Personal Finance
Personal finance is about taking control of your money. It involves understanding your current financial situation, setting goals for the future (like saving for a house or retirement), managing your everyday finances (like budgeting and paying bills), and creating a safety net with an emergency fund.
2025 Financial Checklist
Dec 29, 2024
Dec 4, 2024
Dec 17, 2024
Dec 30, 2024
Identity theft protection
Dec 31, 2024
Nov 18, 2024
Oct 22, 2024
Jan 25, 2024
IdentityTheft.gov is the U.S. federal government's one-stop resource for identity theft victims. It provides step-by-step guidance to report identity theft and develop a personalized recovery plan. The website offers tools to create necessary reports and letters for credit bureaus and businesses, helping users regain control of their personal information and prevent further fraud.
You can also file a report over the phone at 877-438-4338
Business Insider's recent evaluation of identity theft protection services highlights several top options for 2025.
By law, you can get a free credit report each year from the three credit reporting agencies (CRAs). These agencies include Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
AnnualCreditReport.com is the only website authorized by the federal government to issue free, annual credit reports from the three CRAs. You may request your reports:
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Online by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com
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By calling 1-877-322-8228 (TTY: 1-800-821-7232)
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By filling out the Annual Credit Report request form and mailing it to:
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Annual Credit Report Request Service
PO Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
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If you're a victim of identity theft, act quickly to protect your finances. Report the theft at IdentityTheft.gov, place a fraud alert or credit freeze with credit agencies, review your credit reports for unauthorized activity, and contact affected companies to address fraudulent accounts. File a police report if necessary, and monitor your accounts regularly for unusual activity.
Budget & Debt
Apr 2, 2025
Jan 25, 2021
Mar 4, 2024
Jun 2, 2024
Sep 20, 2024
Jul 10, 2024
Feb 12, 2024
Feb 20, 2024
The LendingTree article "How to Get Out of Debt" provides comprehensive strategies for managing and eliminating debt
Kiplinger's article "Seven of the Best Budgeting Apps" highlights top applications to help users manage their finances effectively. The article emphasizes that the best budgeting apps allow you to declutter your finances, set savings goals, and ensure you're aligned financially with your spouse.
NerdWallet's article "The Best Budget Apps for 2025" reviews several budgeting applications to help users manage their finances effectively.
NerdWallet's "Free Budget Planner Worksheet" is a practical tool designed to help individuals manage their finances by organizing income and expenses
Credit Score
A good credit score increases access to loans and credit, lowers interest rates, improves loan terms, and facilitates renting. It can enhance job prospects, reduce insurance premiums, provide financial flexibility, and help in emergencies while avoiding security deposits.
Jan 23, 2025
Aug 15, 2024
Cash back/ credit card rewards
Cash back and credit card rewards provide savings, enhance travel experiences, and maximize everyday spending. They encourage responsible use, build credit, offset fees, offer exclusive perks, and can serve as an emergency financial resource.
Nov 12, 2024
Mar 15, 2024
Aug 26, 2024
Feb 5, 2024
Here is an example of how an elementary teacher strategically utilized credit cards to maximize rewards in 2024.
Retirement
Dec 12, 2024
Sep 4, 2024
May 17, 2024
Rob Berger's article "7 Best Retirement Calculators (#1 is Free)" provides an in-depth analysis of top retirement planning tools, highlighting their unique features and benefits.
Fidelity's article "Savvy tax withdrawals" emphasizes the importance of strategic withdrawal planning in retirement to optimize tax efficiency.
Kiplinger's article "12 Retirement Moves to Make This Year" outlines essential steps to enhance your retirement readiness in 2025.
AARP's article "9 Ways Retirement Will Be Different in 2025" outlines several key changes that will impact retirees.
Estate Planning
Estate planning ensures your assets are distributed as you wish, minimizes taxes, avoids probate, and protects dependents. It includes healthcare decisions, ensures business continuity, honors personal wishes, and provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Oct 24, 2024
May 13, 2024
Money Lesson
Kids/Teens
Teaching children about money builds financial literacy, fosters good habits, and prepares them for real-life responsibilities. It promotes independence, helps them understand opportunity costs, and reduces the risk of financial stress. Additionally, it encourages generosity and responsible decision-making.
Jan 22, 2024
May 5, 2023
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Apr 3, 2025
The "Kidpreneur" section of PasoEdu.com offers resources to inspire and educate children about entrepreneurship.
The article "12 Toys, Games, & Other Items I'm Using to Teach My Kids & Students About Money, Starting at $6" by Jacquelyn Smith, published on January 11, 2025, presents a curated list of affordable educational tools designed to teach children essential financial skills. Drawing from her experience as a parent and teacher, Smith emphasizes the importance of introducing financial education early to help kids make wise financial decisions in the future. Each recommended item is priced under $30, making them accessible for families and educators.
Investing for children can provide a significant head start in financial education and future savings.