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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 3, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Grow Your Savings by $3,000 Before 2025 With These 3 Moves

You can end the year a few thousand dollars richer if you play your cards right. Read on to learn more.
July 3, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

This Is the Most Ridiculous Reason to Not Save for Retirement This Year

Sometimes, putting off retirement savings is justifiable. But read on to see why one common reason is a really poor excuse.
July 3, 2024 | By Ben Gran

Why I Wouldn't Open a 1-Year CD -- Even With Rates at 5%

Want to know if now is a good time to open a 1-year CD? Here are a few reasons why the best savings accounts could be better than the best CDs.
July 3, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Where Can I Use My American Express Card?

American Express is accepted in far more places than it used to be. But it hasn't quite caught up with Visa and Mastercard. Learn what you should know.
July 3, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

One Reason Costco Will Never Accept Coupons

Some people really love using coupons to save -- but Costco doesn't go for that. Keep reading to find out why.
July 3, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

How Expensive Is It to Insure an RV?

Thinking of getting an RV? Read on to see what goes into determining insurance rates.
July 3, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Cancel Your Costco Membership This Minute if These 3 Things Apply to You

Costco memberships have the potential to offer a lot of value. But read on to see when it pays to get rid of yours.
July 3, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

3 Great CDs to Check Out in July

Are you looking to get some income from your cash? Take a look at three great ways to do it.
July 2, 2024 | By Dana George

Here's Why I'll Never Have More Than 8 Credit Cards

The average American consumer has just shy of four credit cards, but that number is not right for everyone. Find out why one writer sticks with eight.
July 2, 2024 | By Christy Bieber

Signed Up for an Amex Platinum Card? Do These 4 Things Now

Want to make the most of your Amex Platinum card? Read on for four steps that can help you cover this card's steep annual fee.
July 2, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

Earn $250 Back After Spending $1,000 With This Student Credit Card

One of the best student credit cards is currently running a valuable welcome offer. See which card it is and learn about its other perks to see if it's right for you.
July 2, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

The Unexpected Downside of Saving for Retirement in a Roth IRA

Roth IRAs are often hailed as a fantastic retirement savings tool. Read on to see why that may not be the case.
July 2, 2024 | By Ben Gran

I Tried the Unique Costco Telehealth Member Benefit to Save on Healthcare. Here's What Happened

Want to save money on healthcare with the power of video chat? Costco members can save big with Sesame telehealth -- but does it really work?
July 2, 2024 | By Emma Newbery

Forget CDs: Here Are 3 Better Investments Now

CDs are just one of many available savings and investment vehicles. Find out how to decide what makes the most sense for your money.
July 2, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

3 Everyday Items I Wouldn't Dream of Buying Anywhere But Costco

This writer shops at Costco regularly for the low prices. Read on to see which items she refuses to buy at a regular supermarket.
July 2, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

Here's How Much Interest You Can Earn on $20,000 in Savings

You could earn between $500 and $4,700 in interest with $20,000 in savings. Learn more about today's best CDs and savings accounts.
July 2, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

I Dare You to Find Me a Retirement Account That Has More Benefits Than This One

Like the idea of tax breaks when saving for retirement? Read on to learn about one account you should be contributing to if you're eligible.
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.