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Take Charge America is dedicated to improving financial literacy among people from all backgrounds facing a variety of financial challenges. Bookmark this page to reference whenever you have a financial question, concern or opportunity.
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The Latest Financial Guidance
Are You Making These Online Shopping Mistakes?
From groceries to gifts to household essentials, many of us have shopped online more in the past year than we ever have before. It’s safer, easier and more convenient than going into stores. Unfortunately, it can also be more expensive. And there are several common online shopping mistakes that cause people to spend more than […]
Read MoreAdding an Authorized User — What You Need to Know
If you have a credit card in good standing, chances are you have received communication from the credit card company offering you the opportunity to add an authorized user to your account. It’s a quick, easy process. But there can be real financial consequences if you’re not careful about who you allow to charge on […]
Read MoreThe Most Important Financial Lessons of 2020
As we bid farewell to 2020 (not a moment too soon), one thing is sure: it was a year filled with learning experiences. And many of those lessons were financial in nature. Let’s take a look at the biggest financial lessons of 2020, and how we can use what we’ve learned in 2021 and beyond. […]
Read MoreWhat Happens with a Credit Card Delinquency?
When you’re running short on cash, it might not seem like a big deal to miss a credit card payment or two. You’ll make plans to catch up the following month, only to find that money is still tight. By the time the late payment hits the 30-day mark, the delinquency can start to affect […]
Read MoreHow to Know When It’s Time to Break Up with Your Bank
Unless something goes wrong, most of us don’t spend much time thinking about our bank. But even when everything is going smoothly, it’s good to periodically evaluate your bank and the services you use there to make sure it’s helping you reach your financial goals. If not, it’s probably time to break up with your […]
Read MoreBusting 5 Common Credit Card Myths
70% of Americans have at least one credit card, and 34% carry three cards or more. As widespread as credit cards are, so are some persistent myths that surround them. Let’s separate fact from fiction when it comes to these credit card myths. MYTH: Paying Even One Day Late Hurts Your Credit Score […]
Read MoreEverything You Need to Know About Credit Limits
Using credit responsibly includes understanding credit limits and how they can affect your finances. Let’s take a look into some common questions surrounding credit limits and what they mean for consumers. What is a Credit Limit? When a consumer opens a new credit card, that card includes a credit limit, which is the amount of […]
Read MoreGet Ready for COVID-19 Student Loan Forbearance to End
President Biden has once again extended the payment moratorium on federal student loans through December 31, 2022. That means federal student loan borrowers should plan to resume making monthly student loan payments in January, 2023. Here’s how to prepare for when coronavirus student loan forbearance ends. Rework Your Budget You’ve probably gotten used to having […]
Read MoreSave Money with Black Friday Shopping Online
So many things have been different this year, and now we can add Black Friday shopping to the list. Much of the country is expected to experience a continued surge of new coronavirus infections over the coming weeks. This is why health experts strongly recommend folks opt-out of traditional Black Friday shopping in packed, poorly […]
Read More5 Unexpected Expenses of Having a Baby
If you’re expecting a baby, you have probably already started adjusting your budget for things like decorating the nursery and buying diapers, wipes, and supplies. But there are many expenses related to having a baby that takespeople by surprise. Let’s take a look at some of the unexpected expenses of having a baby. Life Insurance […]
Read MoreAssessing Next Steps in Debt Relief
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