“I write about money, but, as in everything, it’s never about what it’s about. ”

Vanessa McGrady

Vanessa McGrady is an award-winning communications expert skilled in creating content for national publications, Fortune 200 corporations, and small businesses.

72 Articles Written

6 Categories Included

Recent Articles

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First-time homebuyer's guide to unexpected costs

Pest inspections? Transfer taxes? Before you sign on the dotted line for your dream home, make sure you understand what you are paying for.

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Best wine apps for your Wine Country visit

Can technology enhance your wine country experience? We think so. Here's how.

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What is a line of credit?

Need extra cash for a remodel, life event, or new business? You might want a line of credit instead of a traditional loan. Learn how they work and benefits.

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Do I need overdraft protection?

Having overdraft protection can be a smart financial tool when used responsibly. Find out more about how you can protect your account and save money.

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Island living: What to know before you buy

Dreaming of your own island getaway and wondering if you should buy? There's a lot to consider before you sign. Check out these tips from an expert.

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Is it OK to keep financial secrets from your spouse?

Are you or your spouse keeping money secrets? Psychologist and financial counselor Eric Dammann talks about why it's not OK and how to avoid them.

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Financial protections during divorce

Divorce is never easy,. Experts offer insights on how to lessen the financial blow and protect yourself.

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Money, stress and your marriage

Studies show that disagreements about money lead to a higher rate of divorce. Avoid marital money stress with our financial insights. Learn more here.

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Money matters for single parents

What you need to know about handling your finances after a divorce.

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Community support for police and firefighters

Looking for ways to say thank you to first responders? Here are some tips to respectfully show your appreciation.

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What's a smart debt?

Debt can be a smart financial tool if you use it correctly. Do you know if your debt helping or hurting your financial future? Get insider tips here.

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Paying off credit cards vs. saving

You suddenly have a pile of cash—do you pay down debt or put it into savings? A little of both, experts say.

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How to financially prepare for a semester abroad

Passport? Check. Ticket? Check. But have you thought about these other critical elements to prepare for your semester abroad?

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DIY investing vs. Consultant services

Can't decide if DIY investing is right for you? Here are the pros and cons to think about before you take the leap.

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25 under $25: Park City

Park City is a playground for athletes and auteurs, but there are tons of affordable activities. Here are 25 things to do under $25.

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25 under $25: San Jose

Take a crash course in Egyptology, hike through redwoods, ice skate downtown, and more in San Jose.

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25 Boston adventures for $25 or less

Here are 25 budget-friendly ideas for Boston.

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The freshman 15 you'll want: Money tips for college students

When you hear "Freshman 15" you might think of late nights and greasy fast food. With fifteen money saving tips for college students, BBVA shares a freshman fifteen students can feel good about.

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25 under $25: Palm Springs

Roam the land of the Rat Pack! Here are 25 ideas for under $25 in and around Palm Springs, California.

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25 under $25: San Luis Obispo

Traveling to California's Central Coast? Here are 25 ideas for under $25 in and around San Luis Obispo

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A financial checkup for millennials

Take important financial steps now can be the key to enjoying a rewarding financial future. A BBVA professional financial planner offers insights about what you need to do today to prepare for tomorrow.

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How teachers can make money in the summer months

If you're a teacher with a little extra time in need of some summer cash, we've got ideas for you.

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Celebrating hometown heroes: Teachers

Share your appreciation for teachers but skip the apple! Here are some thoughtful ways to say thanks to the teachers in your community.

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Celebrating hometown heroes: Nurses

Here are some ways to show our appreciation and thank nurses for all that they do in our community.

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Money tips for second marriages

Taking a second trip down the aisle? Experts recommend talking money before you pop the bubbly. Here's what you need to cover.

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The single parent's guide to the afterlife: Creating your estate plan

Estate planning can be daunting for any parent, but can be especially so for a single parent. Check out our guide to estate plans to prepare for the future.

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The gracious guide to gifts at work

Gift giving at work can be tricky for bosses and workers alike. Here are some tips to help you navigate holiday gift giving on the job.

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Borrowing money from family members

Thinking about asking a family member for a loan? Here are some tips for borrowing from relatives without straining relationships.

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Making finances work for the sandwich generation

Plenty of people are balancing the financial demands of children and aging parents. Here are some tips on how to find balance as part of the Sandwich Generation.

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Does your high school student have money smarts?

Developing smart spending habits and an understanding the basics of personal finances can set up your high schooler up for a strong financial future. Get tips to help prepare them now.

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Celebrating hometown heroes: Veterans

How can you thank a veteran in your community? We have some ideas for you.

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Is pet insurance worth it?

Sick pets are a heartbreaking reality of pet ownership. Pet insurance can come in handy if your pet is hurt or becomes ill. Here is what to consider.

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Top time-saving tips for teachers

Teachers: Are you struggling to get everything done in a day? We know you're swamped, so we collected some top time-saving tips from other pros who know what you're going through.

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Watch for these tell-tale signs of scams.

How to give money to your favorite charity during the holidays and beyond — plus some tell-tale signs of scams.

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Smart mom, rich mom: Build wealth for your family

Some tips from Kimberly Palmer, author of, "Smart Mom, Rich Mom," a how-to book for moms on building wealth for their families.

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Will meal delivery services save me money?

Meal delivery services can be fun and very convenient. But will they save you money? That depends on you and your lifestyle. Find out more.

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Buyer's guide: Types of real estate

Buying your first home and considering different types of real estate? Check out our guide to single-family homes, condos, townhomes, co-ops, and more.

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How to buy a foreclosure or short sale

Are you a first-time homebuyer considering a foreclosure or short sale purchase? Learn more about how to buy a foreclosure or short sale home.

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Yes, you can buy a house in seller's market

Is it even possible to buy a house in seller's market? Yes, but you have to be smart about your approach.

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Why do mortgage rates change so often?

Understanding mortgage rates can save you thousands of dollars. Learn how rates are set and how to get the best possible rate on your next mortgage.

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Tips for buying a foreclosed home

Thinking about buying a foreclosure? Here are some things to keep in mind before embarking on this challenging journey.

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First time homebuyer's guide to closing costs

Buying a house? Here's a breakdown of the fees you'll pay that are critical to closing the deal.

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Mortgage myths and facts

Ready to buy a home? Make sure you are as informed as possible. Here are some myths and facts about mortgages to help you in your decision.

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Millennial guide to homeownership

Are you a millennial or first-time home buyer? Check out our guide to homeownership to prepare for the big purchase and get great tips for buying a home.

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Your re-fi survival guide

There are many benefits to refinancing, including lowering your interest rate and your mortgage term. Our helpful Re-Fi Survival Guide can make it easier!

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A field guide to managing residential contractors

Having some work done around your house? Here is a field guide to residential contractors and special tips for managing them.

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Applying for a home loan

Ready to buy a home? There is a lot to consider, including a loan application. Make sure you're ready to apply for a home loan with these helpful tips.

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Lessons from the tiny house movement

Four Lights Houses founder Jay Shafer talks about how radical simplification equals liberation and other lessons learned from the tiny house trend.

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How to write a check

Do you know how to write a check? If not, don't worry. We've got you covered! Check out these tips and our step-by-step guide to writing a check.

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Financial tips from millionaires and billionaires

Many successful investors typically follow smart financial rules to amass great fortunes. Here are some useful tips from some of the most successful investors in the world.

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Holiday tipping guide

Tipping during the holidays can be confusing. Check out this holiday tipping guide to help show your gratitude without busting your budget.

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Do I need travel insurance?

Find out when buying travel insurance makes sense and how to get the coverage you need without busting your budget.

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The gig economy is booming. Here's why.

Why the gig economy is booming, what the hottest side hustle is, and some things to think about before you go to work for yourself.

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Home and auto insurance & warranties

Determining your insurance needs can be overwhelming. Here are some basics on home and auto insurance and warranty plans to help you make a smart decision.

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The future of credit cards: Chips and PINs

Wondering why your credit card needs a chip? EMV credit cards keep your data safer than ever before. Learn more about chip cards and what they mean for you.

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Getting a personal loan with a cosigner

A co-signer could help someone with a spotty or limited credit history get a loan. Find out more about how co-signing a loan works and the risks involved.

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Why was my credit card declined?

A declined credit card can be so embarrassing. Find out why yours might have a hold on it—and how to prevent credit card declines in the future.

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Credit card reality check: Are you overspending each month?

Unable to pay your credit card balance off each month? Find out how you can get control of your spending and avoid going deeper into debt.

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How to stop credit card overspending

Unable to pay off the credit card balance each month? Find out how to control spending and avoid going deeper into debt.

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A short history of memes and why we love them

A look at the history of memes and some of our favorite internet memes about banking and financial planning.

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New York: 25 under $25

New York can be crazy expensive, but here are some ways to have a fun-filled trip without spending a fortune.

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Retirement: The master to do list before you bail on your job

Retiring? Consider things like healthcare coverage, lifestyle, and family obligations. Check out our master to-do list before you head for retirement.

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25 under $25: Seattle, Washington

Traveling to Seattle? Lucky you! We've rounded up a list of 25 things to do for under $25 in Seattle, Washington. Check it out now!

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25 under $25: Port Townsend, Washington

Considering a trip to Port Townsend? Here are 25 things to do in the artsy waterfront town for under $25.

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Returning to work after retirement

Retirement expert and author Kerry Hannon has great ideas on getting back to work on your terms. Baseball usher, anyone?

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What's the deal with disability insurance?

Ever considered what you would you do if you were to suddenly lose your income? Disability insurance is something you might need. Find out why and how much.

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Why being disorganized costs you money - and what you can do about it

Saving money and getting organized are on everyone's to-do list, but it's not always obvious that the two are intertwined.

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Which Savings Account is right for you?

Savings account, CD, or Money Market? A quick guide to help you decide where to stash your cash to meet your savings goals.

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Choosing between a CD or Savings Account

Got some money to save? Here's what you need to know to decide between a CD and a savings account.

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Can a gratitude practice attract health and wealth?

Why start a gratitude practice? For starters, it can help attract health and wealth. Here's the first step to shifting your mindset.

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Why being disorganized costs you money

Saving money and getting organized are on everyone's to-do list, but it's not always obvious that the two are intertwined.

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What to do with a windfall

So you scored a windfall! But now what do you do with all that hot cash? Vacation? Pay debt? Maybe both.

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Details you need to make a smart decision

The content provided is for informational purposes only. Neither BBVA USA, nor any of its affiliates, is providing legal, tax, or investment advice. You should consult your legal, tax, or financial consultant about your personal situation. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BBVA USA or any of its affiliates.

Links to third party sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement. BBVA USA does not provide, is not responsible for, and does not guarantee the products, services or overall content available at third party sites. These sites may not have the same privacy, security or accessibility standards.