Financial Guides & Strategies
Actionable advice to help you manage your money, build credit, and take control of your financial future.
How Much Should You Keep In Checking vs Savings?
Home » Banking & SavingsIf you are wondering exactly how much should you keep in checking vs savings, you are definitely not alone.Picture this: You…
How Much Does Credit Utilization Affect Credit Score?
Home » Credit & DebtIf you are wondering exactly how much does credit utilization affect credit score, you are not alone. You might feel like…
How Much Emergency Fund Do You Really Need?
Home » Banking & SavingsYou are driving home from a long day at work, mentally reviewing what you have in the fridge for dinner, when…
The 30% Credit Utilization Myth: What Actually Matters?
Home » Credit & DebtYou log into your banking app or Credit Karma, expecting to see a nice, steady number. You pay your bills on…
I Can Only Afford the Minimum Payments — Now What?
Home » Credit & DebtYou log into your banking app, and your stomach immediately drops. You see the total balance on your credit card, and…
Emergency Fund vs. Paying Off Debt: Which Should You Do First?
Home » Banking & SavingsIt is 2:00 AM on a Tuesday, and you are staring at the ceiling. In your checking account, you have exactly…
The Fastest Ways To Lower Credit Utilization (And Boost Your Score)
Home » Credit & DebtYou log into your banking app, feeling pretty good about yourself. You just made your credit card payment right on time,…
How Long Does It Really Take To Rebuild Bad Credit?
Home » Credit & DebtImagine this scenario: You finally found the perfect apartment. It has great natural light, it is close to your job, and…
What To Do If Medical Bills Are Destroying Your Budget
Home » Credit & DebtYou go to the mailbox, flip through a stack of grocery flyers, and there it is. The envelope from the hospital.…
Behind on Bills? Which Payments Should You Prioritize First?
Home » Credit & DebtIt is 2:00 AM, and you are staring at the ceiling. If you are behind on bills and doing that terrible,…
What Happens If You Miss a Mortgage Payment?
Home » Real EstateIf you are suddenly wondering what happens if you miss a mortgage payment, you are not alone. You wake up, look at…
How To Handle Debt Collectors Without Making Things Worse
Home » Credit & DebtIt usually starts with a phone call from an unknown number. You let it go to voicemail, assuming it is just…
I Lost My Job: A 30-Day Financial Survival Plan
Home » Banking & SavingsGetting fired, laid off, or suddenly let go feels like the floor just dropped completely out from under you. You log…
How to Build a Strong Credit Profile Without Paying a Dime in Interest
Home » Credit & DebtIf you want to learn how to build credit without interest, you have to stop listening to the myth about carrying…
Why Young Adults Keep Falling Into Credit Card Debt (Without Realizing It)
Home » Credit & Debt Quick Answer: Most young adults don’t fall into credit card debt by buying luxury cars or taking lavish vacations. It…
