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, we’ll discuss a couple of topics that relate to our modern world. After that, we’ll look at a pair of articles from authors sharing their personal experiences. Next, we’ll talk through pros and cons for a couple of personal finance issues. Lastly, we’ll cover purchase protection, money secrets, and more.
Here are our picks for the top 10 personal finance articles for October 2026.
Modern Times
Do NOT Use AI to Manage Your Money — Darcy, We Want Guac
There’s no question that AI has evolved greatly even in the past few months. Additionally, more and more financial apps are integrating AI — while AI services are also now touting personal finance capabilities. However, in this post, Darcy argues why using these tools may not ultimately be in your best interest.
Trump Accounts: Are They a Scam? — Wanderer, Millennial Revolution
Whether you have an eligible child or not, you may have heard about the recent launch of Trump Accounts. Depending on how you feel about the current president of the United States, you may have wondered whether these investment accounts were actually worthwhile or whether they were more akin to another memecoin. The Wanderer dives into all of the details.
First-Hand Experience
What 20 Years of Freelancing Taught Me About Financial Security — Miranda Marquit
Working as a freelancer can have its perks… but it also has some notable financial drawbacks. For one, when most people think about freelancing, they probably think about the irregular income that’s pretty much a prerequisite. But, as Miranda shares, her two decades as a freelance writer gave her some perspective on what financial security is all about.
6 Years Of Early Retirement: What’s Changed And What’s Next? — A Purple Life
For many, early retirement may seem like a pipe dream. Moreover, even if you could stop working, what would you do with your time — and how would you ensure you didn’t run out of money? Well, six years after her early retirement began, Purple is back with her yearly update, including a financial breakdown.
This or That?
When A Financial Planner Beats DIY (And When It Doesn’t) — Barbara Friedberg
Figuring out what to do with your hard-earned money can be difficult. Even with all of the DIY resources that are now available to consumers, sometimes it may make sense to let someone else help you out. But what are those instances where having a financial planner is a good idea? Barbara takes a closer look at the topic and shares some important fee math.
Term Life or Whole Life Insurance – Which Kind of Life Insurance Policy Should You Get? — Michele Cagan
Unfortunately, we’ve all heard tragic stories that emphasize the importance of having a good life insurance policy. Yet, what many people may not realize is that there are multiple types of policies. In particular, whole life and term life insurance are very different products. In this article, Michele shares a look at both types of life insurance and who could benefit most from each.
Personal Finance Tips
My MacBook Was Stolen: How Chase Purchase Protection Got Me $1,204 Back in 9 Days — Kevin Ha, Financial Panther
When looking at new credit cards, most people probably base their decision to apply on such factors as the welcome bonus, the spending rewards categories, or other perks and credits the card might have. Yet, there are some big benefits to certain cards that you may be overlooking. Case in point: Kevin shares how the purchase protection included on his credit card covered him when his new laptop was taken.
7 Money Secrets That Can Quietly Destroy a Marriage — Evan Morgan, Budgets and the Bees
We all know that finances are one of the most common points of argument among married couples. Sadly, while some money missteps may just lead to an uncomfortable conversation, others could do even more lasting and serious damage. Evan looks more closely at some financial secrets that could threaten your relationship.
The Credit Limit Balancing Act: How To Give Your Credit Score More Room Without Taking On More Debt — Jon Dulin, Money Smart Guides
Do you know the credit limit on your credit card? For most, the answer is probably “no.” After all, if you don’t intend to put that much on the card, why should it matter what your limit is? Well, as Jon explains, your credit limit could impact your credit more than you realize.
Making Our First Roth Conversion — Joe Udo, Retire by 40
Lastly, even if you’re familiar with the concept of a Roth IRA, you might not know about the possibility of a Roth conversion. So what the heck is that and why might you want to do it? Joe looks at his first Roth conversion experience as well as plans for the future.
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.
