Cindy Perman
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Formerly CNBC and WSJ. I'm a journalist who helps people to be smarter about their money and career. Syracuse grad. Doggo mom to Ginger. Backyard gardener.
Articles by Cindy Perman
How to gain control of your finances after debt relief
Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty Images In partnership with Click to learn more Table of contents Build your credit scores Focus on your spending Find ways to earn more You’ve accomplished the first step on the road to financial recovery after being entrenched in debt. So, what’s next? For starters, you’ll want to focus on rebuilding your credit score, staying out of debt and increasing your income.These tips will help you gain control of your finances again after debt relief.
7 ways to handle overwhelming debt (and 3 to avoid)
Fertnig/Getty Images Sponsored by Learn more about National Debt Relief It’s not uncommon for debt to feel like you’ll never get out from underneath it. Thankfully, there are steps that you can take to improve your finances and be done with debt once and for all. As you start your payoff journey, use these tips to choose strategies that get you closer to your goal — and avoid some of the common scams that could put you deeper in financial trouble.
DIY Vs. Professional Debt Relief: Which Should You Choose?
Maskot/Getty Images In partnership with Learn more about National Debt Relief Table of contents DIY debt relief Professional debt relief How to choose the right option When you’re ready to get out of debt, you can either go it alone or work with a professional debt relief company. The decision is personal and strategic — and it depends on the kind of debt you owe. But whether you choose DIY debt relief or seek professional help, you’ll need to be prepared for a long process.
8 signs of a debt relief scam — and where to go instead - Bankrate
andresr/Getty Images In partnership with Learn more about National Debt Relief Table of contents What are some common debt relief scams? Signs of a debt relief scam Where to find legit debt relief Debt relief scams offer to help relieve you of debt, but do not deliver on what they promise. They commonly target those with high debt amounts or poor credit scores. Legitimate debt relief companies are out there to help with debt consolidation and settlement.
Why Debt Relief Typically Doesn’t Handle Secured Debt
Delmaine Donson/Getty Images In partnership with Learn more about National Debt Relief Table of contents The difference between secured vs. unsecured debt Why secured debt isn’t covered by debt relief How debt relief for unsecured debt works Debt relief companies work on your behalf to negotiate your debts, usually through a settlement for less than you owe. While this can be a useful tool for some types of debt, not all debt can be handled through debt relief.
Employee-owned companies tend to weather economic downturns
Research shows that employee-owned firms do better during recessions and other crises than traditional companies. Workers are more loyal, agreeing to innovate and cut costs, while management is more likely to take a longer-term view, avoiding layoffs and furloughs. Many companies tell success stories from the pandemic, when employee ownership increased flexibility and helped many firms to weather tough economic times.
Conference shows the promise of employee ownership
The Ownership Project at Harvard Business School’s Institute for Business in Global Society (BiGS) convened scholars, business owners, government officials and other stakeholders for the Worker Ownership Conference earlier this year. The experts discussed how employee ownership can help managers improve morale and productivity; help employees build wealth; and provide business owners with new tools to run their companies and prepare them for sale. A conference report is now available.
What Debt Should You Pay Off First?
Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate In partnership with Click to learn more Table of contents How to choose what debt to pay off first What is the best way to pay off debt? 3 ways to make debt payoff easier The decision of which debt to start paying off first is a personal one, but starting with high-interest debt is generally considered the most beneficial. This includes credit cards, which often have the highest interest rates, auto loans and personal loans.
Employee ownership can help weather the ‘silver tsunami’
An expected “tsunami” of retirements by private business owners — and no succession plans in place — threatens the future of those firms, the people who work there and the communities where they are located. Employee ownership can be a solution, ensuring the survival of the companies, saving jobs and sparing local economies from economic strain. When private business owners retire and shutter their companies, the financial impact can be extreme. Jobs are lost, throwing families into chaos.
Relying On Your Support Network During Debt Payoff
Debt doesn’t just weigh on your finances, it can weigh on your sense of security, self-worth and connection to others. It’s easy to feel ashamed or alone, but support can help get you through tough times. Asking for help doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it means you’re ready to move forward. When you’re dealing with debt, support doesn’t have to come in the form of a check or financial assistance.
At Syensqo, every employee is considered a CSO
Editor’s note: Dr. Ilham Kadri is the CEO of Syensqo, a Brussels-based chemicals company that has made every employee a chief sustainability officer. Syensqo’s ambitious sustainability initiative, and shift in mindset, has not only been good for the planet, but for profits. As president of the European Chemical Industry Council, Kadri has been instrumental in getting a sustainability commitment from dozens of industry leaders in Europe.
Bosch executive: Sustainability must be part of the model for the future
Editor’s note: There’s big business in sustainability. That’s the vision of Robert Bosch GmbH, a German company that makes a wide range of products, from home appliances and power tools to auto parts and vehicle technology. The company, with annual revenue of 90.5 billion Euros (more than $94 billion) has made mobility and home technology key priorities. Frank Meyer, who leads Bosch’s energy and building technology business, sat down with us to talk about sustainability as a business model.
Can You Tackle Debt Relief On Your Own? Tips for DIY Debt Relief
If you’re struggling with debt, you might wonder if tackling it on your own is truly possible. Managing your debt independently is possible, but it requires planning and discipline. Creating your own debt relief plan can be cost-effective, especially if you’re willing to contact creditors directly and closely monitor your finances. However, DIY debt relief isn’t your only option.
Should You Handle Debt Or Build An Emergency Fund First?
There’s a reason financial advisors keep recommending you save money for emergencies. More than one in three Americans needed to tap their emergency savings in the past year, according to Bankrate’s 2025 Annual Emergency Savings Report. But when you’re juggling debt, putting money toward savings can feel overwhelming. Many feel paying down their balances would be more beneficial than adding money to savings.
Strategies For Savings Accounts Over $25,000
This article does not represent the financial advice of Barclays. Individuals should consider their situation carefully before making financial decisions. Not all savings accounts are created equal — especially if you’re dealing with larger amounts. If you have $25,000 or more in your savings account, it’s time to think more strategically about where you park your money. Don’t settle for a basic savings account.
What happens when employees own part of the company?
Employee ownership can increase creativity, engagement and perhaps even profits, but it requires a change in culture. Successful companies educate their workers, solicit their ideas, give them agency and take many other steps to create an ownership mindset. When a machine broke down at manufacturer Charter Next Generation (CNG)’s plant in Milton, Wisconsin, due to a broken part, factory employee Damon Pope had an idea.
10 Best Money-Making Apps
There are a variety of apps available for individuals to earn money through different means, such as cash back on purchases, completing tasks and providing services. Many of these apps are free to use, but some may charge a subscription fee or take a percentage of earnings. By utilizing money-making apps, individuals can make extra cash in their spare time, and potentially even turn it into a full-time income.
Combating The Racial Wealth Gap: 9 Money Moves to Secure Your Financial Future
On average, Black Americans earn less than their white counterparts, which adds extra hurdles to accumulating wealth. The racial wealth gap has its roots in slavery and racist policies that Black families are still catching up from. Navigating this racial wealth gap means people of color will have to be extra savvy about their finances. For Black and Hispanic Americans, even personal finance can be a heartbreaking reminder of racial inequality.
What Happens When a Bank Buys Another Bank? Your Options and Next Steps
Finding out that your bank is being bought by another bank, especially one you’ve never heard of, can cause apprehension and raise a lot of questions. Banks typically strive for a seamless merger process for customers. But integrating the assets, data, technology and customer service of two banks can cause some rough bumps.
How Many Bank Accounts Do You Need?
The number of bank accounts you should have depends on your individual situation; only open accounts you need. It’s important to have at least one checking and savings account to stay on top of your finances. Research all the details of any account before opening it. Different deposit accounts can help you organize your financial life and achieve your money goals. The two basic accounts everyone should have is a checking account and a savings account.
How And Where To Sell Your Things Online
An online marketplace is a type of website or app where people go to buy and sell items, both new and used. Selling used items online can be an easy way to make extra money to boost your savings. If you’re looking to make extra money — while also clearing up some clutter — an online marketplace can be a good place to sell your stuff. However, you want to understand the nuances of each online marketplace to determine which is the best place to sell your items.
Do's And Don'ts Of Saving During A Recession Original
Recessions are economically challenging times with a lot of uncertainty. A recession could lead to a reduction in your income or even job loss. Strategies to build your savings during a recession may involve adjusting your savings goals and cutting expenses, while paying down loans and avoiding additional debt. Getting into the habit of saving money takes discipline and can be challenging even during non-recessionary times. What is a recession and how does it affect your savings?
How To Choose A Bank That Agrees With Your Values
How is this page expert verified? At Bankrate, we take the accuracy of our content seriously. “Expert verified” means that our Financial Review Board thoroughly evaluated the article for accuracy and clarity. The Review Board comprises a panel of financial experts whose objective is to ensure that our content is always objective and balanced. Their reviews hold us accountable for publishing high-quality and trustworthy content.
How To Reach Bank Customer Service Quickly
To avoid long call center holds, the best time to call customer service is at 7 a.m. Try using callbacks, customer service messages or chat as an alternative to being on hold with your bank. When you call your bank’s customer service line, you may be frustrated hearing an automated response informing you about “higher-than-normal call volumes” and “extremely long wait times.” Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid long waits and get the assistance you need in a timely manner.
Are Online Banks Safe?
Online banks usually carry the same FDIC insurance as traditional banks. Because they don't carry the operating expenses of traditional banks, online banks can offer more competitive APYs and better rewards. Look for online banks with features that protect your data, such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, fraud monitoring and automatic sign-out.
Costco and other retailers prove a ‘good jobs’ strategy works
CEOs can look to Costco, Sam’s Club, and QuikTrip to see how increasing wages and benefits and improving work can not only increase sales but also lower turnover and deliver significant improvements in key performance metrics. These findings from an MIT Sloan School professor underscore the direct connection between investing in frontline workers and their work and the long-term success of a business.
How To Invest With CDs
CDs generally have fixed interest rates and offer higher yields compared with traditional savings accounts. You might want to consider locking in higher rates via a CD ladder before interest rates decline further. There are different types of CD strategies, such as laddering, a barbell or a bullet strategy. Investing in a certificate of deposit (CD) is one way to boost your savings.
9 Bank Accounts With Built-In Budgeting Tools
Technology is becoming more integrated into daily life, and mobile banking apps are proof of that. Your bank’s app may offer advanced personal finance hubs, providing insights into spending habits, tracking savings progress and even making a budget for you. Unlike older systems of manually tracking and recording your expenses, innovative budgeting tools can automatically track and categorize your spending, offering-real time updates.
10 Best Money-Making Apps Original
There are a variety of apps available for individuals to earn money through different means, such as cash back on purchases, completing tasks and providing services. Many of these apps are free to use, but some may charge a subscription fee or take a percentage of earnings. By utilizing money-making apps, individuals can make extra cash in their spare time, and potentially even turn it into a full-time income.
How To Make A Home Budget: 4 Simple Steps Original
A home budget is a written plan that details your household income, expenses and financial goals. Consider using a spreadsheet or budgeting app to simplify the process. Check in on your budget regularly and make adjustments as needed to help you stay on track to achieve your financial goals. A home budget helps you keep your spending in check by tracking all sources of income and all expenses.
181 CEOs pledged to lead companies for ‘all stakeholders’ in 2019. Did it make a difference? | Institute for Business in Global Society
It’s been five years since 181 CEOs of some of America’s largest corporations — like Apple, Walmart, and Pepsi — signed a pledge that was promoted in a full-page ad in The New York Times to "lead their companies for the benefit of all stakeholders," vs. only for the benefit of those who could afford to own shares in their stock.
Regulation D And Savings Account Withdrawal Limits – Here's What Changed | Bankrate Original
Regulation D sets reserve requirements for banks and credit unions, and it previously limited the amount of certain types of withdrawals and transfers consumers could make to six. During the coronavirus pandemic, the limitation was lifted. Some financial firms now allow consumers to make more than six withdrawals and transfers from deposit accounts while others have maintained the pre-2020 rule.
Is Passive Income Taxable? Types of Revenue Streams And How To Keep Taxes Low Original
Passive income and portfolio income are types of income that involve little time or effort. They are considered unearned income (as opposed to earned income from a job) but are still generally subject to taxes. Passive income includes income from things like a rental property or limited partnership, or royalties from a creative project. Portfolio income is money generated from investments such as stocks, bonds and bank accounts.
How To Avoid Financial Advisor Scams Original
Unsavory financial advisors may cheat their clients through deceptive practices such as Ponzi schemes, churning techniques, and pump-and-dump scams. Advisors who pressure you to make quick investment decisions or promise guaranteed returns could be bad actors that you should avoid. Checking an advisor’s qualifications can help protect you from getting scammed. Financial scams are everywhere these days.
7 Of The Best Ways To Build Residual Income Original
Residual income has several meanings but in personal finance, it is what’s left after you’ve paid all of your bills and other expenses. That leftover cash can go toward anything, including saving for an emergency, investing for retirement, making a large purchase, or spending it on something important to you. After paying bills and other debt obligations, many folks may find they don’t have extra cash.
Time-Weighted Return: What It Is and How To Calculate It Original
Time-weighted return (TWR) calculates an investment portfolio or fund’s performance while accounting for external cash flows. Investment funds usually have money flowing in or out at various times. TWR calculates performance without the distorting effect of these cash inflows and outflows. TWR is not the simplest calculation, but understanding how it works is helpful. We’ll break it down and provide examples to show what TWR may look like in action. What is time-weighted return (TWR)?
8 Of The Best Warren Buffett Quotes Of All Time Original
Warren Buffett is one of the greatest investors of all time and his words are closely followed by investors. As CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett has generated nearly 20 percent annualized returns for shareholders from 1965 to 2023, compared to 10.2 percent for the S&P 500. Buffett’s ability to speak about complex topics in simple terms and explain his investment philosophy so clearly makes him one of the most quotable investors ever. Here are some of the best Warren Buffett quotes of all time.
Unrealized Gains Or Losses: What They Are And How They Work Original
Unrealized gains and losses are potential gains and losses from an investment that has not yet been sold. While selling investments can have tax consequences, that may not be true while you still hold on to it. That’s why they are “unrealized.” Selling investments can significantly impact your taxes, so it’s crucial to understand the potential implications. You should also understand the difference between realized and unrealized gains or losses.
Treasury Bonds vs. Treasury Notes vs. Treasury Bills Original
The terms Treasury note, Treasury bond and Treasury bill may sound like the same thing, but each has a subtle difference from the others: their maturity length. Each of these Treasury securities is a promise from the U.S. federal government to repay a loan to the security holder, but the key difference lies in when the owner receives their principal back. Here’s what Treasury bonds, notes and bills are – and their key similarities and differences. What is a Treasury bill?
What Is Bonk Coin and Is It a Real Cryptocurrency Worth Investing Your Money In? Original
Calling itself “the dog coin of the people,” Bonk coin is a dog-themed cryptocurrency based on the cryptocurrency Solana. Bonk launched on Christmas Day 2022, and is a prototypical memecoin, a cryptocurrency that surges due to social media hype and promotion. The coin now ranks among the 100 largest cryptocurrencies by total value, according to CoinMarketCap. What is Bonk coin?
What Are Illiquid Assets? Definition and Examples Explained for New Investors Original
Illiquid assets are those that cannot be sold quickly or easily without the risk of incurring a significant loss. If you are looking to sell, things are generally easier if the asset you are selling is liquid. Most portfolios will include a mix of liquid and illiquid assets. There are advantages and disadvantages to owning each of them. What are illiquid assets?
What Are Advisory Shares and How Are They Different Than Regular Shares? Original
Advisory shares give a company’s advisors a stake that may later turn into shares of stock. Early-stage startups often issue advisory shares instead of cash to compensate their advisors. Advisory shares can be restricted stock units or stock options. For newer companies, advisory shares can encourage growth and motivate advisors to help the company succeed. However, there are a few risks, so it is important to use this tool carefully.
How Long Does It Take For A Check To Clear? Original
Our writers and editors used an in-house natural language generation platform to assist with portions of this article, allowing them to focus on adding information that is uniquely helpful. The article was reviewed, fact-checked and edited by our editorial staff prior to publication. It generally takes about two business days for a check to clear, but this may vary depending on the check amount and the specific bank or credit union's policies.
How to negotiate the salary for your first job Original
Ponywang | E+ | Getty Images This story is part of CNBC's College Money Guide 2023, a series to help students and recent graduates understand their money and start their adult life off on a solid financial path. It's thrilling to know that someone wants to hire you for a professional job, that you will be getting a salary and that you are officially entering adulthood. But it's important to not get so caught up in the "It's an honor to get the offer" feeling and forget to advocate for yourself.
Financial Counselors: How They Can Help You With Your Money
A financial counselor helps people with core financial tasks such as budgeting, saving and debt management. Many financial counselors charge hourly or flat fees. However, some are available for free through public services. Financial counselors and financial advisors both develop budgets and spending plans for clients, but financial counselors offer less investment advice and are more focused on promoting good personal budgeting habits.
How to buy your first car: Tips for navigating an 'unprecedented' market, according to auto experts
Thomas_eyedesign | E+ | Getty Images This story is part of CNBC's College Money Guide 2023, a series to help students and recent graduates understand their money and start their adult life off on a solid financial path. "It is, in so many ways, unprecedented," said Joseph Yoon, consumer insights analyst for Edmunds.
How to Buy Your First Car: Tips for Navigating an ‘Unprecedented’ Market, According to Auto Experts
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Career advice for the class of 2023: How to find a job you love Original
Pixelseffect | E+ | Getty Images This was adapted from CNBC's Work It newsletter on LinkedIn about all things work — from how to land the job to how to succeed in your career. Click here to subscribe. We can all agree that finding a fulfilling, well-paid job is a solid goal. The real question for the class of 2023 is: What's your plan to get one? If you are just applying to any jobs that sound sort of good, and giving it half-hearted enthusiasm, you might be wasting your time.
How to set up a budget: An easy guide for college students and recent grads Original
Kateryna Onyshchuk | Istock | Getty Images This story is part of CNBC's College Money Guide 2023, a series to help students and recent graduates understand their money and start their adult life off on a solid financial path. A lot of students are unprepared for one major thing when they go off to college: how to manage their own money. But starting good money habits in college is crucial to setting yourself up for financial success in life. And that means setting up — and sticking to — a budget.
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