Lifestyle and Budget

There's little doubt that Americans with higher credit scores get better deals on core consumer items like mortgage and auto loans, credit cards, and even auto insurance. So why do so many U.S. consumers know so little about their credit scores?

Banks often use sign-up bonuses as a way to get new customers to apply for one of their cards. But, how does one go about earning the bonus?

Small banks and credit unions have extended the Christmas Club tradition to encourage savings for both good times and bad.

Dave Says: Are check-cashing companies a better deal than payday loan services? And how parents can help young kids form and keep a budget.

After a very long--and cold--winter, spring is almost here, and it's time to get your financial house in order.

Financial therapy blends psychology and money skills, but it's not going to solve your cash-flow issues or create a savings plan. It may, however, uncover your deep-seated money issues that can make you a better money manager. 

Investors in emerging markets equities have had a rough ride for more than a year. So is it time to walk away or double down?

Bankrate counts six ways Fed policy makes retirees miserable. Hint: Savings are stagnating.

We all make mistakes, especially when it comes to money management. But the key is learning from other's errors.

Most airport lounges are open only to first or business-class fliers, elite members of frequent-flier programs, or to those willing to pay up to $70 for a day pass. But there's another way in: having the right credit card in your wallet.

Cash is king? Not so fast. These alternatives deal better with loss or theft.

No matter where you live, chances are good that almost everyone you know owes money to someone. But you don't have to fall into that category. 

If you’ve been a victim of identity theft or want to prevent yourself from becoming one, you might be considering putting a security freeze on your credit file.

Unless you want them to visit you in the poorhouse, understand why you want to match your high-spending pals dollar for dollar, then find less-expensive alternatives.

When going into a formal debt management plan from a credit counseling agency, you can't keep several credit card accounts open. That defeats the purpose of getting out of debt.

Dave Says: Here's how to stop getting preapproved credit card offers from flooding your mailbox and the steps to getting debt free as quickly as possible. 

A new survey found that Americans have done some crazy things with their credit cards -- here are eight examples.

We all know that we should be saving more than we are, so let's make that a reality. 

Experts say people are more comfortable talking about sex than money -- and that's a problem.

As frequent flier and hotel rewards programs get devalued, credit card issuers are offering new ways to redeem your points, from taxi rides to paying your mortgage.