Credit Education

Traditionally, we’re told that it’s important to build credit, and that in order to do so, we need to get a credit card. But with no credit history, or with a poor credit history it’s usually difficult to get one. And if we can’t qualify for a regular unsecured card, then the only other options seem to be to apply for a secured card, or to become an authorized user on someone else’s account. But for some people who are strapped for cash, even the minimum deposit for a secured card – usually around $200 for most – can be difficult to meet. Or someone may not be willing to trust you to be an authorized user on their credit line. At that point, you may wonder what else you can do to build your credit. Luckily, there are other options out there that are not risky and don’t require a lot of cash up front. Read More

Do you feel overwhelmed by credit card debt?

Looking at a high interest rate and seeing how long it takes to tackle the principal can be disheartening. When faced with this difficulty, some consumers consider taking out a personal loan to pay off the debt.

While it can be a good move to use a personal loan to consolidate credit card debt, there are also downsides. Let’s take a look at how it works — and when it makes the most sense. Read More

Get 5% cash back!  

Earn 10,000 airline miles!

Credit card offers and promotions are everywhere. All those rewards are tempting and can get you thinking of ways to get the most out of your credit card.

With the high cost of college tuition, you might be wondering if you can use a credit card to pay for school and get rewards. But before handing over your card, you should know there are significant risks involved. Read More

If you’re in college, you’re probably already worrying about getting good grades, covering your living expenses, and repaying student loans when you graduate. So, worrying about your credit score might not be your biggest concern. But it should be.

The majority of those under 30 (67%) have a credit score under 680, and 38% have one under 621, according to research by ValuePenguin, but a credit score of 700 and up is considered good. Read More

Identity theft and credit card fraud are on the rise. Advisory firm Javelin Strategy & Research reported a 16 percent increase in the “identity fraud incidence rate” in 2016, the highest since the firm started tracking in 2003. The result? A massive $16 billion of losses during a single year. Read More