Personal Finance
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Alene Laney is an award-winning personal finance writer with over ten years of experience in media. She writes about optimizing money choices when it comes to credit, award travel, saving, investing, real estate, mortgages and taxes.
Articles by Alene Laney
When Will I Receive My Tax Refund?
When you receive your tax refund depends on how and when you file your taxes, among other factors.
Best Loans for the Unemployed 2024
Have an employment setback? These are the best personal loans to look for when you’re out of work.
Best Ways to Invest In Penny Stocks
Are penny stocks a gamble or a real investment? You might rethink whether or not they belong in your portfolio when you learn what’s involved.
Best Mortgage Refinance Rates for December 2024
Our comprehensive guide will show you what to do to get the best mortgage refinance rate right now.
How to Get a Debt Consolidation Loan with Bad Credit
It’s possible to see which kinds of debt consolidation loans you qualify for when you have bad credit. Here’s how to do it and where you should look.
Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card Review 2024
The Bilt Mastercard earns travel rewards when you pay your rent, offers valuable redemptions from travel partners, and doesn’t charge an annual fee. Our review details the card’s features, fine print, drawbacks, and competitors.
Do You Need a Financial Advisor?
When you’re evaluating your finances, you might need an expert to guide you through the process. Here are eight reasons why you should consider hiring a financial advisor.
What Credit Score Do You Need for a Personal Loan?
Not all lenders have a minimum credit score requirement, but generally the higher your credit score, the better your interest rate and loan term.
What Is The S&P 500?
Is the S&P 500 the best gauge of the U.S. stock market? We take a deep dive into how it works and how to invest in it.
10 Questions to Ask Your Financial Advisor
Asking the right questions can help you choose the right financial advisor. Here’s a list to get you started.
Lowe's vs. Home Depot Credit Cards
Between the Home Depot and Lowe’s store credit cards, is one card better? Read our verdict here.
Best Discover Credit Cards for December 2024
Discover has some of the best credit cards with cash back rewards, none of which charge an annual fee. Which one matches up with your credit situation?
7 Tips for Buying Rental Property
Investing in real estate can build wealth, but there are a lot of costs and much ongoing work involved with buying rental property. Here’s what you’re in for.
Pros & Cons of Debt Consolidation
Debt consolidation can help you pay off debt, improve your credit, and simplify your finances, but it can also mean paying more interest on a longer-term loan.
Reverse Mortgage vs. Home Equity Loan: Key Differences And Which To Choose
Reverse mortgages and home equity loans allow you to access your home’s equity, but how they impact your finances is vastly different.
How to Pay Back a Reverse Mortgage
Paying back a reverse mortgage can be done by selling the home, using savings, obtaining a new mortgage, or giving the lender a deed in lieu of foreclosure.
What is a Schumer Box and How Do You Read It?
A Schumer Box puts the fine print of credit card rates and fees in an easy-to-read table. Learn how it can help consumers be more aware of the cost of credit.
What Happens When the Bank Closes Your Account?
Banks close accounts for inactivity, negative balances, overdrafting, suspicious activity, and account-agreement breaches. Here’s what you can do if it happens to you.
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