Personal Finance

Personal finance is about how you manage your money, from spending and budgeting to investing, retirement and taxes. Get strategies, tips and insights on these and a variety of other personal finance topics.

Rent vs. Buy – What to Consider About Becoming a Home Owner

It’s about more than just the numbers.

4 Things to Consider Before Buying an Investment Property

Before you set your sights on owning an investment property, it’s important to look at the big picture.

4 Things to Consider When Making a Will

It’s just one of several important documents to have.

How to Prepare Yourself Before Having a Baby

Seven financial steps to consider.

First-time homeowner? Here's what year 1 will look like

Keep this list handy. Welcome to the world of home maintenance.

Your Tax Return in 4 Steps

We’ve outlined the four steps that are essential to getting your tax return done and in time.

Budgeting for College Students: Tips for Students and Their Parents

How to build solid financial habits that will set you up for future success.

Marcus Explains: What Is a Cash Management Account?

Get the basics on cash management accounts and how they work.

FDIC vs. SIPC: Understanding Your Account Insurance

Both protect your money, but in different ways.

Don’t Miss These Tax Breaks for Homeowners

Pay property taxes? Got an energy-efficient home? You could get a tax break.

5 Things to Consider When Looking for a Financial Advisor

We cover everything from fees structures to certifications.

Types of Retirement Plans: Which Is Right for You?

Learn about 401(k)s, pensions, IRAs, and more.

Marcus Explains: What Is the Personal Tax Exemption?

Tax terms in plain English.

Automatic Loan Payments: Benefits of Autopay

Automatic payments may have more benefits than you think.

5 Things You Can Do With Your Tax Refund

Ways to put your tax refund to work towards your financial goals

Marcus Financial Literacy Test

We cover topics ranging from savings and lending, to credit and investing.

What Is Home Equity?

The basics explained in 6 questions.

How Can I Get My Tax Refund Direct Deposited?

According to the IRS, the fastest way to receive your tax refund is through direct deposit.

5 Tips for Saving

For those who want to spend and save, comfortably, at the same time.

Ask Jill: Getting Your Financial Act Together for The New Year

Three ways to focus on being better with your finances.

5 Things to Consider When Picking a Local Charity

Tips from an expert at Goldman Sachs

Financial Literacy Test: Savings Edition

Test your knowledge when it comes to savings and interest

5 Things to Do With Your Finances This Fall

Get organized with your finances before year end.

What Does Diversification Mean Anyway?

Diversification, explained.

What You Can Learn From Grandma About Money on National Grandparents Day

To recognize National Grandparents Day on Sept. 8, we had a conversation with a grandma about all-things money: from living through the Great Depression to her money philosophy.

How to Budget For Your Family Vacation

Learn how to build your vacation budget so you can relax.

Are You Prepared for Your Next Home Improvement Project?

See what concerns people the most around home improvement project costs.

Home Renovation Costs Survey

What homeowners would give up for a free renovation including social media.

What is the Standard Deduction for 2019?

Find out what the standard deduction is for 2019.

How Many Credit Cards Should I Have? Here Are Some Tips to Help You Decide

The right number of credit cards is different for everyone, but consider these pros and cons before you multiply your credit card count.

How to Make the Most of Your Travel Rewards When You’re Not Traveling

Even though Covid-19 may have thrown a wrench in your 2020 travel plans, you can still make your travel rewards work for you.

Rethinking Your Retirement Plans Due to Covid?

Review your retirement plans and goals to confirm you’re on track for the retirement you had in mind

Moving to the Suburbs? 3 Things to Keep in Mind

Some things to consider before moving to the suburbs, including costs, work issues, and childcare availability.

Finding Your Financial Silver Linings in Difficult Times: How a Financial Advisor Can Help

An insight from our friends at Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management.

Question to Ask Before Buying Your Next Home

There’s more to it than the asking price.

The 50-30-20 Budgeting Rule and Other Budgeting Methods

Learn more about the types of budgets you can utilize for your personal finances.

Mid-Year Financial Check-In: 6 Important Changes to Know for 2020

An insight from our friends at Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management.

Considering a Home Renovation? 5 Things to Keep in Mind

Every home and every renovation is different.

What Can Happen to Your Store Credit Card if the Company Goes Out of Business

Ways you can be prepared if your store credit card gets closed.

Are Unemployment Benefits Taxable?

Generally speaking, yes. Learn how the IRS treats unemployment income.

8 Covid-19 Money Myths You Should Know About

We’ll help you sort through the myths vs. realities.

4 Personal Finance Lessons From the Pandemic

Challenges or setbacks can often provide opportunities to learn something valuable about ourselves and our financial habits.

How a Financial Plan Could Benefit Your Health

Having a solid financial plan in place could yield certain health benefits.

Marcus Explains: The Federal Estate Tax

Learn the basics of the federal estate tax.

Is Now the Time to Buy a Home or Car?

Risks, opportunities and strategies that could help you make major purchases in a recessionary climate.

5 Potential Options When Inheriting an IRA

Inheriting an IRA comes with many complex rules.

Are Your Kids Reconsidering College? Here’s What Else You Could Do With a 529 Plan

A 529 plan is not just for a traditional four-year college degree.

Is Working From Home Your New Normal? Here Are Some Coping Tips From a Resilience Coach

Working from home can have its own set of challenges.

You’ve Received an Early Retirement Package – Now What?

An insight from our friends at Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management.

What Happens to Interest Rates during a Recession?

How it could impact you and your money

Worried About Your Financial Plan? 3 Ways to Help Maintain Perspective

An insight from our friends at Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management.

Coping With Loss? We Are Here for You

An insight from our friends at Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management.

Need Help Budgeting? These People Got Creative. So Can You

Ever try a month-long spending freeze? Or join a budget challenge?

Reflect, Reassess and Realign: Checking in on Your Financial Plan

An insight from our friends at Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management.

Making Changes to Your Dependent Care FSA in 2020

You may have more flexibility to make certain changes during the year.

How You Can Build Resilience in Challenging Times

What are some positive coping strategies to help deal with stress? We sat down with a resilience coach for some insights.

5 Ways to Take Control of Your Financial Life in Uncertain Times

An insight from our friends at Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management

Retiring during a Recession? Here Are Some Things to Consider

Recession challenges to look out for and discuss with a financial advisor.

Get financially fit

Learn how to save more, spend less and works towards retirement.

When to Buy: A Seasonal Sales Guide

Because who doesn't like a bargain?

Marcus Explains: What Are Money Market Mutual Funds?

Learn the basics of how a money market mutual fund works.

5 Ways You Can Look After Your Money in a Recession

Worried about a recession? Here’s what you can do take control of your finances.

What Is a Recession and How Might It Affect You?

Learn how an economic slowdown might affect your finances.

Protecting Yourself From Coronavirus Scams

Watch out for these common financial scams.

Putting Everything On Your Credit Cards Right Now?

These 6 tips can help you use them wisely.

Hoping to Retire Early

5 Tips to Help You Aim for FIRE: Financial Independence & Early Retirement

7 Questions to Consider When Reviewing an Early Retirement Package

What does it mean for your career?

Checking vs. Savings Accounts: Understanding the Difference

Including pros and cons of each.

Three Questions to Ask Yourself Before Dipping Into Your Emergency Fund

Is the expense unexpected? Is it urgent? Is it necessary?

What You Can Do if You Lose Your Job Due to the Coronavirus

Here are 8 tips that may help alleviate some of the financial stress.

6 Changes From the SECURE Act That You Need to Know About

Changes to retirement and college savings plans.

How to Pay for Your Engagement Ring

Financing options you could say "I do" to.

Five DIY Home Improvement Projects

Here are some worthwhile DIY projects you can start now.

The Cost of Remodeling a Kitchen

Here’s a breakdown of the costs for remodeling a kitchen and ways to finance it.

5 Things to Consider Before Switching Careers

We spoke to an executive from Goldman Sachs’ Pine Street leadership-development arm.

How to Manage Your Money

Learn to track what you spend, consider creating goals, and review/revise your plan.

Consider These Five Potential Ways to Use Your Coronavirus Stimulus Check

Think: essentials, emergency fund, debt, retirement and donation.

Got an HSA? Here’s What You Need to Know

How to use your HSA whether it’s a matter of love or grudge.

HSAs, Covid-19 and the CARES Act

Covid-19 and the CARES Act have changed some HSA rules.

4 Tips to Remember About Investing in Uncertain Times

Learn why it’s important to keep calm and stay in the game.

Marcus Explains: What Are RMDs?

Required minimum distributions explained in plain English.

How to Cancel a Credit Card

How to cancel a credit card – the right way.

Managing Finances for Elderly Parents

What you should know before chatting with your aging parents about finances.

What City Should I Live In?

8 things to consider that may impact your life.

How to Make a Budget That Works for You

Here is a step-by-step approach.

Flexible Spending Accounts Explained in Six Questions

FSAs can help you save on qualified medical expenses.

A Financial Checklist for When You’re Starting a New Job

6 ways to help the transition to your new employer.

5 Things To Do Before Your Parents Move In

A plan can help.

Coronavirus and Your Finances: How the CARES Act Could Help You

Learn how the CARES Act could help reduce some of the stress you and your pocketbook might be feeling.

You’ve Paid Off Your Loan! Now What?

It might be time to turn those good habits to saving.

How to Switch Banks in 4 Steps

Ready for a better banking partner? Here’s how to get started.

Federal Tax Day is July 15: What You Need to Know About This Change

For 2020, Tax Day has been moved from April 15 to July 15.

APR vs. APY: Isn’t It All Just Interest?

There's a difference, read more to find out.

Tax Time? Don’t Miss These 3 Potential Tax Breaks for Savers

Been saving all year? Check out these potential tax breaks.

Marcus Financial Literacy Test: Retirement Savings

We focus on retirement, including plans, benefits and strategies.

Marcus Explains: Estimated Tax Payments

Get the basics of how estimated tax payments work.

4 Tips to Consider When Looking for a Tax Preparer

Looking for a tax preparer? Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Don’t Miss These Self-Employment Tax Deductions

Freelancer? Entrepreneur? Here are some deductions to keep in mind as you do your taxes

How to Amend a Federal Tax Return

Made a mistake on your tax return? Here’s how to file an amended return.

Four Money Questions to Ask Yourself in March

4 financial questions to ask yourself in March.

What Is an Inherited IRA?

Inherited IRAs explained in plain english.

It's Tax Season: Here's What You Need to Know

Here’s to making the tax season a little less intimidating and confusing.

Tax Deductions vs. Tax Credits: What’s the Difference?

Learn how deductions and credits might affect your tax refund.

Got a Bonus From Work?

Learn how bonuses are taxed.

Done With Your Personal Taxes?

Here’s what to keep for your records.

What to Do When You Receive an Inheritance

The topic can be complicated, but what you do with it doesn’t have to be.

How to Do an Annual Budget Review

Make sure your finances are in order before the end of the year.

IRS Audits: What You Need to Know

Audits are rare and not as scary as you might think.

Upcoming Vacation? Be Sure to Avoid These 4 Added Travel Costs

Tips for every traveler

How to Rebuild Credit

Actions one person took to climb out of debt and improve their credit.

The Envelope Budgeting System Explained and How to Use It in the Digital Age

How this old-fashioned system can be a timeless approach to budgeting.

Bonds and How to Invest in Bonds

Explained in six questions.

What Is Net Worth?

Learn more about the formula for figuring out your net worth, and what you can do to grow this value over time.

The Link Between Physical and Financial Health

Explore how your finances may affect your well-being.

Think You Know Everything About Investing? 5 Tips for Every Investor

Timeless investing tips to keep in your back pocket.

Automating Your Finances

How putting your finances on autopilot can help you reach your goals.

What to Do If You Receive a Windfall

How to Invest in ETFs

Explained in six questions.

How to Stick to Your Financial Resolutions

Resolving to save money is great. Follow our three tips to stay on track and meet your New Year's resolutions to become financially fit.

What Are the Federal Income Tax Brackets?

Understanding what a tax bracket is and where you fall is important, so we decided to unpack it for you.

Marcus Financial Literacy Test: 2019 Wrap-Up

We focus on the year’s trends, changes in consumer finance.

How to Check Your Tax Refund Status

Grab your social, filing status and exact refund amount and let Marcus walk you through the process.

Home Maintenance Checklist and Tips

Keep this list handy. Welcome to the world of home maintenance.

What Is the Standard Tax Deduction for 2018?

A major change in 2018 was the sharp increase in standard deduction.

Are All-Inclusive Resorts Worth It?

Planning your next vacation? Learn the pros and cons of an all-inclusive resort.

Useful Tips for Kids' Allowance

Three parents weigh in on their approach.

Ask Jill: 9 Year End Money Moves

Close out the year right.

5 Smart Money Tips That Will Take a Matter of Minutes

Including steps to build your savings and keep tabs on your credit score.

Marcus Financial Literacy Test: Holiday Edition

We focus on gift tax, spending trends and paying off debt during the holidays.

Holiday Tipping Guide

Tis the season for saying thanks to the helping people in your life.

How to Talk Money During the Holidays

Holiday conversations with family can be awkward or tense. But they don’t have to be.

Ask Jill: 6 Steps to Take When Making a Charitable Donation

Pick the charity that’s right for you.

Ask Jill: How to Negotiate Salary

Jill explains how to handle a salary negotiation.

Ask Jill: What You Should Know About Open Enrollment (Part One)

We asked Jill Schlesinger to inform employees about open enrollment and what they should expect when confronted by their employer.

Ask Jill: What You Should Know About Open Enrollment (Part Two)

Benefits to take advantage of during open enrollment season.

It’s Time to Tie Up Loose Ends

These are the money questions you should ask yourself in November.

Ask Jill: LGBTQ Financial Planning

Jill Schlesinger address 5 important financial questions for LGBTQ Community.

Ask Jill: Financial Prep for College

Jill Schlesinger gives advice to parents who are sending their child off to college.

Jill Schlesinger on Tax Refunds

Jill explains what you should do with your tax refund.

Discussing Finances With Your Partner

Jill Schlesinger gives advice to couples who are interested in combining their finances.

Jill Schlesinger Gives Advice to Recent College Grads and Their Parents

Jill highlights the three most important financial goals for recent college grads.

How Long Does It Take for a Tax Refund to Show Up in Your Bank Account?

Learn how long and what process is necessary for your tax refund to show up in your bank account.

Does the IRS Charge a Direct Deposit Fee?

Learn what comes with choosing the direct deposit option when filing your tax refund.

Where's My Tax Refund?

Our guide to help you determine when you will receive your refund and how you can get it faster.

Pending vs. Posted Transactions: What’s the Difference?

Learn the difference between pending and posted transactions.

April Money Questions

Learn about tax extensions and tax withholdings, and other events to consider.

6 Money Questions to Ask Yourself in January

Here are six questions that will help set you up for success in the New Year.

What Do People Think About Their Finances

Despite wanting to save more, Marcus by Goldman Sachs found that Americans are missing an opportunity.

What Do Flu Shots, Holiday Travel and Antifreeze Have in Common?

These are the money questions you should ask yourself in October.

Report: Over 60% of Americans Are Not in Their Best Financial Shape

Get more from our survey about money and health.

How One Family Went From Two Income Sources to One

4 ways to raise a family under a single income household.

How Modern Day Explorers Plan Their Financial Lives

Who doesn’t like to travel? Imagine doing this while getting paid! Marcus by Goldman Sachs introduces 7 people who were able to accomplish this without emptying their pockets.

How to Be a Minimalist

One person’s path to minimalism and how it changed her finances.

What You Should Know About Online-Only Banks

Everything you need to learn before opening an account.

How I Saved: A 40th Wedding Anniversary and a Tattoo

A daughter's side hustle got her parents a weekend getaway.

How I Saved: A Return Trip to Paris, 30 Years in the Making

After an expensive divorce, Cameron vowed to spend on something better.

How Well Do You Know Your Finances?

We put speed daters to the test.

Frugal Shaming Hurts: Why You Shouldn't Tell Your Friends They Paid Too Much

There's a thin line between being helpful and hurtful.

Yes, Financial Planning Month Matters

We've launched a newly redesigned storytelling destination, because now is the perfect time to start gaining control of your finances.

How to Make Dynamic Pricing Work for You

You may not see it, but it's all around you. Here's how to beat it.

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