The money reference desk. Educational content, not financial advice.

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Staff writer

Dana Whitcomb

17 articles · mostly Personal Finance Tips

Articles

Personal Finance Tips
How to Spot a Debt Relief Scam Before You Pay
Most debt relief scams follow a predictable pattern of unsolicited contact, upfront fees, and pressure to act fast, and knowing those signs can keep your money and personal information safe.
Dana WhitcombAug 13, 2026
Personal Finance Tips
How to Spot a Mortgage Relief Scam Before You Pay
Official-sounding letters that demand fees up front are a common way scammers target homeowners who are already behind, so check every claim with your own lender before you send money.
Dana WhitcombAug 5, 2026
Personal Finance Tips
Build Your First Budget From the Statements You Already Have
Your past few months of bank and credit card activity show how your money really moves, which makes them a more honest starting point than an ideal plan.
Dana WhitcombJul 29, 2026
Personal Finance Tips
The 50/30/20 Budget Rule: A Worked Example and When It Breaks
The three-bucket split is a quick benchmark. Here is how to test it against your own spending and what to do when it does not fit.
Dana WhitcombJul 22, 2026
Personal Finance Tips
Budgeting on an Irregular Income, One Steady Month at a Time
Plan around your lowest reliable month, park every deposit in a holding account, and check in weekly so a variable paycheck stops feeling like guesswork.
Dana WhitcombJul 15, 2026

Dana Whitcomb | Revifi