Self-Help Articles

10 Quick Tips for Shaping Up Financially

It’s March, and you’ve already given up on your New Year’s resolution to get in shape. Well, maybe you’ve sidestepped your goal of losing five pounds or making it to the gym three days a week or biking to work instead of driving… But that...

Are You Financially Stable? Let’s Check!

The Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United States. Those folks know a little something about financial stability. They talk about it in terms of an economic system that can absorb all the ups and downs in nation’s economy at any moment: “It...

Canceling a Credit Card? What to Consider, and How to Do It

You’re fed up with XYZ bank, for whatever reason, so you’re planning to close your account and get rid of that credit card. Maybe you just don’t use ABC credit card anymore, now that you have a different card with better incentives. Or maybe you’ve...

What are Your Most Pressing Money Matters? Take This Quiz to Find Out

When you see your doctors during checkups, they normally ask a series of general questions that help them make assessments about your physical health and mental well-being. It’s important information to have and analyze to get a total and complete picture of your health. The same...

Less is More: Low-Limit Credit Cards Can Help You Build or Rebuild Credit

Diving into the world of credit cards can be daunting for those new to the game, such as young people trying to establish a solid credit history or older folks who’ve shied away from using plastic to pay for everyday purchases. You might wonder how...

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 –...

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