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Dear Penny: I’m 54 With No Retirement Savings. How Do I Get Started?

Retirement

Dear Penny: I’m 54 With No Retirement Savings. How Do I Get Started?

Dear E., Investment firms produce fancy charts that claim to tell you how much you should have saved at any given age. According to the charts, a person in their mid-50s should have anywhere from five to eight times their annual earnings in a retirement account. But chartland is a perfect world. It’s one where...

Apr 18, 2026

Great Lakes Student Loan Services Review 2022: Pros & Cons

Debt Management

Great Lakes Student Loan Services Review 2022: Pros & Cons

Great Lakes Educational Loan Services is a student loan servicer that handles both private and federal student loans. A loan servicer doesn’t lend the money. Instead, these organizations handle the administrative aspects of the loan for the lender. In practice, that means you deal with Great Lakes (and make your payments to it) but the...

Apr 3, 2026

Prefer the Pen-and-Paper Approach? Organize Your Money With a Budget Binder

Budget Planner

Prefer the Pen-and-Paper Approach? Organize Your Money With a Budget Binder

You’ve got receipts bursting out of your wallet. You’ve scribbled down financial goals on a random sheet on paper you can no longer find. You’ve forgotten the limit you gave yourself for grocery shopping this month. If any of that sounds familiar, your financial life could probably use a little organization. A budget binder can...

Apr 18, 2026

AmEx Pay It Plan It: What It Is and How It Works

Banking & Credit

AmEx Pay It Plan It: What It Is and How It Works

A new feature from American Express lets you pay down purchases one at a time with your smartphone and might help you save money on interest in the process.

Apr 18, 2026

21 Apps That are Absolutely Perfect for Any Mobile-Shopping Junkie

Debt Management

21 Apps That are Absolutely Perfect for Any Mobile-Shopping Junkie

These 21 shopping apps are sure to save you money and spice up your couch-browsing experience.

Apr 3, 2026

20 Ways to Beat the High Cost of Heating Your Home During the Winter

Budget Planner

20 Ways to Beat the High Cost of Heating Your Home During the Winter

The 2024 Farmer’s Almanac predicted the current winter season would be “wet and cold for most locations." It was right. That means it is a good time to figure out how to lower heating costs so you can stay warm without breaking the bank. With high prices on food, gas and utilities, we could all...

Apr 18, 2026

Average Student Loan Debt Statistics

Banking & Credit

Average Student Loan Debt Statistics

More than half of college students leave school with debt and school costs continue to rise. Discover more about student loan debt in America.

Apr 25, 2026

4 Budget Questions for Couples Who Don’t Want to Fight About Money

Budget Planner

4 Budget Questions for Couples Who Don’t Want to Fight About Money

Navigating finances in a relationship can be tricky. You may think everything is progressing smoothly. But your budget and savings account say otherwise. Talking about money and budgeting with your partner isn’t the most romantic way to spend time together, but it can actually make your relationship stronger. Whether you use a budgeting app, an...

Apr 18, 2026

Bubble Cash Review: Is It Legit?

Debt Management

Bubble Cash Review: Is It Legit?

The Papaya Gaming app Bubble Cash has just what the name suggests: bubbles and the chance to win cash. You play the classic bubble shooter game in paid tournaments or in free practice rounds.  But, can you really win money playing it? Yes, The Penny Hoarder even names it as one of the 24 Games...

Apr 6, 2026

What Are Credit Card Interchange Fees?

Banking & Credit

What Are Credit Card Interchange Fees?

While largely invisible to consumers, interchange fees help fund credit card rewards and benefits and may also affect prices where you shop.

May 2, 2026

How to Get a Will Online Fast and Cheap

Retirement

How to Get a Will Online Fast and Cheap

What happens to your belongings if you die unexpectedly? It’s a tough topic to tackle. But no matter how hard you ignore it, we’ll all die someday. Whether it’s this year or 70 years from now, you’ll want to make sure your loved ones are taken care of when you’re gone. That’s where a will...

Apr 18, 2026

What Is a Roth IRA? 8 Reasons to Open One Today

Retirement

What Is a Roth IRA? 8 Reasons to Open One Today

If you’re not sure what a Roth IRA is, you’re in the right place. We break down the pros and cons of this unique way to save for retirement.

Apr 18, 2026

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