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.
We’ll start off our September list with a look at insurance topics. After that, we’ll explore some surprising advice that might get you thinking. Lastly, we’ll discuss preparing for a new baby, sports betting habits, lessons from long-term travel, and more.
Here are our picks for the top 10 personal finance articles for September 2026.
Insurance
Understanding Umbrella Insurance Coverage: What’s Protected and What’s Not — Travis Christy, The White Coat Investor
If you’re like me, you’ve probably heard the term “umbrella insurance” but didn’t actually know what it means. And, no, it doesn’t involve rain! To truly understand this type of coverage and why it may be worth having, check out Travis’s thorough article on the topic.
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need? — Michele Cagan
Life insurance is one of those things that most people don’t like to think much about. On top of that, unfortunately, some might not buy a policy until it’s too late. Then, for those who are interested in purchasing coverage, there’s always the question of how much you really need. Michele helps answer that latter question by looking at some key factors.
Surprising Advice
9 Frugal Habits That Sound Ridiculous Until You See What They Save — Robyn, A Dime Saved
Have you ever been told a tip and thought, “That can’t be right”? Well, if not, get ready to experience that phenomenon now! In this post, Robyn shares some frugal advice that might seem strange at first but has some solid reasoning behind each.
Drive (Less Than) the Speed Limit to Save Big — Darcy, We Want Guac
For many Americans, their vehicles are one of the most expensive parts of their budget. Between car payments, insurance, and gas (or charging), those costs can really add up. But, as Darcy points out, there’s one unique way you may be able to save: slowing down.
How My Hotel Minibar Actually Just Saved Me Money — Kyle Burbank, Money@30
Everybody knows that hotel minibars traditionally have some of the highest markups for everyday products. In these tempting little cabinets, you’re likely to find $8 sodas, $12 nuts, and even pricier alcoholic beverages. Yet, Kyle shares how his recent minibar experience at a luxury hotel actually managed to save him cash.
Personal Finance Tips
How We’re Financially Preparing for Baby #4 — Jessi Fearon
There’s no question that adding a baby to the family can have a major impact on your finances. So how do you prepare for such a change — especially when you don’t have traditional health insurance? Jessi explores her personal experience in this post (congrats, Jessi and family!).
Gen Z Switches Retirement Saving for Sports Betting — Kerry Hannon
If you’ve been feeling like everything is about betting lately, you’re not alone. Outside of sportsbooks, so-called prediction markets have made placing wagers (or “trades,” as they prefer) more accessible. According to a recent study, this has led a striking percentage of Gen Zers to put their money in sports bets instead of investments, as Kerry highlights here.
How a Year of Travel Completely Rewired Our Finances (and Our Life) — Emma Healey, Mum’s Money
You can learn an awful lot about traveling. Not only does exploring the world expose you to new cultures but you might also see new sides of the people you choose to travel with (for better or worse). Beyond that, as Emma shares, traveling can have you rethinking aspects of your finances.
I Now Understand How Some People Constantly Spend Money — A Purple Life
What can turn someone from a frugal fanatic to a person in “f*** it mode”? There are several reasons why people might suddenly choose to start spending more of their money. But in the case of Purple, there are a few specific reasons why she’s been increasing her spending tendencies.
When Is “Good Enough” Actually Good Enough? — Chris, Heavy Metal Money
A quote I use all the time comes from the show Community: “It’s better than good, it’s good enough.” While “good enough” may sound like settling to some, there can be power in this concept as well. So, what’s worth optimizing and what truly is good enough? That’s what Chris explores in this article.
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.
