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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

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.
May 8, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

Here's The No. 1 Drawback of Premium Travel Credit Cards

Premium travel cards are often recommended for frequent travelers. Find out about the biggest downside of this type of card before you get one.
May 8, 2024 | By Brittney Myers

Is Costco.com Cheaper Than Instacart? You Might Be Surprised

Costco puts an upcharge on online orders. But so does Instacart. Here's how it breaks down.
May 7, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

Thinking About Getting a 6-Month CD? Pay Attention to This Detail

Today's best 6-month CDs have incredible rates. Before you start counting your plunder, make sure you avoid this common math mistake.
May 7, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

The 5 Worst Ways to Redeem Travel Credit Card Rewards

Most travel credit cards give you lots of ways to use your rewards, but they aren't all a good deal. Here are the ones you should avoid.
May 7, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

5 Smart Money Moves to Make With $5,000 Right Now

There are many ways $5,000 can improve your finances. Read on to find out some of the best places to put it right now.
May 7, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

5 Things I Always Buy at Costco

Can't decide what to get at Costco this week? Check out this writer's five personal favorites at his local warehouse.
May 7, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

Summer Markdowns at Aldi Will Save Consumers a Collective $100 Million Through Labor Day

Avoid overspending on food by shopping at low-cost retailers like Aldi. The grocer will offer additional discounts on hundreds of select items. Learn more.
May 7, 2024 | By Cole Tretheway

If You Closed a Chime Account, the Banking App Might Owe You $150 or More. Here's Why

Chime may owe money to customers who closed Chime accounts. Find out whether you qualify for this payout.
May 7, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

Is Closing a CD Early Ever a Good Idea?

Closing a CD early usually brings penalties, but sometimes it makes sense. Here's what you need to know to decide what you should do.
May 7, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

5 Little-Known Perks of Weekend Side Hustles

Weekend side hustles can be a great way to earn cash. Read on to find out why they don't always need to be profitable.
May 7, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

3 Struggles of Managing Credit Cards as a Gig Worker

Are you a busy gig worker with credit card woes? You're not alone. Here are some common issues and ways to overcome them.
May 7, 2024 | By Christy Bieber

3 Credit Card Perks That Make Flying Economy Feel More Like Flying Business Class

The right airline card can allow you to access airport lounges, and more. Learn more here about how to get a first class experience for less.
May 7, 2024 | By Christy Bieber

3 Reasons to Buy a CD in May

May is an ideal time to buy a CD, for a few key reasons. Read on to learn more about why you may want to take action now.
May 7, 2024 | By Ben Gran

Why I Chose These 3 Credit Cards for My 'Chase Trifecta'

Want to get the best deal from travel rewards credit cards? See how to earn more than $2,000 of travel rewards from a Chase Trifecta.
May 7, 2024 | By Ben Gran

The Gender Pay Gap Is Even Bigger for Freelancers, New Survey Shows

Are you a freelancer? See if you're getting paid what you're worth. A new survey from OnDeck unveils the freelance gender pay gap.
May 7, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

Before You Say No to a Credit Card with Annual Fees, Do This

It might seem counterintuitive to pay an annual fee to use a credit card. Read on to see how annual fee cards can actually make financial sense.
May 7, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

3 Little-Known Gift Cards You Can Buy at Costco Now

Using your Costco membership to get a deal on gift cards is smart. Don't miss out on lesser-known gift card offers at Costco. Check out these gift card deals.
May 7, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

5 Good Reasons Not to Renew Your Sam's Club Membership

A Sam's Club membership could help you save money on essentials. But, for some shoppers, it's not always worth paying for another year. Find out why.