If you're ready to get out of your parents' home and make it out on your own, you'll need to take on financial responsibilities and learn how to manage your money correctly. Here are some tips to get you started.

Financial readiness is critical before any potential natural disaster to protect your hard-earned money, important documents and possessions. Here are some tips to help get you started.

Good credit scores help you secure loans with better interest rates to get a house or car or for other uses. And while there's no magic way to get a good credit score, there are some ways to get your number higher and maintain it.

Virtually no investment will offer returns to match the high interest some credit card companies charge when consumers start racking up debt, so it's best to pay it off as soon as possible. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Imagine looking at your credit report only to find a big mistake. It can be pretty scary to see. But all consumers are able to dispute those errors by reporting them quickly and correctly. Here are some tips to help you out.

Sometimes it's hard to build good money habits to manage your finances better, but they can benefit you in the long run if you stick to them. Here's some tips to help you out.

Learn the types of risks associated with investments and how they can affect your returns.

If you're looking to reduce your investment risk, you may want to consider diversifying your portfolio. Here are ways to help you diversify.

If you’ve come across some extra money lately, or you just want to invest, you may start looking into the stock market to grow your finances. With apps such as Robinhood and Stash, it has never been easier.

Help wanted signs are popping up around town and through job posting websites, giving San Antonians many options to find a new gig. But sometimes, looks can be deceiving if you miss the red flags on a job bulletin.

Here are some tips to help you come up with a savings rule to live by to meet your financial goals.

If you're looking for any easy way to save money, you may consider automation to help. Here are some tips to help you get started.

In this monthly newsletter, we explore the economic opportunities in the San Antonio area and report personal finance stories that include money-managing tips, scam alerts, among other financial topics.

Over the last year, we have seen a wave of disruptions, from supply chain problems to labor shortages, but now we have stumbled into a new economic symptom -- shadow inflation.

Buy now, pay later is a payment option that’s becoming more popular among online shoppers to buy clothing, electronics, gym equipment and even vacations.

Shopping for school supplies can add up for parents, but it also opens up an opportunity to speak with their children about what they can afford at the store.

A new scam targeting college educators and students is hitting inboxes and tricking recipients into giving up their personal information.

SAN ANTONIO – Stimulus payments could be lifesaving tools for Americans who need them the most. Others, however, may not necessarily have an urgent need to spend their $1,400 stimulus right away. Food, late rent or mortgage payments or any overdue bills are included in these urgent needs. If you don’t have anything pressing that’s overdue or have any money left over, consider using your stimulus as a cash cushion for necessities later. AdIf you have all that covered, you may also consider using your stimulus to add money to a high-interest savings account or a long-term savings account.

SAN ANTONIO – Keeping your lawn beautiful and bright green can be a challenge if you’re doing all the work yourself. If you need that extra help and want a professional to do a job right, it’s essential to choose the right lawn service to meet your needs. Once you find the right company or individuals to do the job, the professionals will need to know your budget and the services you want for your lawn. A professional cannot be sure what treatment your lawn may need without seeing it first. Make sure to ask your lawn service about any safety precautions your family will need to take for the project’s duration.

In fact, you’ll likely see scammers trying to take advantage of disaster situations. During National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission is offering some guidance on what you should be looking out for to avoid becoming a victim. Whatever they may be, the FTC says scammers only want you to pay up or share your personal information. Remember, no legitimate company or organization will ever ask you to pay with a gift card, money transfer or pre-paid debit card. And no government agency will ever call, email or text to ask you for money, your Social Security number or your banking information.

SAN ANTONIO – The Internal Revenue Service is extending tax season deadlines for Texans affected by last week’s winter storms. Individuals and businesses included in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s recent disaster declaration now have until June 15, 2021, to file their tax returns and pay anything they owe to the IRS. For example, individual tax returns and quarterly estimated income tax payments -- typically due on April 15 -- are now due on June 15. Affected taxpayers can deduct personal property losses not covered by their insurance or through other reimbursements, according to the IRS. For more information on the IRS’s changes for those affected by the winter storms, click here.

SAN ANTONIO – If you’re an educator filing a tax return this year, you may be eligible to deduct unreimbursed expenses for COVID-19 protective items used in the classroom. The educator expense deduction applies to eligible educators for unreimbursed expenses paid or incurred after March 12, 2020, for the COVID-19 protective items. The IRS says eligible educators include any individual who is a kindergarten through 12th grade teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide in a school for at least 900 hours during a school year. The IRS will allow educators to deduct up to $250 of qualifying expenses per year. AdThe IRS says the deduction applies to expenses paid or incurred only during the tax year.

The IRS says it will never call or email you to ask for personal information, nor will it demand immediate payment without sending you a bill in the mail. The agency will also not ask for your credit card information over the phone, nor will it threaten to have you arrested for not paying immediately. Filing a tax return? It’s recommended to do the following to ensure your personal information is safer:File your taxes electronically and request the refund be deposited directly into your bank account. If you have one, don’t carry your Medicare card unless you’re going to the doctor for the first time.

SAN ANTONIO – Tax season is right around the corner, and you’ll want to be prepared for some of the changes coming this year before you file. The IRS will use the time before tax season to test its systems due to some tax law changes last year. IRS Free File opened on Jan. 15, so you’re able to begin filing your return now if you have all the documents you need. The IRS says tax preparation software should help you determine what you’re due if you are eligible. RELATED STORIES:San Antonio tax services preparing for season amid pandemicDo you have to pay taxes on unemployment compensation?

SAN ANTONIO – A lot of this year’s scams focused on the coronavirus pandemic, from fake cures and treatments to fake charities. We saw shortages of products at stores and searched the web for in-demand items. ----------During the pandemic, the FTC also saw fake COVID-19 cures and treatments, as well as phony testing sites. Keep these tips in mind when searching online for cures, treatments or testing sites:No treatments have been proven to prevent COVID-19. If an online seller asks you to pay with a gift card, cash or money transfer, the transaction is a scam.

SAN ANTONIO – Black Friday deals have been phased in throughout the month to allow for social distancing at stores, but some retailers are still holding their biggest sale of the year this Friday. The National Retail Federation says people are predicted to spend a little less than $1,000 on gifts this holiday season. The Better Business Bureau is offering the following tips for those who plan on shopping during this Black Friday:

SAN ANTONIO – Across the U.S., thousands of clinical trials are underway to study vaccine candidates and treatments for COVID-19. And some bad actors are working to take advantage of clinical volunteers to make a quick buck. If thinking about participating in a COVID-19 study for a vaccine or treatment, it’s crucial to know how to spot real clinical trials and weed out the fake ones, which are set up to steal money or personal information from participants. The Federal Trade Commission is offering the following tips to help you avoid clinical trial scams:

SAN ANTONIO – Open enrollment is a time when many can sign up for vital health care through their employers or the health insurance marketplace. This year, open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act runs from Nov. 1 through Dec. 15, and the Medicare open enrollment runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. One scam the BBB is warning about involves a caller claiming to be a “health care benefits advocate” or a similar title. Beware of dishonest health care brokers who offer “free health care screenings,” as this could be a way to weed out less healthy people. If you feel a call is a scam, hang up and visit the health care website yourself or directly call your health care provider.

SAN ANTONIO – It’s fun to get great deals during a shopping event like Amazon Prime Day, but scammers are looking for unsuspecting customers in an effort to get information or money. The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers who are doing their shopping on Amazon.com during Prime Day so they can avoid becoming victims to scammers. The BBB says the scammers will call you with an issue on your Amazon account. Problems range from fraudulent charges on your Prime Card to unfulfilled orders for expensive products. The con artists will then ask for information, such as credit card numbers or Amazon account details.

SAN ANTONIO – If you lost your source of income or had reduced income because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, making payments on your federal student loans may be nearly impossible. The CARES Act gives federal student loan borrowers some relief when it comes to making payments, and most recently, President Donald Trump extended the Sept. 30 end date of the program to Dec. 31. The Federal Trade Commission says if you have qualifying federal student loans, you are not obligated to make a payment until after Dec. 31. The FTC says you don’t need to do anything to enroll in this relief program, but you must make sure your federal student loans are included. Contact your federal loan servicer or visit studentaid.gov to find out if your loans are included.

SAN ANTONIO – Many people are working and learning from home and using their tech more than ever, and with the increased use comes an increased risk for tech support scams. If you come across one of these pop-ups, don’t call the number or click on any links. Never share access to your computer or provide your bank account, credit card or Social Security numbers with anyone who contacts you. And if you need tech support, contact a computer technician you trust or a trusted company. For more information from the FTC on tech scams, click here.

CFPB offers tips to start conversations about shopping wisely with children

SAN ANTONIO Are you looking to make some extra cash by making local deliveries for food or other essentials? With many still working or learning from home, making deliveries may be an excellent way to make ends meet or help with extra cash. Many personal auto insurance policies also wont cover the business use of your personal vehicle. Next, ask your auto insurance company if your policy will cover you while driving for work. Once you get the coverage you need, you can start making deliveries and happily serving customers.

If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. Copyright © 2020 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has some tips to make it easier for parents to talk about earning with their children.

Want to teach your kids about earning money? Here are some tips to help you get started. Published: August 4, 2020, 4:34 pmThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has some tips to make it easier for parents to talk about earning with their children.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is offering families some tips to help them discuss money planning.

“Some things are just worth waiting for” — it’s a phrase your parents may have said to your during your youth to teach you the value of saving for something you want.

If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. Copyright © 2020 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.

In April and May of this year, more people reported problems with online shopping to the FTC than another month on record, with more than half of those buyers never getting what they bought. Tips for avoiding charity scams during coronavirus pandemicThe FTC says shady sellers put up websites offering scarce products during the early months of the pandemic. People ordered personal protective equipment, household essentials and other products that were hard to find at stores from these sellers. Heres what the FTC recommends you should do to avoid running into issues when shopping online:First, make sure to vet the seller before you buy. If you encounter a scam or want to report an online shopping issue, report it to FTC.gov/complaint.

SAN ANTONIO A local real estate agent is using the power of social media to bring in clients and showing them what the San Antonio housing market has to offer all while keeping a safe distance. I feel like its a very important investment, especially here in San Antonio, said Shadia Crespo, a real estate agent. Crespo has been using social media platforms like Tik Tok and Instagram to showcase some of San Antonios unique homes. And I think people really love seeing the homes that San Antonio has to offer, she said. All those social media platforms have absolutely helped me find buyers and sellers, and people reach out.

If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. Copyright © 2020 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.

SAN ANTONIO With the temperatures heating up for the summer, you may be considering a gym membership to escape the sun. But joining a gym may sometimes become a big commitment if youre required to sign an agreement, and not all facilities offer the same benefits. Here are a few important questions to ask your membership representative to see if a gym is right for you:What are the hours of operation? Watch out for these COVID-19 scamsOnce youve asked your questions and youre sure youve found the right gym, read your agreement carefully. To submit your money questions for our GMSA at 9 Money: Its Personal series, which airs on Tuesday mornings, email iherrera@ksat.com with the subject line Money: Its Personal story idea.

If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. Copyright © 2020 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.

SAN ANTONIO Theres no doubt that right now, a lot of people are helping those who have been affected drastically by the coronavirus pandemic. Before you donate to an organization, there are some things to consider to ensure your money is going to the right place. Watch out for these COVID-19 scamsThe Federal Trade Commission is offering some tips for giving during difficult times:Do some proper research to find the right organization. Charities will not ask you to donate via money transfer or by using bitcoin or a gift card. Make sure you do some good research and verify that your funds will go to the cause you want to support.

If you're looking to invest in the stock market but don't have enough information about a public company to make sure you're making a good choice, a company's annual 10-K can give you a wealth of information regarding its finances.

Hold on for "deer" life because the holidays are almost here, and you "snow" the drill! The holidays can put a financial burden on even the savviest shoppers. So the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is providing some tips to help you come up with a holiday spending plan to "sleigh" your finances this season.

'Money: It's Personal' — Saving for emergenciesPublished: May 5, 2020, 5:35 pmSaving for emergencies feels hard when bills are piling up in the mailbox, but it can save you a lot of headaches in the long run if you're prepared financially.

When measuring your financial well-being, it's essential to keep tabs on your money to avoid misusing it or overspending.

How to create better personal finance habitsPublished: May 26, 2020, 4:56 pmSometimes it's hard to build good habits, but they can benefit you in the long run if you stick to them. That's also true for dedicating time to create money habits to manage your finances better.

'Money: It's Personal' — How to make saving easier for yourselfPublished: January 9, 2020, 10:04 amIf you're looking for any easy way to save money, you may consider automation to help. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Bitcoin, Ether and Lite Coin are just some of the well-known cryptocurrencies, but new ones are continuously appearing on the online market.

You may have heard of investments with compound interest, whether it's daily, monthly, quarterly or semiannual compounding. But what exactly does it mean when you have compound interest?

If you're thinking about how you'll spend your tax return, you may consider investing it or saving it. Some consumers put their money in a certificate of deposit account to help grow their cash.

If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. Copyright © 2020 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.

You may want to start paying off some of the things you put off during the holidays last year with credit cards, but before you do that, you'll want to take a look at your credit score to help you find out which credit card works for your score.