Darby Jones

Darby Jones is a financial guru with a passion for FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early). Read Darby's full bio here.

Smiling blended family sitting on a blanket outdoors, enjoying time together during a picnic.

Prenups For Blended Families Or Second Marriages

When love gets a second chance, it often brings more complexity—children from previous relationships, individual assets, and blended households. That’s why prenuptial agreements (prenups) are especially important for second marriages or blended families. Far from being unromantic, a well-thought-out prenup can actually protect your loved ones, reduce future conflict, and ensure clarity from the start.

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Woman in hoodie eating chips from a partially filled snack bag, illustrating the concept of shrinkflation.

Shrinkflation Explained: Why You’re Paying More For Less

Have you noticed your favorite cereal box feels lighter or that your go-to snack bag has fewer chips, but the price is the same (or even higher)? You’re not imagining things. Welcome to the sneaky world of shrinkflation. What Is Shrinkflation? Shrinkflation is when companies reduce the size, quantity, or quality of a product while

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Military aircraft on display at a Brazilian air base, mounted upright beside a road near the entrance gate with benches and palm trees in view.

10 Military Freebies You Didn’t Know Were Available On Base

If you’re active duty, a military spouse, or a dependent, chances are your local military base offers more free services than you realize! Beyond the commissary and PX/BX deals, many bases provide valuable freebies that can help you save money, time, and stress. Here are some common (and not-so-common) military freebies you can find on

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Woman using a mobility-accessible vehicle seat lift outside a black van in a sunny parking lot.

NEMT: Free Rides To Medical Appointments

If you’re a Medicaid recipient, getting to and from the doctor’s office shouldn’t be a financial burden or a barrier to staying healthy. That’s where Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) comes in. Many Medicaid beneficiaries are eligible for free rides to medical appointments, thanks to this often-overlooked benefit. What Is NEMT? Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) is

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Man relaxing on bed while using smartphone

Lifeline Program: How To Get Discounted Phone Or Internet Service

In today’s world, staying connected isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. From applying for jobs to accessing telehealth services and staying in touch with loved ones, phone and internet service are essential. Thankfully, the Lifeline Program exists to make these services more affordable for low-income households. What Is the Lifeline Program? The Lifeline Program is

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Close-up of a person using a power drill on a wooden board while wearing a green work glove.

Section 504 Home Repair Program: Help For Rural Homeowners

If you’re a homeowner living in a rural area and struggling to afford necessary home repairs, you’re not alone. The Section 504 Home Repair Program, also known as the Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants Program, provides financial assistance to low-income homeowners, especially the elderly, to remove health and safety hazards from their homes.

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Mother and daughter smiling and playing with wooden toys at a table.

Factors That Determine Child Support Payments

When it comes to raising a child after a separation or divorce, ensuring financial support is essential. That’s where child support payments come in. Whether you’re the parent paying or receiving, understanding how these payments are calculated can help you plan your finances with confidence. Let’s break down the main factors that determine child support

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Police officer in uniform standing on a street during a public safety situation, with other officers and vehicles in the background.

How To Qualify For Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

For many student loan borrowers, the weight of monthly payments can feel like a lifetime commitment. But if you work in public service, there’s good news: you may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). This is a federal program that forgives the remainder of your federal student loan debt after ten years of qualifying

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