“One of my favorite things about writing for a living is the opportunity to learn something new every day. ”

Nancy Mann Jackson

Nancy Mann Jackson

A content marketing writer and editorial freelancer since 2001, Nancy Mann Jackson specializes in writing about personal finance, insurance, careers, education and small business.

53 Articles Written

6 Categories Included

Recent Articles

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How to spring clean your finances

Spring is the traditional time to scrub up your surroundings and get things organized. This spring, as we look to move beyond the negative effects of the pandemic, many of us may have our homes in order—but our finances may need some scrubbing.

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How to rebuild savings after a tough financial year

Many Americans turned to their "rainy day" funds during the pandemic, and now it's time to rebuild those savings. Here's how to get started.

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Why women need a female network — and how to build one

Women who have a network of close female contacts experience more professional success. Here's why and how to build your own women's network.

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4 ways to help empower the women around you

Women can make a difference for each other—and the world around them. Here are four easy ways to start empowering the women around you.

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Should you prioritize paying off debt or saving?

Saving and paying off debt are both important financial goals. Here's how to determine which one should be your top priority.

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5 ways to build your emergency fund

After almost a year of living through a pandemic and millions of Americans left jobless or with less reliable income, it's clear that an emergency savings fund is more important than ever. Here are 5 easy ways to build yours.

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6 ways to get back on your financial feet

Feel like the pandemic pulled the financial rug from under your feet? Try these six ways to get back on solid financial footing in 2021.

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What to do with your coronavirus stimulus payment

The stimulus payments are intended to help Americans weather the economic storm caused by the novel coronavirus COVID-19, and to get more money back into the economy. But how you spend your funds is your choice. Here are a few important options to consider.

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Car buying guide

Buying a car can represent freedom—but there's nothing freeing about being tied to a car payment you can't afford or a car that constantly needs repairs. Follow these steps to purchase the car that meets your transportation needs and your budget.

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5 ways you can save up to $8,984 in 2021

As we forge ahead into the unknown, saving extra money here and there may be an important strategy to be prepared for what comes next—or just to boost progress toward your savings goals. Looking ahead, consider these five ways you can save up to $8,984 in the coming year.

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What is a recession and what might it mean for me?

Find out what a recession is, when it happens and how it could possibly impact the country and in turn, impact your household and finances.

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4 year-end strategies that can pump up your retirement fund

You'll likely remember 2020 for negative reasons—the cancellations, the shutdowns, the sickness. The year has been full of downers, so why not salvage something positive by doing what you can to boost your retirement savings?

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5 tips for managing credit responsibly

If you want to manage credit responsibly and avoid potential problems, be aware of how your financial behaviors affect your credit—and take steps to build and use credit wisely.

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How much can I borrow with a home equity line of credit?

If you need cash and you're a homeowner, you may be able to access cash from your home. A home equity line of credit (HELOC) allows you to tap into some of the equity you have in your home and turn it into cash.

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How to choose a checking account

Need a checking account? Before you simply walk into the first bank you see, spend a little time shopping around.

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Money-proof your marriage

Arguing about money may be the leading cause of divorce, but marriage and money can go well together. Follow these 8 tips to manage both successfully.

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What's your investing personality?

Are you a thrill-seeking shopper or a cautious minimalist? Your answer may impact financial choices. Take our quiz to find out your investing personality.

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Should you lease or buy a car?

If you're making a car payment either way, should you buy or lease? Here's what to think about before making that decision.

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How much life insurance do you need?

Are you confident in the type and amount of insurance you have? Ask yourself these four questions to determine how much life insurance you need.

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How to boost your credit score

Almost every financial action you take is influenced by your credit score. What does yours look like? Check out these tips to boost your credit score.

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How to avoid coronavirus stimulus scams

Millions of Americans are awaiting economic relief in the form of government stimulus checks—and scammers are developing new ways to swindle them out of that money. Here's a refresher on how to protect yourself from a financial scam.

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CARES Act and your credit score: What you need to know

The CARES Act offers special protections to allow consumers to take advantage of payment relief options without damaging their credit scores. Here's how to make sure you're doing it right.

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How to move back home and still be an adult

It's possible to live in your childhood bedroom, respect your parents' turf, and still maintain your independence. But it may not be easy. Consider these strategies for navigating your new, multi-generational living arrangement without relinquishing your adulthood.

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5 productive things to do when your life is on hold

Pandemic put your life on hold? That doesn't mean you can't be productive during this time. Consider 5 things to do now that can set you up for a brighter, post-pandemic future.

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Recession-proof your finances

The prospect of a recession can seem scary to anyone, but if you've taken appropriate steps to prepare your finances and yourself for a downturn, you can face the future with confidence.

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How much house can you afford? Upgrading from your starter home

So, you've outgrown your starter home, or life is taking you to a new place. You may be able to afford a pricier home this time around, but it's important to make sure you're not signing up for house payments that will be unsustainable.

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How a mortgage amortization schedule works

When you understand how a mortgage amortization schedule works, you'll have a better idea of how much you're actually paying for your home over time.

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How to play retirement catch-up

Catch up on retirement with these 4 easy tips.

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6 summer childcare options for working parents

The kids are out of school, but you still have to work? Here are the options for designing a fun, affordable summer of childcare.

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Helping college students manage finances

How to handle money with your college student. Four steps to help them with their finances while still teaching responsibility.

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Beyond ties and coffee mugs: Clever gift ideas for Father's Day

Neckties may be the most popular Father's Day gift, but chances are, that's not the most fitting gift for the dad in your life. Invest some time into finding a gift that matches his personality.

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Celebrate Mother's Day on a budge

Celebrating Mother's Day doesn't need to break the bank. Take note of these easy tips and get ready to enjoy a holiday that is easy on your wallet.

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Living a simple life

Living simply can reduce stress and help you save time, energy, and money. Here are four tips to help you enjoy the rewards of living a simple life.

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Financial planning in the gig economy?

Being your own boss and setting your own schedule as a gig worker can be lucrative. But doing it successfully requires planning and dedication, especially when it comes to finances.

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What is nanny sharing?

Thinking about sharing a nanny to save money on childcare costs? Caregiver sharing is a growing trend.

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Benefits of working with a financial consultant

While doing your own research and educating yourself to understand your money is empowering, a good financial consultant can give you the benefit of experience and insight with their guidance.

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Your company offers life insurance, but do you need more?

If your employer offers free life insurance as an employee benefit, you should take advantage of that perk. But you should also think hard about whether you'll need additional life insurance on top of the employer-provided policy.

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Can you be successful in the gig economy?

Here's what you need to do to join the gig economy.

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Should you accept the new job?

Should you take that new job or stay with your current employer? Here are four questions to help you make your decision.

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Are you hardwired to overspend?

Some researchers suggest that spending and savings habits may be hard-wired in the brain. Here are some tips to retrain the brain and learn to save.

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How to build an emergency savings fund

Unexpected financial emergencies happen all the time. By taking a few simple steps, you can prepare yourself by starting and building an emergency savings fund. Get started with these steps.

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Money tips for Gen Xers and Baby Boomers

If you are a Gen Xer or Baby Boomer and feel behind in saving for your retirement, you aren't alone. Here are some tips to help you stay on track financially.

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Do you need a home warranty?

Find out more about home warranties, what they cover, and whether it 's a smart move.

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What is PMI and how to avoid it

Private mortgage insurance (also called PMI) can add hundreds of dollars to a monthly mortgage payment. Learn what it is and how to avoid paying it.

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Homebuyer's guide

The Homebuying journey can be full of surprises if you're not prepared. BBVA has prepared this guide to help you along the way.

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5 simple ways to upgrade your home

Whether you're planning to sell your home or just want to enjoy it more, these are the top five inexpensive ways to freshen things up.

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Will I have enough money to retire?

Only about half of American workers say they are building a large enough nest egg to retire comfortably; here's how to make sure you are.

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Funding your retirement passion project

If you're living on retirement funds, it can be tricky to fund that retirement passion project you've always dreamed of undertaking. But it's totally doable. Here are six ideas for funding your passion project in retirement

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Retirement funds, demystified

When it comes to retirement funds, there's a lot to think about. Do you need a 401(k), IRA, or Roth IRA? We explain retirement plans to help you choose.

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Making holiday travel merry

Are you planning to travel during the holidays? Consider these quick tips for a stress-free and budget-friendly journey.

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How do I stop worrying about money? 5 ways to curb financial anxiety

Check out these five strategies to help gain control of finances and alleviate some stress.

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Budget date night: 7 Tips

Living on a budget doesn't mean you and your spouse or significant other have to stop going on dates.

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Gearing up for Cyber Monday

How to shop smart online for holiday deals.

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