Personal Finance
Advertiser Disclosure
A freelance writer and editor since the 1990s, Jim Probasco has written hundreds of articles on personal finance and business-related content, authored books and teaching materials in the fields of music education and senior lifestyle, served as head writer for a series of Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) specials, and created radio short-form comedy. As managing editor for The Activity Director’s Companion, Jim wrote and edited numerous articles used by activity professionals with seniors in a variety of lifestyle settings and served as guest presenter and lecturer at the Kentucky Department of Aging and Independent Living Conference as well as Resident Activity Professional Conferences in the Midwest.
Jim has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations in the Dayton, Ohio area, including the Kettering Arts Commission, Dayton Philharmonic Education Advisory Committee, and the University of Dayton Arts Series. He is past president of an educational foundation that serves teachers and students in the Kettering (Ohio) City School District.
He holds a bachelors from Ohio University in Fine Arts/Music Education and a masters from Wright State University in Music Education.
Articles by Jim Probasco
75,000 Points Welcome Rewards for Sapphire Preferred and Reserve Cards (Offer Ended)
Two Chase rewards credit cards—Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve—just boosted their welcome bonuses from 60,000 to 75,000 points, making them among the highest welcome bonus rewards currently available.
What Is a CD Ladder? Pros, Cons, Alternatives
A CD ladder lets you take advantage of fluctuating interest rates for maximum return while accessing your funds on a regular schedule.
What Is a Roth 401(k)? Essential Guide, 2024
A Roth 401(k) is a designated Roth retirement savings account funded with after-tax earnings and kept within an employer-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan.
What Are the 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2025? All You Need to Know
The limits for 2024 are higher than those for 2023—and 2025's are higher than 2024's—because the IRS adjusts them for inflation and cost of living increases every year. Plans can be more complicated than they seem. Read on to learn more.
Tax Brackets and Federal Income Tax Rates for 2023 and 2024
Tax brackets and rates, published annually by the IRS, are the basis for all federal income taxes paid in the U.S. Taxpayers use these charts to determine their yearly income-tax liability as adjusted for inflation.
15 Ways to Save Money
Saving money is a two-part process in which you reduce spending and set aside some funds for future use.
The History of CD Rates: From 1984 to 2024
Knowing the history of CD interest rates—along with the economic conditions at the time—can provide helpful guidance for using this information to maximize return on savings.
What is a Bank Statement?
A bank statement is a printed or electronic document that lists every transaction in a customer’s account from a specified period, typically monthly.
What is a Credit Card Chargeback?
A credit card chargeback is when a bank returns money to a card holder because a charge was fraudulent or the card holder bought something that wasn’t delivered or was defective.
The Rebranded Citi Strata Premier Credit Card Comes With a Big New Sign-On Bonus
So how much better is the new version of the Premier card? Does it hit the strata-sphere? Here are all the details.
How to Switch Banks
Switching accounts from one bank to another requires careful attention and monitoring during the transition to avoid lost deposits and missed payments.
Time-Barred Debt: What Is It, How It Works, What Are Your Rights
Time-barred debt cannot be legally collected—but it can still affect your financial future. Here’s what to know and what not to do.
How Do Car Title Loans Work
A car title loan, also known as an auto title loan or pink slip loan, is a short-term loan that uses your car as collateral. Find out how car title loans work.
Federal Student Loan Rates Jump 1% for 2024-25
Federal student loan interest rates are tied to 10-year Treasury Yields and recalculated yearly. This has resulted in a more than 1% jump in rates for the 2024-25 academic year.
What Is the Difference Between Term vs. Permanent Life Insurance (And How to Choose)
Term life insurance covers a certain number of years; permanent life insurance continues for your lifetime, provided you pay the agreed premiums.
What is Collateral On A Loan And Do You Need One?
In finance, collateral is an asset that a borrower pledges as security to help guarantee loan repayment. Learn more.
Which States Don’t Tax Retirement Income?
State taxes are a consideration when deciding where to live after you retire. Find out which states don’t tax retirement income.
What Is Coast FIRE?
Coast FIRE is a strategy that involves saving enough to generate sufficient future retirement income, then working to pay current expenses before “coasting” into retirement.
The Different Types of Mortgage Loans for Homebuyers
Mortgages, like the real estate they finance, come in a wide variety of options designed to suit different buyers. Some, like fixed-rate loans, are more common than others.
Joint Credit Cards: All You Need to Know
A joint credit card account is shared by two people who are each equally responsible for the balance due, as well as any interest or fees incurred on the account.
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