While most people realize that their personal creditworthiness is tracked on something called a credit report, few know much about it or their scoring system.
While most people realize that their personal creditworthiness is tracked on something called a credit report, few know much about it or their scoring system.
Depending on which estimate you believe, Obama's proposed budget would raise the tax bill of a household with a yearly income of $50k - $75k between $63 and $100 per year. However, that's not all you should know.
Depending on which estimate you believe, Obama's proposed budget would raise the tax bill of a household with a yearly income of $50,000 to $75,000 between $63 and $100 per year. However, that's not all you should know.
Every year, identity thieves misuse the personal information of more than 11 million Americans. This makes identity theft one of the fastest-growing crimes in the country.
Every year, identity thieves misuse the personal information of more than 11 million Americans. This makes identity theft one of the fastest-growing crimes in the country.
The following Internet browser extensions have achieved popularity among consumers, thanks to a series of unique and practical benefits.
There is a widening range of online tools that have been designed to help save hard-earned cash. The following Internet browser extensions have achieved popularity among consumers, thanks to a series of unique and practical benefits.
An emergency fund will help see you through an unexpected and potentially costly life event, such as a health crisis, a job layoff or a major home repair.
An emergency fund will help see you through an unexpected and potentially costly life event, such as a health crisis, a job layoff or a major home repair.
How getting out of debt can cost you.
How getting out of debt can cost you.
Weigh the benefits and drawbacks before you settle.
Weigh the benefits and drawbacks before you settle.
The demand for credit counseling has risen over the last decade. Here are the risks and benefits.
The demand for credit counseling has risen over the last decade. Here are the risks and benefits.
The payoff might not be worth the risk
The payoff might not be worth the risk
7 strategies to freshen your financial situation
7 strategies to freshen your financial situation
With the number of credit cards in circulation exceeding the nation's population, card issuers have developed various ways of sweetening the deal.
With the number of credit cards in circulation exceeding the nation's population, card issuers have developed various ways of sweetening the deal.
Both online tax software and tax professionals have their own set of advantages, but which one is actually better for your bottom line?
Both online tax software and tax professionals have their own set of advantages, but which one is actually better for your bottom line?
Two of the most popular methods are nicknamed the "snowball" and the "avalanche" methods. To determine which path is best for you, check out these pros and cons.
Two of the most popular methods are nicknamed the "snowball" and the "avalanche" methods. To determine which path is best for you, check out these pros and cons.
In order to file as head of household, you must meet several requirements. Find out whether being head of household comes with any tax benefits.
In order to file as head of household, you must meet several requirements. Find out whether being head of household comes with any tax benefits.
Eight smart ways to spend that bonus paycheck
Eight smart ways to spend that bonus paycheck
One in five consumers found at least one potentially major error on their credit reports, according to a recent FTC study.
One in five consumers found at least one potentially major error on their credit reports, according to a recent FTC study.
It has been three years since the Federal Reserve's Credit CARD Act went into effect. In these three years, the act has had mostly positive impacts.
It has been three years since the Federal Reserve's Credit CARD Act went into effect. In these three years, the act has had mostly positive impacts.
Here, a list of eight money wasters offer a chance to keep more of your money in the bank.
Here, a list of eight money wasters offer a chance to keep more of your money in the bank.
If your income falls short, consider some creative ways to bring in some extra cash without adding too many hours to the work week.
If your income falls short, consider some creative ways to bring in some extra cash without adding too many hours to the work week.
If you are among those who want to focus on making financial gains this year, follow these suggestions to ensure that 2013 is a robust year.
If you are among those who want to focus on making financial gains this year, follow these suggestions to ensure that 2013 is a robust year.
It is time to face a sobering reality: Creditors want to collect on the charges you made while you were caught up in the holiday festivities.
It is time to face a sobering reality: Creditors want to collect on the charges you made while you were caught up in the holiday festivities.
What you should know before you buy.
What you should know before you buy.
Retailers may be excited about robust holiday sales, but consumers need to exercise restraint.
Retailers may be excited about robust holiday sales, but consumers need to exercise restraint.
`Tis the season... for spending. Before you head to the shopping malls or online stores, take a moment to make a budget for the holidays.
You've probably heard that it's a good idea to check your credit reports for errors once a year. But which errors are the ones that do the most damage to your credit score?
You've probably heard that it's a good idea to check your credit reports for errors once a year. But which errors are the ones that do the most damage to your credit score?
With some intention and careful management, you can sail through the holiday season and make it to 2012 without gaining too much (spending) weight.
The new rules exist to protect consumers who need help with unmanageable debts, but it is still important to understand what these rules mean when seeking debt relief help.
The new rules exist to protect consumers who need help with unmanageable debts, but it is still important to understand what these rules mean when seeking debt relief help.
5 steps to starting the New Year with a better financial plan.
5 steps to starting the New Year with a better financial plan.
Here's a look at five ways to maintain a healthy credit score.
Here's a look at five ways to maintain a healthy credit score.
Perhaps the only thing more difficult than watching someone you love struggle financially is having that person ask you for money.
Perhaps the only thing more difficult than watching someone you love struggle financially is having that person ask you for money.
America's richest communities have been cross-referenced with how much, or little, those who live there give to charity. If you're looking for donations, you may want to avoid New York.
America's richest communities have been cross-referenced with how much, or little, those who live there give to charity. If you're looking for donations, you may want to avoid New York.
Grocery bills are a big weekly household expense, so it's important to shop smartly. Follow these tips to keep your spending low while filling your grocery cart.
Grocery bills are a big weekly household expense, so it's important to shop smartly. Follow these tips to keep your spending low while filling your grocery cart.
Watch out for these common pitfalls as you use your credit card.
Watch out for these common pitfalls as you use your credit card.
The average cost of a public college education is $21,000 per year. Private schools can cost twice that. You want your children to have the best, but how to pay for it all?
The average cost of a public college education is $21,000 per year. Private schools can cost twice that. You want your children to have the best, but how to pay for it all?
Using a credit or debit card is certainly easier than carrying a wad of cash, but both carry some risks. Here is what you should be aware of.
Using a credit or debit card is certainly easier than carrying a wad of cash, but both carry some risks. Here is what you should be aware of.
It can cost $500 to get an elementary school student ready for class, and twice that for a high school student. Here are some ways to lower that number.
It can cost $500 to get an elementary school student ready for class, and twice that for a high school student. Here are some ways to lower that number.
Regardless of your reasons for wanting to close a credit card account, review these basic do's and don'ts before you take action.
Regardless of your reasons for wanting to close a credit card account, review these basic do's and don'ts before you take action.
Did you know that you may be able to negotiate certain changes to your account? Learn how to use your card holder power to your advantage.
Did you know that you may be able to negotiate certain changes to your account? Learn how to use your card holder power to your advantage.
With some foresight and a little planning, you can enjoy your break without worrying about breaking the bank. Here are some suggestions to get you started.
With some foresight and a little planning, you can enjoy your break without worrying about breaking the bank. Here are some suggestions to get you started.
If wedding bells are in your future, read on for more cost-saving tips guaranteed to give you a beautiful, memorable day without breaking the bank.
If wedding bells are in your future, read on for more cost-saving tips guaranteed to give you a beautiful, memorable day without breaking the bank.
A penny saved is a penny earned, so the saying goes, and in these challenging economic times, it pays to find creative ways to save as many pennies as you can.
A penny saved is a penny earned, so the saying goes, and in these challenging economic times, it pays to find creative ways to save as many pennies as you can.
Choosing the right size data plan will let you use your phone to its fullest, without overpaying for a plan you don't use or expensive overages.
Choosing the right size data plan will let you use your phone to its fullest, without overpaying for a plan you don't use or expensive overages. Here's how to size up your usage.
Making a balance transfer may save you money, but it also could hurt you in the long run. Here are six steps to take before switching credit cards.
Making a balance transfer may save you money, but it also could hurt you in the long run. Here are six steps to take before switching credit cards.
Figuring out finances can be confusing... but it doesn't have to be.
Figuring out finances can be confusing... but it doesn't have to be.
10 ways to help older adults manage their debt and credit card problems.
Before you embark on a new relationship, or if you are seeking to make your partnership stronger, consider these eight questions couples should ask about love and debt.
Here are steps to take for financial recovery after health problems, fire or natural disaster.
Not all coupons are real. Here are some tips on how to tell the difference between a fake and a genuine coupon.
The post-Thanksgiving shopping spree is over, making this the perfect time to take a deep breath and take a look at whether your pile of gifts is giving you a pile of holiday debt.
Warranties are often considered when purchasing gifts. When should you purchase warranties and for what?
Believe it or not, it is possible to host a wonderful, festive holiday celebration with minimal impact on your wallet. Here are some tips to add to the festivities without adding to your debt.
I have a product idea I would like to sell. I don't think I can come up with the money necessary to manufacture it. Do you have any ideas on how I can still make money from it?
When you are sitting at your kitchen table, looking at a big stack of bills and a paycheck that may not feel as big, how do you decide what to do?
Not every three digit area codes is within the U.S., and if you call the wrong country, the long distance charges can add up quick.
For the 15.3 million Americans who are self-employed in the U.S., many of whom lack a consistent income, budgeting becomes a greater challenge. Here's some help.
From groceries to entertainment to home projects, make this summer more budget-friendly.
Once you consider, and bust, the top myths of financial independence, you can truly be on the path to a much stronger financial picture.
Whether you focus on high-interest (avalanche) or low-balance (snowball) accounts, getting out of debt is what matters.
Take steps to keep personal information private to avoid fraudulent debt and credit problems
Gotten yourself out of credit card debt? How can you make sure it doesn't creep up again?
From cheaper gas and free car-rental insurance to bonus points for dining out, don't overlook the travel perks that come with many credit card rewards programs.
If you face temptation when doing holiday shopping, or at any time, try these suggestions for avoiding impulse purchases.
If you are one of those tightening their belts this holiday, following are some suggestions to help make the most of your holiday funds.
Words like "budget" and "money management" can sound intimidating, but it doesn't have to be that way. Setting up some simple systems will help you get your money organized.
A credit card balance transfer can sometimes be beneficial -- but it also can be dangerous. Before making a decision about balance transfers, consider these pros and cons.
From malls to online retailers, it's easy to make impulse purchases. The problem is that for many people, picking up one or two items all too quickly spirals into a pattern of excess.
Here are the most common types of credit cards and some information about who each type is best suited for.
A high credit rating makes it easier to obtain a mortgage, credit cards and auto loans, plus better interest rates. Here's what you can do to increase your credit score.
I wanted to cut back on credit card charges, but now I'm always at the ATM. How can I find a balance?
The CARD Act forced credit card lenders to make billing statements clearer. Here is an outline of the changes and what you need to know to pay off your credit card debt.
Every year, many Americans open a new credit card or make big purchases with "buy now, pay later" terms. The Credit CARD Act has made these terms easier to understand.
The facts are clear and startling. If you want to avoid serious debt hardship and find peace of mind, take time for -- and action on -- these seven steps.
If you are making purchases with cash (or even with a debit card), you are probably making a responsible decision. However, there are times when credit is better.
Quitting smoking, giving up drinking and losing weight could save you a small fortune on term life insurance.
