As we inch toward normalcy more than a year into the pandemic, many Americans are still dealing with the economic impact it has created. Whether it’s unemployment, reduced income or dealing with the medical bills after suffering COVID, individuals and families are struggling to make ends meet. Negotiating bills during the pandemic is one way to s...
All new credit cards come with a credit limit, which is the amount you can charge up to on that card. Depending on the type of credit card and your credit history, the credit limit may be anything from a few hundred to many thousands of dollars. After you’ve used the card for a while, you may find yourself thinking you’d like to have a higher l...
Most of us are more than happy to put 2020 in the rearview mirror. But you’re going to have to revisit it at least one more time when you file your taxes for last year. Believe it or not, the filing deadline is just over two months away, so it’s time to start giving it some thought. Here are some things to consider when filing your 2020 taxes. ...
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 they need to. Let’...
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 your account. Here’s what y...
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. An Emergency Fund is a Must We’ve been preaching...
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 your credit. Let’s take a look at what happens when you bec...
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 bank. How Long Has i...
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 While it’s true your payment history m...
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 credit available...
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