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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
Discover 2 Free Ways to Potentially Increase Your Credit Score
If your current FICO credit score is lower than you’d like, you probably already know that it can hold you back from receiving manageable interest rates on credit cards, vehicle loans and other types of loans. Traditionally, raising your credit score can take considerable time and effort. This leads some consumers to try “quick fix” […]
Read MoreIt’s Time to Cut the Cord and Save Money
As cable and satellite bills grow from year-to-year, more consumers than ever are making the decision to “cut the cord.” And why not? Cutting the cord allows consumers to save money — as much as $85 per month according to one recent study — while being more intentional about the media they choose to consume. […]
Read MoreUnderstanding the Differences Between Banks and Credit Unions
With the option of traditional banks, online-only banks and credit unions, consumers have more choices than ever when it comes to where to conduct their financial business. Many factors go into choosing where to keep your money, including convenience, services offered and ensuring your money stays safe and secure. So how do these options compare? […]
Read More5 Smart Ways to Use an Insurance Settlement
Receiving an insurance settlement can be considered a mixed blessing. On the one hand, it’s always nice to receive a lump sum of money you weren’t expecting. On the other, you’re receiving the settlement as a result of less-than-ideal circumstances. But the good thing is, you made it through and now have unexpected funds available […]
Read MoreLearn the Warning Signs of Child Identity Theft
It’s challenging enough to stay vigilant about protecting your own identity. But if you have children, you need to actively protect their identity, too. In fact, a Carnegie Mellon University study says children are actually 51 times more likely than adults to have their identity stolen. And when it happens, it can take years to […]
Read MoreThe Truth About Mystery Shopping
If you’ve ever considered becoming a secret shopper to make extra money, you probably have a lot of questions. How much do mystery shoppers make? Are secret shopping jobs legitimate? Are there scams related to mystery shopping? Keep reading, because we’re about to answer those questions and more. What is Mystery Shopping, Exactly? […]
Read MoreWhat Happens During the Credit Repair Process
If a low credit score or mistakes with credit in the past are keeping you from obtaining new credit, you may be considering credit repair. Offered by for-profit companies, credit repair is a process that claims to “clean up” a consumer’s credit report by removing any incorrect negative items. Once these negative items are removed, […]
Read More7 Cheap & Fun Valentine’s Day Date Ideas
Whether you’re just getting to know someone new or you’ve been in your relationship for years, figuring out how to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a memorable way can be tricky; especially if you’re trying to do so on a budget. That’s why we’ve put together a list of budget-friendly, yet memorable activities. Take a look […]
Read More10 Financial Milestones for Kids of All Ages
When it comes to teaching kids about money, it can be hard to know where to start. Knowing the right time to introduce key concepts can help them retain the information and form the building blocks of understanding personal finances. Here’s a breakdown of key financial milestones for kids and when to start talking about […]
Read More5 Financial Lessons to Learn from Minimalism
Do a quick online search for “minimalism” and you’ll find everything from an artistic movement to a style of decorating to a type of capsule wardrobe. The fact is, the concept of minimalism can mean different things to different people. But despite its varying interpretations, at its core, minimalism is about living with less. So, […]
Read MoreAssessing Next Steps in Debt Relief
If you’re unsure where to turn, start with a free and confidential credit counseling session. We will review your income, expenses and debts to determine the best course of action.
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