Skip to main content

The Money Overview

Avatar photo
Author

Tyler Foster

Latest Articles by Tyler Foster

Government & Policy

The Fed is holding rates at 3.5%: what that means for your mortgage, savings, and credit cards

The Federal Reserve (Fed) held its benchmark federal funds rate steady within a target range of 3.5% to 3.75% at its January 2026 meeting, keeping...

Credit Cards & Rewards

The CFPB tried to cap credit card late fees at $8: the rule was struck down and here is what you still pay

A federal judge in Texas vacated the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB’s) rule that would have capped most credit card late fees at $8, ending...

Economy & The Fed

Ray Dalio explains how Trump’s economic agenda could reshape U.S. markets in 2026

Billionaire investor Ray Dalio has warned that the economic direction of the United States could shift significantly depending on how major policy proposals reshape trade,...

Fraud & Scams

Retirement scams the FBI flagged in 2025 are still targeting seniors in 2026

Protecting retirement savings has become increasingly complicated as fraud schemes grow more sophisticated. Federal investigators say older Americans remain one of the most targeted groups...

Budgeting & Saving

The 30-day no-spend challenge that is helping Americans save over $1,000 a month

The 30-day no-spend challenge encourages individuals to stop spending on non-essential items for 30 days. The idea sounds simple, yet for thousands of Americans, the...

Budgeting & Saving

The budgeting mistakes that cost the average American household thousands each year

Many households create a budget with the best intentions, yet small mistakes can quietly drain thousands of dollars from their finances every year. Even disciplined...

Economy & The Fed

Ray Dalio says the U.S. debt crisis poses a bigger risk than tariffs

Billionaire investor Ray Dalio has warned that the biggest economic risk facing the United States may not be tariffs or trade disputes. Instead, he believes...

Credit Cards & Rewards

How to get approved for your first credit card in 2026 with zero credit history

Getting approved for a first credit card without any credit history can feel like a frustrating catch-22. Many lenders want to see a credit record...

Budgeting & Saving

Only 1 in 3 Americans keep a monthly budget: 8 steps that financial planners say work

Budgeting is often described as the foundation for good financial health, yet surveys suggest that many Americans still struggle to put one in place. Research...

Credit Cards & Rewards

Credit cards earning up to 6% cash back on groceries in 2026

Groceries remain one of the largest recurring expenses for many households, which makes the right credit card surprisingly valuable. A strong grocery rewards card can...

Budgeting & Saving

How to build a 3-month emergency fund from scratch on any income

Unexpected expenses can appear at any time. A job loss, medical bill, or major car repair can quickly turn into a financial crisis if there...

Budgeting & Saving

The money habits that separate the top 10% of savers from everyone else

Many people assume that high earners are automatically the best savers. In reality, income alone rarely determines long-term financial success. Research from Fidelity and the...

Stocks & Wall Street

How much interest $1 million earns per year in 2026: savings, bonds, and dividends compared

For many investors, reaching $1 million in their portfolio is a milestone that signals financial security, but the bigger question is how much income that...

Credit Cards & Rewards

How to get a credit limit increase without triggering a hard pull on your credit

Increasing your credit limit can improve your credit score, expand your spending flexibility, and lower your credit utilization ratio. However, many cardholders hesitate to request...

Stocks & Wall Street

Startup investing can return 10x or lose everything: 12 pros and cons to weigh first

Startup investing has long carried a reputation for extreme outcomes. Early investors in companies like Uber, Airbnb, and Shopify saw returns that multiplied many times...

Credit Cards & Rewards

What happens to your credit score and interest rate when you max out a credit card

Credit cards can be useful financial tools, but maxing one out can create consequences that ripple far beyond a single purchase. When a card reaches...

Plain-English help keeping more of your money in retirement. Get the free newsletter.

Free from Retirement Shield. Unsubscribe anytime. We never ask for money.