Personal Finance Guides for Budgeting, Saving, and Wealth Building

Stay informed with personal finance topics covering budgeting, saving, credit cards, debt management, banking practices, and everyday money decisions.

This category focuses on financial literacy, practical explanations, and factual reporting designed to help readers understand how money systems work and how common financial issues affect daily life.

Our Personal Finance articles explain policies, fees, and financial concepts clearly and transparently, without offering personalized financial advice.

How can you make an extra $1000 a month? Practical second income opportunities

How can you make an extra $1000 a month? Practical second income opportunities

Many people look for second income opportunities to cover bills, save, or build a small business. This guide explains common channels, a practical 30/60/90 test plan, tax basics, and simple decision tools so you can try one idea without overcommitting. Use this as a straightforward starting point. It focuses on realistic steps, clear tracking, and […]

in Personal Finance by Orvus Serv
Are RIAs better than brokers? A clear comparison and how to start an RIA

Are RIAs better than brokers? A clear comparison and how to start an RIA

Many readers ask whether RIAs are better than brokers and how to start an RIA if they are an adviser. This article breaks down the regulatory difference, common fee models, and practical verification steps so you can compare options with primary documents. Use this as a clear starting point: the fiduciary versus suitability distinction matters […]

in Investing by Orvus Serv
Is $500,000 enough to work with a financial advisor? – Is $500,000 enough to work with a financial advisor?

Is $500,000 enough to work with a financial advisor? – Is $500,000 enough to work with a financial advisor?

If you are deciding whether $500,000 is enough to hire a financial advisor, this guide is for you. It explains how account minimums and fee models commonly work in 2026 and gives practical steps to compare firms without jargon. FinancePolice focuses on clear, actionable steps so you can request written fee examples, confirm fiduciary status, […]

in Investing by Orvus Serv
Are bonds good for beginners? A clear primer from FinancePolice

Are bonds good for beginners? A clear primer from FinancePolice

Bonds can feel technical at first, but the basics are straightforward. This article explains how to invest in bonds for beginners, focusing on clear steps, the main trade-offs, and reliable sources to verify details. Use this guide as a starting point to compare bond ETFs and individual bonds, consider duration and tax effects, and set […]

in Investing by Orvus Serv
How long does it take for a $10,000 savings bond to mature?

How long does it take for a $10,000 savings bond to mature?

This article from FinancePolice explains how long a $10,000 U.S. savings bond typically takes to reach common milestones and what rules change timing and value. It is written for everyday readers and beginners who want a clear, practical explanation without financial jargon. We cover what Series EE and Series I bonds are, how the EE […]

in Investing by Orvus Serv
What are some good side hustles? — What are some good side hustles?

What are some good side hustles? — What are some good side hustles?

Second income ideas are practical ways to add money to your monthly budget without quitting your job. This article explains how to evaluate common options, test them without big expenses, and avoid common mistakes. Use the steps here as a starting point and verify local rules for taxes and permits. FinancePolice aims to help everyday […]

in Make Money by Orvus Serv
How to make an extra $500 to $1000 a month? – Practical second income ideas

How to make an extra $500 to $1000 a month? – Practical second income ideas

If you want practical second income ideas, this guide walks through options that often produce about $500 to $1,000 per month with consistent effort. It contrasts fast-start options with scalable paths so you can pick a plan that matches your time and risk tolerance. The emphasis is on realistic steps: a short skills audit, a […]

in Make Money by Orvus Serv
What is the 50 30 20 rule for teens?

What is the 50 30 20 rule for teens?

The 50 30 20 rule splits after-tax income into needs, wants, and savings or debt. For teens it is a learning tool more than a strict target. This article explains how to adapt the rule to teen life, build simple saving habits, and learn the practical account options in the U.S. that allow minors to […]

in Frugal Living by Orvus Serv
Can you make a living off day trading crypto? — a realistic guide

Can you make a living off day trading crypto? — a realistic guide

Day trading cryptocurrency attracts attention because of the potential for high intraday moves, but realistic feasibility requires more than optimism. This guide helps you examine the four core inputs that determine whether a daily income target makes sense, and it explains the common costs and behavioral risks that typically break naive plans. Use this as […]

in Make Money by Orvus Serv
What is the 25x rule for financial independence?

What is the 25x rule for financial independence?

The 25x rule is a compact way to turn an annual spending estimate into a retirement savings target. It is simple: multiply your expected yearly retirement spending by 25 to get a ballpark nest-egg number. This article explains where the 25x rule comes from, how the math works, and the limitations to keep in mind. […]

in Investing by Orvus Serv
What are 10 steps to financial freedom? A practical guide

What are 10 steps to financial freedom? A practical guide

This article gives a practical, step-by-step checklist for readers who want clear actions to improve budgeting, build savings, reduce debt, and start investing. It emphasizes small, repeatable habits and evidence-based sequencing that often begins with a budget and emergency fund. Use this guide as a starting point: scan the quick checklist to see where you […]

in Personal Finance by Orvus Serv
What is the 4% rule for financial independence? A clear guide

What is the 4% rule for financial independence? A clear guide

The 4% rule is one of the most cited simple rules in retirement planning. It links an initial withdrawal percentage to a clear target, and the 25x rule makes the math easy to remember. This article breaks down what the rule actually tested, what assumptions matter, and how to adapt the idea to your taxes, […]

in Investing by Orvus Serv