Uncover North America’s worst traffic hotspots and find out if your city made the list. Noiel / Shutterstock.com
Which place has the worst traffic in North America? Many of us would not hesitate to name our own hometown as the No. 1 offender. But as bad as traffic is where you live, it’s probably worse somewhere else — unless you live in one of the following places. Recently, geolocation technology specialist firm TomTom set out to determine which North American cities have the worst traffic.
Saving up for future vacation costs is an excellent strategy to avoid going into debt. Discover how and why one writer prioritizes her travel savings fund. [[{“value”:”
Image source: Getty Images
Travel is a big passion of mine. When budgeting how to spend my money, I ensure some of my income goes toward travel. While I always pay necessary expenses like my mortgage, car insurance, and utilities first, some of my money gets set aside for fun.
I traveled a lot last fall and winter, so I’m hanging close to home for the next few months to rest and relax. Find out why I’m already saving for my next trip, even though I don’t have any set vacation plans yet.
Every two weeks, I set money aside for future expenses. A portion of my savings contributions is funneled into various buckets so the money is there when I need it.
Here’s an overview of my 2024 savings buckets:
Quarterly self-employment and income tax paymentsUpcoming expected costs like car insurance premiums and prescription glassesMoney to pay myself when I take sick days and vacation daysEmergency fundTravel
Nothing is worse than coming home from an exciting vacation and seeing the hefty credit card balance you must pay soon. I do everything I can to avoid paying expensive credit card interest charges. I do this by paying my entire bill in full every month.
Saving up for vacation costs before I travel means I don’t have to worry about the cost of my next credit card bill. Instead, the money is already sitting in the bank.
When I return home, I transfer the funds to my checking account and schedule a payment through my online credit card account. Doing this also allows me to enjoy my travels without worrying about my personal finances. You can benefit from following a similar approach.
At the start of the year, I pick a yearly savings goal for my travel fund. Of course, I don’t know how much I’ll spend on travel that year, but I can estimate based on my prior travel habits.
Then, I automate my savings contributions to save myself time. Money is transferred from my checking account to my travel savings fund every two weeks. Whenever I’m ready to start planning my next trip, I can review the current balance and decide how to use the money.
As a freelance writer, my income fluctuates — meaning some months are better than others. When I’m having a more profitable month, I’ll transfer some of my extra income to my savings account and split the money between my savings buckets. Sometimes, I contribute extra money toward my travel fund — which helps me boost my balance faster.
While traveling costs money, you don’t need to go broke to take a vacation. It’s possible to book affordable travel. One option is to use online travel tools and deal services to book hotel and flight deals. Travel deals can help you stretch your vacation budget further.
Another option is to use rewards credit cards to cover some of your travel costs. You can book nearly free travel once you have earned enough points, miles, or cash back. Review our list of the best travel rewards credit cards to learn how you can benefit from these cards.
Ensure you only spend what you can afford to avoid credit card debt. Saving up before you take your next vacation is an excellent strategy. By keeping your travel fund in a high-yield savings account, you can earn interest — which could help you reach your savings goals sooner.
Many people are missing out on guaranteed returns as their money languishes in a big bank savings account earning next to no interest. Our picks of the best online savings accounts can earn you 11x the national average savings account rate. Click here to uncover the best-in-class accounts that landed a spot on our short list of the best savings accounts for 2024.
We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
“}]] Read More
Many people forget to cancel new streaming subscriptions before the free trial period ends. Find out how much money unnecessary subscription fees cost you. [[{“value”:”
Image source: Getty Images
Streaming subscriptions are a typical expense for many households. These services provide a convenient entertainment solution but come at a cost. In recent years, many streaming platforms have continued to increase subscription rates, further impacting subscribers’ wallets.
Monitoring your spending is crucial so you know where your money is going. Otherwise, you may still be paying for a service without realizing it. I’ll show you how much money you could waste by forgetting to cancel a subscription service you no longer use.
When was the last time you carefully looked at your bank account and credit card statements? You may be spending more money than you think if you’re not reviewing your recent transactions regularly.
Setting realistic spending limits and following a budget can be helpful if you want to feel more in control of your spending. Using tools like budgeting apps can make it easier to stay on track of how you spend your money so you’re informed.
Many people have little extra money left over for savings or other financial goals because they spend more than they realize. If you use streaming platforms, you may be paying for services you no longer use if you’ve previously signed up for a free trial and forgot to cancel it.
While one forgotten subscription may not seem like a big deal, every additional dollar you spend adds up. If you’re paying for a subscription you aren’t using, it’s impacting your finances.
Perhaps you signed up for a new-to-you streaming service months ago and forgot to cancel after the free trial period ended. This additional expense is making your credit card bill more costly than it needs to be.
How much money are you wasting on forgotten subscriptions? Let’s review the monthly cost of a few popular streaming service plans. I’ll also show the yearly cost, assuming you’re signed up for a monthly plan and pay for the service for an entire year.
As you can see, forgetting to cancel a streaming subscription you no longer use could cost you nearly $100 or more than $200 yearly. That cost could be even higher if you pay for multiple services you don’t use or continue paying unnecessary fees like this for more than a year. Make sure you review your spending so you’re not wasting money.
As soon as you sign up for a free trial, whether for a streaming service, membership, or software, mark your calendar or set an alert on your phone immediately to remind yourself to cancel before the free trial period ends. This can help eliminate forgetfulness.
If you like the service and want to continue paying for it, that’s great news — you can ignore the reminder. But if you’re still unsure, your note will remind you to check in and decide if you want to keep the service and pay the cost or cancel before you get billed.
For additional money tips, check out our personal finance resources.
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. This card features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.
We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple and Netflix. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
“}]] Read More
Although landlords are just doing their part to make a living, they can also cut in on your ability to purchase a home. Find out how. [[{“value”:”
Image source: Getty Images
If you’ve heard that rental rates are cooling, you may wonder why you can’t feel it. According to Apartment List, the recent dip does little to ease the pain of earlier rate hikes. Even after factoring in recent dips, the national median rent is 20% higher than it was before the pandemic.
And that leads to the first example of how a landlord can impact your ability to secure a mortgage and buy a home.
Yes, it’s good business for a landlord to make money while the market is hot, but that doesn’t make sky-high rents any easier to accept. Let’s say you live in an area where average rents have risen by 20%. If you were paying $1,200 in rent at the beginning of 2020, you would be paying $1,440 today.
According to NBC News, higher rents have played a large role in the overall rate of inflation since 2020, but rents are not the only expense impacted. You’re also paying more for food and consumer goods, and though inflation — like the price of rent — is cooling, you’ve had several years of greater spending.
That pressure on your checking account may be one of the reasons why saving up for a house has become more difficult.
The most common lease duration is 12 months. That means once you sign a rental agreement, you’ll likely need to remain in the home for 12 months or pay a fee to break the lease. According to RentRedi, leases with shorter terms are a good option for landlords who aren’t quite sure they trust a renter. In other words, short-term rentals are normally written to benefit the landlord and not the tenant.
Once you’ve spent years saving for a down payment on a home, coming up with the funds you’ll need to break a lease may be a challenge. The fee you’ll be faced with if you break a lease before the term expires varies by contract, making it an important factor to consider prior to signing a rental contract.
If you’ve been a good tenant and have a strong, positive relationship with your landlord, they may be willing to allow you to break the lease without penalty. It certainly can’t hurt to ask.
It’s possible that your landlord is also an active investor. Near the beginning of the pandemic, when the Federal Reserve was still focused on keeping interest rates low and the economy chugging along, investment companies and individual real estate investors gobbled up as much property as they could get their hands on. After all, borrowing was cheap, and demand was high.
According to the national data provider CoreLogic, the number of investors purchasing single-family homes slowed to 26% by the summer of 2023. Some investors intended to flip the properties (making repairs and upgrades before reselling at a profit). Others picked up homes to use as rentals. In either case, investors are typically prepared to make competitive offers with few contingencies. In addition, many investors are able to pay cash.
If you’re an everyday home buyer who can’t make an all-cash offer or who wants a home inspection, competing with a landlord who’s also an active investor is tough — even if you’ve already received mortgage pre-approval.
While no one expects the current housing market to remain this sticky forever, it is what we’re faced with today. Your best bet is always to save as much as possible for a down payment so you are as attractive a home buyer as possible in the eyes of mortgage lenders. It’s also a good idea to work with a real estate agent who understands your home-buying needs.
Our experts vetted the most popular offers to land on the select picks that are worthy of a spot in your wallet. These best-in-class cards pack in rich perks, such as big sign-up bonuses, long 0% intro APR offers, and robust rewards. Get started today with our recommended credit cards.
We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
“}]] Read More
Don’t feel pressured to overspend to have the wedding of your dreams. You can celebrate without going into debt. Give these wedding planning hacks a try. [[{“value”:”
Image source: Getty Images
Marriage is a huge commitment. It’s also a significant life change that calls for celebration. Many couples celebrate their commitment to each other by gathering with friends and family. While a wedding is an exciting occasion, it can be expensive.
If you and your partner have limited funds for a wedding, don’t fret. You can host an incredible event without racking up credit card debt. I’ll share a few hacks to plan a dream wedding that fits your budget. You’ll feel better starting this next chapter of your life free of wedding debt.
For many couples, the venue is one of the most expensive parts of their wedding. If you want to rent a popular or traditional venue, you can expect to pay a higher rental fee. One way to keep venue costs reasonable is by choosing a non-traditional space for your celebration.
Here are some options to explore:
Park shelterCoffee shopMovie theaterRestaurant or breweryPhotography studio
Thinking outside the box could save money and make your event more memorable. But before settling on an inexpensive venue, consider what other unexpected expenses may add to the cost of your day. Here are two examples:
You may need to rent tables and chairs if you rent a cabin or other shelter at a local park.If you choose a restaurant, brewery, or coffee shop, there may be a minimum order that you must meet, which could add to your food and drink costs.
According to The Knot, a wedding planning website, Saturdays continue to be the most popular day to host a wedding — and the most expensive. Choosing a different day to host your event could result in considerable savings.
My husband and I got married on a Sunday. Our ceremony began at noon, and a brunch reception followed at the same venue. This choice gave guests, most of whom lived nearby or a couple of hours’ drive away, plenty of time to return home before work on Monday.
Inviting fewer guests to your wedding can be a win for your wallet. Your event could become overly expensive if you’re not intentional about who you add to your guest list.
When adding people to your guest list, consider whether they will be in your life long-term. You might discuss whether inviting casual acquaintances and coworkers you don’t know well is necessary. Once you have an initial guest list, review it again.
Don’t be afraid to trim it down more. Inviting your closest friends and family can make the entire experience more intimate and allow you to keep more cash in the bank.
Here’s another hack for couples who are comfortable with non-traditional wedding elements. Instead of serving a plated dinner, consider other alternatives for food.
A buffet-style meal could be cheaper. Another option is to host an intimate celebration at a restaurant, which could lower your food costs depending on menu prices.
Since my husband and I hosted a daytime celebration, we had a brunch buffet for our guests. We are big breakfast food fans, but this choice also saved us money on food costs. But whatever you do, don’t sacrifice quality for a deal — guests will remember the food.
Consider your finances if you’re a newly engaged couple planning a wedding celebration. With all the excitement, you may be tempted to make choices that exceed your budget. But if you make strategic decisions, you can organize a fantastic wedding you and your guests will love. For additional money-related tips, check out our personal finance resources.
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. This card features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.
We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
“}]] Read More
A recent imposter scam is making its rounds. Consumers must be alert to new scams that could hurt their wallets. See what you need to know to stay safe. [[{“value”:”
Image source: Getty Images
Unfortunately, scammers are getting more creative in convincing people to part ways with their cash. To stay safe, consumers must be alert to new scams that could hurt their wallets and be more cautious when dealing with people they don’t know.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently warned consumers about a new imposter scam. If you’re not careful, you could give a fraudster access to your bank account or other financial accounts. Find out what you need to know to protect yourself and your money.
The CFPB has confirmed a new scam impacting people, especially older adults. Scammers are pretending to be CFPB employees and other government officials to trick everyday people into parting with their hard-earned money.
The fraudsters contact people via phone, video, and email to let them know they’ve won a lawsuit or have an opportunity to participate in a class-action lawsuit. The imposter will then explain that the person must pay taxes or an upfront fee before collecting their money. The scammer may also list other reasons why the person owes money. But the entire made-up story is an elaborate attempt to steal from unsuspecting people like you.
Imposter scams like this are becoming more common. The CFPB wants to remind consumers that neither the agency nor its staff will ever contact them to ask for sensitive information or to pay money. Be alert so you don’t fall victim to this scam.
Has someone from the CFPB recently contacted you? If you want to confirm whether their reason for contacting you is legitimate, you can call the CFPB hotline at 1-855-411-2372.
There are many fraudsters out there who want to make money off of you. You may wonder how scammers can take advantage of you financially. A common tactic that scammers use is to pretend you owe them money. They may tell an elaborate story that sounds convincing.
If you provide personal information or financial details to a scammer, they may charge your credit card or use your private information to commit other fraudulent activities. That’s why you must be aware of red flags so you can shut down a scammer and keep your finances safe.
Here are some best practices to follow to help you steer clear of scams.
Contact the company directly: Before providing personal information to someone, contact the company directly to inquire whether they’re legitimately trying to get ahold of you. Most companies aren’t making calls or sending messages to collect payment.Avoid clicking links: It’s best to avoid clicking links from someone you don’t know. Scammers use phishing links to collect personal and financial details. A link may appear legitimate at first glance, but it may lead to a phishing website intended to collect your data. If you receive a text message or email with suspicious links, delete it.Keep personal information private: You should never provide your Social Security number, credit card information, or other private details to someone by email, text message, or phone. If someone you don’t know reaches out to you and asks for this information, don’t provide it. If something feels off, trust your instincts.
You can protect your personal finances by staying alert to new scams and following these tips.
This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. This card features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!
Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.
We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
“}]] Read More
© 2026 Madam Money®. All Rights Reserved. | Designed by SRJWebsites.com
