https://planpenny.com/Personal finance, insurance and budgeting — clear, unbiased, no hype.enhttps://planpenny.com/should-you-raise-your-deductible-run-this-math-first-a2367https://planpenny.com/should-you-raise-your-deductible-run-this-math-first-a2367A higher deductible lowers your premium, but only pays off if you keep the difference and can cover the gap. Here is the break-even math, step by step.Fri, 11 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://planpenny.com/how-to-build-a-budget-in-one-hour-the-6-numbers-you-need-57aafhttps://planpenny.com/how-to-build-a-budget-in-one-hour-the-6-numbers-you-need-57aafSkip the apps and the spreadsheets. Six numbers, one hour at the kitchen table, and you have a budget that holds up in a bad month. 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A plain-language plan for a true first-time investor.Thu, 10 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://planpenny.com/how-high-a-car-insurance-deductible-should-you-pick-bcb92https://planpenny.com/how-high-a-car-insurance-deductible-should-you-pick-bcb92Not sure whether to raise your car insurance deductible? Run the three-step break-even math on your own quote and see the answer in under ten minutes.Thu, 10 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://planpenny.com/budgeting-for-beginners-your-first-30-days-step-by-step-4d358https://planpenny.com/budgeting-for-beginners-your-first-30-days-step-by-step-4d358Do not start a budget with guesses. Here is the 30-day plan, week by week, using your real numbers from last month, with no app and nothing to buy.Thu, 10 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://planpenny.com/index-funds-9-myths-that-cost-beginners-real-money-cee4ehttps://planpenny.com/index-funds-9-myths-that-cost-beginners-real-money-cee4eWhat an index fund really is, why one S&P 500 fund is not full diversification, how much fees actually cost you, and what to check before you buy.Thu, 10 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://planpenny.com/how-to-budget-checklist-what-to-check-first-for-fast-savings-6e70ahttps://planpenny.com/how-to-budget-checklist-what-to-check-first-for-fast-savings-6e70aStop guessing. 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Eight beginner myths about fees, market timing and minimums, and what to check before you invest a dollar.Thu, 10 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://planpenny.com/budgeting-tips-nobody-tells-you-before-your-first-month-4fdd8https://planpenny.com/budgeting-tips-nobody-tells-you-before-your-first-month-4fdd8Your first budget will be wrong, and that is normal. The sinking fund, the weekly 10-minute check, and the one line that keeps a plan alive.Thu, 10 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://planpenny.com/pay-off-debt-faster-the-order-that-saves-you-money-88f85https://planpenny.com/pay-off-debt-faster-the-order-that-saves-you-money-88f85Which debt to pay first, how much extra you really need, when a 0% card helps, and the warning signs that mean it is time to call a credit counselor.Thu, 10 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://planpenny.com/index-funds-for-beginners-11-mistakes-that-cost-you-3346dhttps://planpenny.com/index-funds-for-beginners-11-mistakes-that-cost-you-3346dWhat an index fund really is, how fees quietly add up, which account to use, and the eleven errors that cost beginners the most in their first years.Thu, 10 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://planpenny.com/index-funds-explained-13-beginner-mistakes-to-avoid-869aehttps://planpenny.com/index-funds-explained-13-beginner-mistakes-to-avoid-869aeAn index fund buys the whole market in one shot. 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Here is the order that actually lowers a monthly budget: repeating charges, interest, then food, with a 30-day plan.Wed, 09 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT