Joining finances can be tricky. Money has long topped the list of topics couples fight about. Jean Chatzky couplefightfinance Change image and share on social
In money, and in life, you are very often your own worst enemy. You promise yourself you're going to diet, then eat not one or two French fries but a whole plate. You decide to really commit to saving for retirement, only to wind up with a new pair of shoes in your closet. Jean Chatzky badclosetcommit share on social
Find the autonomy in your work. Autonomy is key to feeling good about the work you do, no matter what kind of work it is. Jean Chatzky autonomyfeltfind Change image and share on social
Eliminating or substantially lowering just one major monthly expense can give you enough cushion to move into a more comfortable place financially. Jean Chatzky comfortablecushioneliminate Change image and share on social
You'll get the biggest bang for each buck by paying off the highest interest rate debt in your portfolio first, while making minimum payments on the remainder. It's called the avalanche method, and it gets you out of debt cheapest and fastest. Jean Chatzky avalanchebangbig share on social
If you decide you need a secured card, use it to charge small items every month, then pay the balance off in full. If your credit score improves, and the bank doesn't offer to upgrade your card within 12 to 18 months, give them a call. If they refuse, try another lender. Jean Chatzky balancebankcall share on social
Garnishments tend to happen when people hide from their debts and stop making even minimum payments. Eventually, creditors sell the debt to a collection agency. Jean Chatzky agencycollectioncreditor Change image and share on social
Unlike other loans, a reverse mortgage doesn't have to be repaid until the borrower moves out of the home or passes away. Jean Chatzky borrowerhomeloan Change image and share on social
If you live in a yard sale kind of neighborhood - in good weather, most neighborhoods are crawling with them on weekends - do a sweep to see what the competition is charging. No one is going to buy your $7 book if they can get it down the block for $1. Jean Chatzky blockbookbuy share on social
You can cut the fat from your spending: Stop taking taxis, call your cable company and ask for the same deal new subscribers get, have dinner at home and then a drink out instead of a $100 meal with wine. Jean Chatzky cablecallcompany share on social
