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Pay Off Credit Card Debt with a Debt Consolidation Loan
If you’re struggling with loads of high-interest credit card debt, there’s a good chance that you’ve at least thought about taking out a debt consolidation loan. And, I understand the appeal of a consolidation loan, especially if you’re juggling multiple credit cards with hefty balances. But is a consolidation loan a good idea? Is it something you should consider as you work toward your goal of being debt-free? Well... -
Should You Take on Debt? How to Decide
Should You Take on Debt? How to Decide It might surprise you to know that I’m not 100 percent anti-debt. As someone who has made a career out of giving debt advice, I know that debt problems can be devastating – especially when there’s high-interest credit card debt involved. But I also understand that, in some cases, debt is hard to avoid. That’s why, to me, debt management isn’t... -
Credit Card Balance Transfer Pros and Cons
If you’re carrying a substantial amount of credit card debt, there’s a good chance that you’ve probably at least considered using a credit card balance transfer to pay off credit card debt that have high interest rates. And with good reason: With super-low interest rates, balance transfer offers can seem like a ray of hope in an otherwise bleak debt situation. But are credit card balance transfers a good... -
Credit Cards: Are You Using or Abusing Them?
There’s no denying that credit cards are super-convenient: With a single swipe, you can pay for everything from a tank of gas to your morning coffee. You can use them to pay bills and earn reward points. And when you use them responsibly, they can help you boost your credit score. In other words, when it comes to easy payments, it’s really hard to beat a credit card. Unless,... -
Break Free From Your Money Rut
Stuck in a Money Rut? Here’s How to Break Free Ever feel like your money is just sort of . . . going nowhere? It’s a feeling that can creep in when nothing’s really off track, finance-wise, but at the same time, you’re not really making progress toward any significant goals. You’re not saving or paying down debt. Your budget needs some adjustment. You know you could probably be... -
7 Rules for Safe, Secure Mobile Banking
7 Rules for Safe, Secure Mobile Banking If you have a smartphone, chances are good that you use a mobile app to do some of your banking – and with good reason. Mobile banking makes it super-easy to stay on top of your finances from anywhere, and at any time. But when you take your finances mobile, it’s important to make sure that you aren’t sacrificing security for the... -
Financial Spring Cleaning
Get Organized with a Financial Spring Cleaning If you’re like me, you probably associate spring with the traditional “spring cleaning.” As the weather warms up, it just seems to make sense to open the windows, let in the fresh air, and spend a day or two tidying up and getting organized. But why limit spring cleaning to your home? I think spring is the perfect time to take a... -
Financial Frenemies
Financial Frenemies? There are some things that money simply can’t buy. You can’t purchase happiness or personal fulfillment. There’s no way to put a price tag on compassion or caring. The funds in your bank account can’t guarantee loving relationships or solid, caring friendships. But money can make relationships more complicated – especially if you’re surrounded by people who have less-than-healthy relationships with money. And whether you have a... -
What to do When Your APR Goes Up
I’ve written a great deal about credit cards over the years, from credit card security to disputing charges to what to look for in a credit card. I recently realized, though, that I haven’t said much about APRs (Annual Percentage Rates = interest rates) and what you can do when they go up. And chances are, at some point your APR will go up. Fortunately, though, credit card companies... -
Just Say “No” to These Credit Card Offers
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you already know that I’m a huge proponent of responsible credit card use: When you avoid overspending and pay your balance in full every month, a credit card is a useful tool that can help you build good credit and/or repair not-so-good credit. And when you’ve got good credit, you have an easier time getting approved for things a car loan...