A few years ago, my long-term partner and I were living in his home country of Canada, and I put a lot of time and money into obtaining permanent residency. But relationships sometimes don’t move forward as planned. I returned to the U.S. with only a truck full of belongings, my dog and about … [Read more...] about How I slashed $25,000 in credit-card debt to zero
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How to pay off $100,000 in debt
A few years ago, Travis Pizel and his wife, Vonnie, found themselves in crisis. The Rochester, Minnesota, couple had good jobs and lived well, eating out frequently, buying what they wanted and taking vacations to water parks with their two children.But a letter from their credit card company … [Read more...] about How to pay off $100,000 in debt
How a debt challenge with friends helped me pay off $3,000 in 2 months
I was in the ring fighting my opponent: debt.I had the idea of putting together a debt challenge. I thought, "What if I turned paying off debt into a game, and whoever paid off the most debt would win?" I wasn’t sure if anyone would sign up, but I decided to write a post about the contest … [Read more...] about How a debt challenge with friends helped me pay off $3,000 in 2 months
How to wipe out debt — this time, for good
Many people believe getting out of debt is all about math: spending less than you earn and paying the difference to your debt until it's gone. Jackie Beck, author of The Debt Myth, says that it takes more than just math to get out of debt. It's about changing your money habits and the way you view … [Read more...] about How to wipe out debt — this time, for good
6 things you’re wasting money on — and how to stop
Are you wasting your money?Too many of us get to the end of the month, look at our dwindling bank account balances and wonder where all the money went. If you were to go back and really look at where all that money is going, you might find that you're wasting it rather than using is … [Read more...] about 6 things you’re wasting money on — and how to stop
When mobile payment apps can cost you
When you're out to dinner with a group and it's time to split the tab, the odds keep getting better that someone is going to say "Let me Venmo you" instead of pulling out their wallet. But while settling a tab between friends is a quick, easy and sensible use of a payment app, there are times … [Read more...] about When mobile payment apps can cost you
Credit cards: Everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask
Many consumers have a mixed relationship with credit cards. On one hand, they can lead to cash back, travel rewards, and the ability to buy something now and pay later. But when used irresponsibly, credit cards can lead to massive debt and expensive interest payments. If you typically use cash or … [Read more...] about Credit cards: Everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask
How to negotiate a lower credit card interest rate
Trying to pay down debt? One thing holding you back is likely the interest you pay on your credit cards. The high rate of interest means that a large portion of your payment goes straight into someone else's pocket, rather than going toward debt reduction.If you want to speed up the debt … [Read more...] about How to negotiate a lower credit card interest rate
How to save on shopping using credit card perks
As you make your shopping list, there is one other list you should make, though you may have to check it twice: What kind of additional deals or perks can you get using your credit cards?Buying with some cards gives you purchase protection, a refund if the price drops, an extended return period … [Read more...] about How to save on shopping using credit card perks
Credit card balance transfers: When are they a good deal?
I once had a friend who bragged about never paying interest because she shuffled her credit card balances around whenever she had a 0% balance transfer offer. What she didn't realize was that by not paying off the debt, she was actually wasting time (and money), since a balance transfer fee was … [Read more...] about Credit card balance transfers: When are they a good deal?
How to pay for your next vacation with rewards points and miles
Summer Hull has taken her family to Hawaii, Walt Disney World, Paris, the Maldives and around the United States to visit relatives – all on airline and hotel rewards points."We literally have gone around the world," she says. "Our baby's not even 1 year, and she's been on a dozen miles and … [Read more...] about How to pay for your next vacation with rewards points and miles
How we got out of debt by coloring
This guest post is by Heidi Ifland NashOur story is not unique in how it begins. We were very “normal”.We were the typical American couple, no budget, consuming all of our income each month, and using credit cards to buy and pay for the things we didn’t save up for.We weren’t … [Read more...] about How we got out of debt by coloring
Try these expert negotiation strategies for refunding or rescheduling your vacation
Refund or reschedule? As the current crisis deepens, that’s the difficult choice many travelers face. And either way, they may need a few expert negotiation strategies to recoup the value of their canceled vacations.“At this point, everything is negotiable,” says Casey Halloran, chief executive … [Read more...] about Try these expert negotiation strategies for refunding or rescheduling your vacation
How to file a credit card dispute for your canceled vacation – and win
It’s time to talk about the nuclear option.If a travel company isn’t refunding payment for your canceled vacation, maybe it’s time for a credit card dispute. Asking a bank to force a merchant to return your money is typically a last resort. But that’s where we are now. Some travel companies have … [Read more...] about How to file a credit card dispute for your canceled vacation – and win
5 steps to confronting debt and getting ahead
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This post is by Greg Johnson of Club Thrifty.Debt sucks.It sucks up your paycheck. It sucks up your energy. Most important, it sucks up your options.In our new book, Zero Down Your Debt, my wife Holly and I explain how our debt was holding us back. It was destroying the power of our … [Read more...] about 5 steps to confronting debt and getting ahead
