Money Brief

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

Education & Certification

Retirement

Articles filed under Retirement.

How Do Rent-to-Own Homes Work? Hint: Not to Your Advantage

How Do Rent-to-Own Homes Work? Hint: Not to Your Advantage

Maybe you’ve seen ads on places like Zillow and Craigslist for rent-to-own homes. You put a little money down, rent the property for a few years and eventually get the option to buy the house. Supporters say it’s an accessible alternative to skyrocketing housing costs and high interest rates, giving everyday people with lackluster credit...

Apr 4, 2026

What to Know About Student Loan Forgiveness Programs – How They Work and 13 Examples

What to Know About Student Loan Forgiveness Programs – How They Work and 13 Examples

Receiving student loan forgiveness isn’t fast or easy, but it can wipe out your federal student loans. This Penny Hoarder guide helps you navigate the programs.

Apr 4, 2026

How to Find Out What Your 2026 Social Security Increase Will Look Like

How to Find Out What Your 2026 Social Security Increase Will Look Like

Social Security recipients are getting a 5.9% boost to their benefits next year. Here’s how to find out your exact increase for 2022.

Apr 18, 2026

6 Simple Ways to Use a Bullet Journal to Manage Your Money

6 Simple Ways to Use a Bullet Journal to Manage Your Money

Budgets don’t have to be boring. Use these six ideas for a bullet journal budget to help you get creative with your saving, spending and debt payoff goals.

Apr 18, 2026

Dear Penny: My Husband Refuses To Discuss His Finances With Me. Is This Normal?

Dear Penny: My Husband Refuses To Discuss His Finances With Me. Is This Normal?

Dear Trapped, This kind of financial secrecy and exploitation is not normal between any two people, least of all a married couple. Only you can fully understand the context of your situation, but secrecy and exploitation that keeps you tethered to a relationship could be a form of financial abuse. Tennessee is not a community...

Apr 18, 2026

These Free State Programs Help You Save Tons of Money on Medicare

These Free State Programs Help You Save Tons of Money on Medicare

Contrary to popular belief, Medicare isn’t free. Monthly premiums, copays and yearly deductibles add up quickly — not to mention out-of-pocket costs on prescription drugs. Navigating Medicare’s complex system by yourself can be overwhelming. It feels easier to just stick with your current plan and hope for the best. But staying put can mean losing...

Apr 18, 2026

Roth IRA vs. 401(k): A Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Retire Someday

Roth IRA vs. 401(k): A Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Retire Someday

How to decide whether a Roth IRA or a 401(k) makes sense for you, even if retirement is decades away.

Apr 18, 2026

Considering a Reverse Mortgage? Here are the Pros and Cons

Considering a Reverse Mortgage? Here are the Pros and Cons

For retirees whose main asset is their house, a reverse mortgage can look very attractive. But is it a smart move?

Apr 18, 2026

What Is A Robo-Advisor? How Do They Work?

What Is A Robo-Advisor? How Do They Work?

A robo-advisor can help automate the process of investing.

Apr 25, 2026

How To Invest In Dividend Stocks

How To Invest In Dividend Stocks

Dividend investing is a way to generate a regular source of income. Learn the potential risks and rewards of adding dividend stock to your portfolio.

Apr 25, 2026

Here’s How to Negotiate Rent in an Out-Of-Control Market

Here’s How to Negotiate Rent in an Out-Of-Control Market

Let’s face it: Rent is out of control. There is some good news, though. Asking rents have fallen 1% since this time last year, according to Redfin's latest report on rents — that's the biggest drop since February 2024. Median asking rents for no- or one-bedroom apartments dropped 1.4% to $1,481 per month, two-bedroom apartments...

Apr 18, 2026

Want to Travel for Free? Enter These Travel Contests to the UK, Portugal, Greece and More

Want to Travel for Free? Enter These Travel Contests to the UK, Portugal, Greece and More

Who doesn’t like to win free stuff? Give yourself a shot at an awesome trip by entering these travel contests. Whether you’re more into beach vacations, road trips, epic festivals or fishing on a quiet river, you’ve got a chance to travel for free.

Apr 18, 2026