Alene Laney is an award-winning personal finance writer with over ten years of experience in media. She writes about optimizing money choices when it comes to credit, award travel, saving, investing, real estate, mortgages and taxes.
Articles by Alene Laney
Best Credit Cards for Restaurants and Dining in 2024
If you want to earn rewards for dining, you’ll need the right card. These are our recommendations for the best credit cards for restaurants.
Best Credit Cards for Fair or Average Credit in April 2024
What options do borrowers with fair credit have when it comes to picking a credit card? These are our recommendations.
Best Mastercard Credit Cards in 2024
These are the best of the best credit cards branded and processed by Mastercard. Will one make sense for your wallet?
Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit 2024
The best credit cards for bad credit can help you build your credit score for a better financial future. These are our recommendations. See why they were chosen.
World of Hyatt Credit Card Review 2024
The World of Hyatt credit card enhances the World of Hyatt loyalty program with strong category bonus earnings, accelerated status, and a free night every year.
United Club Infinite Card Review 2024
United’s premium credit card, the United Club Infinite, is jam-packed with features and benefits, but it may not hold enough value for infrequent travelers.
Mastercard Black Card Review 2024
Is the Mastercard Black Card worth the $495 annual fee? See if it makes sense for you in our review.
Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card Review 2024
The Bilt Mastercard earns travel rewards when you pay your rent, offers valuable redemptions from travel partners, and doesn’t charge an annual fee. Our review details the card’s features, fine print, drawbacks, and competitors.
American Express Gold Card Review 2024
Is the American Express Gold card worth its annual fee? Read about the rewards structure, features, and alternatives in our review of this popular card.
Best Ways to Invest In Penny Stocks
Are penny stocks a gamble or a real investment? You might rethink whether or not they belong in your portfolio when you learn what’s involved.
Best Fixed Income Investments in 2024
The best fixed-income investments help your money grow with less risk than stocks. Here are some top options, with tips on how to get started.
What is a solo 401(k)?
A solo 401(k) is a retirement account for self-employed individuals who need higher limits to fast-track their retirement savings.
Everything You Need to Know About Tax Efficient Investing
Tax-efficient investing can help keep more money in your pocket. Here are the accounts, investments, and strategies you should look at.
10 Questions to Ask Your Financial Advisor
Asking the right questions can help you choose the right financial advisor. Here’s a list to get you started.
Do You Need a Financial Advisor?
When you’re evaluating your finances, you might need an expert to guide you through the process. Here are eight reasons why you should consider hiring a financial advisor.
What Is an IRS 1099 Form
Form 1099 reports income from sources other than employment. It’s filed differently than Form 1040 for wages, so you may need help in understanding all the requirements.
What Is The S&P 500?
Is the S&P 500 the best gauge of the U.S. stock market? We take a deep dive into how it works and how to invest in it.
Prosper Card Review 2024
The Prosper card only offers basic features, but it doesn’t require a security deposit and is geared toward borrowers with low credit scores. Will this work for you?
Chase Freedom Unlimited Review 2024
The Chase Freedom Unlimited’s 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases is made even more valuable by its connection to the Ultimate Rewards program.
When Will I Receive My Tax Refund?
When you receive your tax refund depends on how and when you file your taxes, among other factors.
How to Pay Back a Reverse Mortgage
Paying back a reverse mortgage can be done by selling the home, using savings, obtaining a new mortgage, or giving the lender a deed in lieu of foreclosure.
How to Get a Business Credit Card in 5 Simple Steps
Wondering how to get a business credit card? Your personal credit score can help if you’re looking to get one of the best small business credit cards out there.
7 Tips for Buying Rental Property
Investing in real estate can build wealth, but there are a lot of costs and much ongoing work involved with buying rental property. Here’s what you’re in for.
How to Get a Debt Consolidation Loan with Bad Credit
It’s possible to see which kinds of debt consolidation loans you qualify for when you have bad credit. Here’s how to do it and where you should look.
Pros & Cons of Debt Consolidation
Debt consolidation can help you pay off debt, improve your credit, and simplify your finances, but it can also mean paying more interest on a longer-term loan.
What is a Schumer Box and How Do You Read It?
A Schumer Box puts the fine print of credit card rates and fees in an easy-to-read table. Learn how it can help consumers be more aware of the cost of credit.
Common Stock vs. Preferred Stock: What’s the Difference?
Common stock offers voting rights and exposure to the market. Preferred stock offers a fixed-rate dividend, but more modest capital appreciation. They have different risks, returns, and purposes. What to know before you invest.
How to Get a Loan With Bad Credit
It can be difficult to get a loan with bad credit. The right lenders and sufficient income will go a long way to help.
What Is the Standard Tax Deduction
Taking the standard deduction is easy when you’re filing your taxes, but is it the right option for your situation? Take a look at how much it is for 2023.
