Many of us treat our twenties as a time for exploration and a few mistakes while we figure out what to do with our lives. Don’t let credit mistakes haunt you. Here’s what I wish they taught about using credit as a young adult. Build Credit However You Can Credit isn’t just an alternative to…
Posts Categorized: Personal Finance
Last updated: 11/22/2017 One law that changed credit card statements was the Credit CARD (Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure) Act of 2009, which required a clear disclosure on the statement about minimum payments. This mandated disclosure must inform the borrower how long it will take to pay off a credit card balance if s/he…
Thanks to the modern approval processes, applying for a new credit card from a credit card company, a bank or even a department store is as easy as answering a few questions. With the number of discounts offered at many major retailers, applying for a credit card at your favorite store can be tempting. But…
Homeownership is still a major part of achieving the American Dream. I should know: I bought my first home with my husband two years ago, at age 28. So why is it that 2 out of 3 Millennials (many of whom are in their 30s) rent instead of own their homes? Common misconceptions can make…
Exploring the different types of home mortgage loans available will present you with a wide array of products, terms and options. There are important differences to understand and consider in each of these areas and it can get complex and complicated. It’s a good idea therefore to start with the basics. When looking for a…
If you’re in the market as a first-time home buyer, you’ll probably be concerned about your down payment. There is a lot of conflicting information and advice about how much you really need to have. How can you effectively save money? How Much Should Your Down Payment Be? You’ll see a lot of advice suggesting…
September was National Preparedness Month. The month is designed to encourage individuals and families to plan ahead for emergencies or natural disasters. Much of the pre- planning will center on creating an emergency kit with supplies you might need, and just as important, making a plan for what to do if disaster strikes in or…
Many people know when they’re struggling financially. Intuitively, we feel the pressure of not having enough cash to meet all of our obligations. If you live on a cash basis, you will find yourself with no choice but to stop spending when the money runs out. Credit and debt distort our intuitions. When you charge…
Over the past few years there’s been a trend online of financial experts recommending credit cards for college students. Is this really a good idea? This strain of advice usually includes some of the following arguments: Why should college students have credit cards: Having credit helps establish a good credit history. Using credit early is…
Bullet Journaling is a popular way to organize your life on paper. People with a lot of to-do lists and day planners have found that keeping a bullet journal is a great way to focus on their goals and track accomplishments. The core of a bullet journal is to start with organization–this is not a…
In honor of Women’s History Month, we recently wrote about natural advantages women have that can help them manage personal finances. Today we’re talking about the other side of the coin—disadvantages that women need to be aware of when dealing with money matters. Like we wrote before, we don’t want to stereotype anyone, and every…
If you’re paid bi-weekly on Fridays, then this month might be a 3-paycheck month for you. It happens roughly twice per year for those workers who are paid every other week, and for many of us, it’s like winning a small lottery jackpot.
But rather than squander that occasional 3rd paycheck in a month, use those funds to help bring your personal finances into balance. Here are 5 suggestions for getting the most out of that extra paycheck: