• 9 secrets your credit card is hiding

    9 Secrets Your Credit Card Is Hiding

    Maybe you’ve had your credit card since 1975. Or maybe you’ve just waded into the credit waters this year. Either way, you might be surprised to learn a thing or two that creditors don’t clearly disclose. This isn’t to say your credit card company is deceptive or intentionally shielding...
  • 9 times you shouldn't use your credit card

    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...
  • where to start

    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,...
  • finances for freelancers

    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...
  • beginner's guide to credit cards

    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...
  • reverse budgeting

    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...
  • eight best credit score tracking apps

    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...
  • 55 great financial tips

    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...
  • save money - don't pay for these nine things

    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...
  • 8 questions to ask before a major purchase

    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...

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