{
  "items": [
    {
      "slug": "credit-card-payoff-calculator",
      "url": "/credit-card-payoff-calculator/",
      "title": "Credit Card Payoff Calculator: How Long Until Your Balance Is Gone",
      "description": "Credit card payoff calculator: at the 22.36% average APR, a $5,300 balance on minimum payments takes about 20 years and $8,800 in interest. See faster plans.",
      "category": "budgeting",
      "categoryName": "Budgeting",
      "quickAnswer": "The credit card payoff calculator above shows how long your balance takes to clear and what it costs. At the 22.36% average rate on cards charged interest (Federal Reserve, August 2026), a $5,300 balance paid at the minimum of 1% plus interest takes about 237 months, nearly 20 years, and costs about $8,800 in interest. Adding $100 a month cuts that to about 42 months and $1,988 (our calculation).",
      "updated": "2026-10-27",
      "calculator": "ccpayoff",
      "cover": "/images/guides/credit-card-payoff-calculator.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Illustration: DollarMap tile pattern with a category icon"
    },
    {
      "slug": "gutter-replacement-cost",
      "url": "/gutter-replacement-cost/",
      "title": "How Much Does Gutter Replacement Cost in 2026?",
      "description": "Gutter replacement cost in 2026: about $3,200 for a 2,000 sq ft home, or $3 to $40 per foot. See prices by house size, material, downspouts and guards.",
      "category": "home-repairs",
      "categoryName": "Home & Repairs",
      "quickAnswer": "The average gutter replacement cost for a typical 2,000 sq ft home is about $3,200, according to This Old House, with most whole-house jobs between $2,000 and $6,000. Prices usually run $3 to $40 per linear foot depending on material, so vinyl and aluminum sit at the low end and copper, zinc and wood at the top.",
      "updated": "2026-10-27",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/gutter-replacement-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Illustration: DollarMap tile pattern with a category icon"
    },
    {
      "slug": "thanksgiving-dinner-cost",
      "url": "/thanksgiving-dinner-cost/",
      "title": "How Much Does Thanksgiving Dinner Cost in 2026?",
      "description": "Thanksgiving dinner cost: $55.18 for 10 people ($5.52 each) in the latest AFBF survey, or $77.09 with ham and more sides. See item prices and ways to save.",
      "category": "family-life",
      "categoryName": "Family & Life",
      "quickAnswer": "The average Thanksgiving dinner cost is $55.18 for 10 people, or about $5.52 per person, in the American Farm Bureau Federation's 2025 survey, the newest available (the 2026 survey usually comes out the week before Thanksgiving). Adding a boneless ham, potatoes and green beans raises it to $77.09. USDA expects grocery prices to rise about 2.3% in 2026.",
      "updated": "2026-10-26",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/thanksgiving-dinner-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Illustration: DollarMap tile pattern with a category icon"
    },
    {
      "slug": "mortgage-calculator",
      "url": "/mortgage-calculator/",
      "title": "Mortgage Calculator: Monthly Payment With Taxes, Insurance and PMI",
      "description": "Mortgage calculator at the 7.32% Freddie Mac rate: the $417,500 median home with 10% down costs about $3,409 a month with tax, insurance and PMI.",
      "category": "budgeting",
      "categoryName": "Budgeting",
      "quickAnswer": "Use the mortgage calculator above to see your full monthly payment. At Freddie Mac's 7.32% average 30-year rate (Oct 22, 2026), the $417,500 median home with 10% down costs about $2,581 a month in principal and interest, or about $3,409 once property tax, homeowners insurance and PMI are added (our calculation).",
      "updated": "2026-10-25",
      "calculator": "mortgage",
      "cover": "/images/guides/mortgage-calculator.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Illustration: DollarMap tile pattern with a category icon"
    },
    {
      "slug": "car-insurance-cost",
      "url": "/car-insurance-cost/",
      "title": "How Much Is Car Insurance in 2026?",
      "description": "Car insurance cost in 2026: about $2,361 a year for full coverage and $648 for minimum. See rates by age, driving record and credit, plus ways to pay less.",
      "category": "cars",
      "categoryName": "Cars",
      "quickAnswer": "The average car insurance cost in 2026 is about $2,361 a year ($197 a month) for full coverage and $648 a year ($54 a month) for minimum coverage, based on NerdWallet's rates for a 35-year-old with a clean record and good credit. Other trackers put the full coverage average between $2,495 and $2,912, and teens, drivers with a DUI and drivers with poor credit pay far more.",
      "updated": "2026-10-24",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/car-insurance-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Hand holding a car key fob in front of a silver car"
    },
    {
      "slug": "car-loan-calculator",
      "url": "/car-loan-calculator/",
      "title": "Car Loan Calculator: Monthly Payment, Interest and How Much Car You Can Afford",
      "description": "Car loan calculator with 2026 averages: new car loans average $43,610 at 6.35% APR, or $765 a month. See rates by credit score and how much car you can afford.",
      "category": "cars",
      "categoryName": "Cars",
      "quickAnswer": "The car loan calculator above shows your monthly payment and total interest. For context, the average new car loan in Q2 2026 was $43,610 at 6.35% APR, with a $765 monthly payment over about 69.5 months, while the average used car loan was $27,852 at 11.19%, with a $542 payment.",
      "updated": "2026-10-24",
      "calculator": "carloan",
      "cover": "/images/guides/car-loan-calculator.webp",
      "coverAlt": "New cars lined up inside a dealership showroom"
    },
    {
      "slug": "child-care-cost",
      "url": "/child-care-cost/",
      "title": "Average Child Care Cost in 2026: Daycare, Nanny and More",
      "description": "Average child care cost in 2026: $332 a week for daycare and $870 for a nanny, per Care.com. See yearly totals, infant prices and the tax breaks that help.",
      "category": "family-life",
      "categoryName": "Family & Life",
      "quickAnswer": "The average child care cost in the US is about $332 a week for a daycare center and $870 a week for a full-time nanny, according to Care.com's 2026 survey. That is roughly $17,264 a year for daycare. Infant care costs the most.",
      "updated": "2026-10-24",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/child-care-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Toddlers playing with toys on a classroom floor"
    },
    {
      "slug": "how-much-house-can-i-afford",
      "url": "/how-much-house-can-i-afford/",
      "title": "How Much House Can I Afford in 2026?",
      "description": "How much house can I afford in 2026? With the 28/36 rule and a 7.32% rate, a $100,000 income buys about $340,000 with 20% down. See your income.",
      "category": "budgeting",
      "categoryName": "Budgeting",
      "quickAnswer": "How much house can I afford depends mostly on income and mortgage rates. Using the 28/36 rule, a 7.32% rate and 20% down, a household earning $100,000 can afford about $340,000, and the median household income of $87,460 supports about $294,000 (our calculation). Buying the $417,500 median home takes roughly $121,000 a year.",
      "updated": "2026-10-24",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/how-much-house-can-i-afford.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Suburban two-story house with a garage"
    },
    {
      "slug": "rent-vs-buy-calculator",
      "url": "/rent-vs-buy-calculator/",
      "title": "Rent vs Buy Calculator: Is It Cheaper to Rent or Buy a Home in 2026?",
      "description": "Rent vs buy calculator for 2026: the $417,500 median home costs about $2,607 a month to own at 7.32%, versus $1,694 median rent.",
      "category": "budgeting",
      "categoryName": "Budgeting",
      "quickAnswer": "A rent vs buy calculator compares the full monthly cost of owning with the rent you would pay instead. At the September 2026 median home price of $417,500 and a 7.32% mortgage rate, mortgage and property tax alone come to about $2,607 a month with 20% down (our calculation), while median asking rent in the 50 largest metros is $1,694. Buying tends to win only if you stay long enough to build equity.",
      "updated": "2026-10-24",
      "calculator": "rentbuy",
      "cover": "/images/guides/rent-vs-buy-calculator.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Model house and keys on a wooden table"
    },
    {
      "slug": "road-trip-cost-calculator",
      "url": "/road-trip-cost-calculator/",
      "title": "How Much Does a Road Trip Cost in 2026?",
      "description": "Road trip cost calculator for 2026: gas at $4.27 a gallon, hotels near $162 a night and food per person. See sample trips and estimate your own total.",
      "category": "travel",
      "categoryName": "Travel",
      "quickAnswer": "A road trip cost calculator adds up fuel, lodging and food. With gas at $4.27 a gallon and an average new car at 27.2 mpg, fuel runs about 16 cents a mile, so a 1,500 mile, 6 night trip for four costs roughly $3,100 including hotels and meals.",
      "updated": "2026-10-24",
      "calculator": "roadtrip",
      "cover": "/images/guides/road-trip-cost-calculator.webp",
      "coverAlt": "A two-lane road winding through red desert hills under a cloudy sky"
    },
    {
      "slug": "roof-replacement-cost",
      "url": "/roof-replacement-cost/",
      "title": "How Much Does a New Roof Cost in 2026?",
      "description": "Roof replacement cost in 2026: $10,319 for a 2,000 sq ft asphalt roof. See prices by material, the extras quotes leave out, and estimate yours.",
      "category": "home-repairs",
      "categoryName": "Home & Repairs",
      "quickAnswer": "The typical roof replacement cost for a 2,000 sq ft asphalt shingle roof is $10,319, or about $5.16 per sq ft. Metal averages about $19.30 per sq ft and clay tile about $22.21. Tear-off, a steep pitch and permits add to that.",
      "updated": "2026-10-24",
      "calculator": "roof",
      "cover": "/images/guides/roof-replacement-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Two roofers in safety harnesses working on a dark shingle roof"
    },
    {
      "slug": "take-home-pay-calculator",
      "url": "/take-home-pay-calculator/",
      "title": "Take-Home Pay Calculator: Your 2026 Paycheck After Taxes, by State",
      "description": "Free take-home pay calculator for 2026: a $60,000 salary takes home about $50,390 in Texas and $48,741 in California after federal, state and payroll taxes.",
      "category": "budgeting",
      "categoryName": "Budgeting",
      "quickAnswer": "A single filer earning $60,000 in 2026 takes home about $50,390 a year in a state with no income tax, such as Texas or Florida: $5,020 federal income tax, $3,720 Social Security and $870 Medicare come out. That is about $1,938 every two weeks. In California the same salary takes home about $48,741 after $1,649 of state tax.",
      "updated": "2026-10-24",
      "calculator": "takehome",
      "cover": "/images/guides/take-home-pay-calculator.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Illustration: DollarMap tile pattern with a category icon"
    },
    {
      "slug": "50-30-20-budget-calculator",
      "url": "/50-30-20-budget-calculator/",
      "title": "50/30/20 Budget Calculator: How to Split Your Take-Home Pay",
      "description": "Use our 50/30/20 budget calculator to split take-home pay. On $5,000 a month: $2,500 for needs, $1,500 for wants and $1,000 for savings and debt.",
      "category": "budgeting",
      "categoryName": "Budgeting",
      "quickAnswer": "A 50/30/20 budget calculator splits your monthly after-tax income into 50% for needs, 30% for wants and 20% for savings and extra debt payments. On $5,000 of take-home pay, that is $2,500, $1,500 and $1,000. The rule comes from Elizabeth Warren and Amelia Warren Tyagi's book All Your Worth.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "budget",
      "cover": "/images/guides/50-30-20-budget-calculator.webp",
      "coverAlt": "A person working out a budget with a calculator, a notebook and a laptop"
    },
    {
      "slug": "average-grocery-bill",
      "url": "/average-grocery-bill/",
      "title": "Average Grocery Bill per Month in 2026",
      "description": "The average grocery bill in 2026 runs about $808 a month for a couple and $1,389 for a family of four on USDA's moderate plan. See costs by household size.",
      "category": "budgeting",
      "categoryName": "Budgeting",
      "quickAnswer": "The average grocery bill on USDA's moderate-cost plan is about $1,389 a month for a family of four with school-age kids, $808 for a couple aged 19 to 50, and $404 to $478 for one adult (our calculation from September 2026 USDA figures). A thrifty budget for the same family of four is $1,024.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/average-grocery-bill.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Shopper pushing a cart full of groceries down a store aisle"
    },
    {
      "slug": "average-hotel-cost-per-night",
      "url": "/average-hotel-cost-per-night/",
      "title": "Average Hotel Cost per Night in the US (2026)",
      "description": "The average hotel cost per night in the US was $160.54 in 2025, per CoStar, and weekly rates hit $179 in Sept 2026. See prices by hotel class and city.",
      "category": "travel",
      "categoryName": "Travel",
      "quickAnswer": "The average hotel cost per night in the US was $160.54 in 2025, according to CoStar. Rates have risen in 2026, reaching a record $179.30 for one week in September, and range from about $71 at economy hotels to over $425 at luxury hotels.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/average-hotel-cost-per-night.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Hotel bedroom with a wooden bed and a garden view"
    },
    {
      "slug": "average-savings-by-age",
      "url": "/average-savings-by-age/",
      "title": "Average Savings by Age in 2026",
      "description": "Average savings by age: US families had a median $8,200 in bank accounts in 2025, per the Fed's new SCF. See savings, retirement and net worth by age group.",
      "category": "saving-investing",
      "categoryName": "Saving & Investing",
      "quickAnswer": "Average savings by age vary widely, but the typical US family had a median of $8,200 in checking, savings and similar accounts in 2025, and a mean of $62,900. By age, median balances ranged from $5,400 for families under 35 to $13,400 for ages 65 to 74 in the Fed's 2022 survey.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/average-savings-by-age.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Man holding a glass jar of coins labeled savings"
    },
    {
      "slug": "average-utility-bill",
      "url": "/average-utility-bill/",
      "title": "Average Utility Bills per Month in 2026",
      "description": "The average utility bill in 2026 is about $363 a month for electric, gas, water and trash, per doxo. Add about $81 for internet. See each bill and how to save.",
      "category": "budgeting",
      "categoryName": "Budgeting",
      "quickAnswer": "The average utility bill for a U.S. household is about $363 a month in 2026, covering electricity, natural gas, water and sewer, and trash, based on doxo's median bill payments. Home internet adds about $81 more, according to BroadbandNow, for a total of roughly $444 (our calculation).",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/average-utility-bill.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Row of residential electric meters"
    },
    {
      "slug": "average-wedding-cost",
      "url": "/average-wedding-cost/",
      "title": "What Is the Average Wedding Cost in 2026?",
      "description": "The average wedding cost is $34,200 for 117 guests, per The Knot's 2026 study. See vendor prices, costs by state and region, who pays, and how to save.",
      "category": "family-life",
      "categoryName": "Family & Life",
      "quickAnswer": "The average wedding cost in the US was $34,200 for couples married in 2025, with 117 guests and about $292 spent per guest. Zola's survey of couples marrying in 2026 puts the average a little higher, at $36,000. The engagement ring and honeymoon are extra.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "wedding",
      "cover": "/images/guides/average-wedding-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "A couple beside a long outdoor wedding reception table under string lights"
    },
    {
      "slug": "brake-replacement-cost",
      "url": "/brake-replacement-cost/",
      "title": "How Much Does Brake Replacement Cost in 2026?",
      "description": "Brake replacement cost in 2026: about $335 to $394 for pads on one axle, or $901 to $1,084 with rotors. See pad, rotor and caliper prices, and how to save.",
      "category": "cars",
      "categoryName": "Cars",
      "quickAnswer": "Brake replacement cost averages about $335 to $394 for new brake pads on one axle, according to RepairPal. If the rotors need replacing too, one axle runs about $901 to $1,084, and doing pads and rotors on all four wheels comes to roughly $1,800 to $2,170.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/brake-replacement-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Close-up of a car brake disc and caliper during a repair"
    },
    {
      "slug": "car-battery-replacement-cost",
      "url": "/car-battery-replacement-cost/",
      "title": "Car Battery Replacement Cost in 2026",
      "description": "Car battery replacement cost in 2026: about $268 to $493 installed for a regular 12-volt battery, and $5,000 to $20,000+ for an EV pack. See what drives it.",
      "category": "cars",
      "categoryName": "Cars",
      "quickAnswer": "Car battery replacement cost for a regular 12-volt battery is about $268 to $368 installed, according to Jerry, while RepairPal's estimate runs $456 to $493 including parts and labor. The battery itself is most of the bill. Replacing the high-voltage pack in an electric car is a different job that costs $5,000 to $20,000 or more.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/car-battery-replacement-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Jumper cables connected to a car battery under the hood"
    },
    {
      "slug": "cd-vs-high-yield-savings",
      "url": "/cd-vs-high-yield-savings/",
      "title": "CD vs High-Yield Savings Account: Which Earns More in 2026?",
      "description": "CD vs high yield savings in Oct 2026: top 1-year CDs pay 4.60% APY, top savings about 4% to 4.4%. See what $10,000 earns in each and which to pick.",
      "category": "saving-investing",
      "categoryName": "Saving & Investing",
      "quickAnswer": "In the CD vs high yield savings comparison, top 1-year CDs paid up to 4.60% APY in October 2026, while most top high-yield savings accounts paid about 4.00% to 4.40%. A CD locks in its rate but charges a penalty for early withdrawal; a savings account keeps your cash available, but its rate can drop at any time.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/cd-vs-high-yield-savings.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Woman dropping a coin into a pink piggy bank"
    },
    {
      "slug": "cost-of-a-cruise",
      "url": "/cost-of-a-cruise/",
      "title": "How Much Does a Cruise Cost in 2026?",
      "description": "The cost of a cruise in 2026 averages about $2,500 per person for 7 days once fares, fees, tips and onboard spending are added. See prices by line and cabin.",
      "category": "travel",
      "categoryName": "Travel",
      "quickAnswer": "The average cost of a cruise is about $2,500 per person for a 7-day trip and $2,000 for 5 days, once fares, port fees, tips and onboard spending are included. Base fares alone average about $170 to $265 per person per day across the big three cruise companies.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/cost-of-a-cruise.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Cruise ship at sea at sunset"
    },
    {
      "slug": "cost-of-having-a-baby",
      "url": "/cost-of-having-a-baby/",
      "title": "How Much Does It Cost to Have a Baby in 2026?",
      "description": "The cost of having a baby averages $20,416 in medical bills, with $2,743 paid out of pocket on employer plans, per KFF. See C-section costs and first-year gear.",
      "category": "family-life",
      "categoryName": "Family & Life",
      "quickAnswer": "The cost of having a baby averages $20,416 in total medical spending for pregnancy, birth and postpartum care, and families with employer insurance pay about $2,743 of that out of pocket. A C-section costs about $13,000 more in total than a vaginal birth.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/cost-of-having-a-baby.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Newborn baby holding a parent's finger"
    },
    {
      "slug": "cost-of-owning-a-cat",
      "url": "/cost-of-owning-a-cat/",
      "title": "How Much Does It Cost to Own a Cat in 2026?",
      "description": "The cost of owning a cat in 2026 runs $850 to $4,400 a year for an adult, per Rover, plus $705 to $2,960 up front. See every cost and how to spend less.",
      "category": "pets",
      "categoryName": "Pets",
      "quickAnswer": "The cost of owning a cat is about $850 to $4,400 a year for an adult cat, or roughly $70 to $305 a month. Plan on another $705 to $2,960 in upfront costs the first year, and $10,785 to $54,270 over a typical lifetime.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/cost-of-owning-a-cat.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Tabby cat sitting on a windowsill"
    },
    {
      "slug": "cost-of-owning-a-dog",
      "url": "/cost-of-owning-a-dog/",
      "title": "How Much Does It Cost to Own a Dog in 2026?",
      "description": "The cost of owning a dog in 2026 runs $1,930 to $5,305 a year for an adult, per Rover, plus $1,195 to $4,650 up front. See costs by size and how to save.",
      "category": "pets",
      "categoryName": "Pets",
      "quickAnswer": "The cost of owning a dog is about $1,930 to $5,305 a year for an adult dog, or roughly $145 to $505 a month for a medium breed. Expect another $1,195 to $4,650 in upfront costs the first year, and $19,840 to $58,875 over a lifetime depending on size.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "dog",
      "cover": "/images/guides/cost-of-owning-a-dog.webp",
      "coverAlt": "A woman kissing a happy golden retriever on the cheek"
    },
    {
      "slug": "cost-of-raising-a-child",
      "url": "/cost-of-raising-a-child/",
      "title": "How Much Does It Cost to Raise a Child in 2026?",
      "description": "The cost of raising a child to 18 is about $303,418, or $16,857 a year, per LendingTree's 2026 study. See costs by age, category and state, and ways to save.",
      "category": "family-life",
      "categoryName": "Family & Life",
      "quickAnswer": "The cost of raising a child from birth to age 18 is about $303,418 in the US, or $16,857 a year on average. The first five years cost the most, about $29,325 a year, because of full-time day care. College is not included.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/cost-of-raising-a-child.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Family with two children standing in a garden"
    },
    {
      "slug": "dog-boarding-cost",
      "url": "/dog-boarding-cost/",
      "title": "Dog Boarding Cost in 2026: Kennels, Sitters and Daycare",
      "description": "Dog boarding cost in 2026: about $40 to $60 a night at a traditional kennel and $75 to $150 at a dog hotel. Compare sitters, daycare and weekly rates.",
      "category": "pets",
      "categoryName": "Pets",
      "quickAnswer": "The typical dog boarding cost is about $40 to $60 a night at a traditional kennel, or $280 to $420 for a week. Dog hotels with extras charge $75 to $150 a night, while doggy daycare (no overnight) runs about $25 to $45 a day.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/dog-boarding-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Group of dogs playing together at a dog park"
    },
    {
      "slug": "electric-vs-gas-car-cost",
      "url": "/electric-vs-gas-car-cost/",
      "title": "Electric vs Gas Car Cost in 2026: Which Is Cheaper to Own?",
      "description": "Electric vs gas car cost in 2026: an EV compact SUV costs about $11,888 a year to own vs $11,656 for gas, per AAA. See fuel, insurance and depreciation.",
      "category": "cars",
      "categoryName": "Cars",
      "quickAnswer": "Electric vs gas car cost is closer than most people expect. AAA puts a compact electric SUV at about $11,888 a year to own versus $11,656 for a gas one, because the EV's much lower fuel bill is offset by faster depreciation. A new EV also sells for about $55,879 on average, versus $50,562 for all new vehicles.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/electric-vs-gas-car-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "White electric SUV plugged into a wall-mounted home charger"
    },
    {
      "slug": "emergency-fund-calculator",
      "url": "/emergency-fund-calculator/",
      "title": "Emergency Fund Calculator: How Much Should You Save?",
      "description": "Use our emergency fund calculator to size your goal. 3 to 6 months of essentials is the rule; for the average US household that's about $13,000 to $26,000.",
      "category": "saving-investing",
      "categoryName": "Saving & Investing",
      "quickAnswer": "An emergency fund calculator multiplies your essential monthly expenses by the months you want covered. The common rule is 3 to 6 months; based on BLS spending data for 2024, that is about $13,000 to $26,000 for an average US household's core costs. Single-income and self-employed households may want 6 to 12 months.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "emergency",
      "cover": "/images/guides/emergency-fund-calculator.webp",
      "coverAlt": "A person holding a glass jar of coins labeled savings"
    },
    {
      "slug": "engagement-ring-cost",
      "url": "/engagement-ring-cost/",
      "title": "Average Engagement Ring Cost in 2026",
      "description": "The average engagement ring cost was $4,600 in 2025, per The Knot. Lab-grown rings averaged $4,300 and natural $7,000. See prices by state and ways to save.",
      "category": "family-life",
      "categoryName": "Family & Life",
      "quickAnswer": "The average engagement ring cost was $4,600 for couples who married in 2025, according to The Knot's survey of about 10,500 couples. Lab-grown diamond rings averaged $4,300 and natural diamond rings $7,000. 61% of couples chose a lab-grown center stone.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/engagement-ring-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Diamond engagement ring in an open box"
    },
    {
      "slug": "exterior-house-painting-cost",
      "url": "/exterior-house-painting-cost/",
      "title": "How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House Exterior in 2026?",
      "description": "Exterior house painting cost averages $3,178 in 2026, and most owners pay $1,819 to $4,551. See prices by size, stories, siding, prep work and DIY.",
      "category": "home-repairs",
      "categoryName": "Home & Repairs",
      "quickAnswer": "The average exterior house painting cost is about $3,178 in 2026, and most homeowners pay between $1,819 and $4,551. That works out to roughly $1.50 to $4 per sq ft of paintable surface. Large, tall or heavily damaged homes can reach $7,700 or more.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/exterior-house-painting-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Two-story blue house with white trim and red shutters"
    },
    {
      "slug": "foundation-repair-cost",
      "url": "/foundation-repair-cost/",
      "title": "How Much Does Foundation Repair Cost in 2026?",
      "description": "Foundation repair cost in 2026 averages about $5,179, with most jobs $2,224 to $8,134. See prices for cracks, piers, slabjacking and waterproofing.",
      "category": "home-repairs",
      "categoryName": "Home & Repairs",
      "quickAnswer": "The average foundation repair cost in 2026 is about $5,179, and most homeowners pay between $2,224 and $8,134. Sealing a small crack can cost $250 to $800, while piering runs $1,000 to $3,000 per pier and severe sinking can top $20,000.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/foundation-repair-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Aerial view of a new concrete house foundation"
    },
    {
      "slug": "furnace-replacement-cost",
      "url": "/furnace-replacement-cost/",
      "title": "How Much Does a New Furnace Cost in 2026?",
      "description": "Furnace replacement cost in 2026 averages about $4,800 installed, with most homes paying $2,823 to $6,888. See prices by fuel, home size and extras.",
      "category": "home-repairs",
      "categoryName": "Home & Repairs",
      "quickAnswer": "The average furnace replacement cost in 2026 is about $4,800 installed, and most homeowners pay between $2,823 and $6,888. Natural gas furnaces run $3,800 to $10,000 installed, electric $2,000 to $7,000, and new ductwork can add $2,000 to $5,000.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/furnace-replacement-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Home heating thermostat on a wall"
    },
    {
      "slug": "home-inspection-cost",
      "url": "/home-inspection-cost/",
      "title": "How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost in 2026?",
      "description": "Home inspection cost in 2026 averages $344, and most buyers pay $296 to $425. See prices by home size and city, plus radon, pest and sewer add-ons.",
      "category": "home-repairs",
      "categoryName": "Home & Repairs",
      "quickAnswer": "The average home inspection cost in 2026 is $344, and most buyers pay between $296 and $425. Bigger homes cost more, and add-ons such as radon ($250), pests ($125) or mold ($660) are extra.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/home-inspection-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Home inspector with a clipboard talking to buyers in a living room"
    },
    {
      "slug": "honeymoon-cost",
      "url": "/honeymoon-cost/",
      "title": "How Much Does a Honeymoon Cost in 2026?",
      "description": "The average honeymoon cost is about $5,300 to $5,500 for a trip of around seven days, per The Knot and Zola. See budgets by style, hotels and ways to save.",
      "category": "travel",
      "categoryName": "Travel",
      "quickAnswer": "The average honeymoon cost is about $5,300 to $5,500 for a trip of roughly seven days, according to The Knot and Zola. Budget trips can come in at $1,500 to $4,000, while luxury honeymoons often run $8,000 to $15,000 or more.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/honeymoon-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Couple walking on a white sand beach with palm trees"
    },
    {
      "slug": "hvac-replacement-cost",
      "url": "/hvac-replacement-cost/",
      "title": "How Much Does HVAC Replacement Cost in 2026?",
      "description": "HVAC replacement cost in 2026: most homeowners pay $8,000 to $15,000 for a full system. See prices by system type, home size, ductwork and SEER2.",
      "category": "home-repairs",
      "categoryName": "Home & Repairs",
      "quickAnswer": "The typical HVAC replacement cost for a full system (central AC plus furnace) is $8,000 to $15,000, with an average of about $11,500 in 2026. Replacing only the AC or only the furnace usually runs $4,000 to $7,500. New ductwork, a large home or a high SEER2 rating can push the bill much higher.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/hvac-replacement-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Central air conditioner unit outside a house, next to green shrubs"
    },
    {
      "slug": "lease-vs-buy-car",
      "url": "/lease-vs-buy-car/",
      "title": "Lease vs Buy a Car in 2026: Which Costs Less?",
      "description": "Lease vs buy car costs in 2026: lease payments run about $148 a month less than the $765 average new car loan, but buying usually costs less over time.",
      "category": "cars",
      "categoryName": "Cars",
      "quickAnswer": "In the lease vs buy car decision, leasing wins on the monthly payment and buying usually wins on total cost. In Q2 2026, the average new car lease payment was $148 a month lower than the $765 average new car loan payment, but in Bankrate's Camry example, buying and then selling after three years cost about $5,500 less than leasing for the same three years (our calculation).",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/lease-vs-buy-car.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Blue car on display in a modern showroom"
    },
    {
      "slug": "new-tires-cost",
      "url": "/new-tires-cost/",
      "title": "How Much Do New Tires Cost in 2026?",
      "description": "New tires cost about $151 each for an all-season tire in 2026, or about $604 for a set of four. See prices by tire type, installation fees and ways to save.",
      "category": "cars",
      "categoryName": "Cars",
      "quickAnswer": "New tires cost about $151 each for an average all-season tire, or roughly $604 for a set of four before installation (our calculation from Consumer Reports prices compiled by Clark.com in May 2026). All-season SUV tires average about $245 each, and installation usually adds $15 to $45 per tire.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/new-tires-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Close-up of a car tire and alloy wheel"
    },
    {
      "slug": "pet-insurance-cost",
      "url": "/pet-insurance-cost/",
      "title": "How Much Is Pet Insurance in 2026, and Is It Worth It?",
      "description": "Pet insurance cost in 2026: about $70 a month for dogs and $36 for cats for accident and illness cover, per NAPHIA. See prices by age, breed and plan type.",
      "category": "pets",
      "categoryName": "Pets",
      "quickAnswer": "The average pet insurance cost for accident and illness coverage is about $70 a month ($836 a year) for a dog and $36 a month ($435 a year) for a cat. Accident-only plans cost far less, about $16 a month for dogs and $9 for cats, while adding wellness cover pushes dogs to about $118 a month.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/pet-insurance-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Veterinarians examining a small dog"
    },
    {
      "slug": "sinking-funds",
      "url": "/sinking-funds/",
      "title": "Sinking Funds: How to Save for Big Expenses Without Debt",
      "description": "Sinking funds turn big bills into small monthly savings. Car insurance alone averages $1,694 a year, or $141 a month. See common costs and how to set one up.",
      "category": "saving-investing",
      "categoryName": "Saving & Investing",
      "quickAnswer": "Sinking funds are savings pots for expenses you know are coming, like car insurance, repairs, holidays or a ring. You divide the cost by the months until it is due and save that amount monthly. For example, AAA's average car insurance cost of $1,694 a year works out to about $141 a month.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/sinking-funds.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Envelope with cash for savings"
    },
    {
      "slug": "tankless-vs-tank-water-heater",
      "url": "/tankless-vs-tank-water-heater/",
      "title": "Tankless vs Tank Water Heater: Cost, Savings and Which to Buy",
      "description": "Tankless vs tank water heater: a tank costs $600 to $2,500 installed, tankless about $2,641 on average. See savings, lifespan and which one pays off.",
      "category": "home-repairs",
      "categoryName": "Home & Repairs",
      "quickAnswer": "In the tankless vs tank water heater choice, a tank costs about $600 to $2,500 installed, while a tankless unit averages $2,641 (typical range $1,406 to $3,902). Tankless lasts longer and uses less energy, but gas models save only about $100 a year, so the payoff takes many years.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/tankless-vs-tank-water-heater.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Plumber working on a home water heater"
    },
    {
      "slug": "true-cost-of-owning-a-car",
      "url": "/true-cost-of-owning-a-car/",
      "title": "What Is the True Cost of Owning a Car in 2026?",
      "description": "The true cost of owning a car is $12,863 a year for a new vehicle in 2026, per AAA, or about $1,072 a month. See the breakdown by expense and vehicle type.",
      "category": "cars",
      "categoryName": "Cars",
      "quickAnswer": "The true cost of owning a car is about $12,863 a year for a new vehicle driven 15,000 miles, according to AAA's 2026 study. That is roughly $1,072 a month, or about 86 cents per mile. Depreciation is the biggest single cost at $4,422 a year.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/true-cost-of-owning-a-car.webp",
      "coverAlt": "A hand holding a car key fob in front of a dark sedan"
    },
    {
      "slug": "vet-visit-cost",
      "url": "/vet-visit-cost/",
      "title": "How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost in 2026?",
      "description": "Vet visit cost in 2026: a wellness exam runs about $50 to $150, and an emergency exam averages $135 for dogs and $143 for cats. See prices for tests and care.",
      "category": "pets",
      "categoryName": "Pets",
      "quickAnswer": "The typical vet visit cost for a routine wellness exam is $65 to $150 for a dog and $50 to $150 for a cat, or $70 to $250 or more once vaccines and tests are added. An emergency exam averages $135 for dogs and $143 for cats before any treatment.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/vet-visit-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Person holding a tabby cat at the vet"
    },
    {
      "slug": "water-heater-replacement-cost",
      "url": "/water-heater-replacement-cost/",
      "title": "How Much Does Water Heater Replacement Cost in 2026?",
      "description": "Water heater replacement cost in 2026: about $1,400 installed on average. Compare tank, tankless and heat pump prices, sizes, permits and yearly savings.",
      "category": "home-repairs",
      "categoryName": "Home & Repairs",
      "quickAnswer": "The average water heater replacement cost is about $1,400 installed, and most homeowners pay $900 to $3,000. A standard tank runs $600 to $2,500, while tankless and heat pump models cost roughly twice as much up front.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/water-heater-replacement-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "A plumber tightening a pipe fitting on top of a white tank water heater"
    },
    {
      "slug": "window-replacement-cost",
      "url": "/window-replacement-cost/",
      "title": "Window Replacement Cost in 2026: Price per Window",
      "description": "Window replacement cost in 2026 averages about $750 per window, or $7,348 for a typical project. See prices by window type, frame material and glass.",
      "category": "home-repairs",
      "categoryName": "Home & Repairs",
      "quickAnswer": "The average window replacement cost in 2026 is about $750 per window, with most windows between $300 and $2,500 installed. A typical whole project averages $7,348, and most homeowners spend $3,436 to $11,838.",
      "updated": "2026-10-21",
      "calculator": "none",
      "cover": "/images/guides/window-replacement-cost.webp",
      "coverAlt": "Two white wooden windows on a yellow wall"
    }
  ]
}