Category: budgeting

Use of ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Financing Increasing

Sales during Cyber Monday 2022 were $11.3 billion. That’s a 5.7 percent increase from 2021. It also outperformed Black Friday 2022. And even though many of those cyber sales were funded by credit cards, and “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) financing played a big role—it was up 88 percent week over week. This particular financing…


Will Forgiven Student Loan Debt Be Taxable?

By Kelley R. Taylor From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Question: I’m hopeful that my student loan debt will be forgiven if President Biden’s plan makes it through court challenges. But if it does, am I going to be hit by a tax bill? Answer: That depends on where you live. Student loan debt that’s canceled under…


Millennial Money: 4 Reasons for Thrift Store Gifts This Year

Thrifting is hot, and Goodwill finds are cool again. But while we’re thrilled to find the perfect throwback tee for our own closet, gifting used goods still carries a stigma for some. It shouldn’t. Secondhand gifts are better for your wallet, your community and the environment. “The planet is drowning in excess stuff,” says Lauren…


Life Insurance Strategies for Small Business

Building a business is challenging, but keeping that business going after you’re gone is another challenge. So, clear succession plans for a small business are vital. But funding these plans is just as important. Life insurance can be used to fund succession strategies for small businesses. It’s a way of protecting both the company and…


The Financial Cost of Scrubbing the Market of a Bad Brand Ambassador

As a business continues to grow and increase profits, it is essential to expand its brand. They need more people to see the company and its potential for profitability. Marketing a business correctly to attract a large audience is crucial. Many companies turn to brand ambassadors to help them get their products or services seen…


Holiday Survival Tips From 5 Financial Pros

For Ryan Decker, surviving the holiday shopping season is all about planning ahead. In fact, if he sees a gift for one of his two young sons in March, he’ll go ahead and buy it, instead of rushing through his shopping list in December. “It very much eases the burden,” he says, making his December…


Airbnb Has a Plan to Fix Cleaning Fees

Pretty much everyone hates Airbnb cleaning fees—those pesky charges tacked on to your vacation rental bill that supposedly cover the costs to get the place ready for the next visitors. Travelers don’t like the expense, and hosts don’t like charging them, either. Dennis Shirshikov, an Airbnb host who owns a rental property in upstate New…


Some Advice on Tipping During the Holiday Season

Tipping or giving a gratuity during the holiday season is common. And although there are no set rules on how to tip, a gratuity is appropriate for anyone who provides a regular service. But you want to keep the holiday budget, so plan on who and how much to tip. There is certain tipping etiquette….


All Aboard for an Affordable Vacation

By Emma Patch From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance An adventure by rail may be one of the best ways to fall in love with travel again. And some trips can be done for a $1,000 or less. Take a Pacific coastal journey The Coast Starlight traverses what many regard as one of America’s most spectacular train…


Plan Your Holiday Tipping Strategy

By Emma Patch From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Tipping is not a uniquely American practice, but we tip more often and in larger amounts than just about any other country. The practice is so established that many workers’ wages are based on the anticipation of tips. Holiday tipping is a bit different. It’s a way to…