Money Brief

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

Education & Certification

Latest Articles

All articles for the active domain.

24 Legit Real Money Games to Play in 2026

Budget Planner

24 Legit Real Money Games to Play in 2026

In today’s digital age, gaming has become more than just a fun way to pass the time — it’s turned into a potential income source. Games that pay real money really do exist. Most offer small but legit earnings for playing bingo, puzzles, solitaire, arcade games and more. In this guide, we’ll talk about 24...

Apr 18, 2026

Now That You’re Vaccinated, Here’s How to Avoid Falling Back into Your Old Spending Habits

Investing

Now That You’re Vaccinated, Here’s How to Avoid Falling Back into Your Old Spending Habits

Good finances aren’t contagious. Now that you’re vaccinated, here’s how to build up your immunity to bad spending habits too.

Apr 4, 2026

What Does Head of Household Mean? Here’s How It Will Impact Your Taxes

Investing

What Does Head of Household Mean? Here’s How It Will Impact Your Taxes

What does filing as head of household mean? We’re here to give you the details.

Apr 4, 2026

Don’t Spend $100 on a Massage. Here’s How to Find Cheap Ones

Insurance

Don’t Spend $100 on a Massage. Here’s How to Find Cheap Ones

The only thing better than a massage is a free massage — or at least one that’s on sale. The national average cost of a massage is $75 per session, but we can do way better than that. If you know where to look, there are plenty of discounted services to be found, even free...

Apr 4, 2026

This 7-Day Savings Challenge Is the Perfect New Year’s Resolution

Investing

This 7-Day Savings Challenge Is the Perfect New Year’s Resolution

Here’s how to organize your finances in six simple steps, so you can achieve your loftiest goals.

Apr 4, 2026

Spring Cleaning for Your Budget: 9 Strategies for Organizing Your Finances

Insurance

Spring Cleaning for Your Budget: 9 Strategies for Organizing Your Finances

Need to organize your personal budget? There’s no better time to do it. Try these straightforward tips to tidy your finances and make your budget look its best.

Apr 18, 2026

How a Medicare Savings Program Could Cut Your Health Care Costs

Retirement

How a Medicare Savings Program Could Cut Your Health Care Costs

Medicare isn’t cheap and it doesn’t cover all your health care costs. The standard Part B premium — which pays for things like medical equipment and doctor visits — is $170.10 per month in 2022. That’s on top of an annual $233 Part B deductible, plus a $1,556 Part A deductible if you’re admitted to...

Apr 18, 2026

Make Up to $50 an Hour With Freelance Bartending Side Hustle

Debt Management

Make Up to $50 an Hour With Freelance Bartending Side Hustle

Freelance bartending is a great side gig that doesn’t require bartending school and can earn you good extra money whether you're working large events or something more intimate. Freelance bartenders can make anywhere from $20 to $50 per hour — and sometimes more — according to freelance bartenders we interviewed. That’s before tips, and those...

Apr 3, 2026

Dear Penny: Can My 17-Year-Old Grandson Invest in a Roth IRA?

Investing

Dear Penny: Can My 17-Year-Old Grandson Invest in a Roth IRA?

Dear J., In theory, this is a great idea. The big advantage of a Roth IRA is that you pay upfront taxes on the money you invest in exchange for unlimited tax-free growth. Since your grandson is 17, I’m guessing he doesn’t have a big tax bill. If he has the discipline not to touch...

Apr 18, 2026

These Banks Offer Free Checking Accounts With No Minimum Balance

Banking & Credit

These Banks Offer Free Checking Accounts With No Minimum Balance

Everyone needs a basic checking account. It’s the account you use to pay the bills, go to lunch and the other expenditures of everyday life. What you don’t need are random fees just for having that account. A monthly maintenance fee? Your checking account doesn’t need an oil change. The other thing you don’t need...

Apr 18, 2026

How Much Do You Need to Save for Retirement? Here’s How to Find Out

Retirement

How Much Do You Need to Save for Retirement? Here’s How to Find Out

Retirement is an important savings goal, but it’s tough to know how to get there. Here’s how much you need to save for retirement, no matter your age or income.

Apr 18, 2026

You Should Probably Freeze Your Credit. Here’s Why

Debt Management

You Should Probably Freeze Your Credit. Here’s Why

Data breaches are increasingly common in today’s interconnected world, but you have access to a free tool that can protect you. Here’s how to freeze your credit.

Apr 18, 2026