Mint is a popular budgeting app that syncs with your bank accounts and credit cards to track your spending. It also offers a variety of features to help you budget, including setting budgets, creating categories, and tracking your spending trends.
Visit website
Goodbudget is a zero-based budgeting app that helps you track your income and expenses. It uses envelopes to help you allocate your money, and it also offers a variety of features to help you stay on budget, including setting budgets, creating categories, and tracking your spending trends.
Visit website
EveryDollar is another zero-based budgeting app that helps you track your income and expenses. It is similar to Goodbudget, but it offers a few different features, such as the ability to import transactions from your bank account and the ability to create custom reports.
Visit website
PocketGuard is a budgeting app that helps you track your income and expenses. It is similar to Mint, but it offers a few different features, such as the ability to set spending limits and the ability to receive text alerts when you are nearing your budget limits.
Visit website
Honeydue is a budgeting app that is designed for couples. It allows you to share your budget with your partner, and it also offers a few features that are specifically designed for couples, such as the ability to track shared expenses and the ability to set joint financial goals.
Visit website
Spendee is a budgeting app that is designed for people who want to track their spending in a simple way. It is a freemium app, so you can use the basic features for free, but you will need to pay for the premium features.
Visit website
Toshl Finance is a budgeting app that is designed for people who want to track their spending in a visual way. It allows you to create charts and graphs to track your spending, and it also offers a variety of features to help you stay on budget, such as setting budgets, creating categories, and tracking your spending trends.
Visit website
YNAB (You Need a Budget) is a budgeting app that is designed for people who want to use a zero-based budgeting approach. It is a paid app, but it offers a free trial so you can try it before you buy it.
Visit website
Buxfer is a budgeting app that is designed for people who want to track their spending in a simple way. It is a freemium app, so you can use the basic features for free, but you will need to pay for the premium features.
Visit website
Klipfolio is a budgeting app that is designed for businesses. It allows you to track your spending and revenue, and it also offers a variety of features to help you analyze your financial data, such as creating charts and graphs and setting budgets.
Visit websiteIn recent years, investment apps have revolutionized the way individuals can access and participate in the financial markets. These apps provide a convenient and user-friendly platform for investing money and growing wealth. Here are some of the best free investment apps available:
Robinhood is a popular investment app that allows you to trade stocks, ETFs, and options commission-free. It also offers a variety of other features, such as fractional shares and margin trading.
Visit website
SoFi Invest is another popular investment app that offers commission-free stock and ETF trading. It also offers a variety of other features, such as robo-advisory services and retirement planning tools.
Visit website
Public is a newer investment app that is designed for social investing. It allows you to follow other investors and see what they are buying and selling. It also offers a variety of other features, such as fractional shares and educational resources.
Visit website
Acorns is an investment app that rounds up your purchases and invests the spare change. It is a great way to start investing small amounts of money.
Visit website
Stash is another investment app that allows you to invest small amounts of money. It offers a variety of investment portfolios that are designed for different risk levels.
Visit website
M1 Finance is an investment app that allows you to create your own custom investment portfolios. It offers a variety of features, such as fractional shares and margin trading.
Visit website
Fidelity is a well-known investment firm that also offers a free investment app. It offers a variety of investment products, including stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds.
Visit website
Charles Schwab is another well-known investment firm that also offers a free investment app. It offers a variety of investment products, including stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds
Visit website
Vanguard is a low-cost investment firm that also offers a free investment app. It offers a variety of investment products, including stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds.
Visit website
E*TRADE is a full-service investment firm that also offers a free investment app. It offers a variety of investment products, including stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds.
Visit website
Ally Bank Online Savings Account :
No minimum balance requirement, no monthly fees, and high APY.
Capital One 360 Performance Savings :
No minimum balance requirement, no monthly fees, and high APY.
Visit website
Discover Online Savings Account :
No minimum balance requirement, no monthly fees, and high APY.
Visit website
Marcus by Goldman Sachs High Yield Online Savings :
No minimum balance requirement, no monthly fees, and high APY.
Visit website
Synchrony Bank High Yield Savings :
No minimum balance requirement, no monthly fees, and high APY.
CIT Bank Savings Builder :
No minimum balance requirement, no monthly fees, and high APY.
Wealthfront :
Cash earns more here. Move your savings to a high-yield account with one of the best APYs in the market. No account fees. No strings attached.
HSBC Premier Checking :
$300 bonus after you deposit $10,000 within 30 days of account opening. No monthly fees.
U.S. Bank High Yield Savings :
$200 bonus after you deposit $25,000 within 20 days of account opening. No monthly fees.
Rewards credit cards have gained popularity for their ability to provide benefits and incentives to cardholders. These cards offer various rewards programs that allow individuals to earn points, miles, or cashback on their purchases. Here are some of the best rewards credit cards available
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great all-around rewards card that offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. It also earns 2x points on travel and dining, and points can be transferred to Chase's travel partners at a 1:1 ratio.
Visit website
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is another great all-around rewards card that offers a welcome bonus of 75,000 miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. It also earns 2x miles on all purchases, and miles can be redeemed for travel at a value of 1 cent each.
Visit website
Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great cash back card that offers a welcome bonus of $200 after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. It also earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases, and cash back can be redeemed for statement credits or gift cards.
Visit website
Discover it® Cash Back is another great cash back card that offers a welcome bonus of $200 after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. It also earns 5% cash back on rotating categories, and cash back can be redeemed for statement credits or gift cards.
Visit website
American Express® Gold Card is a great travel rewards card that offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 6 months from account opening.
Visit website
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great cash back card that offers a welcome bonus of $300 after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. It also earns 3% cash back on dining and entertainment, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Visit website
Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a great cash back card that offers a welcome bonus of $200 after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. It also earns 5% cash back on rotating categories, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Visit website
Citi® Double Cash Card is a great cash back card that offers a welcome bonus of $200 after you spend $750 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. It also earns 2% cash back on all purchases, which is paid out as 1% cash back when you make a purchase and another 1% cash back when you pay your bill.
Visit website
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a great cash back card that offers a welcome bonus of $200 after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. It also earns 2% cash back on all purchases, which is paid out as a statement credit.
Visit websiteThese are just a few of the many great rewards credit cards available. When choosing a rewards credit card, it is important to consider your spending habits and goals. You should also compare different cards to find the one that offers the best rewards for your needs.
Remember, responsible credit card usage is key. Pay off your balances in full each month to avoid interest charges and maximize the benefits of your rewards credit card.
Dealing with multiple debts can be overwhelming, but debt consolidation loans offer a solution by combining your debts into one manageable monthly payment. These loans streamline your finances, potentially lower your interest rates, and simplify the repayment process. Here are some of the best debt consolidation loans available:
SoFi Personal Loan
Offers competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms.
Light Stream Personal Loan
Offers pre-qualification without affecting your credit score and fast funding.
LendingClub Personal Loan
Offers competitive interest rates and a variety of repayment terms.
Upgrade Personal Loan
Offers a variety of features, including a debt-free guarantee and no prepayment penalties.
Prosper Personal Loan
Offers competitive interest rates and a variety of repayment terms.
Earnest Personal Loan
Offers fixed-rate loans and a variety of repayment terms.
First Republic Bank Personal Loan
Offers competitive interest rates and a variety of repayment terms.
BMO Harris Personal Loan
Offers competitive interest rates and a variety of repayment terms.
Citizens Bank Personal Loan
Offers competitive interest rates and a variety of repayment terms.
Discover Personal Loan
Offers competitive interest rates and a variety of repayment terms.
When considering a debt consolidation loan, carefully review the terms and conditions, including interest rates, repayment terms, fees, and any potential impact on your credit score. It’s essential to choose a loan that aligns with your financial goals and allows you to effectively manage and repay your consolidated debt.
Remember, debt consolidation loans are a tool to simplify your debts, but they require responsible financial management and a commitment to repayment. Make sure to create a realistic budget and repayment plan to ensure successful debt consolidation and financial progress.
In today’s digital world, protecting your privacy online is paramount. Fortunately, there are several privacy tools available to help you safeguard your personal information and enhance your online security. Here are some of the best privacy tools:
DuckDuckGo is a search engine that doesn't track your search history. This means that your search results won't be influenced by your past searches, and you won't be targeted with ads based on your search history.
Visit website
Brave Browser is a web browser that blocks ads and trackers by default. This can help protect your privacy and improve your browsing experience.
Visit website
Privacy Badger is a browser extension that blocks trackers from tracking your online activity. This can help protect your privacy and prevent advertisers from following you around the web.
Visit website
HTTPS Everywhere is a browser extension that encrypts your web traffic by default. This can help protect your privacy and prevent hackers from eavesdropping on your online activity.
Visit website
ProtonMail is an email service that encrypts your emails by default. This can help protect your privacy and prevent unauthorized people from reading your emails.
Visit website
Signal is a messaging app that encrypts your messages by default. This can help protect your privacy and prevent unauthorized people from reading your messages.
Visit website
Tor Browser is a web browser that anonymizes your web traffic. This can help protect your privacy and prevent people from tracking your online activity.
Visit website
VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location. This can help protect your privacy and prevent people from tracking your online activity.
Visit website
Password Manager is a software application that helps you store and manage your passwords. This can help protect your privacy and prevent unauthorized people from accessing your online accounts.
Visit website
Kill Switch is a feature that can be enabled in some VPNs and browsers. It will disconnect your internet connection if the VPN or browser loses its connection to the VPN server. This can help prevent your real IP address from being exposed if the VPN or browser loses its connection to the VPN server.
Visit websiteWhen using privacy tools, it’s important to understand their features and limitations. Remember to keep your software up to date, regularly review privacy settings, and practice safe online habits, such as avoiding suspicious websites and using strong, unique passwords.
While privacy tools can enhance your online security, they are only one part of a comprehensive privacy strategy. It’s crucial to maintain awareness and stay informed about the latest privacy threats and best practices to effectively protect your personal information online.
In today’s digital world, protecting your privacy online is paramount. Fortunately, there are several privacy tools available to help you safeguard your personal information and enhance your online security. Here are some of the best privacy tools:
Social Security number protection tip
Protect your Social Security number. Your Social Security number is the key to your identity, so it's important to protect it. Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet or purse. Only give it out when you are sure it's a legitimate request.
Be careful what information you share online
Don't share your personal information on social media or other websites unless you're sure they're secure. Be especially careful about sharing your Social Security number, credit card numbers, and bank account numbers.
Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
Your passwords should be at least 8 characters long and include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You should also change your passwords regularly, especially if you think they may have been compromised.
Be wary of phishing emails and text messages.
Phishing emails and text messages are a common way for identity thieves to get your personal information. These emails and text messages will often look like they're from a legitimate company, but they're actually from scammers.
Monitor your credit reports for any unauthorized activity.
You can get a free copy of your credit reports from each of the three major credit bureaus once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Place a fraud alert on your credit report
A fraud alert tells creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening a new account in your name. You can place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting each of the three major credit bureaus.
Be careful when using public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are often not secure, so it's important to be careful when using them. If you must use public Wi-Fi, be sure to use a secure browser and avoid entering any personal information.
Keep your software up to date
Software updates often include security patches that can help protect your computer from malware. It's important to keep your software up to date to help protect yourself from identity theft.
Be aware of the signs of identity theft. The signs of identity theft can vary, but some common signs include:
· Unauthorized charges on your credit cards.
· New accounts opened in your name
· Debt collectors contacting you about accounts you don’t recognize
· Changes to your credit report
If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, it’s important to take action right away. You should contact your creditors and the credit bureaus to report the fraud. You should also file a police report.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from identity theft.
When seeking a personal loan, it’s important to note that there are no completely free personal loan companies. However, certain lenders offer personal loans without charging origination fees. These fees can significantly impact the cost of borrowing, so finding a company that waives them can be advantageous. Here are some options to consider.
Here are 5 of the best personal loan companies with no origination fees:
Credible is a loan marketplace that allows you to compare rates from multiple lenders. They don't charge any origination fees, and they have a good reputation for customer service.
Visit website
LendingTree is another loan marketplace that allows you to compare rates from multiple lenders. They don't charge any origination fees, and they have a good reputation for customer service.
Visit website
SoFi is a personal loan company that offers competitive interest rates and flexible terms. They don't charge any origination fees, and they have a good reputation for customer service.
Visit website
LightStream is another personal loan company that offers competitive interest rates and flexible terms. They don't charge any origination fees, and they have a good reputation for customer service.
Visit website
Upstart is a newer personal loan company that uses artificial intelligence to assess your creditworthiness. This can lead to lower interest rates for borrowers with good credit. They don't charge any origination fees, but they do have a credit check fee of $14.
Visit websiteRemember, while these lenders waive origination fees, other fees may still apply, such as late payment fees or prepayment penalties. It’s essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of any personal loan before proceeding.
Additionally, it’s crucial to consider the overall cost of borrowing, including the interest rate and any other applicable fees. Comparing multiple loan offers and considering factors like repayment terms, customer reviews, and customer service can help you make an informed decision.
Prior to applying for a personal loan, evaluate your financial situation, assess your repayment ability, and determine the loan amount that suits your needs. Borrow responsibly and ensure that you can comfortably meet the repayment obligations.
When seeking credit repair services, it’s important to note that reputable credit repair companies generally charge fees for their services. However, you can take steps on your own to improve your credit score and address inaccuracies on your credit report without paying for professional services. Here are some effective and free credit repair strategies you can implement:
Credit Karma is a free credit repair service that offers a variety of services, including monitoring your credit reports, disputing inaccurate information on your credit report, and providing credit education.
Visit website
AnnualCreditReport.com is a website that allows you to request your free credit reports from each of the three major credit bureaus once per year.
Visit website
Dispute.me is a free service that helps you dispute inaccurate information on your credit report.
Visit website
Credit Sesame is a free credit repair service that offers a variety of services, including monitoring your credit reports, disputing inaccurate information on your credit report, and providing credit education.
Visit website
Quizzle is a free credit repair service that offers a variety of services, including monitoring your credit reports, disputing inaccurate information on your credit report, and providing credit education.
Visit website
MyFICO® Account Services is a free service that allows you to access your FICO® Scores and credit reports from MyFICO.com.
Visit websiteWhile professional credit repair services can be beneficial in certain cases, it’s important to exercise caution and research the reputation of any company before engaging their services. Be wary of companies that promise immediate credit score improvements or charge high upfront fees.
By taking proactive steps to address inaccuracies and establish responsible credit habits, you can effectively repair your credit without incurring additional costs. Remember, improving your credit score takes time and persistence, but the long-term benefits are well worth the effort.
When seeking financial planning assistance, there are several organizations that offer free services to help individuals with their financial goals. Here are organizations that provide free financial planning services:
FINRA Investor Education Foundation: The FINRA Investor Education Foundation is a non-profit organization that offers a variety of financial education resources, including a free financial planning tool.
Visit website
Khan Academy: Khan Academy is a non-profit organization that offers free online courses on a variety of subjects, including financial planning.
Visit website
The Financial Planning Association (FPA): The FPA is a professional association for financial planners. They offer a variety of free financial planning resources, including a free financial planning toolkit.
Visit website
Military OneSource: Military OneSource is a free service for active duty military members, veterans, and their families. They offer a variety of financial planning resources, including free financial counseling and budget planning tools.
Visit website
Credit Karma: Credit Karma is a free website that offers a variety of financial tools, including a free credit report and score, a free credit monitoring service, and a free financial planning tool.
Visit websiteIt is important to note that free financial planning services may not be the best option for everyone. If you have complex financial needs, you may need to consider working with a fee-based financial planner. However, free financial planning services can be a great option if you are looking for some basic guidance on how to manage your finances.
When seeking debt consolidation assistance, it’s important to note that organizations offering professional debt consolidation services typically charge fees for their services. However, there are nonprofit organizations and financial counseling agencies that may provide free or low-cost assistance to individuals struggling with debt. Here are some options to consider:
National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC): The NFCC is a non-profit organization that offers free debt counseling and debt management plans. They have a network of over 1,000 member credit counseling agencies across the United States.
Visit website
Debt.org: Debt.org is a non-profit organization that offers free debt consolidation advice and resources. They have a variety of tools and calculators that can help you assess your debt situation and develop a debt consolidation plan.
Visit website
Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS): CCCS is a non-profit organization that offers free debt counseling and debt management plans. They have a network of over 600 member credit counseling agencies across the United States.
Visit websiteWhile these organizations may offer free or low-cost assistance, it’s important to research and verify their legitimacy before engaging their services. Look for reputable organizations that have certified credit counselors or financial professionals who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific financial situation.
It’s worth noting that debt consolidation involves combining multiple debts into a single loan or repayment plan. While these services can provide structure and potentially lower interest rates, it’s important to carefully evaluate the terms, fees, and potential impact on your overall financial situation before proceeding with any debt consolidation solution.
Remember, responsible financial management and addressing the root causes of debt are essential for long-term financial stability. Consider exploring options beyond debt consolidation, such as budgeting, expense reduction, and increasing income, to address your debt challenges effectively.
