When you have an excellent credit score, the credit card world is your proverbial oyster. Not only do you have more credit card options, the options available to you include top-tier rewards credit cards. Your payment habits and impeccable credit management have earned a great credit score, make sure you choose a credit card that will help you maintain it. You’ll receive more credit card offers. Because you’re a person who can be trusted to repay...
Budgeting for expenses that come every month is tough enough. Working in those irregular expenses that come only a few times a year can be even tougher. Property taxes, car tag renewal fees, annual insurance premiums, and holiday spending are a few examples of expenses that don’t come around that often. But if you’re not prepared for them, these irregular expenses can wreck your budget. Here’s how you can keep that from happening. Know your irregular expenses...
A travel credit card, with all its available credit, seems like a great way to fund your vacation. You get to have a great time in a new place and postpone the burden of paying for it. Using your credit card for your vacation can be beneficial, just make sure it doesn’t even up costing you more in the long run. Use a travel credit card that will earn rewards. Large-ticket items like vacations are a...
Have you ever heard the old saying “don’t bite off more than you can chew?” In short, this means don’t take on more than you can comfortably handle. Unfortunately, many people make this mistake when buying a home. While your intentions are good, it’s easy to become so overwhelmed with the process that you end up overspending. If you’re concerned about going down this path, here are three steps you can take: Know your absolute maximum...
Are you considering a loan from a family member or friend? Are you familiar with the many ways this could benefit your finances? The advantages of this type of loan are well documented. In addition to a lack of paperwork, you may find somebody who is willing to loan you the money interest free. Does it get any better than that? While you may be attracted by the many benefits of borrowing from family or friends,...
If you find yourself in the market for a new car, it won’t be long before you’re sitting face to face with the finance manager (unless you’re paying with cash, of course). Reaching this point means you have found your next vehicle and are ready to finalize the purchase. As you make your way through the process, here are some of the more important questions to ask: What is the total amount financed? While the monthly...
Some parents are okay with the idea of their college student carrying a credit card. Other parents are against this idea, as they are unsure of if their child is responsible enough to use this financial tool in the appropriate manner. Since most college students are over the age of 18, they have the opportunity to personally decide if they need a credit card or one designed for students. If you’re a student going down this...
Carrying a credit card is a great responsibility. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to overspend and regret it at some point in the near future. By understanding why you have overspent on your credit card in the past, you can avoid a similar situation down the road. Even if you‘ve never found yourself in this position, you can still learn from the mistakes that others have made. Here is why you may be overspending on...
Did you know that approximately 15 million Americans are self-employed? If you’re currently working in the corporate world but hope to join the ranks of the self-employed in the near future, it’s important to implement a plan that will allow for an efficient transition. Starting a business can be one of the most exciting things you ever do. Conversely, it can also bring quite a bit of stress into your life. Are you ready to deal...
If the income from your job isn’t cutting it or you’re looking for way to get ahead financially, adding a second income stream may be a solution. A second income stream, it’s from a second job, a money-making hobby, or a side business, can benefit you in more ways than one. It’s easier to afford your living expenses. More than 50% of Americans are spending at or above their income on living expenses, reports CNN. If...
