Credit card debt can be daunting. Like any mounting debt, it comes with concerns about how it may be affecting your credit rating. Knowing how to do a balance transfer could be an efficient way to help pay down debt – and improve your credit. Moving your balance from a high-interest credit card to a...
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Now more than ever it’s difficult to navigate life without a solid credit history. From applying for a loan to renting an apartment, good credit is a must. If you’re just starting out and lack any form of credit history – or the information on your credit report is mostly negative – the following are...
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These days, having a high credit limit can seem like a form of financial stability. It’s nice to know there’s extra credit available if you need it. And even if you don’t need it, a higher credit limit can actually result in a higher credit score and increased borrowing power. It’s all about something called...
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Credit cards aren’t inherently bad. In fact, building a credit history is usually necessary if you plan to finance a big purchase like a car or home. Use these tips to maintain a good credit score—and keep your loan rates low. Learn your FICO Score. When you apply for a mortgage or a loan, your...
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How much do you spend on groceries weekly? The cost to feed a family of four can range from about $773 to $1826 per month, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture November 2021 Report.1 If you’re grocery shopping on a budget, use these 10 ways to help save money on groceries. 1. Make a...
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Your car payments and auto insurance payments may stay the same each month but gas prices can fluctuate wildly during the same period. Gas prices differ by state, by city, by season and by gas station, just to name a few variables, but consumers who shop wisely can trim their monthly car expenses. These easy...
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More than half of U.S. adults bank online, according to Pew Research Center, and about a third of them bank via cell phone. Given the popularity, it’s important to ask; Is online banking safe? Despite concerns about identity theft, online banking is as safe as any other banking transaction, says Murray W. Kenyon, senior vice...
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Spending money is a fact of life. You need to spend money to pay for the essentials, like food, clothing, and a roof over your head. So it’s good to know that a budget can help you manage those expenses and keep your spending in check. To avoid impulse purchases and other temptations, try to...
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Any sudden, unplanned decision to purchase a product or service is considered to be impulse buying. These spur-of-the-moment purchases can be big or small, but they are never planned. If you’re standing in line at the supermarket checkout and suddenly decide to purchase a candy bar, that’s an impulse purchase. But the same can be...
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Shopping has evolved dramatically over the past several decades, providing consumers with more choice and convenience whether they shop the brick-and-mortar stores or browse online for their purchases. Even holiday shopping has adapted to the changing landscape with Black Friday and Cyber Monday appealing to both in-store and online shoppers. It’s easy to assume there...
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Retailers do whatever they can to attract online shoppers—free shipping, easy returns, coupons and bargains on things for your favorite foodie or your animal lover. Online shopping days like Cyber Monday have been rivaling and beating brick-and-mortar sales in many industries. Unfortunately, increased online activity entices scam artists, putting your personal information at risk. Learning...
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In 2017, roughly 16.7 million people were affected by identity theft, totaling at nearly $16.8 billion stolen. Many seemingly harmless behaviors can make you vulnerable to identify theft: making purchases over the phone, recycling old bills or logging onto free WiFi. And simply losing your wallet or digital devices can be a golden opportunity for...
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Cruises are a popular way for seniors to travel. More than 24 million passengers boarded cruise ships in 2016, and about half of them were seniors. [i] Some seniors are living on cruise ships, or they’re switching from cruise line to cruise line. That’s because the cost of staying aboard a ship is sometimes comparable...
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Packing truly is an art form, so prepare to tap into your inner-Picasso. Being a smart packer takes creativity, patience, organization and attention to detail. Lacking these characteristics? In this edition of our international travel planning series, we provide you with creative packing tips to save space, protect your belongings and avoid overweight luggage fees....
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Plan ahead to minimize the expenses incurred when using an ATM of credit card on vacation. There are so many things to keep track of when traveling to another country: the language, the culture and the currency. Just thinking about the currency exchange can make a vacation seem exhausting. An easier solution? Use your ATM...
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