Self-Help Articles

Financial Tips for Recent Graduates

Have you recently graduated from college? Congratulations on your huge accomplishment! No doubt you’ve received countless tips for venturing out into “the real world” – but here are some specific pointers we’ve compiled to ensure your financial future. Whether you have a job lined up or...

What Is Your Financial Personality?

Have you ever wondered why some people are so good at budgeting and managing their finances, while others can’t seem to make ends meet, no matter how much money they earn? Surprisingly, the way we think about money – along with our past financial experiences –...

Explaining Secured Credit Cards

When most people think of a credit card, they imagine a card that allows them to charge things now by taking out a temporary “loan” from the credit card issuer and paying it back later. These are known as unsecured credit cards. But they aren’t...

Credit Card Pitfalls to Avoid

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Credit cards can be powerful and useful tools in your financial repertoire – but only if you know how to use them responsibly. Otherwise, overindulging on credit card spending can send you into a tailspin of...

Avoid These 6 Credit Card Debt Traps

Credit cards are useful tools – if used correctly. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to find yourself in debt after only using your card for a short time. Why do people so quickly fall into credit card debt? Let’s talk about 6 of the most...

There’s More Than One Type of Credit Card

If you have more than one credit card, you hopefully reviewed your options before choosing the one(s) that best fit your lifestyle. But you might not have considered just how many different types of credit cards are on the market today. Let’s consider the basics of...

3 Easy Methods for Personal Budgeting

You have a personal budget, right? If you answered “No,” you’re not alone… for better or worse: A 2020 survey by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling revealed that less than half of Americans (47%) use budgeting methods to track their personal spending. But if you’re serious...

The Credit Card Balance Myth Debunked

Whether you’re trying to build or repair your credit, you’ve likely heard that carrying a credit card balance will improve your credit history. Unfortunately, there’s just no truth to this. Come along as we bust this common myth and give you some better alternatives. Should You...

What Are Hard and Soft Credit Pulls?

When you are trying to build or maintain your credit, it’s important to understand the difference between hard credit pulls and soft ones. It turns out that one type of pull will negatively affect your credit score for up to two years, while the other...

3 Simple Household Money-Savers

It’s simple math: To save money, you need to spend less than you bring in. Unfortunately, this simple math isn’t always easy to figure into your life. If you’re like most people, you are burdened with some level of debt. And financial woes can be...

Click "More" for important American Credit Foundation client transition information