Posts by Dylan Mercer
Hearing Better Without the High Cost: Affordable Hearing Aid Options Explained
Hearing aids are life-changing devices, but the price tag can be overwhelming. For years, the cost of hearing aids put them out of reach for many people, leaving millions to struggle with hearing loss in silence. But thanks to technological advances, regulatory changes, and an expanding market, affordable hearing aids are now more accessible than…
Read MoreHow to Understand Your Pay Stub and Stop Losing Money
You work hard, and payday should be a moment to celebrate. But when you open up your pay stub, it’s easy to feel confused—or even a little disappointed. What’s with all the deductions? Why is your “net pay” so much lower than your salary? And what are those random codes and acronyms? If you don’t…
Read MoreMoney-Saving Habits That Actually Stick
We all want to save more money, but let’s be real—most “money-saving tips” either feel like a sacrifice or just don’t stick long term. Skipping coffee, cutting fun entirely, or doing a no-spend month might work short-term, but they’re not sustainable unless you turn them into actual habits. If you’re ready to save money in…
Read MoreThe Best Cheap Car Insurance Options for Young Drivers
Car insurance is one of those unavoidable expenses when you’re hitting the road for the first time. And if you’re a young driver, you’ve probably already noticed that your quotes are sky-high compared to older, more experienced drivers. It’s not personal—it’s just how the system works. But that doesn’t mean you have to overpay. Finding…
Read MorePersonal Loans vs. Credit Cards: When to Use Which
When money gets tight or you need to fund a big expense, it’s easy to turn to the nearest form of borrowing: a swipe of the credit card or a quick personal loan application. Both options give you access to cash, but they work very differently—and choosing the wrong one can cost you more in…
Read MoreThe Rise of Subscription Overload: How to Cut Back and Save
Streaming services, meal kits, cloud storage, fitness apps, monthly boxes—there’s a subscription for just about everything these days. And while $5 or $10 a month might not sound like much, those small recurring charges add up fast. In 2025, “subscription overload” has become a real budget buster for millions of people. If your bank statement…
Read MoreGovernment vs. Private Grants: Which One Is Right for You?
When you’re searching for funding—whether for a business, nonprofit, research, or personal project—grants can be an incredibly helpful resource. Unlike loans, grants don’t need to be repaid, making them one of the most attractive forms of financial support. But not all grants are created equal. The biggest divide? Government vs. private grants.Understanding how these two…
Read MoreHow to Build Credit from Scratch (Without Going Into Debt)
Building credit feels like one of those catch-22 situations: you need credit to get credit. If you’ve never had a credit card or loan, your credit file might be non-existent—or considered a “thin file.” But having no credit history can hold you back from qualifying for apartments, car loans, mortgages, and sometimes even job opportunities.…
Read MoreHow to Start Saving Money When You Live Paycheck to Paycheck
When you’re living paycheck to paycheck, saving money can feel impossible. Every dollar is already spoken for before it even hits your account. But here’s the thing—saving is possible, even on a tight budget. It just takes a few mindset shifts, some creativity, and a strategy that fits your real life (not some unrealistic “skip…
Read MoreMaking Extra Cash from Clinical Trials: What You Need to Know
Participating in clinical trials can be an easy way to make extra cash while contributing to medical research. These studies help test new drugs, treatments, and medical devices, and participants are often compensated for their time and effort. While the payouts can be tempting, it’s important to understand the risks, requirements, and ethical considerations before…
Read More