Credit Card 101
The basics A credit card gives you access to a line of credit and can be used to make in-store and online purchases. (It can also be used to withdraw cash from an ATM as a cash advance, but this option is…
5 Simple Steps Towards Paying Off Your Debt
The vast majority of us have debt. Whether it’s credit card debt, student loans, or all of the above – the truth is, we’d all rather be out of it. Here are some steps to getting out of debt. 1.…
Why We Get Scammed
If you use a cellphone or have an email account, you’ve almost certainly been exposed to an attempt at mass marketing fraud. Common examples include being interrupted by an annoying robocall just as you start eating lunch, or waking up…
Buying vs Renting a Home: Which is better for me?
The average person moves residences about 11 times in their lifetime. That provides a lot of opportunity to confront the following question: is it better to own your home or to rent it? It’s a huge decision that affects your…
What to Do if You’re Turned Down for a Loan
Getting rejected for a loan can feel like a punch in the gut. No way around it, rejection is painful. But a loan rejection may be a gift in disguise. All too often, borrowers get the loan they want and…
Credit Cards: Pay More than Minimum for Faster Payoff
Minimum payments on credit cards are between 1% to 4% of the balance due. If you can afford higher payments each month, you'll benefit over the long haul. If you can't afford to pay this percentage of your balance, chances…
Tap Your Home’s Equity
If you need cash to remodel your kitchen or bath, a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) might be your best bet. These loans let you borrow money using the equity in your home as collateral.…
Understand Your Loan Options
There are many different types of loans. So many, in fact, you may actually be overwhelmed. First, it is important to understand what credit unions look for and require when lending. Then understand what options credit unions may have to…
5 Ways Good Credit is Your Safety Net
A healthy savings account is your best defense against life’s curve balls. But sometimes setting aside some money every paycheck isn’t enough—particularly when you’re just starting out in life. A good credit score can be an additional safety net, providing…
The Key to a Successful Budget Is Minimalism
The easiest way to abandon your budget? Make it complicated and tedious. A minimalist budget can help you clarify your financial goals, provide you guidance on how to meet them, and allow you the freedom to spend a little on…
Prepare Financially If Facing Job Loss
During this time of difficulty and uncertainty, one must be prepared for anything. One of that being loss of job. It can be even more stressful considering that we are in a pandemic. Not only is your health in jeopardy,…
Refinance Your Home
You might be one of many Americans who could benefit from refinancing your home. About 3 million borrowers could save at least $200 a month by refinancing. By refinancing and locking in a better rate on your loan, you could…