Personal Finance

How to Find Your Credit Report for Free

One of the most important parts of personal finance is maintaining a positive credit report. Many people don’t think about it unless they’re applying for a loan of some type, but it’s important to check your credit report annually. This is how you’ll know if there have been changes to your credit score and to ensure that all the ... More

Tips for First-Time Credit Card Users

When you get your first credit card, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind so you can grow your credit score and not end up in a ton of debt. Track your purchases and set a budget. Don't use your full credit limit. Pay each monthly bill in full. Use perks and rewards. Avoid fees. More

Personal Finance Tip: What to Do if Your Mortgage is Underwater

We all make personal finance mistakes sometimes, and if you owe more on your home than what you could sell it for in the present market, it’s called an “underwater mortgage.” The situation can seem hopeless – pouring money into a property that will not yield a financial benefit, and which could actually damage your finances instead. ... More

Government Bailout Pauses Student Loan Payments

Per a $2 trillion stimulus package as part of a government bailout to help counter the negative economic impact we've been seeing in the country because of the coronavirus, those with student loan payments won't have to pay through September 30. In that period, these federal student loan companies also cannot apply interest to the outstanding ... More

Getting a Car Loan With Poor Credit

Even if you have bad credit, that doesn't mean that you won't be able to get a car loan. Here are some tips for securing a loan even if your credit score isn't at the place where you want it to be. Save up for your down payment. Improve your score if you possibly can. Budget for monthly car payments. Find someone to co-sign with ... More

Are You Making These Three Common Home Finance Mistakes?

Buying a home is a dream for millions of Americans, and it is within reach for many. Still, it can sometimes feel like an uphill battle to save for a down payment and make your homeownership dreams a reality. If you want to avoid common roadblocks to success, the experts say you should ensure you’re not making any of the following three ... More

Avoid Unwanted Credit Card Fees by Negotiating with Your Card Company

There is, perhaps, nothing more frustrating than credit card company fees contributing to a balance on your credit card. Luckily, there may be something you can do about it. There is tremendous competition for cardholders’ business these days, and credit card companies are going to the mat to acquire new members – and to keep current ... More

20 Personal Finance Tips to Commit to Memory

Having financial peace of mind can make life much less stressful, yet many Americans are living paycheck to paycheck and are consumed with worry about their financial futures. If you want to go from money woes to financial confidence, commit the following personal finance tips to memory and put them into practice today: Get Out of Debt ... More

Three Things Credit Card Companies Don’t Want You To Know

Did you know that the average American has approximately $16,000 in credit card debt? If you’re in this boat, you know how difficult it can be to climb out of this debt hole. Unfortunately, many people make a bit of progress only to be sucked back in. While some responsibility must be taken for personal spending decisions, credit card ... More

What You Need to Know About Loan Refinancing

By refinancing your student loans, you can have a lower interest rate and will have a more simplified monthly payment process. Before you dive in, though, make sure you do your research and find a company that has terms that work best for you. Image via Simple. More