If you’re looking to generate extra income, a great place to start is by looking at the things to which you’re already devoting time and energy.

Everyone has opinions, right? And who doesn’t like making money?

The prospect of earning money sharing your views in an online survey might seem too tempting to turn down. Plenty of websites offer that opportunity.

Of course, answering surveys could never become a full-time career — and if you find anyone touting that, you’ve probably uncovered a scam.

But is it worth your time to take a few of these “pop quizzes” for cash while, for example, waiting in the doctor’s office?

Paying off debt is hard. If you have a little extra time, energy, creativity and motivation, you should strongly consider starting a side hustle.

Most of us have some debt. But there’s good debt and there’s bad debt.

Taking out a mortgage or student loan are examples of good debt because both will generate money over time.

Credit card debt is an example of bad debt. And most of us have it.

Whether you are deciding to have a child after years of planning or your new bundle of joy is an unexpected addition, having kids is expensive. From diapers and childcare to braces and college, parents sign themselves up for a continuous barrage of purchases, both large and small. Child-related expenses can add up on their own, but parents often have their own unrelated financial situations to consider. Budgeting and financial planning are critical for new or expecting parents, and these tips can help you start parenthood on firm financial footing.

Virtually everyone would choose to make more money if given the opportunity, but choices that impact your lifetime income potential are rarely that clear-cut. A variety of factors influence the amount of money a person makes, and the choices they make throughout their lifetime help to dictate their ability to earn money. Taking a hard look at your lifetime income potential can help you make more money in the long term, allowing you to financially support your lifestyle and retire in comfort.

As people get older, many must begin to rely more upon their children for care and support. Even the most independent retirees often chat with their kids to discuss finances, medical concerns, and housing plans for their golden years. Some people wait until they experience an accident or health scare to share their plans with loved ones, while others put off these conversations until it is too late.

People with aging parents (or retirees with adult children) should be proactive about discussing these difficult topics and life decisions. If you are an adult with aging parents, consider sitting down with them to discuss retirement planning, estate planning, and their wishes regarding housing and end-of-life care. 

Think back to the last time you went to a doctor’s office or medical facility. You likely were asked to name an emergency contact, and you probably didn’t hesitate to write down the name of your significant other, a family member, or a friend. 

It makes sense to have someone medical personnel can get in touch with if something happens to you. After all, this can ensure your well-being. 

But what about your financial well-being? If your financial institutions and advisors asked you to name a trusted contact, would you be willing to provide the name of someone they could reach out to if they were concerned about activity in your account and couldn’t reach you?

An overwhelming majority of older adults want to remain in their homes as they age. A survey by AARP found that 77% of adults 50 and older want to age in place. Other surveys have found that the percentage is even higher—nearly 90%.

It’s one thing to want to age in place. It’s another thing altogether to actually be able to make it work. That’s because there are several financial factors that can jeopardize adults’ ability to remain in their homes as long as possible. In fact, without adequate financial security and safeguards, living independently at home isn’t possible.

It’s important to understand the financial risks that can make it difficult to age in place and to take steps to reduce those risks.

An emergency fund—money dedicated to unexpected expenses—should be part of every household budget. When things go south, you won’t have to go into debt to fix them. While the fund might not be enough to completely cover truly serious emergencies, it will at least reduce the amount you have to finance.

During your working years, an emergency fund is a big help. During retirement, it’s crucial to your budget. After all, you’re living on a fixed income. You can’t take on a little overtime to help pay for that transmission repair.

Here are six reasons why an emergency fund is essential.

Mortgage interest rates play a large role in how much mortgages cost, and they can also affect your cash flow.

Understanding real estate investment mortgage rates can help you find properties you can afford and profit from, as well as organize your finances before you head into a deal.