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Resources & Knowledge for a Secure Financial Future

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

Back-to-School Expenses in the Age of COVID-19

As federal, state and local authorities continue to debate how best to get kids back to school safely this year, one thing is certain: it’s going to look and feel different than it ever has before. The annual rituals of shopping for backpacks, school supplies and first-day-of-school outfits is going to be replaced by a […]

past due bills representing a charge-off

What is a Charge-Off & How Does it Affect Credit?

Of the many things that can affect a consumer’s credit report and score, having one or more accounts showing as “charged off“ is among the most harmful. Consumers with charge offs on their credit report will have difficulty obtaining any new credit. And what credit they are able to acquire will come with exorbitant interest […]

7 Ways to Save on Everyday Essentials When Shopping Online

Online shopping certainly isn’t new, but the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has made shopping online for everyday essentials such as food, household cleaners and paper products a must for many shoppers. And while it’s convenient, it can also be a more expensive way to make these everyday purchases. Fortunately, there are ways you can save money […]

Is DIY Credit Repair a Good Idea?

There is no shortage of products and services devoted to helping consumers improve their credit. Among them is credit repair, a for-profit service that promises consumers an opportunity to dramatically improve their credit as a way to attain additional lending, such as a home mortgage, personal loan, or vehicle loan. What credit repair companies don’t […]

Do You Believe These Myths About Bankruptcy?

During financially uncertain times, it’s understandable that consumers become curious about declaring bankruptcy. For certain consumers with high levels of unsecured debt, bankruptcy can ease the constant worry of how they’re going to pay bills and can be the beginning of gradually rebuilding a solid financial foundation. But one of the persistent myths about bankruptcy […]

couple decided whether or not to use their retirement savings to pay for emergencies

Should I Use Retirement Savings to Pay for Emergencies?

The CARES Act makes it possible for consumers to take up to $100,000 from their 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plans with no penalty. And, although it is taxable, they can pay the taxes over three years. The normal 20% withholding is waived as well. The legislation passed because many people are facing significant financial challenges […]

woman reviewing her medical billing statements

How to Read Medical Billing Statements

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Americans are getting tested, visiting health care providers and being hospitalized more than ever before. That means more of us are receiving medical billing statements. Whether for a simple procedure or a multi-day hospital stay, reading medical bills can be frustrating and confusing for those who don’t do it very […]

young woman conducting a video interview

5 Tips for a Successful Video Interview

One of the many things that’s changed dramatically over the last several months is how Americans interview for jobs. Interviews conducted over video chat are the new norm, and this efficient trend is likely to continue even after in-person interactions fully resume. But if you’re new to video chatting, not used to interviewing (or both), […]

baking bread at home is a good quarantine money habit

Hang On to These Quarantine Money Habits

Our lives have changed in so many ways over the last several months, and we can expect more changes as we all adapt to a “new normal.” For many, there’s been a radical shift for the better in how we look at spending and saving money. And these quarantine money habits are worth continuing, even […]

woman discovering her creditor has closed her credit card

Why Do Creditors Close Credit Cards Without Notice?

Have you ever tried to use a credit card, only to discover it’s been closed without your knowledge? Or checked your credit report to find your score had dropped because the creditor closed your longest-standing account without letting you know? Having credit accounts closed when you haven’t initiated the closure can send your finances — […]

Assessing Next Steps in Debt Relief

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