Dori Zinn

I've been covering personal finance since 2009. I write about credit, debt, budgeting, investing, college affordability, family, jobs and careers and real estate. My writing has been featured in Quartz, Wirecutter, Inc., Forbes, Yahoo!, MSN, CNET, Bankrate, Credit Karma, and more.

10 Reasons Your Warehouse Club Membership Isn’t Paying Off

on August 17, 2026

Wholesale clubs might have great deals, but these mistakes will cost you.

14 Things You Cannot Return to Amazon (Buyer Beware)

and on June 2, 2026

The retailer’s return policy does not cover everything you buy there — and you might be surprised by some of the exclusions.

Could You Give up These 7 Expenses to Save Thousands of Dollars a Year?

on May 19, 2026

You could save tens of thousands of dollars by eliminating these costs for just a year.

11 Retirement Expenses That People Often Underestimate — and What They Really Cost

on May 13, 2026

Does your retirement budget account for all of these costs?

These Are the 8 Best Benefits of Amazon Prime

on July 1, 2024

Are you taking advantage of all these freebies and other perks?

Don’t Overpay for Internet: 9 Steps to Lower Your Bill Today

on May 1, 2024

No matter what price you are paying for internet service, taking these simple steps could reduce it.

10 Retirement Prep Steps Giving People the Most Grief

on August 9, 2023

Some of us need more help preparing for retirement thanks to inflation.

7 Free Apps for Better Health in 2023

on January 23, 2023

These free fitness apps will help you get in better shape in as little as 7 minutes a day.

9 of the Cheapest Electric Vehicles in 2022

on August 15, 2022

All of these models cost less than $40,000 brand-new.

6 Typical Warning Signs of a Recession

and on May 13, 2022

Jittery over unpredictable financial markets? These indicators offer a reality check on the risks.

35 Clever Ways to Make Extra Money

on November 1, 2022

Looking for additional cash? Here are a bunch of options that are accessible to anyone with internet access.

The Best Way to Remember and Protect Your Passwords

on August 5, 2020

Passwords are hard to manage, but you don’t have to do it alone.

7 Free Tools for Saving More Money at Amazon

on October 5, 2021

Use these websites and other tools to save money — or earn extra cash — when shopping at Amazon.

10 Businesses You Can Start With Less Than $10,000

on June 29, 2020

These operations have low startup costs and good returns.

5 Home Repairs You Should Not Attempt Yourself

on December 24, 2019

DIY can be cheaper, but some projects are better left to licensed professionals.

The 15 Biggest Regrets of Homeowners in 2019

on August 13, 2019

The biggest regrets some homeowners have might surprise you.

How to Pay Less for a Wedding Dress

on December 21, 2021

Less expensive doesn’t mean less magical. There are many ways to save on a dress and still have your dream wedding.

7 First-Rate Job Benefits — Besides the Retirement Plan

on May 9, 2019

Pay is only one part of the package from a potential employer. Benefits like these can make a job worthwhile even when the pay isn’t stellar.

11 Awesome Gifts for Kids Who Have Too Much Stuff

on December 17, 2018

This holiday season, give kids shared experiences, like a zoo membership or family night at the movies.

4 Steps to Boost College Savings When Money Is Tight

on October 13, 2018

The typical college degree may be outrageously expensive, but that doesn’t mean you or your child or grandchild has to give up on higher-education dreams.

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