Money Brief

Personal finance systems for spending, saving, debt, and investing.

Education & Certification

Budget Planner

Articles filed under Budget Planner.

How to Remove Collections from Your Credit Report

How to Remove Collections from Your Credit Report

Collections on your credit reports are serious negative information that can do major damage to your credit scores. We offer steps to remove them.

May 2, 2026

Better The Second Time: Smart Picks For Second-Hand Wins

Better The Second Time: Smart Picks For Second-Hand Wins

Second-hand shopping isn’t about settling. It’s about spotting the unexpected, skipping the markup, and finding things with actual character. Some items deserve a second life—and your wallet will thank you before you’ve even wrestled with the tape on a new box. Furniture Vlada Karpovich/Pexels Big-box retailers can't compete with the charm of a $40 mid-century...

Apr 18, 2026

It's Your Birthday! 100+ Places That’ll Give You Free Stuff

It's Your Birthday! 100+ Places That’ll Give You Free Stuff

When it’s your birthday, the last thing you should do is pay for stuff. So here’s a list of 100+ birthday freebies and deals for the best birthday ever!

Apr 18, 2026

Robin Hartill, CFP®'s profile page

Robin Hartill, CFP®'s profile page

Robin Hartill, CFP®, is a senior editor and writer at The Penny Hoarder. She writes The Penny Hoarder's "Dear Penny" personal advice column, which is syndicated in the Sunday business section of the Tampa Bay Times. Her work has been published by The Motley Fool, USA Today, Yahoo! Finance and more. She is a graduate of the University of Florida.

Apr 4, 2026

New Tax Breaks and Remittance Fees in Trump’s 2025 Tax Law: What Workers and Senders Need to Know

New Tax Breaks and Remittance Fees in Trump’s 2025 Tax Law: What Workers and Senders Need to Know

President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” offers a tax break on tips and overtime from 2025 to 2028, and a 1% fee on some outbound remittances starting in 2026. Here’s how it affects you.

Apr 25, 2026

Browse Through Thousands of Donated Items on Goodwill’s Shopping Website

Browse Through Thousands of Donated Items on Goodwill’s Shopping Website

Did you know you can shop at Goodwill online? You may have heard of ShopGoodwill, an auction site where you can bid on items. But there’s also GoodwillFinds, a website launched in 2022 that allows you to browse through roughly 100,000 pieces of secondhand merchandise from the comfort of your couch. It’s a true find...

Apr 18, 2026

Honeydue App Review: A Free Budgeting Tool for Couples

Honeydue App Review: A Free Budgeting Tool for Couples

The Honeydue app is a free, simple budgeting tool designed for couples, who can link accounts, chat within the app and more.

May 2, 2026

5 Things to Know About the GBank Credit Card

5 Things to Know About the GBank Credit Card

The $0-annual-fee GBank credit card earns an unusual 1% back on gambling transactions — and sweetens the pot with 2% back on everything else. Still, it's not a hedge for irresponsible betting.

May 2, 2026

How Much House Can I Afford? Here’s How to Do the Math

How Much House Can I Afford? Here’s How to Do the Math

Before you hit the Zillow listings you need to ask yourself: How much house can I afford? Here’s how to figure out all the factors that go into this huge investment.

Apr 18, 2026

Who Offers the Best Cheap Cell Phone Plan?

Who Offers the Best Cheap Cell Phone Plan?

Could switching carriers help you save money on your cell phone bill? Money magazine analyzed a ton of options to name the best cell phone plans of 2016.

Apr 18, 2026

How to Make Money from Home in 2026: 29 of Our Favorite Ways

How to Make Money from Home in 2026: 29 of Our Favorite Ways

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, someone looking for extra income, or simply someone who wants to escape the 9-to-5 grind, this guide empowers you with proven ways to make money from home — no commuting, working in a cubicle or putting up with office annoyances. No matter your background or experience level, you’ll find something...

Apr 18, 2026

Kristin Jenny's profile page

Kristin Jenny's profile page

Colorado-based writer Kristin Jenny focuses on lifestyle and wellness. She is a regular contributor to The Penny Hoarder.

Apr 18, 2026