Personal finance systems for spending, saving, debt, and investing.
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Budget Planner
Articles filed under Budget Planner.
Dear Penny: My Handyman Says I Should Tip Him $20/Job. Seriously?
Dear P., If your handyman thinks he can command an extra $20 per job for his services, he should charge customers accordingly. In no way would I begrudge anyone for taking the best-paying work they can find. But what he shouldn’t do is expect his customers to get the memo via ESP that he wants...
Apr 18, 2026
Retirement Budget 101: 9 Ways to Stretch Your Retirement Savings
You’ve spent decades in the workforce earning a living, your schedule dictated by the demands of the job. All the while, you’ve been steadily adding to your savings so one day you could get to this point: Retirement. You finally have time to cross items off your bucket list — or simply catch a midweek...
Apr 18, 2026
Bored of the Same Old Recipes? 9 Free Cookbooks to Spice Up Your Kitchen
Take some of the stress out of meal planning with these free recipes and cookbooks — even if you have dietary restrictions. What’s for dinner?
Apr 18, 2026
What Is a Cash Management Account and How Does It Work?
Many people today are worried about their finances and savings. Concerns about disruptive global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine further strengthen the desire to stay on top of our savings and budgets. Fortunately, consumers have a lot of choices when it comes to how they save their money. An often...
Apr 4, 2026
Dear Penny: Is It Crazy to Go Back to College and Live in a Bus at 60?
Dear C., When someone tells you you’re making a terrible mistake, a lot of times what they really mean is, “That’s not what I’d choose for my life.” Being on the receiving end of this feedback is so not helpful. You’re on the cusp of big life decisions. You need a sounding board, not a...
Apr 18, 2026
Calling All Word Nerds: Make $57K Working From Home as a Freelance Proofreader
If you’re known for catching typos and mistakes in everything you read, why not turn that talent into a profitable freelance business? As a proofreader, you can work from home on your own schedule — and the starting wage of around $17 an hour isn’t bad, either. For more advice on the perks and challenges of the freelance proofreading life, we spoke with Caitlin Pyle of ProofreadAnywhere.com.
Apr 4, 2026
10 Money Lessons Every Parent Should Teach Their Kids
Want your children to be good with money? Budgeting for kids can be broken down into mastering the concepts of earning, spending and saving money.
Apr 4, 2026
What Suze Orman Says About Living Within Your Means
Suze Orman built her reputation by providing honest and practical financial advice. As a bestselling author and personal finance expert, she's helped millions make smarter money decisions without overcomplicating the process. Here are 15 of her most realistic tips for spending less. Cut Spending Not Joy Antoni Shkraba Studio/Pexels Trimming the budget doesn't have to...
Apr 18, 2026
Our Ultimate Tipping Guide Explains How Much to Leave in Every Situation
Ever wondered how much to tip? The Penny Hoarder’s ultimate guide to tipping will tell you everything you need to know, from who to tip and how much.
Apr 18, 2026
Is an REI Membership Worth It?
Is paying $30 for an REI membership really worth it? If you shop there more than once, the answer is likely “yes.” REI Co-op sells pretty much all the outdoor gear you could ever want, besides fishing poles and hunting rifles. That gear comes with a one-year return policy, free shipping and a 10% rewards...
Apr 18, 2026
Deferred Compensation: What It Is, Plan Pros and Cons
Deferred compensation is a benefit plan that allows employees to postpone income until retirement or other future date, reducing their current taxable income.
Jun 13, 2026
How To Invest In Gold
Few investments have rivaled gold in popularity. Here's what you need to know about how to invest in gold.
Apr 25, 2026