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In 2023, the U.S. national debt clock shows a staggering $33 trillion dollars. It's a number that's hard to fathom, and it continues to grow. For over two decades, the U.S. government has consistently spent more money than it collects in revenue. This fiscal strategy has resulted in an...

As the leaves fall and the nights grow longer, Halloween's approach reminds us of our love for all things spooky and eerie. While ghosts and goblins may send shivers down your spine, there's another aspect of life that can be equally terrifying – your finances. Just like facing monsters in the...

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it can also be a time when budgets are stretched thin. Many people associate budgeting with restriction, but it's possible to enjoy the holidays to the fullest while staying within your financial boundaries. In this guide, we'll share...

The holiday season is a time of joy and giving, but it can also put a strain on your wallet. With gifts, decorations, and holiday feasts to consider, staying within your budget can be challenging. However, there's a clever strategy that can help you save money on your holiday shopping while still...

When considering installment loans, you might have come across the term "ancillary products." These are additional offerings often provided alongside loans, each with specific advantages. In this blog, we'll delve into two common ancillary products: Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) and...

As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of gift-giving and festive shopping starts to fill the air. However, with the increasing popularity of 'Buy Now, Pay Later' (BNPL) options, it's essential to understand their implications before diving into your holiday shopping spree.

Understanding the ins and outs of loans can be daunting, but having the right information can make the decision-making process easier. In this article, we'll shed light on installment loans and how they can benefit you. At Sunset Finance, we strive to provide valuable resources and services to make...

Managing your budget effectively is crucial for financial stability. Understanding the differences between using cash and a debit card can significantly impact your spending habits. In this article, we'll explore the envelope method of budgeting with cash and discuss how it can help you stay on...

In times of financial difficulty, it's crucial to consider all available options before making hasty decisions that may have long-term consequences. At Sunset Finance, we understand the challenges life can throw your way, whether it's an unexpected car repair, holiday expenses, or simply trying to...

If you're heading to the mall this weekend for back-to-school shopping, you might want to wait until the first weekend in August. Every year, during the first weekend of August in South Carolina, shoppers can save some money on back-to-school purchases during the Sales Tax Holiday.

Spring has already sprung, and it's the perfect time to clean up your personal finances. Much like your home, your finances can accumulate clutter, so taking inventory and tidying up as needed is essential.

If you have a thin credit file or don’t have access to credit cards or loans, you might have difficulty building a good payment history. This could result in difficulties accessing other forms of credit, which can lead to a decline in your credit score. To help individuals rebuild their credit or...

When you start looking for solutions to your financial needs, all the different terms can be so confusing. When it comes to personal finance, understanding different types of loans can be overwhelming. With various terms and conditions, it can be hard to know which loan is right for you. For...

Technology has transformed various aspects of our lives, including tax preparation and filing. Many taxpayers have ditched the traditional paper filing method and opted for online filing due to its convenience and speed.

When it comes time to file your taxes, there are three ways to get the job done. No matter how you decide to file, there are certain things you should have ready ahead of time to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

Many taxpayers, like yourself, are faced with the decision of hiring a tax professional or doing their taxes themselves. Both options come with their advantages and disadvantages. Here is a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of hiring a tax professional vs. doing it yourself.

Are you tired of waiting for your tax refund? Do you want to get your money back as soon as possible? You're not alone. Many people dread tax season because of the long wait times for refunds. However, with a few simple steps, you can speed up your refund process and get your money in your hands...

Chances are, you know or have heard of someone recently who has fallen victim to a cyber scam. You may roll your eyes thinking, “That would never be me.”

Being prepared sooner for this year's taxes and your expected refund means you'll be better set up for the year and even next year's taxes. It may seem early to think about your potential tax refund, but anything you do now to make plan your personal finances and tax filing will help you get the...

A Tax Advance Loan uses the taxpayer’s anticipated tax refund as security against a loan for the same or a lesser amount of money.

There have been a lot of changes to the tax code, and you’ll see some differences in your 2022 taxes this year as a result.

Thanksgiving is a holiday that celebrates the bounty of the harvest season. It's also a great time to get together with friends, family, and colleagues and enjoy some delicious food (and good conversation). But in today's economy, it can be tough to come up with enough money not only for groceries...

Between planning parties, buying presents, and preparing holiday meals, it's hard to keep your budget in check during the holiday season. But there are ways you can save during this season without having to skip out on that turkey or ham dinner!

Budgeting takes the worry out of money management, and extending this great financial habit into the holidays is a smart move. In fact, there are many instances throughout the year when having planned ahead will benefit you. Here’s how to handle seasonal expenses in a way that keeps your financial...

Before you get caught up in the excitement and fun of the holidays, take some time to check in with your finances and make a few moves to get ready for the final months of the year and the most wonderful season. Below we walk through 5 smart moves you can make to prepare your finances for the...

You may not want to think about back-to-school time during your summer break but doing so could help keep your budget healthy and your mind more stress-free throughout the rest of the year. Back-to-school season can be overwhelming, especially when you have to make big purchases to get your kids...

For parents and kids, back-to-school time can be a lot of fun. It can also be expensive. The school supply list, shoes, new clothes, and school fees add up fast. This time of year may be hard on the family budget. A lot of parents end up feeling like it will take them months to recover...

As the temperatures rise, so does the desire to hit the road and explore new places. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of summer travel and forget about budgeting for your next vacation. However, planning ahead can help you enjoy your time away without breaking the bank.

Warm weather and the end of the school year are two great reasons to celebrate with some fun activities. Here are some tips to help you have the best possible summer vacation while sticking to your budget:

Going on a vacation while sticking to your budget may require some creativity, but lots of families do it. Taking time away from everyday routines is good for relationships. It’s also a healthy way to keep stress in check.

If your summer plans outpace your budget, you aren't alone. It's an expensive time of year for families. As we head into back-to-school time, you may be wondering how you'll find the extra money you'll need to finance your child's needs.

Prices are rising on all types of goods nationwide and squeezing Americans’ budgets. Inflation reached 7.9 percent for the 12-month period ending February 2022. The struggle is many people’s income is not matching that rate of inflation.

In recent years, the average tax refund was almost $3,400. According to a study conducted by J.P. Morgan Chase Institute, many people wait for their tax refund, so they can pay for medical expenses not covered by insurance. For example, close to one-third of people spent part of their tax refund at...

The Advance Child Tax Creditwas a provision of the American Rescue Plan of 2021.

There have been a lot of changes to the tax code, and you’ll see some differences in your 2021 taxes this year as a result.

Becoming the victim of an information breach is an experience no one wants to go through. Yet, even with the best prevention strategies and careful monitoring, this could happen to you.

Protecting yourself and your finances is challenging. As we move further away from using cash and checks to pay for things, keeping personal information private is harder.

Becoming the victim of identity theft is one of most people’s worst nightmares. Therefore, discovering this scam as soon as possible is essential to avoiding large financial losses and avoiding long-term impacts on your credit.

Fraudsters target children’s identities as an easy way to take out loans because the fraud often goes undetected for many years.

Many people don’t give much thought to protecting their identity until they’ve been a victim of a breach or ID theft. But there are little things you can do every day to prevent such events from happening.

The financial challenges of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic came out of nowhere for many people. It left a large part of the population unsure of their financial future. While you might not be someone who lost a job, suffered a demotion or pay cut in anyway, you still might be unsure of your...

Before the coronavirus pandemic began in early 2020, you could access your credit report once per year through Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. But, due to the economic challenges facing the nation, these bureaus are now allowing consumers to check their credit once per week until April 2022.

Building an emergency fund and budgeting are those to-do list items that too often get left for another day. That's because, without a financially pressing need, many don't want to face the stress and discipline of building out a budget and saving for an emergency fund.

In March, Congress passed the $2 trillion relief bill designed to offset the financial impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. The bill included stimulus checks for individuals and families. While this was great news for many Americans, scammers decided to take advantage of this opportunity to steal...

During the first weekend of August in South Carolina, shoppers can save some money on back-to-school purchases. This year, the tax-free weekend starts Aug. 7 and goes until Aug. 9.

Although experts have sounded warning bells for years, most of us were caught totally off guard at how quickly and radically the COVID-19 pandemic affected every aspect of our lives.

If the IRS doesn’t have your correct direct deposit information, it may delay your stimulus check. If you are waiting on your check by mail, it is also wise to ensure your correct mailing address is on file with the IRS.

Every day, it seems, the news gets scarier and scarier as the world weathers the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the wake of an uncertain climate, many are “panic buying” at grocery stores, leaving shelves bare while others can’t seem to sell off stocks fast enough, pushing the economy towards a...

What’s Happened Recently you may have witnessed how quickly your “normal” everyday life can change. From schools and churches going online, to restaurants and manufacturers limiting services or temporarily closing, everyone has been affected in some way.

When you are trying to build credit, it takes time for negative items to fall off your credit report. While you can get incorrect information that could affect your credit removed without waiting any specific amount of time, correct reports of late payments, multiple hard credit inquiries, and...

There have been a lot of changes to the tax code, and you’ll see some differences in your 2020 taxes this year as a result.

These time-tested and well-reviews apps make saving money easy

It's getting close to the holidays, which means that many people will start thinking about their New Year's Resolutions. If sticking to a budget has been challenging in the past, this may be a good time to get started, so you can be well on your way by the start of 2020.

Depending on your current financial and credit situation, a personal installment loan could help boost your credit score by adding diversity to your credit accounts and by creating a history of on-time payments.

Everyone has a list of things they wish they'd known when they were younger. For parents, it's crucial to teach kids about money so they have the tools they need to succeed as adults.

The Equifax data breach was big news in 2017. Now, Equifax is obligated to pay as much as $425 million to 147 million consumers who incurred costs as a result of the breach.

We are a bit more than half-way through 2019, and now is a great time to check in on your financial goals. Maybe you set some money-related New Year's resolutions, or you've been working toward a big milestone. Take some time to assess your progress and if you've lost sight of your goal, take...

Being financially literate means you know enough about money, including the importance of budgeting and how to effectively use credit, that you avoid many money mistakes.

Many Americans experienced a smaller-than-expected federal refund this tax season. If you are among them, there are a few things you should know about this year's tax season.

When you need money quickly, an installment loan is a good option. This helpful financial tool can give you set equal payments for specific term, allowing you to spread out an expenses for things such as property taxes, automobile repair, or vacation for example.

After making big changes to the tax code at the end of 2017, the government made another round of changes to tax brackets for 2020.

Deciding to limit debt and move toward healthy financial habits is a major step to becoming self-sufficient and reaching your goals.

For homeowners on a tight budget, a home warranty can offer peace of mind. A good policy limits unexpected expenses where your home’s crucial systems are concerned. Buying a home warranty could save you from having to tap your emergency fund to cover a broken freezer or malfunctioning air...

If you aren’t sure you’ll make the upcoming April 15 deadline to file your 2020 taxes, there’s an easy way for you to get an extension on the paperwork. This means you’ll have a few extra months to get your tax returns prepared, whether you do them yourself or hire a tax professional.

Without a renter’s insurance policy, you’ll be 100% responsible for replacing your personal possessions if they are damaged or destroyed. Only 37% of people who rent their residence have renter’s insurance, however.

While you may be familiar with your FICO score, a person’s credit score calculated by the Fair Isaac Corporation, or one of the major credit bureaus, you may not be aware there are several additional types of credit scores. Every American with a social security number or tax identification number...

There's no need to blow your budget on Valentine's Day this year. You can show your love and appreciation for your significant other while saving money.

You paid too much money to the government last year in taxes, have filed the appropriate paperwork, and are due a refund. At this point, you may be wondering how soon you’ll get your money back.

If you’ve had credit problems or challenges with your personal financial situation in the past, you may have considered hiring a credit counseling agency to help. According to the Urban Institute, 71 million Americans had at least one debt in collections in 2017. Overwhelmed, they may search for...

There have been a lot of changes to the tax code, and you’ll see some differences in your 2018 taxes this year as a result. For most people, the changes will be minor.

For many, the holiday season is an inspirational time when adopting new habits for the coming year is a top priority. This blog post is the second in our New Year’s Resolutions series. Here are five more ideas to help you reach your financial goals.

Several Americans make New Year’s Resolutions to help them achieve their goals. Many want to pay down credit cards, and some want to save more money in the coming year. Here are five attainable financial goals that will help you overhaul your personal finances.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a benefit for people who have incomes at or under certain levels. This tax credit reduces the total amount of taxes you owe and in many cases, if you qualify you’ll get a larger tax refund.

Most people are curious about when they will get their tax refund. For those who file and use the EITC for the 2020 tax year, they can expect to get their refund no earlier than the first week of March.

You’ll get some of the best deals of the year right after Christmas. While we are still focused on winter, retail stores are preparing for spring. They want to clear out their seasonal merchandise and you can take advantage of their need to make room for new stuff.

2018 taxes will look different than years past. The standard deduction doubles and personal exemptions are gone. If you think you may owe taxes, you still have a time to take advantage of opportunities to reduce that burden.

If you’ve ever...

If the word frugal brings up images of never again eating in a restaurant or going on vacation, it’s time for an update. Being frugal simply means you keep more of the money you make by not spending it on things that you don’t really care about.

If you need a bit of extra money, or are between full-time jobs, a side job is one way to reach your goal.

As the weather changes, your household energy bills may rise. When combined with regular rate increases from the power company, bigger electricity and gas bills could put a pinch on family finances.

After a recent study from the University of Cambridge, The Money Advice Service located in the United Kingdom says that kids’ money habits are formed by age seven.

Your budget is a gym for your money

With about 12 weeks left before Christmas, there’s still time to save for the upcoming holiday. For many people, this is a fun-filled but expensive time of year. Even if you didn’t set up a Christmas Club account at your bank or credit union, you still have time to set aside a bit of money from...

As of Friday, September 21, 2018, consumers can get credit freezes through all three major credit reporting bureaus at no charge.

In today’s society, there are multitudes of ways to access and pay for goods. From debit and credit cards, to pay services such as PayPal and Venmo, each type of payment method offers advantages and usually some disadvantages. One payment method which has many advantages is the good old greenback,...

Beyond keeping gas in your car, driving has costs that many people forget to account for. Unexpected auto expenses can wreck your budget if you don’t have an emergency fund in place.

Even the most organized and financial competent people experience unexpected medical bills that could disrupt their budget. A simple eye infection that requires immediate treatment could cost $100-$200 at a walk-in or minute clinic. If you have insurance, that cost could be as low as $20 for the...

For some families, elder care or child care expenses can come on quite suddenly and take more out of the family budget than the rent or mortgage payment. While everyone’s situation varies, the Child/Dependent tax credit offers some relief. It’s important to understand how this tax credit helps...

According to the IRS, a little over 70% of taxpayers received a refund in 2017. While many people enjoy the extra financial boost, the truth is that if you get a tax refund, it means you are overpaying the IRS throughout the year. A quick checkup could help you decide whether to file a new W-4 form...

Getting credit is about to get easier for people who may have previously struggled to get a mortgage because of their non-existent credit history.

Back-to-school time takes a toll on your budget if you aren’t prepared. Extra expenses add up and sticking to your plan can be difficult. You don’t have to do it alone, though. This is an ideal time to help your kids build budgeting skills. Here are a few ideas about how to use back-to-school time...

Even after the first back-to-school rush, many families continue to struggle with the costs associated with this time of year. Here are few budget-busting expenses that parents may forget to budget for:

Understanding your credit scores and how they can help you is important, and a little knowledge can go a long way. One area that many people don’t understand is what a soft credit inquiry and a hard credit inquiry are and how they differ.

Having fun on a budget in South Carolina South Carolina is a wonderful place to explore. Families on a budget will find plenty of fun and exciting things to do in the Palmetto State.

What exactly constitutes identity theft? A great definition can be found at InvestingAnswers: "Identity theft is the crime of using another person's personal information, credit history or other identifying characteristics in order to make purchases or borrow money without that person's...

Having fun on a budget in Georgia There are so many opportunities for budget-friendly family fun in Georgia that you’ll run out of summer days before you run out of things to do. Here are some of our favorites to try if you're in the Peach State:

Having an emergency fund in place, even if it’s small, makes life’s little surprises easier to handle. Building up that fund is a huge accomplishment, and worth the time and effort you’ll put into the project.

Building your credit is an important part of financial stability. Most people don’t know much about credit scores, though. It takes time and a great deal of patience to build great credit.

Having good credit can help you make the most of the money you have. You need a good credit score to qualify for a car loan, mortgage, and credit card. While you may still qualify with a lower score, you may more interest on the money you borrow.

You can build and sustain good credit with a personal loan or credit card by making every payment on time. Even if your score isn’t great right now, if you keep your balances manageable and keep up with payments, you’ll be well on your way to building a good FICO or credit score.

One often overlooked part of your credit score is the length of your credit history. Most people don’t understand that this is an important part of how FICO determines your credit score.

The total amount you owe across all accounts reported to the credit bureaus is the second most important aspect of your FICO credit score. This is also known as your credit utilization, or the amount of credit you are using vs. the amount of credit you have. Your total debt level determines 30% of...

Payment history tips Did you know that the most important thing you can do to keep your credit score in good shape is to pay your bills on time? Credit history accounts for 35% of your FICO credit score. Making just one payment more than 30 days late could result in a drop in your score and a...

What to do first When you have a good credit score you tend to qualify for better interest rates on loans. These can range from personal loans to mortgages. While there are financial products available for nearly any credit situation, good credit generally saves you money in the amount of fees and...

About 7% of households in American don’t have a bank account. That number is falling, but for many people, accessing basic financial services can be difficult. Steep fees, unfriendly service, and minimum balance requirements are just a few of the reasons some people choose not to use banks. Even...

If you feel like you haven’t saved enough for retirement, you aren’t alone. The Economic Policy Institute tracks how much Americans save for retirement, and their findings show that most people aren’t contributing enough to their nest egg to keep them from having to depend on Social Security for...

Spring to summer is a fun transition for most people. The warmer weather and bright sun make outdoor activities more appealing. If you look forward to all of the fun and excitement of summer, you probably also have some mixed feelings about how expensive this high activity season gets.

If you’ve had a tough time saving money in the past, you aren’t alone. Bankrate released a study in 2016 indicating that one in six households with annual income between $50,000 and $75,000 have no emergency savings. More than half of households with annual income below $30,000 have no savings....

When it comes to spending money, we all have a habit or two that probably aren’t working in our favor. Financially speaking, there are two ways to reach your money goals; spend less or make more. Ideally, you’ll achieve a combination of both.

For those that don’t think they’ll be able to complete and file their tax paperwork before Tuesday, April 17th deadline, there’s an IRS-approved way to get a free 6-month extension that only takes about five minutes.

Having money set aside to cover minor emergencies, funding your retirement, and knowing that if you lost your job you could still pay the bills for a few months offers the kind of peace-of-mind that makes saving money worth the effort.

Sticking to a budget presents a challenge for many people. For some, using budgeting software helps make the process of allocating income to categories easier. Having constant access to your budget, even when you are out and about, helps keep financial goals front and center.

There’s more to financial responsibility than having a budget. It’s a great place to start, but living within your means is a crucial money-management skill.

After Equifax’s huge data breach last year, 145 million consumers were at risk of identity theft. Equifax offered free credit freezes to people affected by the information hack until June 2018. Lawmakers say it’s not enough and consumers shouldn’t have to pay fees to lock down their personal...

Reading your credit report for the first time may be confusing. There’s a lot of information included about your loans, credit lines, and accounts. Checking your credit report from each of the three credit reporting bureaus each year and understanding the information is an important part of your...

According to the federal government’s Truth in Lending Act (TILA), APRs are defined “as the cost of credit expressed as a yearly interest rate.” The key word being “yearly.” APR accounts for the entire cost of the loan, including all fees and interest.

If you feel like you can’t break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, you aren’t alone. GOBankingRates issued a report during the fall of 2017 that says nearly 60% of American workers have less than $1,000 in a savings account. Only one in four has more than $10,000 in savings.

While a budget helps keep your spending in line and tells your money what to do, it should also work to give you a life you enjoy. Keeping up with bills and saving for seasonal expenses and emergencies creates a stable and productive financial future.

Installment Loans Work "For millions of American families, living paycheck to paycheck is nothing new, and accessing credit or bank loans isn’t a real option. This means that when it comes to borrowing money, many consumers have limited choices. This problem is exacerbated as lenders face increased...

Credit scores can be a bit mysterious. Here are a few of the most common misunderstandings about credit scores:

If you are already making on-time payments on your loans and credit cards, you are on your way to a better credit score. In fact, you may see your scores rise a bit each month as you establish a good payment history. If you are rebuilding credit, or are ready to take your credit score to the next...

After the personal information of 145.5 million people was exposed to hackers during the Equifax security breach last year, the company offered to waive the normal fees to freeze credit reports for individuals if they received a request to do so before January 31, 2018.

Major life changes can be intimidating in a lot of ways. Here are few life events that may change how you file taxes, how much money you have withheld from paychecks, and how much money you can expect to receive in your refund.

One way to keep your finances organized while sticking to your budget is to automate payments and deposits. Automating finances works especially well for people who have a predictable income, or have bills which are consistently the same each month.

Did you know you can save money on fees, build a good credit history, and reduce the amount of stress you feel about your finances just by taking a few small steps toward better organization?

To answer this question we need to review the definition of credit and why we use credit. Credit is the agreement to pay for something in the future which you have already received. Two types include revolving credit, credit cards for example, and installment credit, car notes and personal...

Your tax bracket, determined by the taxable amount of money you made in 2017, tells you the percentage of your income you’ll pay to the United States government in federal taxes. It may also help you determine how much of a tax bill or tax return you can expect after you file your 2017 taxes. While...

While the changes to the current tax laws are for the years 2018 through 2025 only, they will affect how much of your income you’ll keep throughout the next eight years.

It’s almost that time of year, when many Americans begin looking forward to their tax returns. Now is the perfect time to think about what to do with all that extra cash. Planning will help you make smart choices and set you up for a financially successful and fun 2018.

There are some major differences between revolving credit lines and installment credit lines that influence how fast you can pay off the debt. Here’s what you need to know about each of these options:

There are a lot of great sales and deals in stores after the Christmas holiday. Many people wait to purchase big-ticket items until January hoping they’ll save some money on things they need.

Christmas is weeks away, but for many people, their carefully planned budget is already a thing of the past. It’s no secret that sticking close to a holiday budget can be difficult. The most important part of getting your budget back on track is realizing that you aren’t alone.

With a lower taxable income, you'll pay fewer taxes. The IRS allows for standard deductions that reduce taxable income. These fixed amounts change depending on your filing status.

As 2018 approaches many people are eagerly awaiting there W2’s so they can file their taxes. But exactly when does the IRS allow you to do so? As of November 27, 2017, we don’t know for sure. One reason is that Congress could still pass legislation in 2017 related to taxes, which may affect the...

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when you do your taxes is your filing status. There are five options, but in some cases, you’ll qualify for more than one. You’ll need to determine which filing status will best suit you.

Inconsistency and infrequency are the biggest enemies of any savings plan. Even if you have a bit of extra money in your monthly budget, it can be easier to spend it on small things than to go through the effort of moving it into your savings account.

Understanding how credit works and what it can do for you are important parts of your financial success. Many people find themselves in a situation where they want to improve their credit standing. Below are some tips on where to start if you need to rebuild credit or repair credit.

Recently Equifax revealed that 143 million consumers had their personal information exposed in a data breach from May to June 2017. That represents 44% of the American population.

Many parents find 529 plans intimidating because it’s so hard to predict where a child may attend college, what they’ll decide to study, and how much it will cost.

Expenses that you don’t normally put into a monthly budget can creep up and cause problems with your regular financial routines. They aren’t really emergencies, but meeting these obligations is an important part of life, so coming up with extra money in a hurry can feel like an urgent need.

One of the most expensive times of year for many people is the winter holiday season. Gifts, hosting parties, large family gatherings, and travel expenses don’t have to cause problems with your budget, though.

How do a savings account and a retirement account differ? A savings account helps to insulate you from financial emergencies or unexpected expenses. A retirement account consists of money you are putting away for the specific purpose of retiring.

Maintaining a working budget is key to your financial well-being. One way to stick to your predetermined spending goals is to use the “envelope method.” This simple but effective way to monitor spending is a great way to make your budget work for you.

If you’ve ever taken out a personal loan, you may know there are insurances, some of which are required, on the loan. These payment protection plans are designed to safeguard both the lender and borrower. The insurances available may vary from state to state. Below is a brief description of some of...

In 2003 the provisions of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) brought about an amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA.) This entitles you to one free credit report every 12 months from each of the credit bureaus; Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. It was put in place to...

Your budget is a tool that you design to help you get the most out of the money you have. Since you are in charge, the money making decisions are up to you. Here are some tips that will help you succeed on a budget.

Creating a spending plan is a smart way to give your money direction. The choices you make about where and when to spend your money affect nearly every aspect of your life. Fortunately, basic money management is a skill that’s easy to learn and will allow you to stick to a budget.

It’s not difficult to make a budget (and stick to a budget) if you have a game plan. Getting your money organized will allow you to get the most out of your current income. It will help you avoid account draining late fees and overdraft fees, as well.

When faced with financial needs that the monthly budget can’t cover, using credit cards, tapping into a 401(k) balance, borrowing from family or friends, and accessing a home equity line of credit are all popular choices. There are consequences associated with each of these options for unexpected...

For many people, sitting down once a month to make a budget isn't an effective way to manage their household finances. Unexpected expenses, little emergencies, impulse purchases, and even back to school expenses don't always fit neatly into a strict budget. Having a budget that works well for you...

What do you do when you have a financial emergency? If you’ve budgeted for one, you may be able to tap into your emergency fund. If not, you have to find another means. This could mean borrowing the money from friends or family, or taking out a personal loan. Read on for ideas on how to pay for...

Budgeting has gotten a bad rap. It’s not about reusing paper towels and stockpiling money under the mattress, and it’s definitely not about skipping fun. Budgeting is about telling your money where to go so you won’t wonder where it all went. But how do you do build a budget? And how do you stick...

We all know that credit is important, and that having a solid credit history can grant you access to things you would not otherwise have. For example, if you want to purchase a vehicle or house in the future, chances are you will need to have established credit prior to doing so. But how do you get...

Now that you’re familiar with what credit is, how credit reports are created, and where credit scores come from, you might wonder: "Why do I need credit? Can’t I just pay cash for everything and forget all this?"

When you start managing your finances, you learn pretty quickly that credit is important – but exactly what is credit?