Personal Finance
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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
Lowe's vs. Home Depot Credit Cards
Between the Home Depot and Lowe’s store credit cards, is one card better? Read our verdict here.
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.
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.
Best Discover Credit Cards for October 2024
Discover has some of the best credit cards with cash back rewards, none of which charge an annual fee. Which one matches up with your credit situation?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reverse Mortgage vs. Home Equity Loan: Key Differences And Which To Choose
Reverse mortgages and home equity loans allow you to access your home’s equity, but how they impact your finances is vastly different.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
What Happens When the Bank Closes Your Account?
Banks close accounts for inactivity, negative balances, overdrafting, suspicious activity, and account-agreement breaches. Here’s what you can do if it happens to you.
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