Personal Finance - NerdWallet

This month in personal finance

What Is Money Dysmorphia? When Money Never Feels Like Enough

by Kate Ashford, WMS™

Why feeling broke doesn’t always mean you are — and how perception can distort reality.

What to buy and skip in March

What to Buy (and Skip) in March 2026

by Tommy Tindall, Lisa Mulka

Buy green gear closer to St. Patrick’s Day and look for deals on mattresses, vacuums and makeup in March.

Is Going Analog the Answer? 6 Ways To Try it

Is Going Analog the Answer? 6 Ways To Try it

by Tommy Tindall

Read a book, listen to a record or try a handmade hobby to go offline.

Personal finance tools, guides and calculators

Learn more about credit scores

This ultimate credit score guide can help you learn about your credit and build your score

Check it out now

Trim your bills

Personal finance FAQs

How do I get started with credit?

If you don’t have a credit history, it’s hard to get a loan, a credit card or even an apartment. But several tools can help you start building your score.

What factors affect my credit score?

Payment history and how much of your credit limits that you actually use make up more than half of your score. Focus on those two while keeping an eye on other factors.

Should I save or pay off debt?

You should do some saving while you’re paying down debt. Even a small cushion of emergency savings can keep you from going deeper into debt when an unexpected expense pops up.

Manage your money

NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast - Your money questions, answered

In each episode, NerdWallet experts answer real-world financial questions, so you can work toward your goals faster and manage your money smarter.

See the latest episode

Smart Money Podcast

Credit score basics

Making money

Where and How to Sell Clothes Online

by Laura McMullen, Tommy Tindall

When deciding where to sell clothes, check the fees and decide between a consignment-like or piecemeal approach.

Taskrabbit Jobs: What Real Taskers Say

by Tommy Tindall

Could Taskrabbit lead to more than gig work? Take these tips from a couple top-notch Taskers.

6 of the Best Cash-Back Apps

by Tommy Tindall, Lisa Mulka, Hal M. Bundrick, CFP®

Fetch, RetailMeNot and Upside are among the cash-back apps that can help you save a little bit of money on everyday purchases.

Spending and expenses

How Much Rent Can I Afford?

by Laura McMullen, Kelsey Sheehy

The 30% rule and 50/30/20 budget are two guidelines that can help you determine how much rent you can afford. Other factors, like your location, commute and other bills are important to consider, too.

6 Ways to Get Cheap Internet

by Tommy Tindall

Get cheap internet service by slowing your speed, negotiating your bill or trying 5G.

Need Help Paying Bills ASAP? Use This Quick-Help Tool

by Liz Weston, CFP®

Use this guide to learn what assistance is available and identify what to deal with first.

Debt payoff and debt relief

What Is Debt Consolidation, and Should I Consolidate?

by Jackie Veling

Debt consolidation rolls multiple debts into a single payment. It can be a good idea if you qualify for a low enough interest rate.

Debt Relief: How It Works and Options to Consider

by Jackie Veling, Kate Ashford, WMS™

Debt relief changes the terms or amount you owe to help you pay it off. Learn about debt management, debt settlement and other debt relief options.

10 Ways to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

by Lauren Schwahn, Kate Ashford, WMS™, Jackie Veling

You can get out of credit card debt with strategies ranging from DIY for smaller balances to relief programs for more serious situations.

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