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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

understanding the difference between wants and needs is important for a debt-free life

5 Essential Lessons to Live a Debt-free Life

Paying off credit card debt is a huge accomplishment (and something we can help with). But once you achieve that milestone, it might be even harder to stay out of credit card debt. Shifting your mindset and spending habits can go a long way toward allowing you to live a debt-free life. Here are 5 […]

man drinking tea as inexpensive cold remedy

These Inexpensive Cold Remedies Help You Feel Better Fast

You start sneezing, your throat feels scratchy and you’re suddenly so, so tired. When you’re hit with the telltale signs of a cold, it can be tempting to call the doctor and demand a prescription for antibiotics. But in most cases, it’s not necessary to spend the money on a doctor’s visit or prescription. Since […]

woman discussing her finances with an accountability partner

How to Make the Most of an Accountability Partner

If you’re like most people, you have at least one or two goals you’d like to accomplish this year (if not, saving more money is a goal we recommend). But did you know that most of us start to give up on our goals or resolutions as early as the second week of January? One […]

Try These 5 Easy, Low-Cost Ways to Redecorate

Once the holidays come and go and the decorations are put away, you might look around your space and decide it’s time to redecorate. But redoing even one room, let alone a whole house, is an expensive undertaking. Rather than going into debt to redecorate, we have some better ideas (and some of them don’t […]

How to Save Money on Holiday Baking

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, the holiday season officially begins. If one of your seasonal traditions includes baking delicious homemade treats to share with friends and family, you know how expensive it can be. Fortunately, with some strategic planning and shopping, you can cut the costs of holiday baking and still create mountains […]

Woman taking a walk to minimize holiday stress

Minimize Holiday Stress to Spend Less

At first glance, it may be hard to see the relationship between holiday stress and your spending. But the connection is definitely there. The pressure to do it all and do it well during the holidays can leave us feeling like worn-out underachievers. We think that spending on that one extra gift or blowing the […]

taking a tour of neighborhood holiday lights is one of the alternatives to a holiday party

Try These Money-Saving Alternatives to a Holiday Party

Between holiday shopping and travel, there might not be much room in the budget for a big holiday party. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a fun get together with friends. It just means you need to tap into your creativity and find ways to enjoy the spirit of the season without spending […]

a coffee maker is one of the small appliances that can help you save money

7 Small Appliances to Help You Save Money

Saving money on your household budget often starts in the kitchen. Any time you can prepare your own food and drinks, you’ll see savings. But with a busy schedule, the time, effort and creativity needed to hone your kitchen skills may be in short supply. That’s where these small appliances come in. They can bridge […]

Learn the Do’s and Don’ts of Thrift Store Shopping

Whether you love the thrill of the hunt or you’re trying to stretch your shopping budget (or a little of both), shopping at thrift stores can really help you make the most of your money. But not everything at thrift stores is a good deal. And there are lots of tips and tricks to help […]

Young woman celebrating moving into her first apartment

Are You Financially Prepared for Your First Apartment?

Whether on your own or with roommates, moving into your first apartment is a huge milestone. You will love the freedom and independence of having your own place. But it also comes with a lot of financial responsibility that might take you by surprise. Here’s what you need to know about being financially prepared before […]

Assessing 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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Arm yourself with the knowledge to create lifelong financial independence. Get tips and tools for managing debt, developing effective financial habits, budgeting to meet living expenses and saving for the future.

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