Money Brief

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

Education & Certification

Latest Articles

All articles for the active domain.

These Holiday Mocktails Are Overflowing with Flavor, Without the Alcohol

Debt Management

These Holiday Mocktails Are Overflowing with Flavor, Without the Alcohol

New Year’s Eve is a major holiday for alcohol purchases, which can definitely add up. Bypass the booze and try these four mocktails instead.

Apr 18, 2026

Travel Gift Ideas For Women

Budget Planner

Travel Gift Ideas For Women

For the avid traveler in your life, discover top gifts to make their next vacation enjoyable.

Apr 25, 2026

I Rented a Friend: Here’s What it’s Like to Pay a Professional Pal

Retirement

I Rented a Friend: Here’s What it’s Like to Pay a Professional Pal

What is it like to rent companionship via RentAFriend? I found out by renting a friend for a stroll through Chicago.

Apr 4, 2026

15 Cheap Wedding Gifts: Don’t Worry, They Won’t Look Chintzy

Budget Planner

15 Cheap Wedding Gifts: Don’t Worry, They Won’t Look Chintzy

Get ready to start the hunt for cheap wedding gifts and that’s because you will probably be going to more ceremonies this year. The COVID-19 pandemic put a wrench in all sorts of plans in 2020, from festivals and races to graduation ceremonies and weddings. While limiting gatherings has been key to controlling the virus...

Apr 18, 2026

Average Daily Balance Credit Card Calculator

Banking & Credit

Average Daily Balance Credit Card Calculator

Credit card issuers use your average daily balance to determine your interest charges. Enter your purchases and payments in our tool to see your average balance.

May 2, 2026

Recession or Not — Your Finances Need a Backup Plan

Debt Management

Recession or Not — Your Finances Need a Backup Plan

A recession may be on the horizon. Uncertainty surrounding tariffs is creating chaos in the stock market. Inflation is on the rise again. Layoffs are happening across industries. And consumer confidence is tanking, reflected in spending trends. Investors and everyday Americans are holding their breath. After all, a recession could mean more job cuts and...

Apr 18, 2026

Inflation Calculator: Historical & Future Value

Budget Planner

Inflation Calculator: Historical & Future Value

Inflation is the gradual increase in prices across an entire economy. When inflation rises, consumers need to spend more money to buy the same goods and services. A rate of inflation that’s not too high and not too low is necessary to drive spending among businesses and consumers and support a ba

Apr 25, 2026

17 Ways to Make Money Without a Job

Investing

17 Ways to Make Money Without a Job

A 9-5 career isn't the only way to earn income. Paid market research, cash-back apps, renting stuff and rideshare are among ideas to explore.

Aug 1, 2026

ESPP: What to Know About Employee Stock Purchase Plans

Investing

ESPP: What to Know About Employee Stock Purchase Plans

An employee stock purchase plan or ESPP lets employees buy company stock at a discount via payroll deductions. The ESPP then purchases the shares for the employees.

Aug 1, 2026

4 Savings Strategies to Pay Off Your Mortgage — Once and For All

Investing

4 Savings Strategies to Pay Off Your Mortgage — Once and For All

It’s true. A mortgage is a marathon, not a sprint. But any marathon can turn into a sprint when you know the finish line isn’t far or realize your pace has been too leisurely. Financially, there are things you can do to increase your pace, even without necessarily increasing how much you pay monthly. [call_out_box...

Apr 4, 2026

Bank of America Preferred Rewards: More Rewards With Every Purchase

Banking & Credit

Bank of America Preferred Rewards: More Rewards With Every Purchase

If Bank of America financial products appeal to you, consider its Preferred Rewards program and the accompanying boost to credit card rewards.

Apr 18, 2026

5 Things to Know About the Chevron Credit Card

Banking & Credit

5 Things to Know About the Chevron Credit Card

The Chevron credit card’s baseline cents-per-gallon discount isn’t competitive, though you can increase that discount if you spend enough.

May 2, 2026

Page 214