Debt Management Blog

What to do After you Rebuild Your Credit Score

I’ve posted several blogs (such as this one and this one) about ways to rebuild or repair less-than-perfect credit scores — and with good reason.  Your credit score determines what kinds of loans and interest rates you can get, and in some cases it can affect your ability to...

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...

Credit Cards and the Holidays

Credit Cards and the Holidays Plan on doing some holiday shopping this month?  If so, there’s a good chance that you’ll be using a credit card for some or all of your holiday purchases.  And, while there’s nothing wrong with responsible credit card use, the hectic holiday schedule of...

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...

9 Great End-of-Year Money Tips

9 Great End-of-Year Money Tips The holiday season is just getting underway, and chances are good that things are about to get much busier around your house.  But before you find yourself completely wrapped up in shopping, menu planning, and making travel arrangements, it’s a good idea to take...

How to Dispute a Credit Card Charge

How to Dispute a Credit Card Charge The holiday season usually means an uptick in shopping and spending. There are gifts to buy, travel arrangements to make, parties to attend – and so on.  And while this whirlwind of holiday activity can be fun, the unfortunate flip side is...

Dreaming of an Early Retirement? Avoid these Common Obstacles

If you’re in the middle of your career, you’ve probably given some thought to retirement. Whether you imagine a post-career future of traveling or pursuing a particular passion or interest, or whether you simply dream of the day when you don’t have to commute to an office five days...

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...

Building a Better Online Banking Password

Building a Better Online Banking Password Most of my readers know that I’m a pretty big fan of technology, especially where money is concerned. Online and mobile banking options make it easier than ever to save money, pay bills, and track your spending habits. Of course, this doesn’t mean...

Common Ways we Justify Spending

Common Ways we Justify Spending Nothing derails a carefully planned budget faster than unnecessary spending. Sure, it would be great if we were all above temptation when it came to buying extra stuff that we don’t need (and can’t afford!) – but we all have our moments of weakness....