Learning how to budget effectively in your 20s is a critical skill that sets the foundation for lifelong financial stability. With student loans, rent, food and other lifestyle expenses, budgeting may seem intimidating, but it’s possible to create a workable financial plan. More than simply cutting costs, creating a budget for 20 year olds is about building a system that helps you save, invest and grow your wealth. By adopting smart financial strategies now, you can set yourself up for a brighter future. This article will guide you through practical tips to control spending, increase savings and plan for long-term…

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the key that unlocks federal student aid – including grants and student loans. It’s also the primary tool that colleges and universities use to award need-based scholarships. The FAFSA is typically filled out by families in the fall of their senior year of high school, and then repeated each year of college. In fact, the FAFSA just opened for the 2025-2026 academic year. Given the importance of filling out the FAFSA, almost one-quarter of states have adopted rules requiring their graduating seniors to fill out the FAFSA. Here are the states…

According to Experian, the average American’s debt is $104,215 including credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, and student loans. If budgeting feels dreadful and boring, you’re not alone—but it doesn’t have to stay that way. A few simple shifts in how to budget better can turn it into a tool that empowers your financial goals. Here’s how to get a head start and take control this year: Schedule Your Budget Like A Meeting With Your CEO Time is your most valuable resource. Dedicate two hours per month to reviewing and adjusting your budget. Use this time to tackle small wins, like…

An Associated Press report dug into “buy now, pay later” programs and the problems they can cause. They can be particularly attractive to people with poor or no credit histories. There’s been press over the years arguing that the Gen Z demographic — those born between 1997 and 2021 — has been particularly enamored of the arrangements and that somehow it is putting them in debt more than any other generation. Except, they aren’t. Buy Now Pay Later Let’s start with BNPL programs. In theory, they can sound fine for someone without available credit, or who doesn’t want to use…

Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode: Celebrate 2024’s Financial Turkeys as we spotlight the year’s biggest money blunders and share tips to avoid them yourself.Why are grocery prices so high in 2024? What are ghost jobs and how do they affect job seekers? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner roast the year’s “Financial Turkeys” (pun intended), spotlighting the biggest money misfortunes of 2024 and offering listeners a chance to commiserate over shared financial frustrations. They share their own takes on this year’s financial flops and invite listeners to reflect on…

A strong credit score is one of the most valuable tools in your financial arsenal. It can lead to lower interest rates, better loan terms, and even job opportunities. Yet, many people struggle to maintain or improve their credit, either due to misinformation or a lack of guidance. This article discusses eight straightforward and effective strategies to help you boost your credit score and set yourself up for long-term financial success. 1. Know Where You Stand Before you can improve your credit score, you must first understand your current situation. Review your credit report, which you can access for free…

Beyond merely dividing expenses, budgeting for couples is about creating a financial plan that reflects your shared goals and values. Learning how to budget effectively can strengthen your relationship and set a solid foundation for your future. Whether you’re navigating a shared budget for the first time or refining an existing plan, this guide explores practical tips and strategies to help you manage your money together while fostering financial harmony. Budgeting Strategies For Couples Budgeting for couples is different from individual budgeting because it involves aligning two distinct financial profiles. It requires compromise and open communication to ensure fairness and…

As we enter the holiday shopping season, most consumers are bracing themselves for excess spending and worrying about how much debt might follow them into the New Year. But what if there were a way to earn money while doing the holiday errands you were planning to do anyway? For people who love shopping—or are just really good at it—the holidays present an ideal time to transform those skills into lucrative side hustle. Whether it’s scouting for deals, curating wishlists, or simply helping others with their holiday needs, there are lots of fun and creative ways to offset your holiday…

In 2024, the Latina pay gap widened for the first time in 20 years. That’s because Latinas working across full time, part time and seasonal work this year are paid 51 cents to the dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men, according to the American Association of University Women. Net net, Latinas stand to lose $1.2 million over a 40 year career. But Monica Ramirez, author, attorney and social entrepreneur who has advocated for the Latina Equal Pay Day campaign for more than a decade, said this kind of disparity can widen to $2 million under the most severe pay gaps.…

Do you have any idea of how you would care for both your parents and kids? Would caring for your parents leave you broke? Whether you like it or not, at some point, your parents will likely need your assistance as they age. How you handle it is up to you. Is Sandwich Generation Financially Prepared? Realizing your parents are human may come as a shock. As we age, our parents may need more help and care. Some of your parents have been good with their money and saved diligently for retirement. Sadly, just as many – and we’re talking…