-
9 Times You Shouldn’t Use Your Credit Card
“Handle with care.” Every credit card should come with this warning. Those small, seemingly innocent pieces of plastic can get you into a world of financial trouble if you don’t make wise choices about when and how often to use them. Sadly, however, too many of us treat credit cards as tools to buy items that are out of our reach financially or even everyday items that would be... -
Debt Repayment: Which To Pay First?
Debt is no walk in the park. At times, it can seem more like an uphill battle. This is especially true when you’re dealing with multiple credit cards with large balances. Which one do you focus on first? Do you put all of your extra cash into one card, or spread it around evenly? Is there a “correct” order to debt repayment? More importantly, how do you keep your... -
7 Tips For Managing an Unpredictable Income
Freelancing is great: You get to set your own hours and be your own boss. You’re not chained to a desk from nine to five. No morning commute. No coworker drama. If you’re an independent type who likes to do your own thing, a freelancing or contract gig is probably as close to perfect as you can get. Of course, freelancing or contract work also means that you forego... -
A Beginner’s Guide to Credit Cards:
A lot of folks feel conflicted about credit cards, and with good reason. On one hand, if you use credit cards responsibly, they can open a lot of doors. For example, if you have a solid credit history and a high credit score, it will be easier to do things like buy a car or apply for a mortgage. You can avoid big hassles when renting an apartment or... -
Reverse Budgeting: What Is It? Should You Try It?
It goes without saying that budgets are an important part of personal finance. Whether you’re paying down debt, bulking up your savings, or just trying to get a better handle on your money, a good budget can be a huge help. While it’s true that budgeting is a key factor in money management, it’s also true that not everyone likes traditional budgeting. The tracking of every expense down to... -
The Best Apps and Tools to Track Your Credit Score
Now more than ever, technology plays a leading role in our everyday lives, from time management to shopping to traveling to finance. Thanks to technology, you can pay bills, check your bank statement, review your credit card purchases, and track your budget — all from your phone! And if you’re looking for ways to keep an eye on your credit score, well, there’s a smartphone app for that, too.... -
55 Great Financial Tips
We’ve built a career on helping people with debt, credit, saving, and budgeting. We’ve worked with people at all stages of their lives, from newly independent college grads to retirees. We’ve helped people improve their credit scores and pay down high-interest credit card debt. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s this: While every financial situation is unique, there are some pieces of financial advice... -
Trying to Save Money? Don’t Pay for These 9 Things
When it comes to personal finances, there are some things that you’ll likely always have to pay for: food, housing, transportation, and so on. But if you’re like most people, you’re probably paying for one or two things that shouldn’t cost you money at all. Trying to bulk up your savings or reduce your spending? Is it time to revisit your household’s budget? You can start by kicking these... -
Big Purchase on the Horizon? Ask These Eight Questions Before You Buy
Even the most frugal folks out there occasionally need to open their wallets and spring for a big-ticket expense. From major car or home repairs to broken appliances to threadbare furniture and back-achingly worn-out mattresses — there comes a time when a major purchase is a must. But before you buy, take a few minutes to ask yourself eight key questions that could help you save money and avoid... -
Tips to Keep Your Identity to Yourself
Identity theft is sneaky. It creeps up on you without any warning to ruin your day and wreak havoc on your most personal information and, inevitably, your finances. In short, you want to do all you can to avoid it and the wreckage identity thieves leave in their wake. Fortunately, there are several preventative measures you can take to keep your identity and your money safe from those who...