Welcome to Fioney’s look at the top 10 personal finance articles of the month. On the first Friday of each new month, we look back at some of our favorite posts published (or updated) in the weeks prior and highlight them right here. This includes a mix of sites that have become staples of our lists as well as many first-timers.
First up this month, we’ll talk about bad actors and how they can do damage to your finances. Then, we’ll talk about cash machines, retirement money habits, frugality, the level of wealth, and more.
Here are our picks for the top 10 personal finance articles for August 2026.
Bad Actors
7 Easy Ways to Spot a Credit Repair Scam — Michele Cagan
If you’ve made mistakes and damaged your credit, a legitimate credit repair company might be able to help. Unfortunately, not all of the services out there are so reputable. To help you tell the difference between one worth trusting and one that’s probably just after your money, Michele shares some tips.
5 Warning Signs a Financial Advisor May Not Be Acting in Your Best Interest — Creative Money
Finding the right financial advisor may not always be an easy task. But, before you do pick one, you’ll want to ensure that they meet a few key requirements. In this post from Creative Money, you’ll learn about some red flags to look for that might signal that an advisor may not truly be putting you first.
I Came Uncomfortably Close to Falling For the Oldest Scam at LGA — Kyle Burbank, Money@30
It seems that, in many places that you go, there are people willing to try to take advantage of you. And, as it turns out, you can be more susceptible to scams when environmental influences might get you to put your guard down. That’s what nearly happened to Kyle, as he explains how he was almost tricked despite being on the lookout.
Personal Finance Tips
Build a Reliable Cash Machine — Millionaire on the Prairie
What if you could buy something once and continue to get little rebates from it over time? Well, that’s effectively how investment dividends work. That’s why Millionaire on the Prairie likens a dividend portfolio to a cash machine. (Note: while some of the specifics of this post are geared toward Canadians, the basics can be applied to those living elsewhere.)
9 Money Habits That Quietly Destroy Retirement — Retirement for Newbies
Sadly, not all retirements go perfectly. Yet, it’s not always because of some huge error or tragedy. Instead, as Retirement for Newbies explains, certain money habits could slowly sink your retirement.
Why Be Frugal When You Can Afford More? — Kimberly, Love to Frugal
Are you frugal because you want to be or because you have to be? It’s a question you might not have actually stopped to ask yourself before, but it can be important. With that in mind, Kimberly explains why she continues to be just as frugal as ever, even when her family is more financially secure.
The 5 Levels of Wealth — Darius Foroux
As you build wealth, your life can change. For example, a change in finances can lead you from a place of survival to one of stability. But those are just the first two of five wealth levels that Darius astutely defines in this post.
What to Do Before (and After) You Get Your First Paycheck — Maggie, National Bank of Mom
Do you remember getting your very first paycheck? More importantly, do you remember what you did with it? While you can’t go back in time, if you have a teen or young adult just starting to make their money for the first time, Maggie’s article on what to do with those funds could set them off on the right financial foot.
Why Your Spouse’s Spending Bothers You — Evan Sutherland, Budgeting Couple
It’s common knowledge that one of the issues couples argue about the most is money. Although this is often due to finances being tight, even during times when money is more plentiful, watching your partner spend can be frustrating. If that’s the case for you, Evan offers some advice to help keep the peace.
My “Double Everything” Hack — J. Money, Budgets are Sexy
Finally, we come to what is admittedly a lifehack and not a financial tip. In fact, following this advice will almost assuredly cause you to spend more. Nevertheless, J.Money explains the “double everything” hack and why it can make life a little bit easier.
Thanks for checking out our top 10 personal finance articles published last month, and congratulations to all of the bloggers who made the list. To find more of these great articles on a daily basis, be sure to follow us on Twitter @fioneymoney and of course visit Fioney.com.
