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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 Steven Porrello

5 Credit Cards That Will Help You Earn 5% Back on Nearly Every Purchase

Several credit cards earn 5% back on everyday spending. Read on to learn which five deserve a place in your wallet.
July 3, 2024 | By Dana George

7 Reasons the Chase Freedom Rise Credit Card Is Perfect for Your College-Age Child

Securing the right credit card for your college student can be a money-saving measure. See what the Chase Freedom Rise credit card has to offer.
July 3, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

Top Reasons to Get the Prime Store Card Over the Prime Visa

While the Prime Store Card isn't as robust as the Prime Visa, it's better suited for some people. Learn when you should get the Prime Store Card over the Prime Visa.
July 3, 2024 | By Ben Gran

How to Learn New Skills to Start a Side Hustle (and Earn $30/Hour or More)

Want to start a side hustle that pays well? See how to gain the side hustle skills you need with LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Skillshare.
July 3, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

4 Steps to Finding the Best Checking Account for You

It's important to find the right checking account. Read on to see how.
July 3, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

3 Reasons to Cancel Your Costco Membership in July 2024

A Costco membership has the potential to offer a lot of value. But read on to see why canceling yours might make sense this July.
July 3, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Saving for Retirement? 3 Reasons CDs Are a Terrible Choice

CDs can be a great place to park some cash temporarily. Read on to see why they're a horrible choice for retirement savings.
July 3, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

Is $25,000 Too Much to Keep in a Savings Account?

A savings account might be the best home for your $25,000, even if it means missing out on market gains. Learn when $25,000 is too much for a savings account.
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.