Personal Finance
![How do I stop living paycheck to paycheck?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25431544/Vox_PaigeVickers_OnTheMoney_5_3.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=7.8125%2C0%2C84.375%2C100&w=2400)
Plus, lessons worth learning about financial literacy.
![How do I stop living paycheck to paycheck?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25431544/Vox_PaigeVickers_OnTheMoney_5_3.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=7.8125%2C0%2C84.375%2C100&w=2400)
Plus, lessons worth learning about financial literacy.
![How should I plan for retirement when the future is so uncertain?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25385564/OnTheMoney_Vox_PaigeVickers_4_9.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
![How should I plan for retirement when the future is so uncertain?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25385564/OnTheMoney_Vox_PaigeVickers_4_9.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=7.8125%2C0%2C84.375%2C100&w=2400)
Plus, how to think about building your legacy.
![Why it’s so hard for Americans to retire](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25348060/VDC_XEP_064_retirement_in_the_us_THUMB_SYN.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
![Why it’s so hard for Americans to retire](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25348060/VDC_XEP_064_retirement_in_the_us_THUMB_SYN.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=7.8125%2C0%2C84.375%2C100&w=2400)
There’s a reason so many of us don’t have enough retirement savings.
![Pilates, a xylophone, and a wedding from hell: How Vox readers spent their tax refunds](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25331815/Tax_DavidHuang_Static.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
![Pilates, a xylophone, and a wedding from hell: How Vox readers spent their tax refunds](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25331815/Tax_DavidHuang_Static.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=7.8125%2C0%2C84.375%2C100&w=2400)
Some inspiration for tax refund season.
The latest in Personal Finance
![Is the US running out of Social Security?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25335647/THUMB_VDC_XEP_065_MASTER_CLEAN.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
![Is the US running out of Social Security?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25335647/THUMB_VDC_XEP_065_MASTER_CLEAN.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=7.8125%2C0%2C84.375%2C100&w=2400)
![What should I do if I didn’t pay my taxes?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25323917/NicoleDeiker_Tax_FinanceColumn.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
And other tax questions from Vox readers, answered.
![Why financial literacy education in the US sucks](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25322999/VDC_XEP_063_american_schools_financial_literacy_THUMB_CLEAN_UPDATED_030724.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
![Why financial literacy education in the US sucks](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25322999/VDC_XEP_063_american_schools_financial_literacy_THUMB_CLEAN_UPDATED_030724.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=7.8125%2C0%2C84.375%2C100&w=2400)
Blame the Space Race (kind of).
![Tips and tricks for doing your taxes, according to an accountant](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25311775/JuliannaBrion__CPA_Vox.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
Including when to do them yourself, when to seek out help, and strategies for keeping track of it all.
![4 ways to file your taxes for free](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25312883/JuliannaBrion__Taxes_Vox.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
Yes, doing your taxes is hard. No, you don’t need to shell out hundreds of dollars to file them.
![What to know about the new FAFSA](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25115088/GettyImages_1419915787.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.876406179691%2C0%2C56.247187640618%2C100&w=2400)
The application for getting federal financial aid has changed for 2024-2025. Here’s how to fill it out.
Having a meaningful life isn’t reserved for the ultra-wealthy.
![The Biden administration’s plan to slash bank overdraft fees, explained](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25232936/1670370337.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=23.76188535724%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![The Biden administration’s plan to slash bank overdraft fees, explained](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25232936/1670370337.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
Nobody likes overdrafting their bank account. Biden wants to make it less painful.
![How to dig yourself out of credit card debt](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25176267/PaigeVickers_Vox_OnTheMoney_12.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=10.572916666667%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
Plus, how to make sure you get your fair share of a mortgage investment in the case of a divorce.
![What your credit score actually means](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25161139/VDC_XEP_061_credit_scores_Thumb_SYN.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
![What your credit score actually means](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25161139/VDC_XEP_061_credit_scores_Thumb_SYN.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=7.8125%2C0%2C84.375%2C100&w=2400)
It’s not just you. Credit scores are confusing as hell.
![My ADHD makes it hard to manage money. What should I do?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25102834/PaigeVickers_OnTheMoney_Vox.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
It’s possible to navigate finances even when your brain gets in the way.
![My in-laws are terrible with money. What should I do?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24994968/OnTheMoney_PaigeVickers_10_5.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
Other people’s money decisions affect your own. Here’s how to talk boundaries.
![Will I just keep spending more and more money forever?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24888306/OnTheMoney_8_31.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
How to cope with both inflation and lifestyle creep.
![Mortgage rates are at a 21-year high. Here’s what that means for you.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24859032/1475361643.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![Mortgage rates are at a 21-year high. Here’s what that means for you.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24859032/1475361643.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
It could have near-term impacts for buyers and sellers.
![How are you supposed to start investing?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24839971/Vox_OnTheMoney_PaigeVickers.gif?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
There are many, many ways to save for retirement, and not all of them involve stocks and bonds.
![You don’t need to be rich to work with a financial planner](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24837716/GettyImages_1324377024.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=8.6934469466423%2C0%2C82.613106106715%2C100&w=2400)
What to know about the people who can help manage and grow your money — including how they get paid.
![Should you combine finances with your partner?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24797555/PaigeVickers_OnTheMoney__1_.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
Plus, how to think about your money after a divorce.
![The difficult reality of restarting student loan payments, in 5 charts](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24763321/1364051755.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![The difficult reality of restarting student loan payments, in 5 charts](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24763321/1364051755.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
The Supreme Court struck down Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan and payments are restarting. What is the potential economic fallout?
![Now might be a good time to consider quitting crypto](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24709963/1258513251.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=18.15%2C0%2C66.65%2C100&w=2400)
![Now might be a good time to consider quitting crypto](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24709963/1258513251.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0.012500000000003%2C0%2C99.975%2C100&w=2400)
What the SEC’s lawsuits against Binance and Coinbase mean for the future of cryptocurrencies — and for you.
![The problem with Apple’s big banking push](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24610703/GettyImages_1132776582.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![The problem with Apple’s big banking push](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24610703/GettyImages_1132776582.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
Borrowing money is just a few taps away on an iPhone. What could go wrong?
![Tax pro-approved tips to make filing (a little) easier](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24458123/GettyImages_594831139.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
What to keep in mind before filing your taxes this year, according to tax experts.
![Money Talks](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19039600/moneytalks_debt2.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.775%2C0%2C56.45%2C100&w=2400)
![Money Talks](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19039600/moneytalks_debt2.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=7.6625%2C0%2C84.675%2C100&w=2400)
![You’re not bad with money. But you can get better.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24420862/GettyImages_1368395193.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=34.156666266651%2C0%2C65.006600264011%2C100&w=2400)
A financial therapist explains how to shift your personal money narratives.
![Money Talks: The best friends running parallel businesses](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24415909/VOX_MoneyTalks2_FINAL.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
Meredith and Julia have swapped tips on everything from pricing to fighting off self-doubt as they’ve grown their own craft companies.
![How you can help the victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24412646/AP23037537601074.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.67%2C0%2C66.66%2C100&w=2400)
![How you can help the victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24412646/AP23037537601074.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0.0050000000000026%2C0%2C99.99%2C100&w=2400)
How to help — and how not to — in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
![A practical guide to getting laid off](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24288449/layoff_guide.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
Everything you need to do before, during, and after a layoff.
![In search of an attainable New Year’s resolution](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24243601/improve_life.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
How to actually improve your life, one small change at a time.
![What your kid’s teacher really wants for the holidays](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24271461/giftcash.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
Finding the right gift for teachers and other service workers is a puzzle, but there’s one thing everyone will appreciate.
![One secret to cheap travel? Pet sitting.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24237278/petsitting__2_.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
![One secret to cheap travel? Pet sitting.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24237278/petsitting__2_.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=7.8125%2C0%2C84.375%2C100&w=2400)
It can be an affordable, unique way to see the world one cat, dog, or goat at a time.
![How to cook and eat well when food is more expensive than ever](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24209506/GettyImages_1043673760a.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.653846153846%2C0%2C66.692307692308%2C100&w=2400)
![How to cook and eat well when food is more expensive than ever](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24209506/GettyImages_1043673760a.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0.019223375624762%2C100%2C99.96155324875&w=2400)
Inflation is hitting grocery prices hard. So what trade-offs should a home cook make?
![Easy ways to organize your digital life, from photos to emails](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24182017/email_cloud_board_3_lines.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.8625%2C0%2C56.275%2C100&w=2400)
Do you need to buy more cloud storage? Experts explain how to organize your digital clutter.
![How to start saving and investing money — even amid economic uncertainty](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24142288/illustration_6.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.867061812024%2C0%2C56.265876375953%2C100&w=2400)
If you’re in a position to sock away some cash, here’s how to think about it with an eye to the future.
![What to do when your side hustle becomes a drag](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23965823/sidehustle_evenbetter.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.861111111111%2C0%2C56.277777777778%2C100&w=2400)
Let’s talk about “anchor problems” and “gravity problems.”
![How to keep money from tearing your friendships apart](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23301780/GettyImages_1311472388.jpeg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.880415944541%2C0%2C56.239168110919%2C100&w=2400)
![How to keep money from tearing your friendships apart](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23301780/GettyImages_1311472388.jpeg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=7.8206239168111%2C0%2C84.358752166378%2C100&w=2400)
It can be complicated when you make way less (or way more) than your nearest and dearest.
![The escalating costs of being single in America](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23023636/DJV_X_VOX_main.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.866666666667%2C0%2C56.266666666667%2C100&w=2400)
Why is life in this country so hostile to single people?
![Money Talks: The couple who used lessons from 2008 to navigate 2020](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22956579/debt.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.82516243355%2C0%2C56.3496751329%2C100&w=2400)
This couple is in a different place financially than in the crash that defined their earlier life together.
![Are credit scores a necessary evil?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22942106/GettyImages_1327186709.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.666666666667%2C0%2C66.666666666667%2C100&w=2400)
![Are credit scores a necessary evil?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22942106/GettyImages_1327186709.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=2400)
Those three little numbers can make or break your financial life.
![Why do banks charge a fee for not having enough money?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22939018/GettyImages_1131510255_ext.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.861111111111%2C0%2C56.277777777778%2C100&w=2400)
![Why do banks charge a fee for not having enough money?](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22939018/GettyImages_1131510255_ext.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=7.7916666666667%2C0%2C84.416666666667%2C100&w=2400)
Overdraft fees, and how to protect yourself from them, explained.
![The best $160 I ever spent: A session with a Black therapist](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22922281/Therapy.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=21.875%2C0%2C56.25%2C100&w=2400)
I hadn’t realized how important for my mental health it was to talk with someone like me.
![A last will and testament can be a huge fight for families](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22923742/GettyImages_523075374.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=16.669797145004%2C0%2C66.660405709992%2C100&w=2400)
![A last will and testament can be a huge fight for families](https://cdn.statically.io/img/platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22923742/GettyImages_523075374.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0.0046957175056406%2C0%2C99.990608564989%2C100&w=2400)
Or a way to prevent fights, as an estate lawyer explains.