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
Credit Cards
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 to improve your credit score on the cheap
Have you ever felt like you have to have money to have a good credit score but you can only have a good credit score if you have money? This guest post by Sa El, co-founder of CreditKnocks.com, can help you navigate the line between earning good credit and having it.According to a white paper by … [Read more...] about How to improve your credit score on the cheap
Equifax data breach settlement: how to file a claim
Equifax Inc. has agreed to pay a minimum of $575 million as part of a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and the 50 states as well as the territories of the United States. If you were affected, you can file for your share of the … [Read more...] about Equifax data breach settlement: how to file a claim
Expert advice on digging your way out of debt
When Miranda Marquit started writing about personal finance six years ago, she “was maxed out on my credit cards,” she admits. No more. And the publisher of Planting Money Seeds has a few words of hard-earned advice for anyone who has dug themselves into a debt hole so big they think they’ll never … [Read more...] about Expert advice on digging your way out of debt
When to use credit cards and when to use debit cards
I'll start out by saying that I don't use debit cards but I do understand why some people do. It's linked to your bank account so in theory you can't spend more money than you have in your account. However, after extensive research, I know now why I've always avoided debit cards. The biggest … [Read more...] about When to use credit cards and when to use debit cards
How to keep 0% financing from costing you big bucks
This post is by Odysseas Papadimitriou, CEO of Card Hub.After all the pushing, shoving, coffee drinking and waiting in interminable lines on Black Friday to score savings and cross some items off your holiday shopping list, were you convinced to take a store up on its offer for 0% … [Read more...] about How to keep 0% financing from costing you big bucks
4 traps to avoid with credit card rewards
I love credit-card rewards. They're fairly easy to earn and they can give your budget a nice boost. I personally use my rewards for fun things I want, such as vacations or a new big screen TV. However, you can easily get caught up in the rewards game and end up paying more money in interest and fees … [Read more...] about 4 traps to avoid with credit card rewards
Which type of rewards credit card is right for you?
Chances are you're confused with all of the different types of rewards credit cards out there today, especially if you're looking for your first card. No worries. These cards can be broken down into a few different categories.At least one of these types will fit your lifestyle perfectly. Let's … [Read more...] about Which type of rewards credit card is right for you?
