Money Basics
Budgeting, emergency funds, debt payoff and savings: the foundation every other money goal is built on.
5
guides in Money Basics, written for beginners. Each shows the date it was last updated.
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Credit Score Basics: What Moves Your ScoreThe factors that move your credit score, how reports differ from scores, how to get your free credit reports, and how to dispute errors.High-Yield Savings Accounts ExplainedWhat a high-yield savings account is, how APY differs from APR, how FDIC and NCUA insurance protect deposits, and where these accounts fit in your plan.How to Build an Emergency Fund (and How Big It Should Be)How to size an emergency fund for your situation, where to keep it, how to build it step by step and when it is right to use it.How to Pay Off Debt: Avalanche vs SnowballHow the debt avalanche and debt snowball methods work, a worked comparison with real math, and how to pick the one you will actually stick with.The 50/30/20 Budget: How It Works and When to Adapt ItHow the 50/30/20 budget splits after-tax income into needs, wants and savings, with a worked example and ways to adapt it to your real costs.