Credit Card Security: Tips for Protecting Your Personal Information

February 21, 2023

With so many benefits of using a credit card — such as the opportunity to earn reward points or cash back — it’s natural to rely on it as often as possible. As long as you manage your account responsibly, it’ll work in your favor over the long run. However, you must consider the security risks associated with using a credit card. In short, there’s always a chance that someone could steal your personal information. If that happens, it’s critical
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Credit Card Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

February 15, 2023

When it comes to credit cards, the last thing you want to do is mistake a myth for a fact. Doing so can hinder your ability to responsibly use a credit card.  Here are five common credit card myths that you should be aware of: Myth #1: You need to carry a balance on your credit card to build credit Many people believe that they need to carry a balance on their credit card to build credit. However, this is
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The Pros and Cons of Balance Transfers: Is It Right for You?

February 10, 2023

Take everything you know about balance transfer credit cards and throw it out the window. Once you do that, you can start fresh. You can compare the pros and cons to ensure that you make the right decision for your finances. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons so that you have the knowledge needed to plan a path forward. Pros Lower interest rates: One of the main advantages of balance transfer credit cards is that they
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Are you in Market for a Cash Back Credit Card?

January 25, 2023

If you’re in the market for a new credit card, you may be considering one that offers cash back rewards. These cards are a popular choice because they provide a simple and straightforward way to earn money back on your spending. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at cash back rewards credit cards and offer some tips for choosing the right one for your needs. First, let’s define what a cash back rewards credit card is. Simply put,
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The Importance of Having an Emergency Fund

January 12, 2023

An emergency fund is a savings account set aside for unexpected expenses or emergencies that may arise. These funds can provide a safety net for individuals and families, helping them to weather unexpected financial storms. One of the main benefits of an emergency fund is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that you have a cushion of savings to fall back on can alleviate stress and anxiety in the face of unexpected expenses or emergencies. This can be particularly
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How to Improve Your Credit Score Through Responsible Credit Card Use

January 5, 2023

Having a good credit score is important for many aspects of your financial life, from getting approved for loans and credit cards to obtaining a low interest rate on a mortgage. One of the ways you can improve your credit score is through responsible credit card use.  Here are some tips on how to do that: Use credit cards responsibly: One of the biggest factors that affect your credit score is your payment history. To improve your score, it’s important
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How to Prepare Your Finances for a Pending Recession

December 25, 2022

There are many questions about whether or not the economy will fall into a recession in 2023. While there’s no definitive answer at this point, one thing is for sure: the economy is in a downturn Before we go any further, let’s talk about what a recession is.  A recession is a period of economic downturn that can have a significant impact on your personal finances. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a recession: Build an emergency
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Reasons to Use a Credit Card in 2023 (and Beyond)

December 15, 2022

The beginning of a new year is one of the best times to review your finances. This includes deciding for or against using a credit card.  Let’s get the biggest downside out of the way: the potential to overspend and find yourself racking up debt that you can’t manage. There’s no way around this. If you don’t feel that you can spend responsibly, do yourself a favor and stay away from credit cards for the time being.  Now, here are
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New Year, New Budget: Questions to Answer in 2023

November 22, 2022

With the new year closing in, now’s the time to review your budget over the past year. This allows you to determine what’s working, what’s not, and what types of changes you need to make in the months to come.  There’s a good chance that a budget review will lead you to make various changes. That’s why it’s so important to conduct a review before the new year arrives. Here are some of the questions you should set out to
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Credit Card Spending: Have You Answered These Questions?

November 15, 2022

A credit card is one of the most commonly used financial tools. There are many benefits, ranging from convenience to the ability to earn reward points. Conversely, there are some risks, such as overspending or using your credit card on items that you don’t really need. If you have any concerns about your credit card spending, now’s the time to take action. Waiting and hoping for the best is a risk you don’t want to take. It puts your entire
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How to Manage Credit Card Spending During the Holidays

October 30, 2022

There’s a lot to spend money on during the holiday season. From gifts to holiday meals to travel, it’ll seem like there’s no end to the spending. Unfortunately, when the holidays are in the past, your credit card statement will show you the true damage of your spending. If you want to avoid the shock of a large credit card bill this upcoming January, it’s important to implement a plan to manage your spending during the holidays. It’s the steps
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Can You Trim These Expenses From Your Monthly Budget?

September 25, 2022

On a high level, it’s easy to look at your monthly budget and assume that there’s nothing you can trim. Your first thought is that every expense is legitimate. And while you may be right, there’s a greater chance that you’re wrong. Here are five expenses that you may be able to trim from your monthly budget. Even saving a few dollars in each category is worthwhile. It all adds up in the end. 1. Entertainment How much money do
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Call Your Credit Card Company to Ask These Questions

September 10, 2022

Maybe you’re satisfied with your credit card company. Maybe you feel like it’s time to make a change. Or perhaps you simply want to learn more about your card and what it has to offer. No matter your situation, it makes good sense to get on the phone with a representative to clear the air. Here are some of the most common questions to ask your credit card company: 1. Do I qualify for a higher credit limit? This may
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What are the Benefits of Using a Debit Card?

August 20, 2022

It doesn’t matter if you have access to a credit card or not, it’s important to understand the benefits of using a debit card. You may come to realize that relying on this form of payment is the way to go in the future.  So, what are the benefits of using a debit card? Keep reading to find out. 1. No late fees With a credit card, you’ll always have a minimum payment due on a specific day of the
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Have You Created Your 2022 Holiday Gift Budget?

August 10, 2022

While the holiday season is still a few months away, it’s never too soon to create your gift budget. With this, you’ll have a clear idea of what you can afford to spend on every person on your list. But without it, you could find yourself overspending — and that’s sure to throw your finances into disarray as the year comes to an end. Here are five questions to answer if you’re in the process of creating your holiday gift
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Should You Keep Cash at Home?

July 30, 2022

The idea of keeping cash at home sounds like a good one, but you must be careful. Too much cash on hand is never a good idea as there are risks such as theft, fire damage, and flood damage — and that’s just the start. If you’re wondering how much cash to keep at home — or if this is a good idea at all — here are five questions to address: 1. Where will you keep the cash? This
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Where to Put Your Money as Inflation Surges

July 20, 2022

With inflation surging and uncertainty growing, it’s natural if you have questions and concerns about where to put your money. While there are many options available to you, some are better than others. Here are five ideas to consider in the days, weeks, and months to come. 1. Cash Should you save all your money as cash? Of course not. While there are benefits of stocking away money in a high-yield savings account, you don’t want to marry yourself to
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Did You Know You Can Request Credit Card Relief?

July 10, 2022

You don’t plan to run up a credit card balance that you can’t manage, but you never know what the future will bring. So, if you find yourself bogged down by credit card debt, you must implement a plan for digging your way out.  Your credit card issuer is under no obligation to provide relief, but most companies are willing to hear you out and look into ways to assist you. After all, they’d rather you pay back the money
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How to Improve Your Credit Score (Top 6 Tips)

July 5, 2022

In the United States, your credit score and report are major factors in determining your interest rate on auto loans and home loans. They also affect what type of loan product you can get. If the score’s too low, you may not be able to obtain a mortgage unless you apply for a “hard money loan” and are willing to pay high interest rates. If the score is less than 620, you may have to get an FHA loan with
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Credit Spotlight: Kikoff

June 30, 2022

Building credit doesn’t have to be difficult. It doesn’t have to be something that consumes your life and adds to your financial stress. With Kikoff, it’s easier than ever to take the steps needed to boost your credit score in a reasonable period of time. Start Here Kikoff addresses three key factors that determine 80 percent of your credit score: 1. Payment history  We report your monthly payments to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Every payment
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