Laura Gesualdi-Gilmore

5 days ago | financebuzz.com | Laura Gesualdi-Gilmore |Amanda Machado

If you're hoping to make a career change or simply put yourself in a better position to earn more money, going back to school to earn some sort of advanced degree is not the only option. There are many professional certification programs — some of which can be earned quickly and on the cheap — that can lead to great careers and significant pay bumps. Here are 12 of the best jobs, from the lowest to the highest median annual wages, that only require a certification to qualify.

1 week ago | financebuzz.com | Laura Gesualdi-Gilmore |Esther Carlstone

There are many ways to earn extra income by tapping into collector markets — and coin enthusiasts are known to shell out big bucks for rare pieces, some of which you may even have lying around in your change jar. You may think coins only have value if they're extremely old or made before modern minting processes were implemented. Still, several coins from the 1970s are worth significantly more than their face value — some might even be worth thousands.

1 week ago | financebuzz.com | Laura Gesualdi-Gilmore |Lauren Wellbank

Scouting out the best (and most financially secure) location when purchasing ahome is right up there with doing a thorough inspection when it comes to smart homeownermoves — and that applies when you're in the market for a vacation home, too.

1 week ago | financebuzz.com | Laura Gesualdi-Gilmore |Calista Headrick

Whether it's too much free time or looking for ways to supplement their Social Security income, some retirees return to work on apart-time or seasonal basis. If you're considering going back to work afterretirement, a low-stress job that offers a bit of padding to your yearlyearnings can be a smart move for your wallet. These 12 seasonal jobs, which can be done at various points throughout the year,are solid options for retirees and can pay decent hourly wages, too.

1 week ago | financebuzz.com | Laura Gesualdi-Gilmore |Jennifer Vermeer

While big cities have a reputation for being pricey, there are many around the U.S. where you can live comfortably on just Social Security checks. In January 2025, the average monthly Social Security benefit was $1,976 — and moving to an affordable city is an ideal way to maximize your retirement savings and really make those checks stretch. In addition to affordability, large cities offer perks like walkability, access to great healthcare, and more.