Author: MoneyMaven

Dear Dave, I’m a sophomore in college studying agriculture business. I grew up on a farm, and recently I decided it’s time to sell a small cattle herd my dad helped me start growing when I was a kid. I don’t have any student loan debt, and I’m paying for school with lots of scholarships…

Denied for a bank account and not sure why? You might be in ChexSystems—a little-known system that tracks your banking history and can stop you from opening new accounts. Most people don’t even know they’re in ChexSystems until it’s too late. But once you’re flagged, it can be hard to get approved anywhere. Here’s how…

Insurance Image Source: 123rf.com Most states require drivers to hold some kind of car insurance. This is supposed to offer peace of mind and also mitigate costs when an accident happens. However, like with anything else, you should read the fine print on your insurance policy. Most people assume that their policies protect them from…

One of the questions that often pop into my inbox is “When is it appropriate to spend my money?” When people ask, they often want someone to give them a general answer that will solve their problem. They want a step by step guide because they want to splurge but don’t want to jeopardize their retirement.…

What do you claim? Rental income or business income? When you earn income from the rental of a home, apartment, condo or other property, you will report both gross and net income on the T1 tax return using Form T776 (Statement of Real Estate Rentals). But, sometimes the T2125 (Statement of Business Income and Expenses)…

Image by Pixabay of Pexels In a world run by digital wallets, budgeting apps, and automatic transfers, you’d think the idea of stuffing envelopes with cash would be long gone. But in 2025, the old-school practice known as cash stuffing is trending again, and news flash: it’s not just among budgeting enthusiasts. A growing number…

Automotive Image Source: 123rf.com Electric vehicles (EVs) are often marketed as the clean, responsible choice for eco-conscious drivers. But what if the electricity you use to charge that EV comes from coal—a fossil fuel known for its massive carbon footprint? It’s a question more people are starting to ask: Are electric vehicles and coal power…

Image by Jacek Dylag of Unsplash The phrase “financial infidelity” might sound dramatic, but for many couples, it’s a very real—and often overlooked—form of betrayal. While we tend to associate infidelity with emotional or physical affairs, lying about money, hiding spending, or secretly accruing debt can be just as damaging to the trust in a…

Automotive Image Source: 123rf.com It seems like EV charging stations are suddenly everywhere—at gas stations, shopping centers, and even fast food parking lots. But while availability has improved, EV charging station convenience is still up for debate. Just because there’s a charger nearby doesn’t mean it’s fast, reliable, or even functioning. For many electric vehicle…

Image by Piggybank of Unsplash Money can be a touchy subject in any relationship. While we’ve made progress talking more openly about salaries and spending habits, there’s one financial number that still seems taboo: credit score. It might not come up in early conversations, but experts say it probably should. Your partner’s credit score isn’t…