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Recent Articles
  • House Passes Biden's $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Package

    Personal Finance

    House Passes Biden's $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Package
  • Senate Finance Chair Reveals New Plan for $15 Minimum Wage

    Personal Finance

    Senate Finance Chair Reveals New Plan for $15 Minimum Wage
  • House to Vote on Stimulus Bill Today With $1,400 Checks

    Personal Finance

    House to Vote on Stimulus Bill Today With $1,400 Checks
  • $15 Minimum Wage Hike Can't Stay in Stimulus Bill

    Personal Finance

    $15 Minimum Wage Hike Can't Stay in Stimulus Bill
  • Ascent Authors
  • Elizabeth Aldrich
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Elizabeth Aldrich

TMFEnthusiast

Elizabeth is a personal finance writer specializing in credit cards, debt repayment, and small business. Her work has appeared on The Motley Fool, MSN Money, Yahoo! Finance, and Business Insider. She’s an avid credit card points collector and perpetual traveler currently living in Costa Rica.

Elizabeth's Recent Articles

  • 7 Reasons You Should Be Using an Online Bank

    Feb 7, 2021

    Online banks tend to charge fewer fees, have lower balance requirements, and can even earn interest and save money. Here's why you should consider a …

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  • This Amex Business Card Could Earn up to 400,000 Credit Card Points by July

    Feb 6, 2021

    Earn 5 points per $1 on wireless, shipping, advertising, gas, and office supplies until June 30, 2021.

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  • Savers Want Low Banking Fees -- Yet Most of Them Are Overpaying

    Jan 29, 2021

    A study shows that consumers look for banks with the lowest fees, but they might be missing out by avoiding online-only banks.

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  • Should You Keep Your Amex Platinum Card if You Don't Plan to Travel This Year?

    Jan 20, 2021

    With $200 in Uber credits and $1,800 in limited-time offers, you might be able to squeeze enough value out of your Amex Platinum.

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  • You Can Now Earn $250 Back With This No-Annual-Fee Business Credit Card

    Jan 19, 2021

    The Blue Business® Plus is offering current cardholders $25 back (up to $250 total) on each $500-plus purchase from now until June 30, 2021.

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  • The Amex Platinum's New Perks Make It One of the Most Valuable Cards for People Stuck at Home

    Jan 19, 2021

    Current Amex Platinum cardholders have until June 30, 2021, to earn up to $1,880 in statement credits.

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  • This Premium Travel Card Just Added $1,880 Worth of Online Shopping Perks

    Jan 19, 2021

    Until June 30, 2021, you can earn up to $180 in statement credits with PayPal and $1,700 with many online retailers.

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  • 5 Security Features Every Good Bank Offers

    Jan 19, 2021

    Multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and secure messaging are just a few features to look for when you prioritize banking security.

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  • Hesitant to Switch Banks? You Could Be Leaving Money on the Table

    Jan 15, 2021

    Consumers are hesitant to switch banks, but staying loyal to one bank could mean paying hundreds in unnecessary fees and missing out on interest.

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  • What a Democratic Majority in the Senate Could Mean for Your Finances

    Jan 12, 2021

    Democrats are likely to push for $2,000 stimulus checks and increased COVID relief, as well as more affordable healthcare and lower prescription drug prices.

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  • How I Saved Over $10,000 in 3 Months During the Pandemic

    Dec 3, 2020

    I skyrocketed my savings by keeping spending down during the pandemic and setting up automatic transfers into a high-yield savings account.

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  • The Credit Card That Can Save You $1,000 on Groceries and Takeout

    Oct 26, 2020

    Earn 80,000 points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and use them to cover groceries, dining, takeout, and more.

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  • These 2 Credit Cards Want to Give You $2,000 to Spend on Travel

    Oct 21, 2020

    Earn up to 180,000 credit card points, worth $2,000, with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Venture® Rewards from Capital One®.

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  • Study: America's Most Educated Have the Most Credit Card Debt

    Oct 16, 2020

    People with a college degree are less likely to have credit card debt, but when they do have it, they have a lot more.

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  • 4 Cards to Earn Miles Toward that 2021 Vacation

    Oct 14, 2020

    Feeling ready to travel and planning a holiday? These credit cards can help you earn $1,000 or more in travel spending to pay for your …

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  • The Average American Could Save $1,638 With These Rewards Cards

    Oct 6, 2020

    The average American could save hundreds -- or even thousands -- by switching to one of these rewards credit cards.

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  • 3 Incredible Places Americans Can Travel to Now -- and How to Get There With Points

    Sep 30, 2020

    International borders are reopening, and you can travel to some bucket-list destinations using credit card points now.

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  • Balance Transfer Cards Are Harder to Get Due to COVID-19. Can You Qualify?

    Sep 28, 2020

    Credit card issuers have tightened the reins on balance transfer offers. Here's how to figure out if you still qualify.

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  • What to Do if You're Approaching Retirement With Credit Card Debt

    Sep 26, 2020

    Americans aged 50 to 59 carry the most credit card debt. Here's how to pay down your balances and get on the fast track to …

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  • Save Big on Your COVID-19 Road Trip with These 4 Rewards Cards

    Sep 25, 2020

    These rewards credit cards could score you up to $1,000 in bonus points on your next road trip.

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  • What a Biden Presidency Could Mean for Your Finances

    Sep 24, 2020

    Find out what could happen to your wallet if presidential candidate Joe Biden beats Trump in the 2020 elections.

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  • Here's What President Trump Wants in the Second Stimulus Bill

    Sep 24, 2020

    Trump has offered vague support for a new $1.5 trillion bipartisan stimulus plan that includes stimulus checks.

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  • Are Buy Now, Pay Later Apps Better Than a Credit Card?

    Sep 22, 2020

    Buy now, pay later (BNPL) apps can be good options for some purchases, but they also can be more costly than a credit card. Find …

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  • This New 'Layaway' Service is Increasingly Popular -- But Few People Understand the Terms

    Sep 17, 2020

    A new study shows more consumers are using new buy now, pay later services, even when they don't fully understand the terms.

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  • Report: Americans Near Retirement Age Have the Most Credit Card Debt

    Sep 17, 2020

    Credit card debt can devour retirement savings, and too many older Americans have high credit card balances. If you're one of them, you still have …

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  • How Does Your Credit Card Spending Compare to the Average American's?

    Sep 15, 2020

    The average American's credit card balance is $6,194, but this number alone might be misleading.

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  • If You're Considering a Balance Transfer Card, Time May Be Running Out

    Sep 1, 2020

    Some 0% APR balance transfer offers have disappeared, others have shortened introductory periods. Used wisely, these could help you become debt free.

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  • How a Rewards Card Can Save You a Fortune When You Shop Online

    Aug 12, 2020

    Online shopping portals help you earn extra points, miles, or cash back on purchases you already planned to make.

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  • I Make $40K per Year. How Can I Survive?

    Jul 20, 2020

    It might require sacrifices, but $40,000 per year is enough to survive if you stick to a budget and keep your fixed costs low. Here's …

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  • Survey: Young Americans Are Far More Likely to Lose Income Due to Coronavirus

    Jul 20, 2020

    Younger generations are more broadly impacted by COVID-19 income loss, but all Americans are taking a hit.

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  • I Make Minimum Wage. What Should My Budget Look Like?

    Jul 20, 2020

    If you're earning minimum wage, sticking to a budget is a struggle. Here's how to make it more feasible.

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  • 5 Financial Challenges LGBTQ+ Americans Often Face

    Jul 10, 2020

    Members of the LGBTQ+ community face a wage gap, increased cost of living, and housing and job discrimination, among other financial challenges.

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  • Federal Student Loan Interest Rate Guide

    Jun 17, 2020

    The Federal Student Loan interest rate changes each year for undergraduates and subsidized and unsubsidized graduate loans. Here's what you need to know.

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  • How to Apply for Unemployment in Nebraska

    Apr 6, 2020

    If you live in Nebraska and you've lost income due to the coronavirus pandemic, you could qualify for unemployment benefits. Here's how to apply.

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  • How to Apply for Unemployment in Oregon

    Mar 30, 2020

    If you live in Oregon and your job has been impacted by the novel coronavirus, here's what you need to know about applying for unemployment …

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  • Why You Should Start an Invest-in-Yourself Fund

    Feb 13, 2020

    Investing in yourself is crucial for both your professional and personal lives. Here's how to afford it.

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  • I Did All My Holiday Shopping at Small Businesses. Here's How It Went

    Jan 31, 2020

    I set out to shop exclusively at small businesses this holiday season. Here's what happened.

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  • 7 Reasons Why Both You and Your Wallet Will Love Raleigh, N.C.

    Jan 28, 2020

    With a low cost of living and ample entertainment, Raleigh is a hotspot for people of all ages. Check out these top reasons to consider …

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  • 4 Reasons Why St. Louis Is a Great Place to Start Your Career

    Jan 27, 2020

    From ample career opportunities to a low cost of living, here's why young professionals should consider St. Louis.

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  • This Midwestern College Town Is One of the Best Places to Save Money

    Jan 26, 2020

    Champaign-Urbana ranks No. 4 in The Ascent's list of the best cities for high salaries and low costs of living.

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  • 8 Ways Having No Credit Score Makes Life Harder

    Jan 18, 2020

    From making it harder to buy a car or house to blocking you from buying a new cell phone, being credit invisible can be costly.

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  • Looking for Vibrant Culture Without the High Cost? Look at Kalamazoo, Mich.

    Jan 16, 2020

    If you're looking for an affordable place to live that's bursting with arts, culture, and good food, look no further than Kalamazoo.

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  • 6 Reasons Why Raleigh, N.C. Is One of the Best Places to Raise a Family on a Budget

    Jan 15, 2020

    If you want to save money while raising children, Raleigh might be the place to do it. Check out the top 6 reasons to consider …

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  • 7 Ways to Beat Your Parents' Credit Score

    Jan 9, 2020

    It's possible to have excellent credit at a young age. Follow these steps to do it.

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  • Most Americans Think They're Disciplined With Money. Here's Why They're Not

    Jan 9, 2020

    Although Americans feel they're financially disciplined, their savings habits seem to indicate otherwise.

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  • Credit Is More Accessible Than Ever -- but Is That a Good Thing?

    Dec 23, 2019

    From no-credit credit cards to online lenders, credit is increasingly accessible, which comes with its own set of dangers.

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  • Here's the Average Credit Card Approval Rate by Credit Score

    Dec 23, 2019

    Here are the odds that you'll be approved for a credit card based on your credit score.

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  • Report Shows How Consumers Are Getting Better at Paying Bills on Time

    Dec 10, 2019

    Autopay has helped consumers improve their credit card payment habits, but there's still work to be done.

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  • 7 Best Budget Destinations for Your 30th Birthday

    Dec 9, 2019

    Celebrate your 30th birthday at one of these beautiful, budget-friendly destinations that are full of outdoor adventures and breathtaking photo ops.

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  • These Are the Consumers Getting Hit the Hardest by Credit Card Fees

    Dec 7, 2019

    No one wants to pay credit card fees, but for some consumers, they're often unavoidable.

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  • See How You Stack Up Against Americans With Superprime Credit

    Dec 2, 2019

    Consumers with excellent or superprime credit are not only more likely to be approved for credit, they qualify for better perks and interest rates, too.

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  • Credit Card Late Payments Are on the Rise -- 5 Ways to Make Sure You're Never Late

    Nov 30, 2019

    These handy tips will help you avoid ever missing a credit card payment again.

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  • Keep Your Credit Utilization Below This Number If You Want Good Credit

    Nov 27, 2019

    The latest CFPB reports spell out exactly where you should keep your credit utilization if you want good credit.

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  • The Safest Way to Pay When Shopping Online This Holiday Season

    Nov 26, 2019

    If you want to avoid online shopping fraud this year, pay with a digital wallet.

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  • I Check My Bank Account Daily -- and Here's Why You Should, Too

    Nov 26, 2019

    Checking your bank account daily can help you avoid debt and build your savings.

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  • 2 in 3 Americans Throw Away Money on This 1 Thing

    Nov 24, 2019

    Americans lose hundreds of dollars per year on food waste, and it's not great for the environment either.

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  • Don't Make This Expensive Credit Card Mistake While Holiday Shopping

    Nov 19, 2019

    This store credit card trap can make your holiday shopping bill even larger.

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  • 5 Stats That Show We're Getting Smarter With Our Credit Cards

    Nov 18, 2019

    The latest credit card market report is full of hopeful signs that we're learning from our credit card mistakes.

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  • Americans Agree This Is the Biggest Waste of Money. Here's How to Avoid It

    Nov 15, 2019

    Paying avoidable fees and excessive interest is a waste of money. Use these tips to make sure you don't fall prey.

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  • Want to Waste Less Money? Start With These 4 Good Money Habits

    Nov 13, 2019

    Practice these good habits of people who waste less money and you'll be saving more in no time.

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  • Here's How to Save Almost $2,000 on Your Credit Card Debt

    Oct 26, 2019

    Credit card interest rates are still extremely high. Here's one easy way to decrease your interest rate and pay off your debt faster.

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  • Here's How Much Money You Need to Quit Your Job and Travel

    Oct 26, 2019

    Considering taking a career break to travel? Here's what it will cost you.

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  • Avoid This Common Money Mistake When Traveling Abroad

    Oct 17, 2019

    If you're swiping your debit card when you travel, it's time to reconsider. Here's why.

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  • The Only Good Reason to Open a Store Credit Card

    Oct 16, 2019

    If you need to improve your credit score, a retail credit card could be the answer -- as long as you watch out for the …

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  • Long-Term Travel Can Be Cheaper Than Staying Home

    Oct 16, 2019

    Here's why traveling long-term can make more financial sense than staying home.

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  • Can You Save Money on Student Loans by Going to College Abroad?

    Oct 15, 2019

    If you're looking to graduate from college with little or no student loan debt, this could be your answer.

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  • The Best Budget Destinations to Travel to in Your 40s

    Oct 8, 2019

    These cities will fill your next vacation with once-in-a-lifetime experiences without draining your bank account.

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  • 9 Essential Tips for a Fabulous Destination Birthday on a Budget

    Oct 5, 2019

    Ready to get away for your next birthday? Here's how to do it without breaking the bank.

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  • 5 Best Budget Destinations for Your Wedding

    Oct 3, 2019

    If you're looking to travel for your wedding without breaking the bank, here are the best places to go.

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  • The Best Budget Destinations to Travel to in Your 30s

    Sep 29, 2019

    If you're looking for a mix of relaxation, culture, and adventure without breaking the bank, here are the best vacation destinations to travel to in …

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  • The Average American's Finances by Numbers

    Sep 29, 2019

    Here's what the average American's spending habits, debt levels, and savings look like -- see how you compare.

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  • 5 Ways Moving Abroad Will Save You Money

    Sep 28, 2019

    If you’re struggling to maintain your standard of living, moving abroad can help save you money in ways you may not have expected.

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  • Millennials, Boomers, and Gen Xers Alike Face This Financial Threat

    Sep 27, 2019

    The one thing that almost half of all middle class Americans, regardless of age, face right now is financial insecurity.

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  • 5 States Where Paying Off Debt Is Easier

    Sep 27, 2019

    The key to paying off debt is increasing your income and decreasing your cost of living -- moving to these states can help.

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  • 9 Signs That a Career Change Will Pay Off

    Sep 23, 2019

    Changing careers can be intimidating, but the right choice can also be rewarding -- personally and financially.

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  • Here Are the Top 10 Purchases Men Hide From Their Partners

    Sep 17, 2019

    Financial infidelity is more common than you might think. These are the most common purchases that men hide from their partners.

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  • The Best Budget Destinations to Travel to in Your 20s

    Sep 16, 2019

    If you're looking to plan the trip of a lifetime while keeping costs low, here are the best destinations to travel to in your 20s.

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  • This Is the Only Smart Way to Use Credit Cards for Your Honeymoon

    Sep 11, 2019

    Don’t go into debt on your honeymoon. Use this strategy to travel big while saving money.

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  • The Only Smart Way to Pay for a Wedding With Credit

    Sep 8, 2019

    There may be a way to pay for your wedding with a credit card without landing yourself in debt.

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  • Save $1,378 or More by Completing These 7 Money Challenges

    Sep 8, 2019

    If you’re living on a tight budget, check out these money-saving challenges and budgeting methods to save hundreds, or even thousands of dollars each year.

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  • Should You Take Out Student Loans to Pay for Graduate School?

    Sep 4, 2019

    A graduate degree can open the door to new career opportunities and higher pay, but is it worth the student loan debt?

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  • How to Pay Student Loans While Living Abroad

    Sep 3, 2019

    Student loans shouldn’t hold you back from pursuing your dream of living abroad. Here’s what you need to consider to manage your loans while overseas.

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  • Avoid Student Loans With These 7 Bad Terms

    Aug 26, 2019

    Some private lenders get away with predatory practices despite government regulations. Avoid these bad terms when searching for the best student loans available.

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  • How Often Should You Refinance Your Student Loans?

    Aug 22, 2019

    You can choose to refinance your student loans as many times as you want, but there are drawbacks that borrowers should be aware of.

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  • 5 Times When Student Loans Might Be a Bad Idea

    Aug 21, 2019

    Signing up for student loan debt is not always the best idea. Here are five situations when you should rethink that loan.

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  • 4 Times You Should Do a Balance Transfer to Pay Off Debt

    Aug 15, 2019

    Balance transfers are a helpful tool for paying off debt quickly and saving money on interest. Here are four times you should consider doing one.

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  • 5 Times You Should NOT Do a Balance Transfer to Pay Off Debt

    Aug 14, 2019

    Balance transfers can help you pay off debt quickly, but they can also get you into trouble. Here are five signs you shouldn’t do one.

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  • 5 Simple Steps That Make Sticking to a Budget Easy, Even if You're Lazy

    Aug 11, 2019

    This set-it-and-forget-it budgeting method can help even the laziest budgeters get their finances in order and save more money.

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  • How to Set a Timeline to Pay Off Your Student Loans

    Aug 4, 2019

    Millennials can expect to be making student loan payments well into their 40s. Follow this plan if you want to beat this dismal prediction.

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  • 7 Budgeting Tips for People With Student Loans

    Aug 3, 2019

    These realistic budgeting tips will help you pay off your student loans faster without letting the rest of your finances fall by the wayside.

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  • 7 Ways to Get Out of Paying Your Student Loans (Legally)

    Aug 2, 2019

    Struggling with student loans? There are ways to get out of paying them, and believe it or not, they’re completely legal.

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  • 3 Times to Consolidate Your Debt Using a Personal Loan

    Jun 18, 2019

    Consolidating your debt with a personal loan could greatly improve your financial situation. Read on to find out if you should start looking for a …

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  • Business Loan vs. Business Credit Card: How to Choose

    Jun 7, 2019

    Business loan or business credit card? Choosing the right one could help your bottom line. Find out how to make the right decision.

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  • 5 Reasons to Never Write a Check Again

    Jun 6, 2019

    Still writing paper checks? Here's why you should ditch that practice ASAP.

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  • Personal Loan vs. Small Business Loan: Which Is Right for Me?

    Jun 6, 2019

    Should you use a personal loan or a business loan to fund your company? Read on to find out.

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  • Is Google Pay Safe to Use?

    May 28, 2019

    With several choices for contactless payments apps, does Google Pay hold its ground when it comes to security and privacy?

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  • 5 Times You Should NOT Consolidate Your Student Loans

    May 27, 2019

    Consolidating your student loans is tempting, especially if it lowers your monthly payments. Here's why it's not necessarily a good idea.

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  • If You Answer Yes to These Questions, It's Time to Cut Up Your Credit Card

    May 27, 2019

    Answer these questions to find out if it's time to cut up that credit card in your wallet.

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  • Is Samsung Pay Safe to Use?

    May 24, 2019

    Samsung Pay is picking up steam in the contactless payment market, but is it safer than swiping your credit card?

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  • 4 Times You Should Consolidate Your Student Loans

    May 21, 2019

    Less than half of millennials have considered refinancing or consolidating their student loans -- here’s why that might be a mistake.

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  • Is Apple Pay Safe to Use?

    May 21, 2019

    Apple Pay might be the most widely-adopted mobile payment application, but is it safe?

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  • How Often Should You Monitor Your Checking Account?

    May 20, 2019

    Some say you should monitor your checking account once per month, while others believe you should be checking it every day. Here’s the real answer.

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  • 5 Signs You’re Ready for a Premium Credit Card

    May 20, 2019

    Premium credit cards help you travel in style for next to nothing, but are they right for you?

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  • 4 Reasons You Need to Repair Your Credit Now

    May 15, 2019

    Your credit score can open doors to lower interest rates and better offers. Find out why you should start repairing your credit today.

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  • How to Get Your Teenager Building Credit Now

    May 12, 2019

    By following these simple steps, you can jumpstart your teenager’s financial future and help them build their credit now.

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  • The Pros and Cons of Prepaid Tuition Plans

    Apr 10, 2019

    Prepaid tuition plans are designed to help families start saving for their children's college expenses, but they may not always be the best choice.

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  • Here's How Student Loans Affect Your Credit Score

    Mar 28, 2019

    Student loans can hurt your credit score, but they can also help. Here’s why.

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  • 7 Things to Consider Before Opening a Kids Savings Account

    Mar 26, 2019

    Opening a kids savings account can be a great tool to teach your child healthy financial habits, but there are a few things to consider …

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  • Do You Really Need That Business Checking Account?

    Mar 26, 2019

    Are you still using a personal checking account for your business? Here’s why that's a bad idea.

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  • Are You Ignoring the Most Costly Credit Card Fees?

    Mar 25, 2019

    Are you aware of all the fees your credit card could be charging? Find out how to identify -- and avoid -- them.

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  • 4 Predictions for the Credit Card Industry in 2019

    Mar 25, 2019

    The credit card industry is evolving to meet today’s consumer needs and expectations. Here’s what 2019 has in store for us.

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  • 7 Signs It’s Time to Ditch a Credit Card

    Mar 25, 2019

    If you find yourself putting a check mark next to these scenarios, it’s time to get rid of your current credit card.

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  • 5 Reasons You Should Pay With Credit Cards

    Mar 25, 2019

    From rewards programs to often overlooked protections, your credit card may be the smartest and safest way to make your next purchase.

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  • Federal vs. Private Student Loans: Which Should I Choose?

    Mar 21, 2019

    Whether you’ve got student loans or you plan on applying for them, understanding the difference in types could save you thousands. Find out whether federal …

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  • 5 Things to Do Before Refinancing Your Student Loans

    Mar 21, 2019

    The average college graduate from the class of 2016 graduated with $37,172 in student loan debt. Learn what to do before refinancing.

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  • 5 Things You Need to Know About Late Credit Card Payment Fees in 2019

    Mar 21, 2019

    Here’s what you need to know to make 2019 the year of no late credit card payment fees.

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  • 5 Trends to Watch for in Banking and Technology

    Mar 20, 2019

    As tech and banking join forces, here are some major trends that could impact your finances.

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  • How Business Credit Cards Work

    Mar 19, 2019

    Still relying on a personal credit card to cover your business expenses? That might be a mistake.

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  • Are Online Banks Keeping Your Information Secure?

    Mar 18, 2019

    Online banks are convenient -- but are they safe? The answer may surprise you.

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  • Can Your Credit Score Impact a Job Offer?

    Mar 18, 2019

    Worried that your credit history is sending red flags to potential employers? Here’s the truth about how your credit score impacts the job hunt.

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  • 3 Times Getting a Secured Credit Card Makes Sense

    Mar 14, 2019

    If you have bad credit or no credit at all, a secured credit card might be the right tool for you. Find out here.

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  • How to Monitor Your Credit Without Hurting Your Credit Score

    Mar 13, 2019

    Keeping an eye on your credit score can help you better understand what financial actions directly affect your credit, but will it decrease your credit …

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  • What to Know About Secured Personal Loans

    Mar 12, 2019

    Taking out a loan may give you immediate access to funds, but it could have a lasting impact on your finances and credit. Here’s what …

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  • 4 Credit Card Trends We Expect to See in 2019

    Mar 11, 2019

    Consumers are demanding more when it comes to their finances, and credit card companies are rising to the challenge. Here’s what to expect in 2019.

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  • 7 Money Tips for International Travel

    Mar 8, 2019

    Traveling abroad? Make sure you follow these important money tips to avoid financial hiccups and massive fees.

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  • How to Make This Important Finance Habit Stick

    Feb 18, 2019

    It can be hard to create good lasting financial habits. Here's a little help to get you started.

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  • Avoid Doing These 3 Things When Traveling With a Credit Card

    Jan 31, 2019

    Traveling is costly. Here’s how to make sure you’re not spending even more than you need to.

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  • These 2 Costly Credit Card Trends Could Hit Your Wallet

    Jan 29, 2019

    The economy is looking up -- and so are interest rates.

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  • Get the Southwest Companion Pass for a Limited Time by Signing Up for a Southwest Credit Card

    Jan 28, 2019

    Chase just announced what might be the best offer of all-time on their Southwest credit cards -- here’s how to get it.

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  • 4 Reasons to Avoid Opening a Store Credit Card in 2019

    Jan 24, 2019

    Opening a new store credit card may save you a few dollars up front, but these costly pitfalls can easily outweigh the discounts.

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  • Should I Alert Chase if I Plan to Travel With My Credit Card?

    Jan 17, 2019

    Your bags are packed, your tickets are printed… but did you notify your bank?

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  • How Often Does Capital One Increase Credit Limits?

    Jan 14, 2019

    Capital One has some rules when it comes to credit limit increases -- make sure you know them before you request one.

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  • How to Do a Balance Transfer With Discover

    Dec 31, 2018

    Do a balance transfer with Discover this way and you could save hundreds on interest and have your debt paid down in no time.

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  • What Dave Ramsey Is Missing in His Financial Advice

    Dec 28, 2018

    Ramsey’s advice has inspired millions of people to pay off their debt, but it’s far from financial gospel. In fact, sometimes, it’s downright wrong.

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  • 7 Podcasts to Improve Your Money Management Skills

    Dec 21, 2018

    Dreaming of financial independence but don’t know where to start? These are some of the best money management podcasts to help you earn more, save …

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  • What People With Credit Cards Must Know About Trump’s Proposals

    Dec 20, 2018

    The future of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: if consumers don’t educate themselves, they risk being taken …

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  • Is The Starwood Preferred Guest® Luxury Credit Card Worth $450?

    Dec 17, 2018

    Check out our insights to learn if this premium credit card is worth it for you.

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  • The 5 Best Money Management Apps For Your Phone

    Dec 5, 2018

    Kiss your budgeting woes goodbye. These apps make sticking to your budget easy… and even fun.

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  • Should Credit Card Companies Cut Lucrative Sign-Up Bonuses?

    Dec 5, 2018

    Sign-up bonuses are causing huge losses for credit card companies, but they expect to see even bigger gains in the future. If they don’t, the …

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  • 5 Times It Makes Sense to Use a Prepaid Credit Card

    Dec 4, 2018

    Prepaid cards don’t come with the perks and benefits you get from debit and credit cards, but they can be useful.

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  • How to Choose a High-Interest Savings Account

    Dec 3, 2018

    Don’t lose money on your savings by choosing the wrong savings account. Here’s how to choose the best high-yield savings accounts with high interest rates …

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  • Why You Shouldn't Drain Your Savings to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

    Dec 3, 2018

    Credit card debt is the most expensive form of debt, and it's only getting pricier. So take a moment to learn why it may not …

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  • 12 Ways to Accumulate Credit Card Rewards and Points Faster

    Dec 2, 2018

    Whether you’re a rewards junkie or a credit card newbie, these easy tricks will have you sitting on a pile of points in no time

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  • 3 Times When You Shouldn’t Start an Emergency Fund

    Nov 29, 2018

    Having an emergency fund is incredibly important. Saving a little money now can save you a lot of money in the long run. But it's …

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  • This 1 Trend Proves Millennials Are Using Credit Cards the Right Way

    Nov 28, 2018

    Forget everything you thought you knew about millennials and credit cards.

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  • How to Get a Business Credit Card Without a Business

    Nov 24, 2018

    Very few people know how many perks business credit cards come with. Find out how to get a business credit card even if you don't …

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  • 33 Million Americans Could Soon See Their Credit Score Jump

    Oct 24, 2018

    This new credit scoring model could mean an increase in your credit score by 20 points or more.

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  • 3 Credit Card Goals to Hit Before Your 50s

    Oct 22, 2018

    As you’re nearing your 50s, make sure you’re crossing off these three important credit card goals.

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  • 3 Credit Card Goals to Hit Before Your 30s

    Oct 22, 2018

    Credit cards can make or break your credit, and what you do with them in your 20s forms the foundation of your financial future. Hit …

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  • 3 Credit Card Goals to Hit Before Your 40s

    Oct 22, 2018

    Your 30s are an incredibly important time in your financial life. Make sure you’re keeping up by checking off these three important credit card goals …

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  • Warren Buffett’s Credit Card Advice Isn’t What You Think

    Oct 18, 2018

    Should you avoid credit cards? Here’s what Warren Buffett really thinks.

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  • This Simple Strategy Can Help You Pay Off Your Debt Once and For All

    Oct 18, 2018

    Balance transfers can help you pay off debt quickly at a low -- or even 0% -- interest rate.

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