Money Management Tips Archives

Category: Money Management Tips

Apple Cash app

How to Activate a Virtual Card Number on Apple Cash

In 2017, Apple expanded its FinTech aspirations by introducing a peer-to-peer payment account called Apple Cash. With this account, users could easily send and receive payments via iMessage. What's more, while customers could elect to transfer received funds to a linked bank account, they could also be spent directly using Apple Pay. The only problem was that, for merchants that didn't accept Apple Pay, there wasn't a way to use...
38

Money at 38: The Major Ways My Finances Have Changed

In 2016, I wrote a guest post for what was then called Dyer News (now Fioney) about my "financial awakening." What inspired that article was the fact I'd just checked my credit for the first time, leading me to take a greater interest not only in my money but in the topic of personal finance in general. Needing a title, I settled on calling it "Money at 30" — which was...
My Top Money Tools for 2024

The Top 5 Money Tools I'm Using Most in 2024

Over the past several years, I've reviewed countless apps, platforms, and other tools related to personal finance. Often, I've also taken to naming some of my top picks for each year. Originally, this list featured apps that I was bullish on before transitioning to a collection of what I thought were the "most fascinating" startups. Well, unfortunately, the FinTech market has seen several casualties along the way, wiping out some...
2024

5 Ways My 2024 Finances Will Look a Lot Different From 2023

With Christmas 2023 now in the rearview, it's basically 2024 already. In turn, as one does, I've been thinking a lot about the new year and what changes I can expect. So, rather than discussing my money goals for the new year, I simply wanted to share some ways our finances will differ in 2024. My 2024 Financial Changes Mortgage instead of rent By far the biggest life change my...
shopping online

Comparing Cashback Portals: What's the Best Tool for Holiday Shopping?

If you're buying anything online, the biggest tip I have is always the same: try a cashback portal. Of course, with the number of these platforms growing, the question becomes, "Which one is the best?" Unfortunately answering that isn't so easy. Luckily, I had an idea: compare some popular cashback tools using a set of real-world parameters. In other words, what types of cashback rates can you get on select...
holding a remote in front of a TV

Cutting the Cord Again: 5 Free Streaming Services to Try

Remember when the hot trend was "cutting the cord" and canceling cable? At the time, this strategy allowed consumers to save a lot of money. Alas, as more streaming services have hit the market, many viewers may once again be spending more than they'd like on entertainment. But there's good news as there are now several free services where you watch movies, TV shows, and more without spending a dime....
a couple holding cell phones

Why I'm Changing Wireless Providers (Again)

Four years ago, I wrote a post sharing how I was saving money thanks to moving to T-Mobile (from AT&T) at the time. Well, now my wife and I have once again changed wireless providers. This time, we've landed at Verizon. But why? Well, let me explain how this came to be, how we'll be saving, and what I'll miss about being a T-Mobile customer. Why We've Switched from T-Mobile...
holding a magnifying glass to a rental contract

A Practical Renters Guide From a Lifelong Renter

For those of us who can’t afford to buy a home, just don’t want to buy a home, or who enjoy the freedom to move around as we please, renting can be a great option. According to Census Bureau data, 35% of U.S. households rent — including 61.5% of those living in apartments and 26.7% of those in houses.  This means that, for a huge portion of Americans, renting is...
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A Guide to Building Credit and Increasing Your Credit Scores

When it comes to credit, there’s some good news. The average credit score in the United States has been steadily rising in recent years, coming in at 715 in 2023. That may be because, today, consumers not only have more ways to access their credit reports and scores than ever before but also because there are an increasing number of options that Americans have for building credit in the first...

2024 SoFi Checking and Savings Review

Ever since I started taking an interest in the FinTech sector, one company whose name I’ve seen pop up over and over again is SoFi. Lately it seems as though that theme has been sent into overdrive as the company has not only become a household name thanks to its stadium naming rights deal but also because of the company’s continued product expansions. The most interesting development in my mind...
Brim logo

Brim Financial Raises $85 Million as It Eyes Global Expansion

Toronto-based FinTech infrastructure startup Brim Financial has announced a new funding round. About the round: Brim has revealed an $85 million round. The Series C was led by EDC Investments while new investor Vistara Growth and returning investors White Owl Group, Epic Ventures, and Zions Bank also participated. To date, the company has now raised $110 million including a Series B in 2021. According to Brim, the latest funding will...
Chase Freedom Flex card

Chase Reveals Q2 2024 Freedom 5%(+) Bonus Categories

Chase has announced its bonus category picks for the second quarter of 2024 — including some interesting twists. About the categories: As April approaches, Chase has revealed what categories Freedom and Freedom Flex cardholders can earn bonuses on. From April 1st through June 30th, customers can earn 5% (or more) in three categories: Amazon.com, Hotels, and Restaurants. Similar to how Chase embraced a "New Year, New Me" theme last quarter,...

FedEx Announces Winners of 11th Annual 2023 Small Business Grant Contest

Nearly three months after the entry period ended, FedEx has announced the winners of its 11th annual Small Business Grant Content. This year's event saw more than $300,000 in funds going to a variety of small businesses across the nation. Last month, the company revealed 100 finalists, with that list now being narrowed down to just 10 winners. This year's grand prize winners included KindVR, The Cupcake Collection, Up In...