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Top 10 Personal Finance Articles of the Month — August 2024

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 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.

To start things off this month, we’ll be highlighting some money mistakes. After that, we’ll talk taxes as well as earning more interest. Wrapping up, we’ll discuss upgrading on discount airlines, simplifying your investment portfolio, procrastination, and more.

Here are our picks for the top 10 personal finance articles for August 2024:

Money Mistakes

Don’t Make These Olympic Mistakes With Your Money — Dr. Cory S. Fawcett, Financial Success M.D.

For many of us, our finances are somewhat fragile. This is to say that one honest mistake can have major monetary consequences. Inspired by the recent Summer Olympics, Cory looks at some big money mistakes that could undo a lot of what you’ve worked toward.

The Stock Pick That Tanked — Financial Mechanic

In recent years, we’ve seen a number of stocks explode, with their share prices soaring. When this happens, it can not only lead to FOMO among investors but also inspire them to find the next breakout hit. Of course, that rarely works out — as this personal story from Financial Mechanic highlights.

How to Ensure Financial Misery — Jesse Cramer, The Best Interest

Do you want to live your life in a financial rut? Prefer misery to joy and abundance? Well, then this humorous (but informative) article from Jesse is just what you need.

Taxes and Interest

Nothing is Certain Except Debt and Taxes — Nick Maggiulli, Of Dollars and Data

No one really likes paying taxes… and few like thinking about them either. Perhaps that’s why, despite the fact that the United States marginal rate is in no way a new concept, many Americans still don’t quite understand how their marginal tax rate differs from their effective tax rate. To clear up the issues, Nick explains the difference in detail, while also sharing how this discrepancy could impact your retirement savings.

Ditch Banks, Go With Money Market Funds and Treasuries — Harry Sit, The Finance Buff

For the past few years, interest rates have been relatively high. This has not only meant that those who borrow money have been paying more but, on the other end, savers have been able to score higher APYs on their funds. But, as Harry points out, the amount earned could be even higher by making some key changes to where you hold your money.

Personal Finance Tips

Allegiant Extra Review – Worth the Upgrade?— Kyle Burbank, Money@30

For those looking to travel on a budget, discount airlines may seem like a great solution. The only problem is that the model for these carriers calls for them to “nickel and dime” you, making it difficult to know what upgrades are worth springing for. With that in mind, Kyle shares his recent experience with Allegiant Airlines’ “Allegiant Extra” product and whether or not it’s something travelers should consider.

5 Reasons to Simplify Your Investment Portfolio — Chris Mamula, Can I Retire Yet?

To some just learning about the topic, investing may seem complicated. However, even if it can be intimidating at first, investing should be simple — in more ways than one. On that note, Chris looks at why simplifying your portfolio is the way to go.

If You Want to Earn More, Stop Procrastinating — Darius Foroux

Who wouldn’t want to make more money? Alas, doing so takes a lot more than just hoping it will happen. If you are serious about taking action and increasing your income, Darius offers some advice.

Roth IRA Withdrawals for Early Retirees: Tracking What’s Accessible Now — Jim, Route to Retire

For those who are retiring early, Roth IRA conversions can be a helpful option The downside is that keeping track of what funds are available to you might not be so simple. For more on the topic (and a useful tool), Jim takes a deep dive into tracking your withdrawable funds.

7 Things We Did to Go From House Poor to Debt Free in 3 Years — Renee, The Fun Sized Life

Finally, in last month’s round-up, we looked at Renee’s story of being “house poor.” Luckily, she managed to get herself out of that situation — but how? In this article, Renee shares more on turning her finances around (and how you can get started doing the same).

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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.