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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
Why Did My Credit Card APR Increase?
Many credit card customers don’t realize the short- and long-term effects their cards’ APR (Annual Percentage Rate) can have on their finances. But it’s a crucial detail for credit card holders to understand. That’s because, if you carry a debt on your card from month-to-month, your APR determines how much interest you pay on purchases. […]
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Preparing for a Recession: Save Money or Pay Off Debt?
Many economists agree that the United States is like to enter a recession sometime soon. This can be unsettling, especially for those wondering if they should save money or pay off debt to prepare for the recession. Let’s look at when it makes sense to set money aside, pay down debt, or do a bit […]
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What Are the Consequences of Late Credit Card Payments?
You might think a few late credit card payments aren’t a big deal, but the repercussions can be widespread, negatively impacting your financial goals and making it harder to secure future credit or loans with reasonable interest rates. Whether it’s just forgetfulness or you’re struggling to keep up with your financial responsibilities, late credit card […]
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Beware of Holiday Money Hazards
We all seem to be busier during the holiday season, which means it’s easier to overlook financial red flags. Theft and scams both increase during the holiday season and if they happen to you, it will leave you feeling less than festive. Let’s look at these common holiday money hazards and how to avoid them. […]
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9 Ways to Save on Thanksgiving Dinner
Whether you’re hosting a dinner just for the family or inviting a long guest list, buying everything you need to prepare the Thanksgiving meal is going to be more expensive this year. Economists estimate buying all the Thanksgiving essentials will cost about 13.5% more than last year. But there are several things you can do […]
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Learn How Emotions Can Affect Your Finances
When it comes to money, we like to believe we make rational decisions. But the truth is, emotions almost always come into play, too. The trick is to recognize how those emotions affect your decision making and what you can do to keep them under control. Learn to Recognize Them The emotions that can affect […]
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Understanding the Difference Between Needs and Wants
One of the most basic concepts when it comes to saving money is that we must learn how to determine our needs and wants. No matter where you seek financial advice, you’ll see or hear that seemingly simple concept over and over again. At first glance, it does seem simple. Our needs are the things […]
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6 Tips to Survive Between Jobs
Whether you’ve been laid off or have chosen to take some time away from work to regroup, the time between jobs can be unsettling. The uncertainty that comes from no longer having a regular paycheck can be stressful. Here’s how to keep your spirits up — and your bills paid — when you’re between jobs. […]
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Dealing with Debt as You Approach Retirement
Whether your vision of retirement includes traveling the world, spending endless days on the golf course, or simply relaxing, there’s one thing it doesn’t include: dealing with high levels of debt. Lingering debt can cast a shadow over your retirement years. Worse yet, it can prevent you from retiring when you would like to. Here […]
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Understanding the Eviction Process
If you’ve ever seen someone in a movie or TV show getting evicted, it can seem like a sudden decision with immediate consequences. But in reality, eviction is a complex legal process that usually takes several weeks to complete. While the exact steps and timing can vary based on state and local laws, the eviction […]
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