My nominee for our annual "best list" is the staff of our magazine. With their breadth of knowledge and depth of expertise, they're second to none in giving readers savvy and timely financial advice. At no time is that more impressive than when we compile our list of favorites among financial products and services, gadgets and what have you—everything from stocks and mutual funds to phone plans, cars, and cruises).
When we put out the annual call for ideas, we're usually overwhelmed. As a bonus this year, I asked our staff for some of the go-to resources they use in their work or find personally valuable that they can recommend for you, too. Here's a sampling:
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For readers in search of higher returns on their savings, contributing editor Lisa Gerstner, our expert on banking and credit, nominates DepositAccounts.com. "It's my source for finding the highest interest rates on checking accounts, savings accounts and CDs," says Lisa. "It includes rate information for both banks and credit unions, and you can filter for accounts that are available locally or nationally." See all our picks for best bank accounts.
Best Resources for Buying and Selling a Home
In the market for a new home? Associate editor Pat Mertz Esswein, who covers housing, recommends that you consider hiring a member of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents, who represent only buyers and don't list homes for sale. "They are fonts of well-grounded, strategic advice and among my best sources," says Pat.
On the other side of the housing transaction, Pat suggests that home sellers who want to save on agents' sales commissions visit www.owners.com. For a flat fee, you can purchase an a la carte package of services -- from preparing a for-sale listing to negotiating an offer and closing the deal -- and choose which parts of the process you'd prefer to handle on your own.
Best Source of Inspiring Personal-Finance Stories
Staff writer Miriam Cross opens "The Billfold" to draw inspiration from personal essays about money -- everything from how someone financed a dream vacation to why a writer's expensive trapeze hobby is worth the money. "The stories are honest, relatable and non-judgmental," says Miriam.
Best Careers Blog
If you're considering a job switch, reporter Ryan Ermey recommends "Ask a Manager", an "engaging career blog that offers straightforward advice."
Best Cruises, Airlines and Booking Sites for Your Travel Dollar
When she gets a free minute, Lisa Gerstner heads to Travelzoo to find deals on vacation packages. "I eagerly await Travelzoo's 'Top 20' email every Wednesday," she says. "Even if I'm not planning a vacation, it's fun to daydream about the next trip."
These are just a few of our favorite things. For more, click into any of the Best List links in the box to the left.
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What Does Medicare Not Cover? Eight Things You Should KnowHealthy Living on a Budget Medicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
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457 Plan Contribution Limits for 2025Retirement plans There are higher 457 plan contribution limits for state and local government workers in 2025. That's good news for state and local government employees.
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13 Smart Estate Planning Movesretirement Follow this estate planning checklist for you (and your heirs) to hold on to more of your hard-earned money.
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Medicare Basics: 12 Things You Need to KnowMedicare There's Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans and so on. We sort out the confusion about signing up for Medicare — and much more.
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The Seven Worst Assets to Leave Your Kids or Grandkidsinheritance Leaving these assets to your loved ones may be more trouble than it’s worth. Here's how to avoid adding to their grief after you're gone.
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SEP IRA Contribution Limits for 2025SEP IRA A good option for small business owners, SEP IRAs allow individual annual contributions of as much as $70,000 in 2025, up from $69,000 in 2024.
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Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
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SIMPLE IRA Contribution Limits for 2025simple IRA The SIMPLE IRA contribution limit increased by $500 for 2025. Workers at small businesses can contribute up to $16,500 or $20,000 if 50 or over and $21,750 if 60-63.
