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The financial experiences people have early on, whether positive or negative, shape their relationships with money for life. They can affect how people handle paycheck deposits, savings accounts, bills, and credit cards well into adulthood.
Continue ReadingThe concept of credit is relatively simple: A borrower receives money or goods now with a promise to pay a lender back later, typically with interest to compensate the lender. But credit is not just a single monolithic thing. Did you know there are actually three main types of credit that show up on your credit report and are used to calculate your credit score?
Between baby gear and diapers, those baby expenses can add up quickly. Are you prepared for the real cost of raising a child? Most Americans underestimate the average costs of having a baby. A 2017 survey found that only 11% of expecting parents have a realistic idea of how much to budget for that first year. How much does it cost to have a kid? According to the USDA’s assessment, from birth through to age 17, you can expect to pay $233,610 to raise one child. The first year can cost as much as $21,248. While these may be shocking numbers for some, there is good news. There is a lot you can do to reduce the cost of a baby. The more you do to develop healthy budgeting habits now, the more you’ll be able to save in the first year and beyond. Which means—more money to save for college!
If you’ve ever read a credit card or loan application, you probably encountered more than a few words that seemed to be written in a separate language. Credit terms can be descriptive and self-explanatory at their best, but also unclear and confusing at their worst. Especially given most of us don’t spend a lot of time perusing credit documents in our daily lives. What follows are 20 common credit terms most everyone should be familiar with. Doing so will hopefully save you some time and head-scratching the next time you review your statement, think about getting a new credit card, or dive into an article about credit.
This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified tax advisor, attorney or financial advisor. Readers should consult with their own tax advisor, attorney or financial advisor with regard to their personal situations.