The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments. When inflation rises, child care expenses do, too. If you’re a parent, you may be hoping to get a little financial relief during the … Continue reading →

While setting boundaries around money can sometimes be a daunting task, doing so can help put you on the path to financial wellness. If you struggle with setting (and sticking to) financial boundaries, there’s no better time than the start of a new year to get into the habit. What are financial boundaries?   “Money boundaries are limits that you put … Continue reading →

From repayment policy changes to a sweeping one-time debt forgiveness plan, 2022 proved to be a high-profile year for student loans. But questions have clouded the student loan announcements, and answers are few and far between. We don’t yet know how, when or if some of these changes will take form. As 2023 dawns, here are the biggest questions surrounding … Continue reading →

Federal student loan borrowers haven’t had to make payments on their loans since March 2020, and the pause could continue until the summer of 2023. But even with that pressure off, more of them are struggling, according to a November report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In September, 7.1% of student loan borrowers who were not in default on … Continue reading →

Thrifting is hot, and Goodwill finds are cool again. But while we’re thrilled to find the perfect throwback tee for our own closet, gifting used goods still carries a stigma for some. It shouldn’t. Secondhand gifts are better for your wallet, your community and the environment. “The planet is drowning in excess stuff,” says Lauren Bravo, 34, the London-based author … Continue reading →

This holiday shopping season is shaping up to be longer, pricier and in some ways more chaotic than in previous years, which makes it easy to overspend. But there are also opportunities for significant savings if you know where and how to search for them. “There are supply chain issues, inflation, major retailers reducing inventory — when you put all … Continue reading →

There are a lot of conversations on and off of social media about breaking “generational curses,” which essentially means healing from generational trauma. And part of healing from generational trauma involves changing our relationship with money. What is generational trauma? With generational trauma (also called intergenerational trauma), emotions and behaviors linked to adverse — even terrifying — events are passed … Continue reading →

Logistics in general, and supply chains in particular, weren’t something Black Friday shoppers thought about much. Until the pandemic hit and empty shelves were where baby formula, produce and, yes, toilet paper once stood. Are we past shipping bottlenecks, clogged ports of entry and long-haul trucking issues? How will supply chains and inventory levels impact Black Friday bargains? There is … Continue reading →

Financial misinformation is rampant, and it could be hurting your credit score. A new NerdWallet survey finds that Americans hold many misconceptions about their credit, some of which could seriously damage their scores. Here are three common credit score myths and how to guard against them. Myth 1. Leaving a balance on your credit card is good for your score This is … Continue reading →

Put 20% down when buying a home. Don’t spend more than 30% of your income on housing costs. Keep child care expenses below 10% of your annual household income. These money rules of thumb can be useful guardrails, helping you allocate spending and determine what’s affordable. They can also be incredibly defeating when they feel unattainable. If money “rules” feel … Continue reading →