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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 13, 2024 | By Christy Bieber

Your Emergency Fund Could Earn Great Rates if You Put It in a CD -- but It's Still a Terrible Idea

Opening a CD with your emergency fund money could leave you stuck facing hard choices if you encounter an unplanned expense. Find out why.
May 13, 2024 | By Ben Gran

How to Maximize Your 401(k) Money if You're 60 Years Old

Are you 60 years old and trying to save more for retirement? See how to maximize your 401(k) at age 60 and get the retirement you deserve.
May 13, 2024 | By Christy Bieber

Should You Buy a 3-Month, 1-Year, or 5-Year CD? Here's How to Decide

Banks typically offer CD terms ranging from a few months to several years. Learn how to choose one, based on a few key factors.
May 13, 2024 | By Cole Tretheway

3 Things That Will Keep Your Savings Safe in an Emergency

Hundreds of thousands of Americans declared bankruptcy in 2023. Find out how to keep your savings secure.
May 13, 2024 | By Ben Gran

How to Maximize Your 401(k) Money if You're 50 Years Old

Are you a 50-year-old investor who wants to make the most of your 401(k)? See how to invest your hard-earned cash for a bigger retirement savings ROI.
May 13, 2024 | By Christy Bieber

Here's The Average American's Net Worth at Every Age. How Does Yours Compare?

The average net worth across all Americans is $192,700, but net worth can vary by age. Learn how to calculate yours here.
May 13, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Ranked: The Top 5 Ways Americans Pay for Travel

Over 90% of Americans are planning to travel this year. Find out how they plan to pay for it to get ideas for financing your next getaway.
May 13, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

3 Items I Always Buy at the Dollar Store Despite Having an Amazon Prime Membership

Some items I buy regularly seem to always cost less at the dollar store. Read on to learn more.
May 13, 2024 | By Dana George

4 Reasons You Should Never Stay Loyal to Your Bank

While some banks take money out of your pocket, others add to your bottom line. See why you may want to examine your banking relationship more closely.
May 13, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

The Most Common Mistakes Small Businesses Make With Insurance

It's easy to overlook your business insurance needs. Read on to see a few common mistakes and how to avoid them.
May 13, 2024 | By Emma Newbery

​​Can CDs Help You Save For Retirement?

Today's high CD rates could boost your savings. Find out whether you should include CDs in your retirement plan.
May 12, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

Here's Why Costco’s Hot Dog Is Still Just $1.50

Costco's hot dog food court deal is almost too good to be true. Read on to see why it's so cheap.
May 12, 2024 | By Christy Bieber

3 Reasons a High-Yield Savings Account May Be a Better Place for Your Money Than CDs

A high-yield savings account offers benefits that CDs don't provide, including the freedom to withdraw your money when you need it. Learn more here.
May 12, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

3 Things Moms Can Do to Save Money

Parenting children can be an expensive prospect. Read on for ways to save.
May 12, 2024 | By Christy Bieber

How Much Money Do You Need to Build a CD Ladder?

A CD ladder is a great way to maximize your CD yields while keeping your money accessible. But how much money do you need to create one? Find out here.
May 12, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

5 Items That Are Almost Always Cheaper at Costco

Costco doesn't always have the cheapest prices. But buying these specific items there is generally a good bet.
May 12, 2024 | By Devon Delfino

Top Hacks for Getting the Most Out of Your HYSA as a College-Bound Teen

High-yield savings accounts can help upcoming college students maximize their savings. Here are four tips to get it done.
May 12, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

Yikes! 20 States Where Car Insurance Costs Over $3,000 a Year

Car insurance rates vary by driver and state. Here are the 20 states where drivers pay the most.
May 12, 2024 | By Christy Bieber

The Biggest Downside of CDs Could Actually Be a Huge Benefit in Some Situations. Here's Why

CDs require you to stay invested to avoid penalties, which means giving up liquidity for your money. Read on to learn why that can be a good thing.
May 12, 2024 | By Maurie Backman

The One Accounting Change That Could Make or Break Your Business

There's one accounting move that could do a world of good for your company. Read on to see what it is.
May 12, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

3 Reasons for Retirees to Invest in CDs

CDs have great perks for retired folks. Keep reading to learn why they're worth considering if you're no longer working.
May 12, 2024 | By Christy Bieber

3 Serious Downsides to Costco Worth Considering Before You Join

Costco has some big downsides, including costlier memberships than its competitors. Here's what you need to know before joining.
May 12, 2024 | By Christy Bieber

3 Questions You Must Ask Before Buying a CD

Don't rush into investing in CDs. Before you do, make sure you're ready by considering these three questions.
May 12, 2024 | By Dana George

10 Tips for Efficiently Managing Your Small Business Finances from Day One

Millions of Americans start new businesses each year. Take a look at 10 tips to ensure your business gets off to a good start.
May 12, 2024 | By Brittney Myers

6-Month vs. 12-Month CD: Where to Put $1,000 Right Now

CDs can help your money grow, but you need to choose the right term length. This is how to figure out the right fit.