- Ascent Authors
- Matt Frankel, CFP
TMFMathGuy
Matt is a Certified Financial Planner® and investment advisor based in Columbia, South Carolina. He writes personal finance and investment advice for The Ascent and its parent company The Motley Fool, with more than 4,500 published articles and a 2017 SABEW Best in Business award. Matt writes a weekly investment column ("Ask a Fool") that is syndicated in USA Today, and his work has been regularly featured on CNBC, Fox Business, MSN Money, and many other major outlets. He’s a graduate of the University of South Carolina and Nova Southeastern University, and holds a graduate certificate in financial planning from Florida State University.
5 Brokerage Sign-Up Bonuses You Should Check Out Now
Jan 27, 2021
Do you need a brokerage account? Don't forget to factor in these broker sign-up bonuses when you shop around. Here are some of the best …
Read MoreShould You Use Robinhood to Buy GameStop Stock?
Jan 27, 2021
Here's why GameStop and other stocks are soaring, and what investors need to know before jumping in.
Read MoreThis New Robinhood Feature Wants to Replace Your Checking Account
Dec 16, 2020
Robinhood has launched a cash management feature that allows customers to pay bills and earn interest on uninvested cash. Here are the details.
Read MoreIs a Balloon Mortgage Ever a Good Idea?
Dec 9, 2020
A balloon mortgage can be an appealing option to snag a lower monthly payment, but it also has some unique risks. Here's why these types …
Read MoreThe High Costs of an FHA Loan -- and Why You Might Want to Use One Anyway
Dec 7, 2020
Learn about the details of FHA loans and why you might want to use one to buy your first home
Read More15 Mortgage Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
Dec 7, 2020
First-time home-buyer? Check out these 15 mortgage tips that will make the process run smoothly and could save you thousands of dollars.
Read MoreMortgage Rate Trends and Predictions for November 5-11, 2020
Nov 6, 2020
Here are the latest mortgage rate trends in the United States, and where things could be going. If you're considering a home loan in November, …
Read MoreLendingClub Is Ending Its P2P Lending Platform -- Now What?
Oct 8, 2020
LendingClub is ending its original personal loan marketplace for retail investors. What are the next steps for the company?
Read MoreRefinancing My Mortgage Was Easy -- and Saved Me Thousands
Sep 25, 2020
I lowered my monthly payment and had an excellent experience when I refinanced my mortgage. Find out how you can refinance quickly and with minimum …
Read MoreWhy It's Time to Ditch Your Store Credit Card
Sep 12, 2020
Learn three good reasons to think twice before applying for a store credit card.
Read MoreThis 1 Move Boosted My Credit Score by More Than 80 Points
Sep 11, 2020
After rebuilding my credit, here's how I took things to the next level.
Read MoreHow Much Can You Save by Refinancing a Mortgage?
Aug 30, 2020
Refinancing a mortgage could save you money. Here's how to figure out your monthly savings, as well as your long-term savings of refinancing.
Read MoreThe Newest FICO Credit Score Measures How Well You Can Withstand a Recession
Aug 24, 2020
You might have great credit now, but what would happen if you lost your job or a recession hit? FICO's Resilience Index is designed to …
Read MoreThese 6 Banks Are Letting Homeowners Pause Their Mortgage Payments
Aug 17, 2020
Some lenders are going beyond what's required to give their borrowers relief. If you are having trouble paying your mortgage, find out what your options …
Read MoreWhat to Do if You're Going to Miss a Mortgage Payment During COVID-19
Aug 14, 2020
If you're struggling to pay your mortgage, you could be entitled to mortgage relief -- but you need to ask for it. Find out whether …
Read MoreHow to Get the Lowest 30-Year Mortgage Rate
Aug 10, 2020
You could save thousands on your next mortgage if you know how to get the lowest rate.
Read MoreShould You Refinance Your Mortgage? This 30-Second Calculation Will Tell You
Aug 9, 2020
Today's mortgage rates are low, but is refinancing the best move for you? Here's how to know for sure whether you should refinance your mortgage.
Read MoreHow to Get a Mortgage Rate Under 3%
Aug 7, 2020
Not everyone gets the best interest rates -- here's how to make sure you do.
Read MoreWhat Happens to Your Credit Score if You Miss a Mortgage Payment?
Aug 1, 2020
How much can a single late payment hurt your credit score? You might be surprised. Find out how big the hit might be and how …
Read MoreSavings Account Rates Have Been Cut in Half. Where Should You Put Your Cash?
Jul 1, 2020
Savings interest rates have dropped in 2020, but that doesn't mean you should stop saving. Here's how you can get the best returns on your …
Read MoreHow to Think Long Term When the Short Term is Scary
Apr 16, 2020
Are you hesitant to stay invested in a financial climate like this? Here's what you need to know.
Read MoreShould I Open a New Brokerage Account During the Coronavirus Crisis?
Apr 2, 2020
If you're thinking of starting to build a stock portfolio during the novel coronavirus crisis, here's why it's a great time to get started with …
Read MoreHow to Apply for Unemployment in South Carolina
Mar 27, 2020
Unemployed in South Carolina because of the novel coronavirus? Here's what you need to know about qualifying and applying for unemployment benefits.
Read MoreHow Coronavirus Has Affected Mortgage Rates
Mar 18, 2020
Here's how mortgage rates have moved recently, and what could be next.
Read MoreCoronavirus and Your Finances: Here's How to React
Mar 13, 2020
Worried about what the pandemic could do to your wallet? Here's your playbook.
Read MoreHere's How Much the Average American Earns and Owes Now
Feb 21, 2020
What's rising faster in the U.S. -- income or debts? Find out how much the average American earns and see how your borrowing stacks up …
Read MoreYour Guide to the Amex Centurion Lounges
Jan 24, 2020
Amex’s airport lounge network is a cut above the competition -- here’s what you need to know.
Read MoreHuntsville, Alabama: Why This Southern Town Is a Great Place to Live and Work
Jan 4, 2020
Huntsville has been called the best place to get a tech job outside of Silicon Valley, but still has relatively cheap costs of living.
Read MoreSubsidized vs. Unsubsidized Student Loans: What's the Difference?
Jan 3, 2020
Subsidized and unsubsidized loans can both be great ways to fund your education, but there's a key difference.
Read MoreYour Complete Guide to College Savings Plans
Nov 26, 2019
Here's how to determine which college savings plan is the best fit for you and your family.
Read More6 Stats That Show Why Americans Are Bad With Debt
Nov 22, 2019
Do you think Americans don't have a major debt problem? These statistics might make you think twice.
Read MoreHow a Personal Loan Can Raise Your Credit Score by 20 Points or More
Nov 16, 2019
We have confirmation that personal loans can raise your credit score -- and here's why it happens.
Read MoreStudent Loan Deferment: Everything You Need to Know
Nov 14, 2019
Student loan deferment could be worth a look if you need some student loan relief. Make sure you understand how it works before you decide …
Read MoreIs Student Loan Forbearance Right for You?
Nov 13, 2019
Student loan forbearance can postpone your payments, but it isn't right for everyone.
Read MoreZero-Commission Trading: What You Need to Know
Nov 2, 2019
Those pesky trading commissions are mostly a thing of the past -- here’s why it’s happening and what you should know.
Read MoreHow Many Americans Have Good Credit?
Oct 30, 2019
Do more Americans have good credit or bad credit? Here's the answer.
Read MoreHere's the Average Student Loan Payment -- and How to Lower Yours
Oct 28, 2019
The average student loan borrower pays nearly $400 per month, but that doesn't tell the whole story.
Read More1 in 5 Students are Behind on Loan Payments -- Here's How to Catch Up
Oct 27, 2019
If you're delinquent on your student loans, you might be able to solve the problem more easily than you think.
Read MoreYour Complete Guide to the 2020–21 FAFSA
Oct 22, 2019
Here’s what you need to know about the 2020–21 FAFSA and why you should fill it out as soon as you can.
Read More7.4 Million Student Loan Borrowers Are Making This Wise Decision
Oct 19, 2019
If you take this step, you can keep your student loan payments as low as possible and eventually get some of your debt forgiven.
Read MoreReport: Fewer Credit Card Users Are Making This Expensive Mistake
Oct 14, 2019
Fewer people are choosing to use their credit cards in this costly way.
Read MoreBalance Transfers are up 38% Since 2015 -- Here's Why
Oct 14, 2019
Understand some of the reasons why Americans are transferring credit card balances and whether the trend is likely to continue.
Read More22% of Americans Don't Have a Credit Score -- Here's Why
Oct 12, 2019
Did you know that more than one-fifth of American adults have no credit score at all?
Read More5 Financial Milestones to Achieve by 40
Oct 11, 2019
Here are the most important financial steps you should make before you hit the big 4-0.
Read MoreJoe Biden's Ambitious Plan to Solve the Student Loan Crisis
Oct 10, 2019
Joe Biden is proposing several big changes to student loans -- here's what you need to know.
Read MoreCredit Card Debt Statistics for 2020
Oct 4, 2019
Credit card debt is a big part of financial life in the United States. These credit card debt statistics show just how much of an …
Read MoreHere's the Generation That Actually Has the Highest Credit Card Limits
Sep 12, 2019
Credit card usage differs by generation -- here’s who owns the credit cards with the highest limits.
Read MoreIs Airport Lounge Access Really Worth a $450 (or More) Annual Fee?
Aug 29, 2019
Can a massive annual credit card fee really be worth it? Read on to find out.
Read MoreThe Smartest Way to Save for Near-Term Goals
Aug 16, 2019
Stocks and bonds aren’t the best short-term investment choice. Here’s the smartest alternative.
Read More5 Reasons to Get Your Credit Score Above 800
Aug 11, 2019
Life can be so much easier and cheaper with great credit. Read on to find out how a high credit score can affect your life.
Read MoreWhat Does a Credit Card's Annual Fee Get You?
Aug 10, 2019
Some credit cards charge hefty annual fees, but they often have some pretty valuable perks.
Read MoreHow a Personal Loan Saved Me $4,000 and Raised My Credit Score by 50 Points
Aug 8, 2019
I had a great experience with my personal loan. Read on to find out why.
Read More14 Things That Can Hurt Your Credit Score
Aug 8, 2019
There are lots of other things besides late payments that can damage your credit score. Find out some of the big ones here.
Read MoreAsk a CFP: How Do I Create a Budget?
Aug 4, 2019
Do you need to get your finances under control, but don’t know where to start? Follow this budgeting guide.
Read More8 Things Newlyweds Need to Know About Personal Finance
Jul 24, 2019
If you just got married, or are about to, here’s a quick list of money advice you need to know.
Read More5 Times Student Loan Deferment Is a Good Idea
Jul 24, 2019
Read on to learn about deferring your student loans payments and when it might be in your best interest to apply for a deferment.
Read MoreWhat Happens to Your Credit Score if You Pay Off a Car Loan?
Jul 23, 2019
Are you about to make your last car payment, and are curious about what might happen to your credit score? Read on to find out.
Read MoreHow Taking Out a Personal Loan Impacts Your Credit Score
Jul 22, 2019
Taking out a personal loan can impact your credit score. But will the effect be positive or negative? Here’s what to expect.
Read More27 Student Loan Terms All Students and Parents Should Know
Jul 22, 2019
Student loan terms can be confusing. Read on to learn some of the most common terms you’ll see during the financial aid process.
Read MoreHere Are the 2 Most Powerful Ways to Increase Your Credit Score
Jul 21, 2019
There are two credit behaviors that are more powerful than any others. Read on to find out what they are.
Read MoreCan You Negotiate Your College Tuition? This Expert Says You Can
Jul 20, 2019
Think your tuition bill is set in stone? Don’t be so sure! You might be able to negotiate your financial aid to get what you …
Read More5 Smart Financial Moves After You Have a Baby
Jul 20, 2019
Are you a new parent or about to become one? Read on for some must-do money moves.
Read MoreWill Applying for a Personal Loan Hurt Your Credit?
Jul 20, 2019
The initial dip you might see after applying for a personal loan will quickly be outweighed by the positive impact it could have on your …
Read MoreHow Personal Loan Pre-Approval Works
Jul 19, 2019
In the market for a personal loan? Here’s what you need to know about the pre-approval and application process.
Read MoreYour Complete Guide to Federal Pell Grants
Jul 16, 2019
Federal Pell Grants give you free money for college. Read on to find out how they work and how to apply.
Read More7 Things You Need to Know About Amazon Prime Day
Jul 11, 2019
Are you one of the many Prime members planning to take part in Amazon Prime Day? Follow these tips to get more out of your …
Read MoreHow to Get Student Loans Without Your Parents
Jul 4, 2019
There are multiple paths you can take to obtain student loans if your parents aren’t available as cosigners, although some are easier than others.
Read More19 Terms You Need to Know When Comparing Personal Loans
Jul 3, 2019
Do you know these personal loan terms? If not, you might not understand what you're getting from your loan. Educate yourself here before getting a …
Read MoreStudent Loan Refinancing vs. Consolidation: What's the Difference?
Jul 3, 2019
There are benefits to both refinancing and consolidating your student loans, but make sure you’re going with the one that works best for you.
Read MoreThe Best Private Student Loans Offer These 5 Perks
Jul 2, 2019
When deciding which private lender to use for your student loans, keep an eye out for these five perks that some lenders are offering.
Read MoreNeed Student Loans for the Fall? Start the FAFSA Now -- Here's How
Jul 1, 2019
The FAFSA for the 2019–20 school year is available now. The sooner you complete it, the better. Here's how to get started.
Read MoreThe Best Side Hustle I've Ever Had
Jun 25, 2019
Want to know how our personal finance writers have supplemented their income over the years? Read on to find out.
Read MorePLUS Loans or Private Student Loans: Which Is the Better Choice for Graduate Students?
Jun 24, 2019
Both ways of helping pay for graduate school have their advantages and disadvantages, so here’s a quick guide to help you make the best decision.
Read MoreHow to Ask Someone to Cosign a Loan
Jun 24, 2019
Cosigning a loan is a serious commitment. Here are the things you should consider before asking someone to cosign a loan for you.
Read MoreYour 2019 Guide to Parent PLUS Loans
Jun 24, 2019
Wondering whether Parent PLUS Loans are something you should look into for your child's education? Read on to find out the details of this type …
Read MoreThe Biggest Credit Card Mistakes We've Made
Jun 24, 2019
It's easy to make a mistake when it comes to credit cards, but you can learn from our contributors' missteps before you make the same …
Read MoreMy Favorite Credit Card Rewards
Jun 20, 2019
What credit card rewards could you not live without? Here's what our contributors had to say.
Read MoreShould I Pay Off My Credit Cards or Student Loans?
Jun 19, 2019
It's usually a smart idea to get rid of credit card debt before worrying about any of your installment loans, but there's more to it …
Read MoreDiscover Just Eliminated All Banking Fees. Here's Why That's a Big Deal
Jun 18, 2019
Discover just eliminated all fees on its deposit accounts. Read on to find out what this means for consumers.
Read MoreCan Student Loans Pay for Housing?
Jun 17, 2019
Student loans can pay for housing as well as most other expenses associated with attending college. Here’s what you need to know about it.
Read More10 Money Mistakes I See Too Often as a CFP®
Jun 11, 2019
We're all guilty of making poor financial choices from time to time. Here is a list of the most common mistakes I see, along with …
Read MoreAuto Loan Basics
Jun 3, 2019
If you're considering a new or used vehicle, here's what you should know about financing a car.
Read MoreAre You Ready for a Premium Credit Card?
Jun 3, 2019
If you’ve been wondering how a $500 annual fee could possibly be justified, here’s your answer.
Read MoreHow Much Money Can You Take Out in Student Loans?
May 31, 2019
You can probably borrow as much as you need to attend school and then some, but that doesn't mean you should.
Read More3 Things Car Buyers Need to Know About Credit Scores
May 28, 2019
If you're in the market for a car, here are three credit-related lessons to learn before you start shopping.
Read MoreYour 2019 Guide to Federal Student Loan Interest Rates
May 27, 2019
Looking to take out a federal student loan in 2019? Here's what you need to know about the interest rates, different types of loans, and …
Read MoreIs Your Student Loan Interest Tax-Deductible?
May 23, 2019
The student loan interest deduction can save you hundreds of dollars on your tax bill every year, if you qualify.
Read MoreFederal Student Loan Origination Fees: What You Need to Know
May 22, 2019
Before you receive your federal student loans, there’s a fee deducted from each loan to cover the costs of the federal student loan program.
Read MoreTeacher Loan Forgiveness: How to Get Up to $17,500 of Your Student Debt Erased
May 16, 2019
If you’re a teacher with student loans, your student loan balance could get much lower after five years of work experience.
Read MoreAsk a CFP: How Much Should I Be Saving for Retirement?
May 14, 2019
There’s no perfect answer to this classic personal finance question, but here’s how to determine your perfect number.
Read MoreWhat Determines Your Student Loan Interest Rates?
Apr 29, 2019
Here’s a rundown of the major factors that go into both federal and private student loan interest rates.
Read MoreYour Guide to Income-Driven Student Loan Repayment Plans
Apr 29, 2019
Income-driven repayment can make your student loans more affordable -- and can also lead to loan forgiveness.
Read MoreThe 5 Best Books to Take Hold of Your Finances in 2019
Apr 25, 2019
These are five excellent ways to learn more about smart financial habits, how to invest, and how to develop a winning financial mindset.
Read MoreShould You Keep Your Student Credit Card?
Apr 25, 2019
A student credit card may not be as good as some of the industry-leading products, but it could still be worth keeping.
Read MoreIs Savings Account Interest Tax Deductible?
Apr 24, 2019
Savings account interest is generally considered taxable income, and here’s what Americans should know about it.
Read MoreHow to Consolidate Your Student Loans
Apr 23, 2019
If you have several student loans, consolidation can simplify repayment and provide some other benefits. But it's important to know what you're doing.
Read More5 Things to Look for in a Travel Rewards Credit Card
Apr 22, 2019
There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all travel credit card, but here are five things that can help you decide on the best one for …
Read MoreDoes Opening a Savings Account Affect Your Credit?
Apr 22, 2019
The act of opening a savings account doesn’t directly affect your credit, but there’s more to the story.
Read MoreHow to Get a Personal Loan With a Cosigner
Apr 22, 2019
Applying for a personal loan with a cosigner can be a smart idea for many people, and here’s what you need to know about the …
Read MoreHow to Freeze Your Credit: A Step-by-Step Guide
Apr 22, 2019
A credit freeze is the most effective way to stop fraudulent accounts from being opened in your name, so here’s what you need to know …
Read MoreFAFSA Deadlines for 2019-2020 -- and How to Make Them
Apr 22, 2019
Here's when you need to have the FAFSA completed if you want to qualify for federal student aid.
Read MoreCredit Inquiries and Your FICO® Score: What You Need to Know
Apr 22, 2019
Credit inquiries aren’t one of the largest components of your FICO® Score, but they do matter.
Read MoreDo Savings Accounts Have Routing Numbers?
Apr 18, 2019
Here’s what a routing number is and why all savings accounts have them.
Read MoreA Student Loan Borrower’s Complete Guide to Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Apr 16, 2019
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program could save student loan borrowers large amounts of money, but there’s a lot you should know before you apply.
Read MoreIndependent Contractor? Don’t Make These 5 Tax Mistakes
Apr 15, 2019
Taxes for self-employed people are very different than taxes for employees, and there are some costly mistakes that can be made if you aren’t careful.
Read More5 Tax Mistakes I See Too Often as a Certified Financial Planner
Apr 15, 2019
Here are some common tax mistakes that are easily avoidable.
Read MoreStop These Slow Leaks in Your Bank Account
Apr 10, 2019
We all have some unnecessary expenses that we could cut. Here are several that might be adding bloat to your budget.
Read More3 Smart Ways to Make Saving for College Easier
Apr 10, 2019
Saving for college can seem like a daunting task, but with these tips, it doesn't need to be.
Read MoreShould I Pay Off My Student Loans Early?
Mar 21, 2019
Paying your student loans faster than you have to doesn’t make sense in all circumstances. Find out when it makes sense for you.
Read More7 Reasons Not to Consolidate Your Student Loans
Mar 20, 2019
Consolidating student loans has its advantages, but it isn’t the right move for everyone. Learn when it's NOT the right decision.
Read MoreYour Complete Guide to Dealing With Collections and Charge-Offs on Your Credit Report
Mar 18, 2019
Doing damage control on your credit report can be a daunting task, but with the right game plan it can be highly effective.
Read MoreHere’s What Happened to My Credit Score When I Got a Personal Loan
Mar 12, 2019
Here’s a real-world story of how a personal loan can have a positive impact on a FICO® Score.
Read More3 Surprising Credit Hacks That Can Boost Your FICO® Score
Mar 6, 2019
Most Americans know the basic ways to build strong credit, but there are some outside-the-box ways you could try to give your score an extra …
Read MoreAre Credit Card Chips Safe?
Mar 5, 2019
Credit card chips have cut down on certain kinds of credit card fraud, but they haven’t completely solved the problem. Find out what you can …
Read MoreWhy Don't All Retailers Accept All Major Credit Cards?
Mar 1, 2019
There are two main reasons why you may not be able to use your favorite credit card at a certain retailer.
Read More3 Credit Cards With $450+ Annual Fees: Are They Worth It?
Feb 19, 2019
Just because a credit card has a high annual fee doesn’t necessarily make it expensive.
Read More4 Things I've Learned on My Journey to Great Credit
Feb 18, 2019
Here are four valuable lessons for building credit from someone who destroyed his own credit and built it back up again.
Read MoreIs the Lowe’s Credit Card Worth It?
Feb 18, 2019
The Lowe’s Advantage Card has a good everyday discount and unique financing options, but isn’t necessarily the best choice if you plan to carry a …
Read MoreInterest rate vs. APY vs. APR: What's the Difference?
Feb 18, 2019
The terms interest rate, APR, and APY are often used interchangeably, but have different meanings that are important to understand.
Read MoreThis 1 Tip Will Help You Become a Better Investor Right Now
Feb 18, 2019
Starting to invest? Consider making this move to help ensure you’ll meet your goals.
Read MoreSecured Credit Cards: What You Need to Know
Feb 15, 2019
A secured credit card can be an excellent tool to rebuild or establish credit, so here’s what you need to know before you get one.
Read MoreHow Much Money Do You Need to Start Buying Stocks?
Feb 14, 2019
You don’t need a lot of money to start buying stocks, but if you want to buy stocks the right way, there are a few …
Read MoreWhat Credit Score Do I Need for a Car Loan?
Feb 14, 2019
Here’s what you can expect from the car-buying process, based on your current FICO® Score.
Read MoreDon't Make These Mistakes When Applying for a Personal Loan
Feb 13, 2019
For the most part, personal loans are easy to understand and apply for. Just beware of these common missteps.
Read MoreHow to Set Up a Credit Fraud Alert in 3 Easy Steps
Feb 11, 2019
If you’re worried about identity theft and want to be proactive, a fraud alert can be a good idea.
Read More3 Reasons to Open an Online Savings Account
Feb 11, 2019
There are some good reasons why you should park your cash online. Find out why here.
Read More3 Reasons to Open a High-Yield Savings Account Immediately
Feb 11, 2019
A high-yield savings account is superior to a traditional branch-based savings account in several ways. Find out why here.
Read More3 Reasons Not to Get a Personal Loan in 2019
Feb 11, 2019
Personal loans aren’t for everyone. Here are three situations when taking out a personal loan probably isn’t the smartest decision.
Read More3 Surprising Things to Know About Retirement Plans
Feb 11, 2019
If you think your retirement funds are tied up until you’re older, or that you need to get your retirement contributions in by the end …
Read MoreWhy Your Credit Card APR Is Going Up and What to Do About It
Feb 8, 2019
Here’s how credit APRs change over time, and what it means to you if you have outstanding credit card debt.
Read MoreWhen to Start a College Fund for Your Child
Feb 8, 2019
There are several ways to save for college, so here’s what you need to know about the best ways to do it and when you …
Read More5 Reasons to Open a Roth IRA Right Now
Feb 7, 2019
There are several key advantages to investing for retirement in a Roth IRA in addition to the excellent tax benefits.
Read MoreWhere Can I Use My Discover Card?
Jan 22, 2019
Discover cards aren’t universally accepted like Visa and Mastercard cards, but they’re not that far off. Here’s what you can expect when you try to …
Read MoreBalance Transfer vs. Personal Loan: Which Should I Choose?
Jan 22, 2019
If you have high-interest debt, balance transfers and personal loans can help you get your debt under control. Find out which solution is best for …
Read More4 Things to Avoid as a New Investor
Jan 22, 2019
All investors make mistakes, but some can be particularly devastating. Here are four mistakes newer investors should avoid making at all costs.
Read MoreHere's Why the New Amazon Business Credit Cards Could Be a Game-Changer for Small Businesses
Jan 3, 2019
Amazon and American Express just announced new business credit cards with some pretty unique perks.
Read MoreThe UltraFICO™ Score Is Coming in 2019: Here’s What Consumers Need to Know
Dec 31, 2018
Promo: FICO is gearing up to roll out a new credit scoring model that could bring credit availability to more Americans.
Read MoreCash Back vs. Miles: How to Choose the Right Credit Card
Dec 28, 2018
There are advantages and disadvantages to both cash back rewards and miles -- here’s how to determine which is best for you.
Read More3 Credit Card Mistakes That Could Cost You a Fortune
Dec 24, 2018
You can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on credit card interest, fees and other charges by understanding how to use your cards properly.
Read MoreHow to Get Pre-Approved for a Personal Loan in 4 Steps
Dec 17, 2018
The personal loan process is rather quick and painless these days. Here’s what you need to know.
Read MoreChase Freedom® Travel Insurance: What You Need to Know
Dec 17, 2018
Depending on the specific version of the Chase Freedom® credit card you have, your travel benefits can be quite valuable.
Read More5 Reasons to Open an IRA Account Right Now
Dec 17, 2018
Here are the five most compelling benefits of investing in an IRA as soon as you possibly can.
Read MoreHow to Achieve a Perfect Credit Score
Dec 11, 2018
What do people with perfect or near-perfect credit do that you don’t? Find out now.
Read MoreWhen Should I Freeze My Credit?
Dec 10, 2018
A credit freeze can be a great way to prevent identity theft, but it isn’t necessary in all cases.
Read MoreYou'll Be Shocked by How Many FICO® Scores You Really Have
Dec 10, 2018
The FICO® Score isn’t the only credit-scoring method, but it is certainly the most common.
Read MoreOnline Savings vs. Traditional Savings: Which Should I Choose?
Dec 10, 2018
Both online and traditional savings accounts have benefits and drawbacks. Find out which one is right for you.
Read MoreThe Fastest Way to Raise Your Credit Score
Dec 10, 2018
If you have credit card debt, this move could boost your score by more than you think.
Read MoreOnline Brokerage Comparison: E*Trade vs. TD Ameritrade
Dec 4, 2018
While E*Trade and TD Ameritrade have a lot in common, there are some key differences investors should understand. This comparison of the two online brokerages …
Read MoreCharles Schwab vs. Merrill Edge: Comparing Top Online Brokerages
Dec 3, 2018
Charles Schwab and Merrill Edge are top online brokerages perfect for self-directed investors. Here's how they compare on commissions, trading platforms, and international investments.
Read More5 Signs It's Time to Refinance Your Mortgage
Dec 3, 2018
Refinancing doesn’t make sense for everyone, but here are five situations where it might.
Read More4 Questions to Determine Your Retirement Nest Egg
Dec 3, 2018
Do you know how much you'll need to save for a comfortable retirement? Here's a four-step process that can help you figure it out.
Read MoreHow to Improve Your Credit Score When Buying a Home
Dec 2, 2018
If you’re thinking about buying a home, here are five tips to boost your credit score and get the best interest rate possible.
Read More3 Reasons a Personal Loan Could Be Better Than Your Credit Card Debt
Dec 2, 2018
There are times when getting a personal loan will help you get a better interest rate and improve your credit score. Here's when a personal …
Read MoreLuxury Card Black Card vs. Amex Platinum Benefits: Closer but Not Quite
Nov 20, 2018
The 'new' Black Card from Luxury Card is certainly better than its predecessor, but there are still better values out there.
Read More3 Reasons Why That Store Credit Card Is a Good Idea
Nov 1, 2018
Promo: Store credit cards don’t always make sense, but they often have some key advantages over traditional credit card products.
Read MoreWhen Should You Open a Health Savings Account?
Oct 22, 2018
A health savings account or HSA is a great way to save money towards health costs on a tax-deferred basis. Learn about the benefits and …
Read MoreWhy Your Credit Score Matters When Applying for a Mortgage
Oct 22, 2018
Your credit score affects both your application approval and the mortgage interest rate you’ll end up paying.
Read MoreHow Your Credit Score Is Calculated
Sep 21, 2018
Ever wondered how your credit score is calculated? Find out what goes into your credit score (and what does NOT) in this article from The …
Read More8 Credit Score Myths You Should Stop Believing
Sep 21, 2018
There's a lot of misinformation out there about what does and does not impact your credit score. Make sure you know these 8 myths so …
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