AJ Smith

AJ Smith

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All of AJ's posts
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Personal Finance

Where Should You Keep Your Emergency Fund?

If you've saved up an emergency fund, do you know where to keep it? All in one place? The crucial thing is where you can get to it quickly. Here are ideas.

AJ Smith

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Personal Finance

Will the Government Tax My Social Security Benefits?

As you try to figure out your cash flow during retirement, here's what to know about taxes and your Social Security benefits.

AJ Smith

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Managing Debt

The New Grad's Guide to Student Loan Debt

You have a new degree — and hopefully a salary — now you need to make room in your budget for student debt. Here's what new grads need to know.

AJ Smith

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Personal Finance

How to Create a Comprehensive Budget

Why should you make a budget? For starters, it will help you figure out exactly where your money is going, so that you can redirect it toward your goals.

AJ Smith

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mortgages

What Is a Broker Fee?

Whether you're buying or renting, you may want a professional to guide you through the process. How much should you expect to pay?

AJ Smith

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mortgages

Why You Can't Afford Your Dream Home

If you're looking to buy a home but are worried that the one you want might be too much of a financial stretch — you could be right.

AJ Smith

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Personal Finance

How to Decide When to Retire

We may know that it's smart to start saving early for retirement, but does this mean we actually do it? Here's how to figure out if and when you can retire.

AJ Smith

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student loans

A 5-Minute Guide to Student Loans

In figuring out how to finance college, it's important to understand the types of student loans and to figure out how much you can reasonably repay.

AJ Smith

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Personal Finance

8 Times It Pays to Shell Out a Little More Cash

Sometimes, a key to savings is knowing when to spend a little more to ensure you get better quality or savings from quantity.

AJ Smith

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Personal Finance

5 Ways to Cut the Cost of Moving

For many Americans, summer includes a move to a new home. Here's how to keep moving costs in check.

AJ Smith