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.

States With No Income Tax

You may not pay income tax in some states, but there may be other tradeoffs to keep in mind.

4 Signs You Might Be Ready to Buy a Home

Buying a house is a big decision – how do you know you’re ready?

9 Steps to Help You Gain Control of Your Finances

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

Estate Planning 101: Designating Beneficiaries and Preparing Basic Documents

An insight from our friends at Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management

Checking vs. Savings Accounts: Understanding the Difference

Including pros and cons of each.

Thinking About a Career Break? 4 Questions to Ask Yourself

Leaving a job is a big decision – are you financially ready to take the leap?

What Is Liquid Net Worth?

Whether for an emergency fund or just to give you an idea of your available cash at a given moment, knowing your liquid net worth can be one helpful way to assess your finances.

What Is Cryptocurrency?

Learn the basics of cryptocurrency and the blockchain technology that it runs on.

Car-Buying Tips: 5 Things to Consider

Things to do before you kick the tires.

Home Maintenance Checklist and Tips

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

How to Cancel a Credit Card

How to cancel a credit card – the right way.

4 Things to Consider Before You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

Even if you can afford it, it might not be always be in your best interest.

7 Things to Keep in Mind if You're Wedding Planning in the Covid Era

Have backup plans and keep an eye on fees.

The Cost of Remodeling a Kitchen

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

Ready for a Vacation? 5 Tips to Consider Before Traveling Again

There’s a new normal in traveling, and smart planning could help you save time and money.

Thinking About an Electric Vehicle? Some Costs to Keep in Mind

An electric vehicle could help you save money in the long run.

4 Personal Finance Tips for Recent College Grads

Good news: It’s not just about student loans.

APR vs. APY: What Are The Differences?

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

How to Manage Your Money

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

What Is a Cash Management Account?

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

Five DIY Home Improvement Projects You Can Tackle This Weekend

Here are some worthwhile DIY projects you can start now.

Financial Advisor Designations: What Do They Mean?

What do all those letters like CFP, CPA and CFA stand for?

Green Travel: 6 Ways to Help Make Your Vacation Green or Sustainable

Eco-friendly travel could be more of an option than you may realize.

What Is Net Worth?

It can provide a snapshot of your finances.

Gross Income and Adjusted Gross Income: What’s the Difference?

AGI is an important number when it comes to figuring out how much tax you may owe.

What Is Inflation?

Inflation, essentially costs of goods and services being higher now than they were in the past, can be good or bad, depending on the extent.

What Is the Alternative Minimum Tax?

Taxpayers subject to AMT calculate their tax liability twice, using the standard method and the AMT, and pay whichever is higher.

What’s the Difference: Standard Deduction vs. Itemized?

As we prepare our tax returns after an unprecedented year, it can be helpful to review some of the basics.

Before Building a Financial Plan, Put Your Four Cornerstones in Place

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

Taking the Fear out of Making Financial Decisions in Divorce

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

College Planning – Questions to Ask Yourself and Your Advisor

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

To Whom Much Is Given: Financially Smart Ways to Give Back

An insight from our friends at Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management

What’s in Your Emergency Financial Preparedness Kit?

Learn the basics of putting together an emergency financial first aid kit.

What Is Financial Therapy?

Exploring our relationship with money.

6 Tips to Help Reduce Daily and Recurring Expenses

Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution, or something you’ve been meaning to do for a while, here are some steps you can take to help reduce your daily spending.

Automatic Loan Payments: Benefits of AutoPay

Automatic payments may have more benefits than you think.

What’s in the New Coronavirus Relief Package?

See what financial resources may be available.

5 Mortgage Mistakes to Avoid

Taking short cuts when applying for a mortgage could cost you – we highlight 5 to avoid.

Creating Financial Checkpoints: A Key to Helping You Reach Your Goals

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

Value Based Planners

Learn more about strengths, challenges, and levelling up your personal finance game.

Short Term Strategists

Learn more about strengths, challenges, and levelling up your personal finance game.

Laid Back Balancers

Learn more about strengths, challenges, and levelling up your personal finance game.

Welcome to the Financial Personality Quiz Created in collaboration with Marcus by Goldman Sachs and The Myers-Briggs Company

Find out your financial personality type with the help of The Myers-Briggs Company and Marcus by Goldman Sachs. Start the quiz now.

From Offer to Closing – 5 Home Buying Steps to Know

How to be prepared

How Much House Can Your Future Afford?

Numbers to run beyond the purchase price.

Saving for Your Kid’s College Education? Here Are Some Things to Consider

Learn more about your potential funding options.

Getting Ready to Move Into a New Home? Let’s Get Organized

When moving, lists are a power tool.

Closing Costs: What to Know Before You Buy Your Home

They can add up, so make room for them in your calculations

Tips For Maintaining a Good Credit Score During a Recession

A few habits that could help keep your score up.

How to Navigate Finances as a Couple

If you and your partner plan on sharing expenses, it’s time to talk money. We’ve got some questions to help you get started.

What Is the Standard Deduction for 2020-2021?

Find out what the standard deduction is for 2020-2021.

Thinking of Buying a Vacation Home? Some Things to Consider With Your Financial Advisor

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

Remodeling Your Home? Here Are 10 Tips to Consider

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

4 Ways Covid-19 May Have Impacted Your Credit Cards

As the pandemic continues, it can be helpful to be aware of changes to credit card practices.

Tips on Balance Transfer Credit Cards During Covid-19

Familiarize yourself with changes to balance transfer credit cards due to Covid-19 as you think about tackling your credit card debt.

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

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

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

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

Financial Literacy Test 2020 Wrap Up

Test your knowledge.

5 Things to Do With Your Finances This Fall

Get organized with your finances before year end.

Are You Your Own Boss? Here Are 5 Money Tips to Remember

A few tips that could help keep you moving towards your financial goals.

5 Money Habits That Could Help You Achieve Financial Freedom

Attaining financial freedom takes effort and hard work – here’s how you could get started.

Graduating in Uncertain Times: How Parents Can Help Kids Secure Their Financial Future

An insight from our friends at Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management

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.

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.

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.

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.

Considering a Home Renovation? 5 Things to Keep in Mind

Every home and every renovation is different.

Are Unemployment Benefits Taxable?

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

4 Personal Finance Lessons From the Pandemic

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

8 Covid-19 Money Myths You Should Know About

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

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.

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.

What Happens to Interest Rates during a Recession?

How it could impact you and your money

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?

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

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?

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.

Consider These Five Potential Ways to Use Your Coronavirus Stimulus Check

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

Putting Everything On Your Credit Cards Right Now?

These 6 tips can help you use them wisely.

Your Tax Return in 4 Steps

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

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.

HSAs, Covid-19 and the CARES Act

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

5 Things to Consider Before Switching Careers

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Marcus Explains: Estimated Tax Payments

Get the basics of how estimated tax payments work.

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

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

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 Tax Breaks for Homeowners

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

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.

FDIC vs. SIPC: Understanding Your Account Insurance

Both protect your money, but in different ways.

Four Money Questions to Ask Yourself in March

4 financial questions to ask yourself in March.

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.

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.

Types of Retirement Plans: Which Is Right for You?

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

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.

5 Tips for Saving

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

How to Prepare Yourself Before Having a Baby

Seven financial steps to consider.

Budgeting for College Students: Tips for Students and Their Parents

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

The Link Between Physical and Financial Health

Explore how your finances may affect your well-being.

What Is Home Equity?

The basics explained in 6 questions.

How to Budget For Your Family Vacation

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

Automating Your Finances

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

Marcus Explains: What Is the Personal Tax Exemption?

Tax terms in plain English.

4 Things to Consider When Making a Will

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

What to Do If You Receive a Windfall

5 Things You Can Do With Your Tax Refund

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

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.

2020-2021 Federal Income Tax Brackets

See the 2020-2021 federal income tax brackets.

Marcus Financial Literacy Test: 2019 Wrap-Up

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

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

It’s about more than just the numbers.

How to Check Your Tax Refund Status

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

Marcus Financial Literacy Test

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

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.

Financial Literacy Test: Savings Edition

Test your knowledge when it comes to savings and interest.

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.

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.

5 Things to Consider When Picking a Local Charity

Tips from an expert at Goldman Sachs

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.

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

Learn the difference between pending and posted transactions.

6 Money Questions to Ask Yourself in January

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

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