Self-Help Articles

Avoid Paying for THIS with Plastic

When used properly, a credit card can be an integral part of your financial arsenal. The big caveat here is the word properly. Credit cards used improperly or recklessly can spell certain financial ruin. There are numerous ways to fall victim to this. One is...

4 Ways to Consolidate Credit Card Debt

Credit card debt consolidation is the process of combining multiple credit card balances into a single monthly payment. Consolidating your credit card debt can make payments easier and sometimes even cheaper. If you can score a lower interest rate, you’ll be able to reduce interest...

4 Tips for Savvy Credit Card Use

Your credit cards are an important part of your financial portfolio. When you use them wisely, they offer a plethora of benefits. You don’t need to carry around a big wad of cash, and if you use reward-based cards, you can earn some great perks....

Do I Need Credit Counseling?

Let’s face it: Debt has a way of creeping up. Small charges that add up over time or unexpected expenses can often lead to a mound of debt. This is particularly true during times of reduced income or unexpected job loss. Before we know it,...

A Thin Credit File: What It Is and What You Can Do About It

When Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, said, “You can never be too rich or too thin,” she was obviously not talking about credit files. In fact, a thin credit file is not at all attractive, especially to potential creditors. But how can you know if...

Reestablish Your Emergency Fund in 4 Steps

Was it an emergency appendectomy that landed you in the hospital? Or burst water pipes that flooded your basement? Or a fender-bender that resulted in some costly repairs? Whatever the reason, you tapped into your emergency fund to pay the bills. And now your precious...

Do You Understand Your Credit Card Statement?

If you have a credit card, you surely know that you receive a monthly billing statement with all the information you need to know about the current status of your credit card account. Whether it comes hard-copy in the mail or electronically via email, you’ll...