Self-Help Articles

Debt Management Plans: What to Know Before You Sign Up

Feeling overwhelmed by credit card debt? Having trouble making your monthly payments? A debt management plan offers a realistic way to pay down your debt and get your finances back on track. Debt management plans are offered by nonprofit credit counseling organizations, and they typically work...

10 Tips for Saving $300 in 30 Days

It's not always easy to save money – especially if you're trying to pay down credit card debt, live on a budget, and handle day-to-day expenses. But even when funds are tight, it's definitely possible to stash away some extra cash. And you can even...

Eight Money Tips for Couples

From squabbles over spending to disagreements over budgeting, financial woes can be a source of serious strife for couples. In fact, in one recent study, 35 percent of couples reported that they argue about money more than anything else. Want to cut down on money-related arguments...

Rid Yourself of Debt, No Matter Your Income

When you don’t make a lot of money, credit card spending can quickly turn into a never-ending -- and costly -- cycle: You don’t have money, so you have to use your credit card to cover gaps between paychecks or unexpected expenses. As a result,...

How to Plan for Large, Unpredictable Expenses

Large expenses can be difficult to manage, and it's all too easy to simply rely on credit cards to get you through tough times. But with a little planning, you can ensure that you don't throw your finances (and your credit score) for a complete...

Nine Banking Mistakes You Can Avoid

Your bank can be a valuable tool to help you track your budget, pay your bills on time, and save money. But if you're making any of these common banking mistakes, your bank can also be a source of frustration. We've rounded up a list...

Credit Card Consolidation: What’s the Best Choice for You

If you're struggling with high-interest credit card debt, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Debt is stressful. And once you've been in debt long enough, it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The good news is, while you can't...

Shop (and Eat) Responsibly: Tips for Better Grocery Shopping

You went to the grocery store to pick up milk, eggs, and bread. You spent $50 and came home with four bags of random impulse purchases. You still don't know what to make for dinner. When it comes to spending, food can be a tricky...

Six Questions That Will Help You Find the Perfect Checking Account

When was the last time you shopped around for a checking account? When you opened your checking account, did you compare several options? Or did you simply open an account based on some kind of “convenience factor” (such as a bank that was closest to...

Help Your Significant Other Rebuild Their Credit — While Keeping Yours Intact

Money is one of the top issues that can cause friction in a relationship: Conflicts over spending, saving, and goal-setting can be major stumbling blocks to a happy, healthy romance. And things can get even hairier when your credit scores are wildly different: When one...