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Tarra Jackson

25 Free Financial Literacy Tools: Master Your Money at Any Age

By Money Management No Comments

 It’s never too late to get smarter about money. These free online tools can help you build confidence, cut through confusion, and take control of your financial future. 

work at home parent remote learning
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The dividends of investing in financial education and literacy can pay off for a lifetime. Many free financial education resources are available to help you master your money at any stage of life. Take the first step toward financial well-being today by exploring one or several of these 25 free tools.

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How to Optimize Tapping Into a 529 Plan When College Tuition Bills Arrive

By Money Management No Comments

 Tuition bills are arriving, but tapping into your 529 plan isn’t as simple as hitting “withdraw.” These expert-backed strategies can help you time withdrawals wisely, avoid tax traps, and make every dollar count. 

529 plan
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Starting a college fund is an admirable commitment. Actually spending that money when tuition bills arrive? That’s a different emotional experience altogether – especially in today’s market environment. If you’ve been diligently building a 529 plan balance for years (or decades), you’ll want to be strategic about tapping those funds when college begins. Recent market volatility has complicated…

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Nvidia Earnings Report: What Investors Need to Watch This Week

By Money Management No Comments

 From chip demand to China tensions, Nvidia’s latest earnings reveal more than profits, they offer key signals for anyone invested in AI, tech stocks, or the broader market. 

NVIDIA GeForce 9500 GT processor.
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All eyes are on Nvidia this week as the chip giant prepares to release its fiscal first-quarter earnings report after Wednesday’s close. For investors and market watchers alike, this isn’t just another earnings call — it’s a temperature check on the entire AI ecosystem and semiconductor industry. Nvidia’s 2025 has been turbulent. Shares hit a record $153.13 on January 7, then dropped to $96.

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Dave Ramsey Reveals When Mortgage Buy-Downs Make Sense

By Money Management No Comments

 Looking for relief from high mortgage rates? Here’s what makes mortgage buy-downs worthwhile, from a personal finance expert. 

American flag on a house
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Getting an affordable mortgage rate is a huge hurdle in today’s challenging housing market. Personal finance expert Dave Ramsey recently offered his insights on mortgage buy-downs, a potential way for home buyers to lock in a discounted rate. A mortgage buy-down lets home buyers lock in a discounted mortgage rate for one to three years by paying a lump sum upfront. This strategy has become…

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Southwest Airlines Ends Free Checked Bag Policy After 50 Years

By Money Management No Comments

 Southwest Airlines says goodbye to its famous “bags fly free” policy. Passengers face new checked bag fees for reservations made after May 28 unless they qualify for elite status perks. 

Southwest Airlines airplane flying out of Las Vegas
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After more than five decades of letting “bags fly free,” Southwest Airlines is officially ending its signature policy. According to a recent announcement reported by USA Today, starting May 28, new reservations will incur charges for checking luggage, marking a significant shift for the airline that built its reputation partly on this customer-friendly approach. Under the new policy…

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Jean Chatzky Warns Americans About Social Security and 401(K) Retirement Planning

By Money Management No Comments

 Social Security projections are increasingly concerning. What can you do to get the most from both government benefits and employer-sponsored retirement plans? 

American flag with Social Security card and $100 bill, depicting average Social Security benefits
J.J. Gouin / Shutterstock.com

Financial expert Jean Chatzky, the well-known author and former financial editor for NBC’s “Today Show,” has issued a stark warning for Americans regarding their retirement planning, according to TheStreet. As millions approach their retirement years, Chatzky highlights critical concerns about both Social Security benefits and 401(k) savings that demand immediate attention.

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