Mint.com is Closed: Here are the best alternatives.
Have you ever been turned down for a checking account? While denials are more common when applying for credit, you can also be declined when applying for a bank account. If you have been declined, it’s likely due to a reporting agency that many have never heard of, but who has a lot of information…
We often talk about the importance of saving an emergency fund. You’ve probably heard financial experts suggest building an emergency fund that is equal to three to six months’ worth of expenses. Have you ever thought about just how long it takes to save even one month of expenses? The formula to figure out just…
Recently I helped a family member get a copy of their credit report and credit score. One thing they found confusing was just what the difference was between the two. Contrary to what many believe, a credit report and a credit score are not one and the same. A credit report is just that, a…
Your car insurance provider frequently tells you to report even the most minor car accident. Contrary to these instructions, sometimes it’s best not to file an insurance claim. A few years ago, I was in a minor fender bender with another car. I admit it: the accident was definitely my fault. But the damage was…
I found an error today while checking my bank account online. Capital One processed a check for $215.00 but mistakenly recorded it as $215.20. Now I know the error was only twenty cents, but I always find it unnerving when my bank makes a mistake. And of course, sometimes banks make big mistakes. If your…
Welcome to our series on crushing your credit card debt. In this third of five articles, we look at how to supercharge your get out of debt program with the Debt Snowball. We’ll cut right to the chase: using the debt snowball method can save you thousands of dollars in interest payments. On top of that,…
Deals, coupons, promo codes, and cashback shopping sites have proliferated over the last several years. It’s now easier than ever to get cash back on virtually every online purchase you make. The problem is that we often forget to use the sites when shopping online. I learned this firsthand last week. Here’s what happened. As…
When it comes to saving money, I’m a big believer in doing whatever it takes. If having too much tax taken out of your check each week so you get a big refund helps you save, do it. You’ll lose interest on your money while Uncle Sam is holding on to it. But it’s better than blowing…
Have you ever tallied up what it costs to own a car? I don’t mean on a year-to-year basis, but the total cost of owning a car over a lifetime? According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) it costs $8,876 per year to own and operate an average car. Now if you add that up…