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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

5 Mistakes to Avoid During Mortgage Approval

If you’ve never applied for a mortgage before, you might find the process overwhelming. Because your loan provider is considering loaning you a tremendous amount of money, they will look into all aspects of your financial life to determine if they believe you are responsible enough to make your monthly payments. It can feel a […]

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Affordable Activities for Senior Citizens

Whether you’re a caregiver for a senior family member or a senior yourself, it can be challenging to find fun, affordable activities to enjoy. With many seniors living on fixed incomes, there often aren’t funds left over each month to spend on things such as movies, museum admissions or dining out. Limited mobility can also […]

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Stop Kids’ Holiday Greed Before it Starts

With the culture constantly focused on shopping and gift-giving this time of year, it’s no surprise that kids of all ages can be struck with a strong case of Holiday Greed. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With some planning and clear communication, you can shift the focus of the season from greed […]

Here’s How to Stop Stress Shopping (and Save Money)

Some people hate shopping. For others, “retail therapy” is how they celebrate good news, forget bad news or relieve boredom. And they’re not imagining the good feeling they get from shopping. Beyond getting something new, shopping temporarily alters the brain chemistry by boosting dopamine, the chemical in the brain that controls the reward and pleasure […]

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5 Essential Financial Lessons to Teach Your Kids

If you’re a parent, you have the power to shape your children’s financial futures. From a very young age, kids see how you conduct your financial life, and will follow your lead as they start to earn, save and spend money. Be sure you are modeling the types of behaviors that will lead to your […]

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5 Ways to Save as a Holiday Party Guest

It won’t be long before the invitations to holiday celebrations start rolling in. If you typically attend multiple parties during the holiday season, the cost of being a party guest can really start to add up. Between the festive outfits, hostess gifts and potluck contributions, you can find your holiday budget stretched beyond its limits. […]

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5 Ways to Save on Out-of-Pocket Health Care Costs

It’s no secret that health care costs have been on the rise and show no signs of slowing down. Even when you have insurance, the out-of-pocket costs associated with an illness, injury or hospital stay can create financial hardship for individuals and families alike. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to lower out-of-pocket […]

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What’s the Big Deal about Emergency Savings?

We talk about it all the time. You hear about it from personal finance gurus and financial planners. But what, exactly, is an emergency savings account and why do you need it? Here’s the rundown. What Emergency Savings Is An emergency savings account is money you have set aside in a liquid savings account (meaning […]

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Avoiding Scams on Craigslist, OfferUp and Letgo

The popularity of direct selling websites and apps such as Craigslist, Letgo and OfferUp shows no signs of slowing down. And with good reason. They are a great way to make money by selling your unwanted items, or to find a bargain on something you need. But as with anything that involves money changing hands, […]

Is Multi-Level Marketing Right for You?

If it hasn’t happened already, there will come a time when a friend or family member will want to share “an exciting opportunity” with you. When you hear those words, there’s a good chance they’re about to try to recruit you into a multi-level marketing business. Whether it’s old-school Amway or Tupperware or newer businesses, […]

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