Self-Help Articles

You Asked. We Answered. Common Credit Card FAQs

We work with credit for a living, and we’ve heard just about every credit card-related question out there. In this post, we’ll answer some of today’s most common credit card questions. So, does checking your credit score actually hurt your credit? Why are some credit cards...

10 Credit Freeze FAQs

Concerned about a recent data breach? Worried about identity theft? Looking for a little extra peace of mind? A credit freeze might be exactly what you’re looking for. This free (that’s right, free!) service makes it harder for scammers to ruin your good name –...

Common Money Mistakes Parents Make

As any parent can tell you, kids are expensive. It can be tough balancing the needs and wants of a growing family with things like savings, retirement, and budgeting. And, unlike other aspects of parenting, it can be tough to get good advice about the...

Credit Scores: The Good, the Bad, and How to Improve

Your credit score can determine everything from your ability to buy a home to your chances of landing your dream job. But what separates a good credit score from a bad one? And how can you bump your credit score up from good to great? Use...

Emergency Fund 101: How and Why to Use It

You've no doubt heard about the benefits of having an emergency fund. In fact, just about every financial advisor, personal finance blog, and budgeting guru will tell you that a stash of emergency cash – ideally three to six months' worth of living expenses –...

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...