How to Get Approved for a Mortgage with a Lower Credit Score

[G]etting approved for a mortgage when you don’t have excellent credit can be tough. However, you can get that approval and start shopping for a house even if your credit score isn’t the best. While lenders will have a certain cut-off point for a low credit score, you can improve your chances of ...
How to Get Approved for a Mortgage with a Lower Credit Score

When You Can’t Pay Your Credit Cards

[P]erhaps you’ve had some unexpected expenses that wiped out your salary or you’ve had your hours cut at work. Whatever the reason, you don’t have enough money for all of your bills and the credit card seems the easiest bill to cut out.
The Danger of Not Paying
If you are unable to pay your cred...
When You Can’t Pay Your Credit Cards

Debt Collection for Your Tax Bill from the IRS

[T]he Internal Revenue Service is outsourcing its overdue tax debts to private collection agencies. A law was passed in 2015 allowing the IRS to contract with private debt collection agencies. This process will begin in the spring of 2017.
The IRS will partner with Pioneer, Performant, CBE...
Debt Collection for Your Tax Bill from the IRS

Is a Charge Card the Same as a Credit Card?

[Y]ou may have heard about charge cards but not really understand how they work. While you may think of them in the same way as a credit card, there are some fundamental differences.
No Balance Allowed
With a credit card, you can make a minimum monthly payment and carry the rest as a balance....
Is a Charge Card the Same as a Credit Card?

How Borrowing Money Impacts Your Credit Score

[W]hile your payment history has the greatest impact on your credit score, how much debt you have also affects it. It’s important to know this information before you borrow money.
Debt Utilization
One of the factors for your credit score is how much of a balance you have compared to your credit l...
How Borrowing Money Impacts Your Credit Score

Can You Cheat Your Credit Score and Should You?

[I]f you’ve been plagued by a low credit score because of late payments, charge-offs and collections, you may think you’ll never be able to get a good credit rating. You may know that it can take 7 to 10 years for this negative information to come off your credit report, but you need it to come o...
Can You Cheat Your Credit Score and Should You?

Can Two or More Credit Cards Build Credit Faster?

[M]ost people know that getting a credit card can help you build credit. The next question is whether two cards can do twice the work. It follows the idea that if some is good, more is better. However, in the case of credit cards and your credit rating, more isn’t always better.
When More is B...
Can Two or More Credit Cards Build Credit Faster?

How Checking Your Credit Helps It Improve

[N]o, there’s no magic involved in checking your credit report. Your credit score won’t mysteriously improve just because you checked to see where it was compared to last time. But studies show that people who check their credit report pay more attention to all credit issues and work harder to im...
How Checking Your Credit Helps It Improve

How Long It Really Takes to Fix Your Credit Score

[A] popular question among people trying to raise their credit score is “How long will it take to improve my credit score?” They want to hear the magic words because they’ve read the promises that say your credit score can improve in 30 days. Unfortunately, that promise is like waving a magic wan...
How Long It Really Takes to Fix Your Credit Score

How to Enjoy the Benefits of a Cash-back Rewards Credit Card

[G]etting cash back for purchases you would make anyway seems like getting free money. To take advantage of this type of credit card and enjoy the rewards, you need to follow these tips.
Check Your Credit
First, you should check your credit rating and make sure you have a good credit score. Most...
How to Enjoy the Benefits of a Cash-back Rewards Credit Card

How to Tell If You are Spending Too Much

[S]hopping can be fun, especially if it’s for items you want more than need. There’s nothing wrong with taking a few dollars out of your paycheck to do something nice for yourself. However, for many, they end up spending too much and staying in a vicious cycle of debt. Here are a few ways to tel...
How to Tell If You are Spending Too Much

How You Can Have Bad Credit Even with Good Money Management

[M]ost people assume that bad credit happens when people are irresponsible and fail to pay their bills on time or get more credit than they can handle. You might be surprised to discover that other factors can hurt your credit even if you’ve been paying your bills and paying off credit card b...
How You Can Have Bad Credit Even with Good Money Management

Money and Your Freshman College Student

[I]f you’re a parent, it’s about the time of the year when you send your kids off to college. While you may be giving them a long list of advice about what to do with their newfound independence, you don’t want to overlook the importance of money advice. If you’ve set a good example the previous ...
Money and Your Freshman College Student

Steps to Take When You Apply for a Credit Card

[F]or many people, getting approved for a credit card seems to be the new American Dream. It’s a sign their credit is good or at least on the mend and not too bad to qualify for credit. For others, they think about the rewards and benefits that come with a credit card. Before you apply for a new ...
Steps to Take When You Apply for a Credit Card

Three Tips to Help You Manage Your Budget

[I]f you want to get in control of your finances, you must learn how to manage your budget. This is one area where people try and fail over and over again. Here are three tips to help you be successful with your budget.
1. Know Your Expenses
It’s easy to know how much you pay each month for a c...
Three Tips to Help You Manage Your Budget

Understanding Good Debt vs Bad Debt

[T]he word “debt” conjures up all sorts of images in people’s minds, most of them not very good. However, you have probably heard the concept of bad debt and good debt. Is there such a thing as good debt? If so, how can you tell the difference between the two?
First, Bad Debt
Bad debt is any debt...
Understanding Good Debt vs Bad Debt

What to Do When You Have Extra Money for Credit Card Debt

[M]ost of the time you struggle to make the minimum monthly payments on your credit cards. Now, you find yourself with extra money on hand and you wonder which cards to pay. Maybe you worked overtime or got a bonus, and you want to do the responsible thing with the money and pay down debt. The...
What to Do When You Have Extra Money for Credit Card Debt

Why Your Child Needs a Savings Account

[I]n a world where credit is easily obtained, it’s far too simple for people to get into debt. Much more difficult is learning how to save. This practice should begin in childhood so that it is firmly ingrained in a person’s habits when they reach adulthood.
When to Start Teaching about Sav...
Why Your Child Needs a Savings Account

How to Stop Being a Co-Signer and Will It Hurt Your Credit?

[M]any people become co-signers as a favor to a family member or friend who doesn’t have a credit history. After some time, they may want to take their name off the account. This is not always an easy fix, and it may have an impact to both people’s credit.
The Process
Generally, you have two opt...
How to Stop Being a Co-Signer and Will It Hurt Your Credit?

4 Ways Your Cell Phone Impacts Your Credit

[F]or many people, they can’t live without their cell phone. If they have a smartphone, they likely use it to do much more than just talk or text. While having a cell phone can be a good thing, it can also cause problems for your credit score.
1. Pay Your Bill

If you fail to pay your cell p...
4 Ways Your Cell Phone Impacts Your Credit

Simple Ways You Can Mess Up Your Mortgage Approval

[A]fter the initial approval for a home loan, you may be feeling pretty confident about moving into your new home. However, there are some easy ways you can mess up your approval, causing your mortgage to fall through.
1. Adding Extra Income
If you have more money in your bank account than what...
Simple Ways You Can Mess Up Your Mortgage Approval

Credit Tips for Newlyweds

[S]ummertime is the time for beautiful weddings, followed by fabulous honeymoons. After the end of the vacation, you start your new life as a couple. If you haven’t already had the talk about money – and you should have, now is the time to do so. It’s important to start off a new marriage on the ...
Credit Tips for Newlyweds

How to Build Credit without a Credit Card

[A]sk almost any expert, and they’ll tell you the easiest way to build credit is to get a credit card and use it responsibly. However, some people don’t like the idea of using credit to pay for things, so they want to find another way to build their credit history.
1. Ask Your Landlord to Report ...
How to Build Credit without a Credit Card

3 Things Everyone Should Do Before Getting a Credit Card

[A]s the time nears for students to start college, many parents will help them get their first credit card. Other people may be trying to build or rebuild credit with a new card. Before you submit an application for a Visa or MasterCard, here are three things you should do.
1. Start a Savings...
3 Things Everyone Should Do Before Getting a Credit Card

Can Bad Credit be Repaired in 30 Days?

[I]n theory, the answer to this question is “yes.” If you dispute an item on your credit report and the error is fixed, your credit could improve quickly. Even if the creditor refuses to respond in 30 days, the item can be removed. You could see your credit score go up as a result.
The reality of...
Can Bad Credit be Repaired in 30 Days?

Why Maintaining Your Credit is Harder than Improving It

[Y]ou get the notice in the mail that says your 30 days past due on a credit card. You can’t believe you forgot to make the last payment, and you know it dinged your credit. You had the money; you just got busy with summer vacation or the kids’ soccer games and forgot to make the payment.
You wo...
Why Maintaining Your Credit is Harder than Improving It

Why You Should Know Your Spouse’s Credit Score Before You Get Married

[Y]ou spend a lot of time talking, getting to know each other before you get married. You discuss where you want to live, how many kids or pets you want to have, and much more. But many fail to talk about money or more specifically, credit. A study from Experian shows that 40 percent of people...
Why You Should Know Your Spouse’s Credit Score Before You Get Married

What You Should Know about Mortgages for Lower Credit Scores

After the past few years of stringent loan qualifications, home buyers today have more opportunity to qualify for a home loan. The minimum credit score has dropped on both traditional and government-backed mortgages, giving more people the chance to become homeowners. However, you should know a...
What You Should Know about Mortgages for Lower Credit Scores

Get Rewarded with Better Credit Score if You Pay Your HOA Fees

[I]f you live in a homeowner’s association, you have an annual fee. In the past, these fees are like rent payments in the fact that they didn’t impact your credit. That is about to change now. Sperlonga is a company that manages HOA payments and accounts, and they will begin reporting to Equifax ...
Get Rewarded with Better Credit Score if You Pay Your HOA Fees

Do Credit Scores Matter with Payday Loans?

[I]f you need money and have bad credit, you’ve probably considered a payday loan. Even with their poor reputation because of high interest and high payments, some people consider them their only option. The question you may be asking is if you can have a credit score too low to even be c...
Do Credit Scores Matter with Payday Loans?

Your Rights with Debt Collectors

[D]ealing with a debt collector can be frustrating and even downright scary. Some of them use unscrupulous tactics to attempt to force you into paying a bill. Before you contact a debt collector or talk to them, you should know your rights.
A Right to a Written Notice
A debt collector is...
Your Rights with Debt Collectors

What You Should Know about Installment Loans

[I]nstallment loans are a type of personal loan with no collateral. You are given a loan which you will pay back with regular payment. They may be set up monthly, bi-weekly or with some other timeframe. Before applying for one, you should understand what they are, how they work and what they can...
What You Should Know about Installment Loans

How to Use Nontraditional Credit To Help You

[I]f you’re like many people with bad credit or past credit problems, you may not qualify for traditional credit such as loans and credit cards. Your negative credit makes it difficult to establish new positive credit because it seems like no one will give you a chance. However, you can use n...
How to Use Nontraditional Credit To Help You

What You Should Know About Building New Credit

[W]hether you are young and establishing credit for the first time, or trying to open an account after years of using cash only, you should understand the basics about building new credit.
1. It takes time.
Even if you are approved for a credit account, it won’t automatically open up a whole n...
What You Should Know About Building New Credit

Bad Credit Home Loans: Do They Exist?

[D]o a search on the internet for bad credit home loans, and you’ll see a lot of results pop up. Take some time to browse through those results, and you’ll quickly see that they may talk about mortgages for bad credit, but no one seems to offer them. You may wonder if such a thing really exi...
Bad Credit Home Loans: Do They Exist?

3 Ways a Budget Protects Your Credit Score

[Y]ou know creating a budget and following it can help you save money. But do you know it can also protect your credit score? A budget does three things for your credit.
1. A budget helps you save money for emergencies.
When you plan to save money for emergencies, you avoid running up your...
3 Ways a Budget Protects Your Credit Score

Why You Need More than One Savings Account

[I]f you struggle to save money and would like to have extra funds for a vacation, a new car and an emergency fund, the answer to all your problems may be multiple savings accounts. Most people think of setting up one savings account, but for some it may be too tempting to access the funds...
Why You Need More than One Savings Account

First Steps to a Budget

[N]o matter how much you want to build or improve your credit, you won’t accomplish this goal unless you have a budget to follow. You’ll need to decide how much money you have to pay down debt or pay off old accounts. To build credit, you need to have a credit account you pay on regularly. Bef...
First Steps to a Budget

What to Do When You Can’t Pay Your Bills

[W]hen your income won’t cover all your bills, it’s all too easy to just skip certain ones like credit card payments. After all, you have to keep a roof over your head and utilities turned on, right? However, this action (or inaction) will impact your credit score and will do so for several yea...
What to Do When You Can’t Pay Your Bills

Should You Refinance Your Car Loan?

[Y]ou see the ads for car refinance and wonder if it’s a good option for you. While not as popular as home refinancing, auto refinance can serve several goals. It’s important to understand the entire process of refinancing to determine if it’s the right option for you.
Strict Approval Terms
Many ...
Should You Refinance Your Car Loan?

Mistakes to Avoid When Learning to Save Money and Protect Your Credit

[S]aving money is an essential part of having good credit and being financially responsible. However, many people make some common mistakes when they open a savings account or start putting money aside.
An Emergency Fund is Not the Same Thing As a Savings Account
When you save money in a...
Mistakes to Avoid When Learning to Save Money and Protect Your Credit

How a Summer Vacation Can Ruin Your Credit

[M]illions of Americans will travel this summer on vacation. Many of them will go abroad while others will visit a different state or even a new city in their own state. No matter how far you travel or where you go, be aware that a vacation can have a negative impact on your credit.
Identity...
How a Summer Vacation Can Ruin Your Credit

Can You Lease a Car with Bad Credit?

[L]easing a car instead of buying one is attractive to people for several reasons. You can trade it in when the lease is up, ensuring you drive a newer car all of the time. Monthly payments are usually lower with a lease than with a purchase. Plus, you don’t have to worry about trading it in w...
Can You Lease a Car with Bad Credit?

More Homebuyers Waiting to Buy a Home Until their Credit Score Improves

[A]ccording to an Experian survey, more people are waiting to buy a home until their credit scores improve. In fact, almost half of those surveyed have delayed this decision.
Your credit score has a huge impact on your ability to qualify for a mortgage, how much you can qualify for and how much...
More Homebuyers Waiting to Buy a Home Until their Credit Score Improves

Times When You Shouldn’t Buy a Home

[T]he appeal of moving from renter to homeowner is strong for many. They dream of what it means to make that transition, but often fail to account for reality. There are certain times when you can’t or shouldn’t buy a home.
When You have Bad Credit
It’s almost impossible to get a home loan if yo...
Times When You Shouldn’t Buy a Home

Tools and Resources to Help with Credit Repair

[Y]ou’re ready to begin the long process of rebuilding your credit. You know you have a lot to do to get to the point where you want to be, but you’re willing to start. Use all of the resources and tools at your disposal to help you get there faster and with fewer mistakes.
Alerts and Not...
Tools and Resources to Help with Credit Repair

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly about Furniture Store Credit

[M]ost furniture stores offer you some type of financing or credit to make a purchase. They know most people don’t have a lot of extra cash lying around, and buying furniture can be expensive. That’s why these stores offer credit cards, lines of credit and in-house financing. Before you go on a s...
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly about Furniture Store Credit

4 Situations that Can Damage Your Credit

[W]hile you may not overextend yourself when it comes to spending money and racking up credit card debt, there are other ways you can damage your credit that you may not think about until it’s too late.
1. Opening Multiple Accounts
When you apply for multiple credit cards or a combination of l...
4 Situations that Can Damage Your Credit

5 Credit Tips Everyone Should Know Before Age 50

[A]s you get older and raise a family or develop your career, you should be learning about finances and money. You should also understand some facts and tips about credit to help you as you move into the next phase of your life – whatever that might be.
1. Your Credit Rating
You’ve probably hea...
5 Credit Tips Everyone Should Know Before Age 50

How to Settle Credit Card Debt

[I]f you have a massive amount of credit card debt that you cannot seem to pay off, you are not at the end of the line. You do have a few options, but you must choose the best one based on your situation.
Consolidate Debt
If you haven’t ruined your credit rating because of non-payment, you may q...
How to Settle Credit Card Debt

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting a Credit Card and Why

A credit card comes with many benefits. It allows you to pay faster and easier and is accepted almost everywhere. It often comes with rewards, and it can help you build or rebuild your credit score. However, people make several mistakes when selecting a credit card that can hurt their finances...
3 Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting a Credit Card and Why

The Truth About Collections

[A]nyone trying to repair their credit knows how bad collection accounts are. They can do a lot of damage to a person’s credit score, and it can take a long time to recover. There has been a lot of information and conversation going around about whether to pay old collections or leave them a...
The Truth About Collections

Bad Credit Doesn’t Last Forever

[A]t least it doesn’t have to if you learn from previous behavior. Rather it was the result of poor choices or an unfortunate event, you don’t have to pay for credit mistakes for the rest of your life.
A study from VantageScore Solutions shows that credit scores can improve over time. How long? ...
Bad Credit Doesn’t Last Forever

The Truth About Bankruptcy and Your Credit Score

[T]he ultimate threat for many is that they will have to declare bankruptcy because there is no way out of debt. They avoid this option except as a last resort because of the long-term impact it has on them. However, many people really don’t know what a bankruptcy would do to their credit r...
The Truth About Bankruptcy and Your Credit Score

Understand Your Options to Lease or Buy with Your Credit Rating

[L]easing a car is becoming more popular for people who like to trade for the latest model often. They also appreciate the lower payments and no worries about getting financed if you owe more on your car than it’s worth.
Purchasing an automobile through a car loan can be difficult if you have p...
Understand Your Options to Lease or Buy with Your Credit Rating

How Much Does Your Name Matter on Your Credit Report?

[I]f you have an unusual name, you are probably used to spelling it for other people. Even seemingly simple names like Ann (Anne) or John (Jon) can have multiple spellings. While this may not seem like a big deal if you’ve had to deal with it all your life, it can cause major headaches, e...
How Much Does Your Name Matter on Your Credit Report?

Don’t Let Summer Ruin Your Credit

[I]t doesn’t matter whether it is high school, college or even eighth grade graduation, the event is still a major milestone in a family’s life. The tendency to overspend it prevalent. It’s easy to pull out a credit card and book a venue, hire caterers or buy a gift. The problem of paying this bi...
Don’t Let Summer Ruin Your Credit

Build Better Credit with Your Kids

[Y]ou’ve learned some painful lessons as you’ve worked to improve your credit score and rebuild your credit rating. You wish you had done things differently and avoided the costly problems that come with a poor credit score. While you can’t magically turn back time, you can use your newfound wisd...
Build Better Credit with Your Kids

Do Men or Women Have Higher Credit Scores?

[A] survey conducted recently shows that women have higher credit scores than men on average. A survey conducted by Experian, a credit reporting agency, showed that women had an average score of 675 over men’s average score of 670. The survey included 750,000 people.
According to the agency, a...
Do Men or Women Have Higher Credit Scores?

When Should You Check Your Credit Scores?

[Y]ou can get your credit reports once a year for free from Annualcreditreport.com. However, you can’t get your credit scores unless you pay for them. Of course, you may have a credit card company that provides them, but you can’t retrieve them on your own for free. There are some times when it p...
When Should You Check Your Credit Scores?

Does Your Credit Score Tell Who You’ll Vote For?

[A]nalysts use all kinds of indicators to measure the likelihood of who a person will vote for in the Presidential election. Why not consider credit scores? Do people with higher credit scores vote for one party or one candidate over another? Just as age, location and other factors are used to...
Does Your Credit Score Tell Who You’ll Vote For?

Can Rewards Cards Be Bad for You?

[T]he goal of anyone trying to find the best credit card is often to be approved for a rewards credit card. A credit card with a rewards program often means you can score points for free flights or hotel stays. You may also get cash back on your purchases. It almost feels like you’re getting p...
Can Rewards Cards Be Bad for You?

The Truth about Shopping for a Loan and Credit Scores

[I]f you plan to buy a house or a car, you may shop around with multiple lenders to find the best rates or even just to get approved. While it’s important to try to save money, you need to understand the impact this has on your credit scores.
Multiple Applications, Single Impact
If you apply w...
The Truth about Shopping for a Loan and Credit Scores

3 Things to Do Before Buying a Home

[B]uying a home can be an exciting step in your life. It can also be a frustrating, complicated process that leaves you disillusioned and irritated about “the American dream.” To enjoy the process and avoid many of the problems that plague buyers, you need to do three things before you start loo...
3 Things to Do Before Buying a Home

Square Credit Card Reader Services

[B]usiness owners are often looking for new ways to connect with customers. Reaching customers where they are often means being able to accept payments while on the go. The ability to accept mobile card payments is important for many businesses today. Learn more about one of the fastest growing...
Square Credit Card Reader Services

Personal Finance Tips for Newlyweds

[S]tarting a life together with another person is a huge step. Newlyweds are often excited at the prospect of merging their two separate paths into a single one. Staying in step with one another requires honesty and communication. One area that can be overlooked when combining households is...
Personal Finance Tips for Newlyweds

How To Negotiate for Savings

[L]arge bills can really take the sails out of anyone’s income. Spending money on bills leaves you with less discretionary income. This can lead to a life of all work and no play. Even worse, mounting debt can diminish your credit score. That makes it even harder to secure financing, make large p...
How To Negotiate for Savings

All About Gift Cards

[G]ift cards are always a great gift choice when you don’t know what else to buy. The market for this convenient present continues to grow exponentially. Gift cards are a great gift for anyone, but particularly for people without access to traditional credit. They enable the recipients to...
All About Gift Cards

How To Rack Up Rewards Fast

[C]redit card usage continues to expand as more consumers rely on convenient plastic for everyday purchases. Competition between card issuers has only increased as a result. The types of rewards offered by card companies include points that can be exchanged for any number of items, flight miles...
How To Rack Up Rewards Fast

Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft

No matter how careful you are, or how much you watch your accounts, a thief can steal your identity in a moment. While most banks and credit card companies limit your liability if this happens, you still have the headache to deal with to recover your identity.
How Identity Theft Happens
Identity...
Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft

Reading Your Credit Card Agreements

[O]pening up a new credit card is easier than ever before. Card offers flow freely through the mail, advertising their unique rewards and benefits. Consumers are just a few easy clicks away from signing up for a new account online. With the ease and speed involved in opening an account, it would...
Reading Your Credit Card Agreements

Refinancing An Auto Loan

[O]ut of control debt payments can make it difficult to get ahead. Learn more about refinancing existing auto loans to better control your budget.
Lower Payments
For student loans, mortgage payments, car loans, credit card payments, or other types of debts, time is often the only remedy for...
Refinancing An Auto Loan

How to Make a Budget That Works

[T]he ability to follow a planned budget is a key to financial success. Many people create a plan but fail to follow through. Making a budget that will actually work for you is the key. Follow these budgeting tips for success.
Set Priorities
It is important to set goals and priorities for your...
How to Make a Budget That Works

What is Trended Date and How Will It Affect You

[B]ig data is a booming business today. The digital age has created a treasure trove of information available on the everyday habits of consumers. The financial industry is coming up with new ways to use big data in credit decisions. Learn more about trended data and how it will affect you....
What is Trended Date and How Will It Affect You

Fraud Prevention Tips and Tricks for Travelers

[D]ealing with a stolen credit card while on your vacation can be quite the hassle. Even if you don’t find out about the fraud until you are back home, the resulting chaos is considerable. Facing the fallout of a fraudulently accessed account is at best, annoying. In many cases, it can be d...
Fraud Prevention Tips and Tricks for Travelers

What is Debt Settlement?

[I]f you debt is out of control you may be considering all of your potential options. One option that is often considered by those in over their heads is debt settlement. It is one type of debt relief that promises to help people dig out of debt. While it sounds great on paper, it typically...
What is Debt Settlement?

The Perks of Premium Checking

A basic checking account is all most people need for their regular banking transactions. However, some consumers qualify for premium checking accounts. Keep reading to find out more about the perks of premium checking.
How to Qualify
A premium checking account is only available to consumers...
The Perks of Premium Checking

The Biggest Savings Mistake You Can Make

Putting away money in savings is an important financial habit. It will protect you from any hurdles that come in the future. It will also allow you to afford certain goals and aspirations. Saving money is universally considered to be a smart financial practice. However, it can also be a huge...
The Biggest Savings Mistake You Can Make

All About Annuities for Retirement

Planning for your retirement is an important part of maintaining your financial security. A wide range of financial products exist to meet various needs. Making the right retirement investment choices can be the difference between enjoying your golden years and struggling to make ends meet....
All About Annuities for Retirement

Three Strategies for Saving

[P]eople who save their money are more likely to achieve a higher credit score, according to leading credit experts. Having an emergency fund to rely upon in a time of need will prevent you from racking up high numbers on your cards. This will keep your credit utilization percentage lower, which...
Three Strategies for Saving

What Are Secured Credit Cards?

[B]ouncing back from a damaged credit score takes time and effort. It is important to have a strategy for how to repair the damage to your report. One way to work towards an improved credit score is through a secured credit card. These unique cards allow you to repair your credit while using...
What Are Secured Credit Cards?

What To Do with Your Tax Refund in 2016

[T]ax season is in full season. That means that some people will soon be scrambling to come up with a tax payment. However, many more have already started counting down the days until they can collect their refunds or have already received one. A tax refund presents an opportunity to access a...
What To Do with Your Tax Refund in 2016

How To Live Within Your Means

[A]merican consumers today have a huge amount of credit card debt. The numbers climb each year as people increasingly turn to plastic to finance their purchases. In fact, the most recent numbers from the Federal Reserve show that the nation’s cardholders hold over $920 billion in credit card d...
How To Live Within Your Means

What Are Credit Card Hardship Programs?

[M]anaging your credit card debt is difficult in a time of hardship. When unexpected circumstances arise it can be a challenge to make ends meet. Missing your payments can cause you to sink even further. Delinquent payments on your account will be reported to the leading credit rating agencies....
What Are Credit Card Hardship Programs?

The Best Debts To Pay Down First

[P]aying off all of your debts is a great achievement. People who pay off their debts typically gain a huge psychological boost from the accomplishment. They also gain major traction on their credit scores. Scores can skyrocket when debts are retired and other responsible financial behavior is...
The Best Debts To Pay Down First

When A Personal Loan Makes Sense

[K]nowing when to apply for a personal loan is difficult. It involves performing many careful calculations about your need versus the risk of defaulting on the loan. The question of whether or not to apply for a personal loan should never be taken lightly. However, a personal loan can pave the...
When A Personal Loan Makes Sense

The Impact of Buying, Selling and Renting on Your Credit

[Y]our credit score is one of the biggest factors considered by lenders. It is also a determining factor in a wide range of other decisions that can impact your life. It is important to know how different actions can impact your score. Learn more about how renting, buying or selling a home can...
The Impact of Buying, Selling and Renting on Your Credit

Payment Protection Insurance Facts

The majority of people today carry at least one type of insurance policy. The importance of auto insurance, life insurance, homeowners insurance and health insurance is not often called into question. Many of these policies are even required under law. Insurance provides consumers with the...
Payment Protection Insurance Facts

Which Credit Card is Right for You?

The sheer number of credit cards available today can be overwhelming to consumers. How do you know which credit card is right for you? Fortunately, a wide range of tools are available to help consumers facing this important decision. Choosing the best credit card can help you to maximize your...
Which Credit Card is Right for You?

How To Use Technology To Manage Your Money

Managing your household finances is typically no easy task. Making the most of your incomes requires keeping careful watch over your spending and investments. Fortunately, a number of new tools are available to help consumers track their finances. Learn more about how to use technology to manage...
How To Use Technology To Manage Your Money

In-Store Versus Online Shopping for Your Wallet

Shoppers today have more options than ever before. The wide variety of options can make shopping around for the best value a complicated affair. Finding the best deals does require doing some homework. That is because many assumptions about online shopping versus brick-and-mortar shopping are...
In-Store Versus Online Shopping for Your Wallet

Basic Credit Dont’s for Everyone

Figuring out how to use your credit wisely can transform your life. It is important to know both what you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to credit. Follow these tips for avoiding some major credit mistakes.
Confusing Credit With Debt
One of the biggest mistakes when it comes to building y...
Basic Credit Dont’s for Everyone

Making Big Purchases on Credit Cards

[M]aking a big purchase on your credit card often makes sense. Credit cards offer a layer of protection typically not provided by other types of payments. However, it can also be an expensive way to finance a large purchase. Learn the ins and outs of making big purchase on your credit card....
Making Big Purchases on Credit Cards

How to Finance Closing Costs

[B]uying a new home is a completely foreign process for most first-time home buyers. Most people know that a down payment is required in most circumstances. However, those who are new to the process may be unfamiliar with the concept of closing costs. The fact that you need a fairly significant...
How to Finance Closing Costs

The Scoop On Multi-Account Cards

[A] multi-account card does exactly what it sounds like it does. It allows you to keep information from multiple cards on a solitary device. It functions exactly like a regular credit card. If you don’t have a multi-account card you may want to reconsider the benefits. These multi-account cards o...
The Scoop On Multi-Account Cards

How To Avoid Electronic Pickpocketing

[P]ickpocketing is one of the oldest crimes in the book. For centuries, thieves have been taking advantage of crowded places to get their hands on other people’s hard earned money. A new form of the deception has evolved for the current age. Electronic pickpocketing is now possible due to s...
How To Avoid Electronic Pickpocketing

Tips for Rebuilding Your Credit After Delinquencies

[Y]our credit score is likely one of the most important numbers in your life. It will follow you around when you try to land a job, purchase a new home, or qualify for a loan. If your score has taken a turn for a worse, it doesn’t have to stay that way forever. You can get a new lease on life by ...
Tips for Rebuilding Your Credit After Delinquencies

Easy Habits That Can Change Your Credit Score

[T]he way you use your credit can have a major impact on your lifestyle, for better, or for worse. Achieving an excellent credit score may seem like an impossible goal. However, even a few small changes can really make a difference. The following habits can transform your credit and your life. ...
Easy Habits That Can Change Your Credit Score

Business Credit Tips and Tricks

Running a business requires an ability to juggle a wide range of tasks, often all at the same time. One such task involves keeping your credit profile in good condition. Maintaining your business credit is one of the important things an owner must handle. Learn more about how to keep your...
Business Credit Tips and Tricks

Paying for College During Financial Difficulties

[D]eciding on how to pay college tuition for your child means making some tough choices. For parents with financial troubles or bad credit, the decision are made even more difficult. Many people in this situation worry that there are no options available. Find out how you can help pay for...
Paying for College During Financial Difficulties

How To Get A Good Deal On A Mortgage

[A]pplying for a mortgage is a somewhat labor intensive experience. Lenders require borrowers to fill out lengthy applications and provide plenty of documentation. It is important to be ready for everything that the process entails. In order to get the best deal possible on your mortgage, it...
How To Get A Good Deal On A Mortgage

Make The Most Out Of Free Credit Reporting

[F]ree credit reporting has been around for well over a decade now. In 2003, a legal amendment known as the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act required consumers to be able to get a free copy of their credit report. The law requires you to have access to one free copy from each of the...
Make The Most Out Of Free Credit Reporting

Buy A Car With Bad Credit

[I]f you have less than optimal credit, you may have been told that buying a car is out of your reach. In the past, that was certainly true. Finding financing was nearly impossible for those with problematic credit histories. The only option was to save up cash in order to pay out of pocket....
Buy A Car With Bad Credit

Don’t Be Fooled By Debt Collectors

[I]f you have ever had a debt go to collections then you may have experienced some of the less than pleasant practices of a collector. Debt collectors are notorious for some of the questionable ways they attempt to get the money. Some of these methods are less than legal. In recent years the...
Don’t Be Fooled By Debt Collectors

Are Balance Transfers Worth It?

[C]redit card companies often send out promotional mailers with balance transfer offers to consumers. Most people on the receiving end of these offers have wondered if a balance transfer would be worth it. The question of whether or not it is a good deal depends on a number of variable factors....
Are Balance Transfers Worth It?

Are Millennials Credit Savvy?

[M]illennials are often preceded by their reputation. They are sometimes perceived by the larger society as entitled or self-centered. On the other side of the coin, they are frequently characterized as open-minded and team oriented. They are undoubtedly the most tech-savvy generation to date....
Are Millennials Credit Savvy?

Budgeting Tips for Reducing Debt

[F]or most people, it is usually much easier to acquire debt than savings. While the reasons for debt accumulation may vary, the way to handle it remains the same. A careful budget can help you to stay on track and wipe out debt. Reduce your debt with these budgeting tips.
Getting...
Budgeting Tips for Reducing Debt

Using Credit Cards To Start A Business

[F]inancing a new startup can be tricky. If you aren’t able to get the funding you need, when you need it, you can fail before you are even out of the gates. Many entrepreneurs turn to personal credit cards as a way to fund a new startup. Before you choose this option, it is important to find o...
Using Credit Cards To Start A Business