The 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.

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5 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.

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What 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.

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How 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.

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14 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.

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Ask 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.

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Does Maxing Out a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?

Jul 28, 2019

Taking your credit card to its limit could hurt your credit score. Here’s how to minimize the damage.

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8 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.

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5 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.

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What 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.

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How 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.

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27 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.

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Here 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.

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Can 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 …

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5 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.

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Will 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 …

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If I Pay Off a Credit Card, Will My Credit Score Go Up?

Jul 20, 2019

Looking forward to a big impact from paying down your credit card debt? Here’s what might happen and why.

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12 Ways to Increase Your Credit Score

Jul 19, 2019

Is your credit score not quite where you want it to be? Read on to discover how you could maximize it.

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How 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.

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Your 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.

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What Is the Difference Between a Personal Loan and a Personal Line of Credit?

Jul 15, 2019

Personal loans and personal lines of credit are two very different types of debt, so make sure you understand the differences.

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Checking Account Fees and How to Avoid Them

Jul 15, 2019

Read on to find out if you’re paying unnecessary checking account fees, and how you can avoid paying them going forward.

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7 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 …

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How 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.

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19 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 …

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Student 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.

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The 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.

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Need 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.

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The 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.

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PLUS 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.

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How 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.

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Your 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 …

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The 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 …

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My Favorite Credit Card Rewards

Jun 20, 2019

What credit card rewards could you not live without? Here's what our contributors had to say.

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Should 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 …

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Discover 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.

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Can 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.

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10 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 …

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3 Steps to Getting the Best Auto Loan Available

Jun 3, 2019

You can save just as much money by getting the right auto loan as you can by negotiating the price of the car.

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Are 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.

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How 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.

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3 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.

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Your 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 …

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Is 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.

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Federal 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.

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Teacher 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.

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Ask 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.

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What 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.

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Your 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.

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The 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.

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Should 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.

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Is 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.

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How 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.

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5 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 …

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Can Personal Loans Be Used for School?

Apr 22, 2019

Personal loans can be used to pay for school, but they are generally not the smartest option.

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Does 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.

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How 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 …

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How 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 …

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FAFSA 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.

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Credit 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.

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Do Savings Accounts Have Routing Numbers?

Apr 18, 2019

Here’s what a routing number is and why all savings accounts have them.

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A 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.

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5 Common Credit Card Scams to Watch Out For

Apr 16, 2019

Despite the adoption of chip-based credit cards, there are still some scams that are quite common.

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Independent 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.

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5 Tax Mistakes I See Too Often as a Certified Financial Planner

Apr 15, 2019

Here are some common tax mistakes that are easily avoidable.

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Stop 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.

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3 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.

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Is the Apple Credit Card Worth It?

Mar 26, 2019

We finally have some details behind Apple’s new credit card, so here’s what you need to know.

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Should 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.

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7 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.

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Is the Sam’s Club Credit Card Worth It?

Mar 18, 2019

The Sam’s Club credit card has a few interesting perks, but many consumers can find more value elsewhere.

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Your 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.

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What Is APY and What Does It Mean for Your Savings Account?

Mar 18, 2019

Banks commonly use APY to describe the interest paid by savings accounts, so here’s what it means.

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What Is APR and What Does It Mean for Your Credit Cards?

Mar 13, 2019

Credit card issuers typically express their interest rates in terms of APR, or annual percentage rate, so it’s important to know what it means.

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Here’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.

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Investing and Taxes: What Beginners Need to Know

Mar 11, 2019

Are you a new investor and curious how your tax bill could be affected? Here’s what you should know before you buy your first stock, …

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Brokerage Account vs. IRA: What's the Right Move?

Mar 11, 2019

A quick guide to the pros and cons of taxable brokerage accounts and individual retirement accounts, or IRAs.

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3 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 …

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Are 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 …

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Should You Take Out a Personal Loan to Pay for Home Repairs?

Mar 4, 2019

A personal loan can be a smart choice for home repairs, but there are some alternatives that you should consider as well.

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Why 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.

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3 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.

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4 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.

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Is 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 …

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Interest 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.

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How Your Debts Affect Your Credit Score

Feb 18, 2019

Your debts make up a big portion of your credit score, but the way it works is more complicated than you might think.

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This 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.

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Secured 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.

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How 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 …

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What 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.

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Don'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.

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What Credit Score Do I Need for a Home Loan?

Feb 13, 2019

Here’s an overview of the minimum credit score requirements for a home loan, and why you should try to build your score significantly higher than …

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What Is Day Trading and Should You Do It?

Feb 12, 2019

Here’s why new investors should forget about day trading and just focus on the long term.

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How 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.

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3 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.

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3 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.

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3 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.

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3 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 …

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Why 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.

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When 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 …

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What to Know About Unsecured Personal Loans

Feb 8, 2019

There is a lot that Americans don’t understand about unsecured personal loans, so here’s a quick guide for beginners.

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5 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.

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A Complete Guide to Discover Credit Card Benefits

Jan 23, 2019

Great benefits are one of Discover’s big advantages -- here’s your guide to the benefits that come with your Discover credit card.

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Where 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 …

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Balance 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 …

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4 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.

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How Does a Certificate of Deposit (CD) Work?

Jan 21, 2019

A CD can help you get a higher yield from your cash than you can get from a savings account. If you want to put …

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Money Market vs. CD Accounts: How to Choose

Jan 21, 2019

If you have cash, money market accounts and CDs can help you put it to work in a safe manner. However, there are some important …

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Here’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.

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The 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.

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Mortgage Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification: What's the Difference?

Dec 31, 2018

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but have very different meanings.

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The Average American’s Credit Score Has Never Been Higher

Dec 31, 2018

The average FICO credit score is at an all-time high. Here’s where the average consumer stands, and why you should strive to be well above …

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Cash 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.

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3 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.

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How 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.

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Chase 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.

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5 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.

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How 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.

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How the Federal Reserve Affects the Interest Rates You Pay

Dec 10, 2018

Some consumer interest rates depend on the Federal Reserve’s actions, but not all of them do. Here’s a guide to help you know what to …

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When 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.

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You'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.

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Online 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.

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The 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.

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How Does a Savings Account Work?

Dec 10, 2018

Learn the ins and outs to decide if a savings account is the right account type for you.

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Online 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 …

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Online Brokerage Comparison: E*Trade vs. Fidelity

Dec 4, 2018

If you’re considering E*Trade and Fidelity for your next brokerage account, here’s a rundown of each brokerage’s advantages.

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10 Expenses of Home Ownership You Need to Know

Dec 3, 2018

Your mortgage payment isn’t the only expense you need to budget for. Here are some of the expenses you might face if you become a …

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5 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.

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4 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.

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How 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.

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3 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 …

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Luxury 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.

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3 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.

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When Should You Open a Health Savings Account?

Oct 22, 2018

If you qualify, an HSA could be a great place to save money.

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Why 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.

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What Does My Credit Score Start At?

Sep 21, 2018

Where does your credit score start at? It's a bit of a trick question. Find out how creditors determine your credit score in this article …

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Is It Bad to Close a Credit Card?

Sep 21, 2018

Is it bad to cancel a credit card? Odds are you've heard mixed responses to that question. Find out what you should do in this …

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How 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 …

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8 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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