Lucas Downey is the co-founder of MoneyFlows, and an Investopedia Academy instructor. Dr. JeFreda R. Brown is a financial consultant, Certified Financial Education Instructor, and researcher who has ...

Every day we make trade-offs. We go to a convenience store and we pay a higher price for milk. You find a great deal on a product, but chances are you won't get much service or some other amenities.

James McWhinney is a long-tenured Investopedia contributor and an expert on personal finance and investing. With over 25 years of experience as a full-time communications professional, James writes ...