If you’re a parent, you’ve probably already felt a little sticker shock just thinking about future tuition bills — and with good reason.  By the time today’s toddler starts college, tuition at a private university could exceed $100,000 per year — totaling more than $400,000 for a four-year degree. Even in-state public universities could reach […]

Accessing your 401(k) early might feel like a lifeline during financial stress. Whether you’re facing mounting medical expenses, a sudden job loss or trying to quickly pull together the down payment for a house, the idea of tapping into that retirement account can be tempting.  But there are serious trade-offs. Making an early withdrawal from […]

Sharing an apartment in college can be a smart way to save money — but it can also create unexpected financial tension if you and your roommates don’t see eye to eye. Different values, budgets and expectations can turn into conflict if you don’t plan ahead.  That’s why building a budget with your college roommates […]

When you’re juggling multiple credit cards and trying to keep up with minimum monthly payments, it can feel like you’re getting nowhere. That’s why many people consider consolidating their credit card debt — combining several balances into one payment with the potential for a lower interest rate and a clearer path forward.  But is it […]