Monarch Blog
We're on a mission to make better financial outcomes available to everyone. Read our latest thoughts and insights.
Featured
Debt Finally Has an End Date
Every time they got ahead, something else happened. She decided she was done pretending everything was okay.
Categories
October 15, 2026
She Puts Everything on the Internet. Her Debt Was Next.
"It was just such a shocking moment. We wanted this house, this neighborhood so bad. And I thought that was manageable."
October 1, 2026
The Complete Guide to 529 Plans (2026): Rules, Benefits, and Strategies
529 plans are the most tax-efficient education savings vehicle available — and recent rule changes made them even more flexible. This guide breaks down exactly how they work in 2026, what's changed, and how to avoid the mistakes that cost families thousands.
September 30, 2026
Year-End Tax Moves for Investors: What to Do Before December 31, 2026
Three OBBBA changes — a tighter AMT phaseout, a new charitable floor, and a fresh non-itemizer write-off reward investors who act before December 31st. This guide covers the exact moves and deadlines, from tax-loss harvesting to Roth conversions.
September 30, 2026
Top 5 Investing Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid in 2026
Beginner investing mistakes are predictable, repeatable errors and not bad luck. Caused by emotion, poor timing, or inattention rather than a wrong stock pick. This guide covers the 5 most common investing mistakes, from skipping your financial foundation to waiting for the 'perfect time' to start, along with the dollar cost of each and a concrete fix.
September 30, 2026
How to Prepare for a Recession: A 9-Step Financial Plan
A recession is a broad, months-long decline in economic activity and with only 63% of Americans able to cover a $400 surprise expense, many households have little room to absorb one. This 9-step guide shows you how to prepare for a recession by building your emergency fund, paying down high-interest debt, and protecting your income before a downturn hits.
September 30, 2026
2026 Credit Card Tips for Holiday Shopping: Rewards, No Debt
A credit card used well during the holidays earns rewards and purchase protection that cash can't match; but 37% of Americans carried holiday debt last season, averaging $1,223 each, mostly on credit cards. The difference isn't the card you use, it's whether you're tracking your spending against a set number in real time.
September 30, 2026
5 Ways to Save Money on Christmas Gifts
The average American planned to spend $778 on holiday gifts last season, and more than a third ended up carrying $1,223 in debt into the new year. These five strategies show you how to save money on Christmas gifts from setting a cap to starting next year's fund early without cutting corners on the holiday itself.
September 30, 2026
10 Personal Finance Questions, Finally Answered
Personal finance covers budgeting, saving, credit, debt, and investing — the core skills for managing your money with confidence. This guide answers the 10 personal finance questions people are most afraid to ask, from what a 401(k) actually is to whether you should rent or buy."
September 30, 2026
Family Budget Guide: Build a Plan That Actually Works
The average family spends $6,545/month. Is yours on track? Build a family budget in 5 simple steps and take control of your household spending today.
Subscribe to our personal finance newsletter
Sign up with your email to receive all our latest blog posts directly in your inbox.
September 30, 2026
College Savings Accounts: 7 Types Compared for 2026
Choosing the wrong college savings account could cost your family thousands in lost tax benefits and slower growth. This guide breaks down all 7 options, so you can pick the one that helps your child graduate debt-free.
September 30, 2026
Got a Windfall? The Smart Order to Use Every Dollar in 2026
A financial windfall is a sudden, unexpected sum — a bonus, inheritance, or payout — big enough to change your finances if handled well. Park it in a high-yield savings account first, then work down a fixed order: emergency fund, high-interest debt, tax-advantaged accounts, then investing.
September 30, 2026
The Best Side Hustles to Make Extra Money in 2026: A Realistic Guide
61% of side hustlers say their life would be unaffordable without the extra income; so picking the wrong hustle isn't just frustrating, it's expensive. Here's how to choose right.