Many of us struggle financially because we live beyond our means. Indeed, the average American has nearly $93,000 in personal debt. While debt has become a reality for most people, it can really cripple a person. In extreme cases, it can lead to bankruptcy. That’s why it’s best to get your finances under control as
If you’re striving to improve your credit score (and who isn’t?), it’s important to know more about what affects your score and how it is calculated. Behind the scenes, three credit reporting agencies greatly impact your credit score. But what are the three credit reporting agencies? And how do they influence your credit score? What
Have you ever set a New Year’s Resolution, only to forget about it a few months later? If so, you may be wary of setting financial goals. But luckily, there are ways to set goals that you’ll actually be able to keep. Here are some of the most common financial goals to have and some
The Beginner’s Guide to Saving for Retirement What most people don’t know is how to make retirement a reality. The idea of living off of your savings and not having to go to work might feel like a dream. But by starting now and making sure you take the right steps, you can retire when
Have you ever wondered when you’re supposed to learn how to do your taxes? Too often, schools don’t offer tax prep education alongside lessons about the Pythagorean theorem and The Canterbury Tales. Chances are, you never formally learned how to file taxes or even which tax forms you need to file. That’s why we’re here
Installment Loan Calculator Personal loans can be a huge help when you’re in a tough spot and need some short-term emergency cash. But this helpful financial tool can potentially cause even more problems if you are unable to make your payments. Missed or late payments mean fees and hits to your credit score, ultimately putting
It’s easy to want to make better choices about how to use your money. But actually making those choices is hard, especially when you don’t have a good grasp on the bigger financial picture. When you need or want to buy something, it’s easier to make that purchase than to think about a distant savings
How to Manage Your Money in 2021 Spending and saving money carefully has always been a good idea, but with all the uncertainty in the world this year, good money habits have become more important than ever. Practicing good habits now will not only set you up for financial success in the future, but it
Banks vs. Credit Unions: A Guide to Understanding the Difference When it comes to many financial services—for example, checking and savings accounts, taking out loans, investing in CDs—you have a few options. The most common financial institutions are banks and credit unions. As you decide where to put your money and get loans, you might
We’ve all seen the ads and perhaps been intrigued by them. What could be an easier and more fun way to earn a little extra cash than by playing money-making games or by using money-making apps? Probably nothing, right? Well…we hate to break it to you, but these highly popular money-making games aren’t all they
