One of the keys to a sound financial strategy is spending less than you take in, and then finding a way to put your excess to work. A money management approach involves creating budgets to understand and make decisions about where your money is going. It also involves knowing where you may be able to put your excess cash to work.

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The Cost of Procrastination

Procrastination can be costly. When you get a late start, it may be difficult to make up for lost time.

Keeping Up with the Joneses

Lifestyle inflation can be the enemy of wealth building. What could happen if you invested instead of buying more stuff?

The Big Pause

This handy interactive explains which essential government services are affected by a shutdown.

How Cash Apps Work

Peer-to-peer payment apps are one of the newest ways to send money.

• Articles

  The Big Pause

  This handy interactive explains which essential government services are affected by a shutdown.

  The Many Ways to Measure Inflation

  Different inflation indexes may tell different stories. Here's what that could mean for you.

  Budget Check Up: Tax Time Is the Right Time

  Tax preparation may be the perfect time to give the household budget a check-up.

  Buying vs. Leasing a Car

  Whatever your relationship with your car, it may eventually come time for a new one. Familiarize yourself with your options.

  The Lowdown on Those Free Credit Scores

  What’s the deal with your yearly free credit report?

  Exploring the Federal Student Grant Program

  In this article, explore the benefits of the Federal Student Grant Program.

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• Calculators

  Historical Inflation

  See how the purchasing power of a dollar has changed over time due to inflation.

  Credit Card Payoff

  Find out how long it may take to pay off a credit card balance and what it costs in interest.

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• Videos

  The Cost of Procrastination

  Procrastination can be costly. When you get a late start, it may be difficult to make up for lost time.

  The Latte Lie and Other Myths

  Check out this video to begin separating fact from fiction.

  Keeping Up with the Joneses

  Lifestyle inflation can be the enemy of wealth building. What could happen if you invested instead of buying more stuff?

  Saving for College 101

  Here's a crash course on saving for college.

  How Cash Apps Work

  Peer-to-peer payment apps are one of the newest ways to send money.

  View all videos