. But here's why buying food at Costco may be a bad idea for you.
July 2, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

4 Reasons to Switch Banks in July

Now could be a good time to say goodbye to your old bank. Read on to find out some top reasons why people make the switch.
July 1, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

3 Pros and Cons of Amazon's Subscribe & Save Program

Amazon's Subscribe & Save program is very convenient, but there are some pitfalls you should know about. Read on to learn more.
July 1, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

You Can Grow Your Savings by $2,000 This Year With 3 Moves

Want an extra $2,000 by the end of the year? Here's how to pull it off.
July 1, 2024 | By Jordi Lippe-McGraw

The Best Costco Finds This Week

Discover Costco's top July 4th week deals on food and dining essentials! Shop now for great savings.
July 1, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Free Samples at Costco Are Actually Terrible -- Here's Why

Some people love Costco's free samples. Here's why I'm usually not a fan.
July 1, 2024 | By Dana George

Own a Small Business? These 5 Things Can Mean the Difference Between Success and Failure

There are no guarantees of success when you start a small business. However, check out these five factors that can make or break your new enterprise.
July 1, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

How Much Will $10,000 in Savings Be Worth in 10 Years?

Building a large sum of money is just the beginning. Read on to find out how to make your money grow.
July 1, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Here's How to Save Your First $1 Million by Age 50

Saving $1 million by age 50 may be easier than you'd think. But there's a strategy involved. Read on to learn more.
July 1, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

This CD Hack Could Help You Avoid an Early Withdrawal Penalty

Don't get dinged for withdrawing a CD before it matures. Read on for an easy way to avoid losing money.
July 1, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Here's How to Get Costco to Give You Back $100 per Year

Love getting money? Costco will give you some if you play your cards right. Read on to learn more.
July 1, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

I'm 60 With No Retirement Savings. What Are My Options?

Being 60 with no money saved for retirement is far from perfect. But your senior years aren't doomed, either. Read on to see why.
July 1, 2024 | By Christy Bieber

4 Things You Must Know if You Deposit $10K Into Your Bank Account

Moving large amounts of money around? Read on to learn how some rules under the Bank Secrecy Act could affect you.
July 1, 2024 | By Dana George

3 Places That Don't Take Discover Card

Discover offers some of the most popular cards in the U.S., but they're not accepted everywhere. Here are three places that won't accept Discover as payment.
July 1, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

3 Reasons to Open a CD in July

July is a great time to open a CD. Read on to find out why.
June 30, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

3 Unexpected Drawbacks of a Costco Executive Membership

I love my Costco Executive membership. But here are three pitfalls you might encounter.
June 30, 2024 | By Devon Delfino

This Is How Much Money You Can Make With $5,000 in a CD Ladder

A CD ladder can be a great way to lock in high rates while still having regular access to your cash. Read on to learn how much you could earn with a $5,000 CD ladder.
June 30, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Will Your Costco Membership Actually Save You Money?

People join Costco all the time to save money. Read on to see if getting a membership is worth it for you.
June 30, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Is a CD a Good Place for Retirement Savings?

A CD could be a good tool to use for retirement savings -- but only under limited circumstances. Read on to learn more.
June 30, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

These Are the Highest Rated Car Insurance Companies in Every Region of the U.S.

Finding good car insurance can be challenging. Here are some of the most popular car insurance companies in every region of the country.
June 30, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

I Earn $60,000 a Year. How Much Can I Save by Retirement?

It's possible to build a lot of retirement savings on a modest income. Read on to see how.