Dimespring

Debt Princess: Finding joy in saving, not spending

Small down payments come with pros and cons

Q&A: Should I check my credit report before applying for a loan?

What The Experts Are Saying

Jane Bryant Quinn says: Q&A: What will your kid’s college really cost? Just know that all financial aid isn't created equal. » More from Jane
Mechel Glass says: Q&A: How can I stay motivated to spend less and save more? Try using fun competition to meet your financial goals. » More from Mechel
Brent Lince says: Q&A: What is holistic financial planning? Independent financial decisions do not exist. » More from The Garrett Network
Erin Baehr says: Q&A: How can I afford to stay home with my baby?  Planning is a vital step when altering your budget. » More from NAPFA

The Latest

How the self-employed qualify for mortgages

May 23, 2013

These days, it can be difficult to get a mortgage loan even if you have a solid employment history and credit score. But the bar can be even higher for those who are their own boss.
...
Sweet Spot: Making peace with your financial progress

May 23, 2013

I recently came across the following quote on Tumblr, attributed to Socrates: "He is richest who is content with the least, for contentment is the wealth of nature."
Now, I've been doing really well with sticking to a strict budget for a...
Ask Jane: What’s the best retirement plan for the self-employed?

May 23, 2013

It all depends on how much money you think you can save each year. Fancy plans let you save 25 percent of your income or more. Modest plans have low contribution limits.
If you won’t put away any more than $5,000 a year ($6,500 if you...
Small down payments come with pros and cons

May 23, 2013

NEW YORK (MainStreet) — A growing number of reports say lenders are granting mortgages with down payments...
What does that 'Check Engine' light mean?

May 23, 2013

BOSTON (MainStreet) — Some 10 percent of U.S. vehicles have their "Check Engine" lights on at any given time — but half of drivers ignore the warning...
Don't underestimate a woman's love ... for her smartphone

May 23, 2013

NEW YORK (MainStreet) — Better not lose your best gal’s smartphone.
It could lead to a cold streak in the bedroom.
Research from AVG Technologies, a mobile Internet services firm...
Average U.S. 401(k) balance tops $80,000, up 75 percent since 2009

May 23, 2013

The average 401(k) retirement balance for U.S. workers hit a record high of $80,900 in the first quarter, a growth spurt of 75 percent since the stock market's nadir in March 2009, Fidelity Investments said on Thursday based on a survey of its...
Why pension funds are eating your 401(k)'s lunch

May 22, 2013

Pension funds - those old guaranteed-benefit retirement plans your grandma might have told you about - outperform those in 401(k) plans year after year, according to new research from consulting company Towers Watson.
In 2011, the last year...
Slideshow: 5 easy ways to cut wedding costs

May 22, 2013

Your wedding day is supposed to be the happiest day of your life, but planning for it can be a giant headache, especially when the bills start pouring in. Fear not, soon-to-be-newlyweds.
Debt Princess: Finding joy in saving, not spending

May 22, 2013

When I was in college, I learned quickly how easily it was to buy the things I wanted thanks, in part to credit cards. I was a 20-year-old with very little income and a lot of wants.
I wanted to eat outside of the cafeteria. I certainly...