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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... -
How To Improve Your Finances in Just 20 Days
Looking for a way to get your finances in order? Want to set some goals, revisit your budget, or lower your monthly bills? Who doesn’t? Most of us want to save more, spend less, and build financial security – but things like budgeting and shopping for better interest rates can take time. But if you just take things day by day, a step at a time, it’s not so... -
When Frugal Goes Too Far
When “Frugal” Goes Too Far I love saving money. And while this probably isn’t news to anyone who reads this blog regularly, what may be news is that, when it comes to frugality, even I have my limits. Because while I’m all for mindful spending, bargain hunting, and so on, I do believe that there are some scenarios when insisting on short-terms savings can actually do more harm than... -
7 Hacks for Better Money Management
7 Hacks for Better Money Management It’s a brand-new year, and there’s no better time to get on top of your household finances. But before you start reviewing your spending habits and setting up or adjusting your budget, it’s a good idea to examine some of your money management strategies. Are you still paying your bills via check and “snail mail”? Do you lose track of due dates and... -
Save More Money This Year
Want to Save More Money this Year? Try Cutting Some of These Common Expenses A new year is a great time to set goals – especially financial goals like bulking up your savings account, paying down high-interest credit card debt, or finally building that all-important emergency fund to cover three months of living expenses. Whatever your money goals are for this year, one great way to help meet them... -
The DebtGuru’s Guide to Common Finance Terms
It’s my last post of the year. I can hardly believe another year is over! I thought I’d close the year with a quick and easy guide to some commonly used financial terms. If you’ve never been quite clear about the difference between a “hard credit inquiry” and a “soft credit inquiry” or you’ve always wondered exactly what an APR was, keep reading for the DebtGuru’s guide to common... -
Funding Your Emergencies – Without an Emergency Fund
Funding Your Emergencies – Without an Emergency Fund Financial emergencies pop up when you least expect them, which is why so many financial advisors recommend setting aside three to six months of living expenses in an emergency fund. And while I agree that this is great advice, I also understand that a lot of folks simply don’t have a few thousand dollars sitting around in the bank in case... -
Financial Goals and Motivation
Financial Goals and Motivation It’s not always easy to stick to a financial goal. Maybe you’ve decided to get serious about paying off that high-interest credit card in the next year. Or perhaps you’re finally ready to build up your emergency fund. Maybe you want to save up a down payment for a home. Maybe you want to get the money together for a big, much-needed family vacation. No... -
“Real-World” Money Tips for New Grads
Graduation is an exhilarating time – and a frightening one. So much lies ahead after graduation, and it can be a little overwhelming to think about all of the choices ahead of you. Some of the most important decisions you’ll be making as a new graduate involve your personal finances. What you do — and what you don’t do — in this area can affect your quality of life... -
Finding Your Financial Happy Place: 10 Habits That Will Help
Sometimes we look at getting our finances right as one of those things on our to-do list. It tends to be one of those goals we never quite get to – despite the best of intentions — like organizing the garage or signing up for a class we’ve been meaning to take. But the fact is, achieving financial well-being is more about your lifestyle choices than a one-time...