Money Brief

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Articles filed under Investing.

How to Fill Out a Money Order: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Fill Out a Money Order: A Step-by-Step Guide

Money orders are a secure — and relatively cheap — way to transfer money instead of using cash, credit cards or checks. With a money order, you don’t share routing and account numbers as you do with a personal check. The maximum amount for a money order is $1,000, so this is not a great...

Apr 4, 2026

4 Ways to Make Learning About Money a Blast

4 Ways to Make Learning About Money a Blast

Turn financial literacy lessons into a game to make them more engaging.

May 2, 2026

5 Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems and Won’t Hold Your History Against You

5 Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems and Won’t Hold Your History Against You

Life ain’t perfect. And given how difficult it can be to reach financial goals (or even just make ends meet), sometimes, our banking and credit histories aren’t perfect, either. Even if you’ve got negative information on your ChexSystems record, which is like a credit report for your banking habits, you likely need a checking account. And while...

Apr 4, 2026

We Asked a Wine Snob to Review All Trader Joe’s Two-Buck Chucks

We Asked a Wine Snob to Review All Trader Joe’s Two-Buck Chucks

It’s just about the cheapest wine out there — but do you get what you pay for? One penny-hoarding, wine-loving writer tasted all the different kinds of Two-Buck Chuck to find out.

Apr 18, 2026

Insurance Explained: 12 Kinds of Policies — and Which Are Worth It for You

Insurance Explained: 12 Kinds of Policies — and Which Are Worth It for You

Insurance can be overwhelming and confusing. Luckily, we’ve taken a look at 12 types of insurance to see what they offer — and if they’re worth your money.

Apr 4, 2026

These Are the 8 Financial Red Flags You Should Address Before You Turn 40

These Are the 8 Financial Red Flags You Should Address Before You Turn 40

Do you have financial red flags popping up in your life? (Spoiler: Most of us do.) Here are several common signs for concern and simple ways to address them this week.

Apr 4, 2026

Dear Penny: Can I Keep Saving for Retirement if I’m Already Retired?

Dear Penny: Can I Keep Saving for Retirement if I’m Already Retired?

Dear Retired, The IRS sure does get bossy about how we save and spend our retirement money, huh? Blame the labyrinth of rules on those sweet tax breaks we get with retirement accounts. Uncle Sam’s kindness has a limit. Before I answer your questions, a quick primer on RMDs: These are the distributions the IRS...

Apr 4, 2026

Risk Tolerance: What It Is and Why It’s Important

Risk Tolerance: What It Is and Why It’s Important

Risk tolerance is how much of an investment loss you can stomach. Use our risk tolerance tool to figure out how much risk your portfolio can take.

May 2, 2026

Homeowners Can Get Cash in 3 Weeks — Without Selling or Taking Out a Loan

Homeowners Can Get Cash in 3 Weeks — Without Selling or Taking Out a Loan

Here’s how homeowners can get cash this month — without selling or taking out a loan. It’s an innovative new way to tap into your home equity.

Apr 4, 2026

Why Money Market Accounts Are a Smart Place to Stash Your Savings

Why Money Market Accounts Are a Smart Place to Stash Your Savings

If you’re looking to save money but you want convenient checking features, a money market account could be right for you.

Apr 18, 2026

Would You Trust an Online-Only Bank? Here’s What You Should Know

Would You Trust an Online-Only Bank? Here’s What You Should Know

Choosing a bank account is a big deal. After all, you’re handing the institution what’s most likely the majority of your money for safekeeping. You want to make sure it’s actually safe. You also need to be able to access that cash for all your day-to-day operations, like paying bills or coughing up for your...

Apr 18, 2026

Is Trading Private Company Stock a Good Idea?

Is Trading Private Company Stock a Good Idea?

Private company stock gives employees access to fast-growing companies before they go public. That's good if the firm grows, but you may want to sell if you need cash.

May 2, 2026