Posts By This Author
6 Reasons Your Credit Score Could Drop
You might not be surprised to see your credit score drop if you stopped paying your bills or defaulted on a loan. But those are only two reasons your credit score could take a hit. Here are eight other reasons you could see a decrease in your consumer credit score.
6 Things to Consider Before Taking Out a Student Loan
You worked hard during high school. Got good grades, participated in extracurricular activities, maybe even found time to give back to your community. All of that hard work paid off because you were accepted by one of the colleges on your wish list. But now you need to figure out how you’re going to pay for it.
When Should I Get My First Credit Card?
Think you’re ready for your first credit card? Whether you want to establish and build a solid credit history, earn rewards, keep a card on hand for emergencies, or use your card as a convenient payment alternative to cash, it’s important to consider whether you’re prepared for the responsibility of possessing a credit card before applying for your first one. Because, once you open a credit card account, the way you use that credit card could have a lasting impact on your finances—for better or worse.
Three Budgeting Systems
Budgeting often gets a bad rap. But a budget is a valuable tool that can help you stop overspending, save more, and hopefully achieve your financial goals faster. So why do 1 in 3 Americans admit to not having a budget even though more than 90 percent believe everyone should have one?
Back-to-School Shopping During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Many parents spent much of the summer of 2020 wondering what school would look like for their kids this fall. As the beginning of the school year approaches, many states have unveiled plans for how kids in their state will attend school, but uncertainty still remains about what might happen if there are widespread shutdowns like we saw earlier in the year. About the only thing we know for sure is that this school year will be unlike any most of us have previously experienced.
5 Ways to Help Pay Down Debt
If you’re like most Americans, chances are you have some sort of debt. In fact, according to Experian’s 2017 State of Credit survey, the average non-mortgage debt among U.S. households was $24,706.
How Many Credit Scores Do You Have?
If you’ve ever applied for a loan or credit card, you probably know that lenders review your credit history and scores to help determine whether to approve you for a loan and which rates and terms you qualify for.
10 Ways to Save Money in College
Going to college can be exciting. If you’re like many college students, it may be the first time you’ve lived on your own, which might seem like a dream come true. But it may also be the first time you’ve ever had to live on a budget and manage your money on your own. And the expenses that accompany college living could quickly turn your dream into a nightmare of snowballing debt if you’re not careful.
6 Ways to Save on Your Energy Bill
It’s easy to underestimate how much utility bills add to the cost of owning or renting a house, condo, or apartment. But even small changes can result in large savings over the course of a few months or years. Here are six things you can try that may help you save money on your energy bill. Some you can even start today.
Tips for Earning More Credit Card Rewards
Looking to take full advantage of your rewards credit card? Consider giving these tips for earning more credit card rewards a try.
Post-Pandemic Travel Tips
As the pandemic winds down, many are starting to heed the call of the open road. Here are a few tips for easing back into travel while exercising caution.
How to Stay Motivated to Pay Down Debt
It can be easy to get derailed on a debt-reduction journey. Check out these tips for staying motivated to pay down your debt.