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Sunset Finance Blog listing page

3 Simple Ways to File Your Taxes

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
March 20, 2023
  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.
Details

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Tax Professional vs. Doing It Yourself

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
March 6, 2023
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.
Details

How to Get Your Tax Refund Faster: Tips to Speed Up the Process

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
February 27, 2023
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...
Details

Protecting Your Personal Finances From Cybersecurity Threats and Scams

Identity & Credit Protection
By Sunset Finance
February 13, 2023
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.” 
Details

Get Ready for This Year's Tax Refund

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
February 7, 2023
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...
Details

What is a Tax Advance Loan?

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
January 17, 2023
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.
Details

What You Need to Know About Filing 2022 Taxes

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
December 12, 2022
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.
Details

How Much To Budget For Thanksgiving Dinner?

Budgeting, Holidays
By Sunset Finance
November 14, 2022
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...
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Ways to Save During the Holidays

Holidays
By Sunset Finance
November 1, 2022
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!
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How to Handle Seasonal Expenses

Budgeting, Holidays
By Sunset Finance
October 26, 2022
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...
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5 Moves to Get Your Finances Ready for the Holidays

Budgeting, Personal Finances, Holidays
By Sunset Finance
September 21, 2022
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...
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7 Budget-Saving Tips for Back to School Shopping

Back To School, Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
August 5, 2022
  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...
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How to Manage Back-to-School Costs

Back To School, Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
August 1, 2022
  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...
Details

South Carolina Tax-Free Weekend Gives Back-To-School Shoppers a Break

Back To School, Taxes, Savings
By Sunset Finance
July 18, 2022
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.
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3 Of The Best Blogs For Budget-Friendly Summer Vacation Tips

Budgeting, Vacation Expenses
By Sunset Finance
June 21, 2022
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.
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Budget-Friendly Vacations in Georgia and South Carolina

Budgeting, Vacation Expenses
By Sunset Finance
June 14, 2022
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:
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How to Vacation Without Blowing the Budget

Budgeting, Vacation Expenses
By Sunset Finance
June 3, 2022
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.
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Doing Summer on a Budget

Budgeting, Vacation Expenses
By Sunset Finance
May 20, 2022
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.
Details

How To Adjust Your Budget For Rising Prices

Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
April 28, 2022
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.
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Smart Ways to Use Your Tax Refund

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
April 21, 2022
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...
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What is the Advance Child Tax Credit?

Dependent Expenses, Taxes
By Sunset Finance
February 23, 2022
The Advance Child Tax Credit was a provision of the American Rescue Plan of 2021.
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What You Need to Know About Filing 2021 Taxes

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
February 8, 2022
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.
Details

What to do after your information has been breached

Identity & Credit Protection
By Sunset Finance
May 25, 2021
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.
Details

Fraud alerts, freezes, id theft protection and other services

Identity & Credit Protection
By Sunset Finance
May 18, 2021
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.
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How to find out if you are a victim of Identity Theft and what to do next

Identity & Credit Protection
By Sunset Finance
May 11, 2021
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.
Details

Protecting your child's ID (when to start and best practices)

Identity & Credit Protection
By Sunset Finance
May 4, 2021
Fraudsters target children’s identities as an easy way to take out loans because the fraud often goes undetected for many years.
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Things you can do everyday to help protect your identity

Identity & Credit Protection
By Sunset Finance
April 27, 2021
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.
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Saving or Spending in Uncertain Times

Budgeting, Personal Finances, Savings
By Sunset Finance
January 4, 2021
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...
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Check Your Credit Every Week Through April 2022

Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
October 12, 2020
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.
Details

COVID-19 and Personal Finances

Budgeting, Personal Finances
By Sunset Finance
October 2, 2020
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.
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What to Look Out for with Stimulus Check Fraud

Personal Finances
By Sunset Finance
September 11, 2020
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...
Details

South Carolina’s Tax-Free Weekend Gives Back-to-School Shoppers a Break

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
August 3, 2020
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.
Details

Tips for Being Prepared During a Pandemic

By Sunset Finance
May 19, 2020
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.
Details

How to Track Your Stimulus Check

By Sunset Finance
April 17, 2020
  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.
Details

How Will the Pandemic Affect Tax Filers in the U.S.?

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
March 27, 2020
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...
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Laid-Off Loans for Temporarily Unemployed

By Sunset Finance
March 25, 2020
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.
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How Long Do Negative Items Stay On Your Credit Report?

Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
March 9, 2020
  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...
Details

What You Need to Know About Filing 2020 Taxes

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
January 3, 2020
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.
Details

Best Savings Apps

Budgeting, Savings
By Sunset Finance
December 27, 2019
These time-tested and well-reviews apps make saving money easy
Details

Best Budgeting Apps

Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
December 19, 2019
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. 
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Can a Personal Installment Loan Help My Credit?

Credit & Credit Score, Personal Finances, Debt Management
By Sunset Finance
October 9, 2019
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.
Details

Financial Literacy - Teaching Kids Financial Skills

Budgeting, Dependent Expenses, Personal Finances
By Sunset Finance
September 12, 2019
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.  
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Equifax Reaches Settlement in Data Breach: Here's How to Make a Claim

Identity & Credit Protection
By Sunset Finance
August 23, 2019
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.
Details

How to Get Back On Track with Financial Goals Mid-Year

Budgeting, Personal Finances
By Sunset Finance
August 20, 2019
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...
Details

What is Financial Literacy and Why is it so Important?

Budgeting, Personal Finances
By Sunset Finance
July 26, 2019
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.
Details

Tax Steps You Should Take Now-Adjust W-4 Withholdings

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
May 17, 2019
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.
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Common Uses for Personal Installment Loans

Personal Finances, Personal Loans
By Sunset Finance
May 14, 2019
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.
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How Does Experian Boost Work?

Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
April 25, 2019
If you don’t have a lot of access to credit or do not have enough credit card or loan accounts to build a good payment history, your thin credit file could keep you from accessing other forms of credit.
Details

Tax Bracket Changes Coming in 2020

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
April 19, 2019
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.
Details

Personal Finance Tips

Budgeting, Personal Finances, Debt Management
By Sunset Finance
March 28, 2019
Deciding to limit debt and move toward healthy financial habits is a major step to becoming self-sufficient and reaching your goals.
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Why You May or May Not Want a Home Warranty

Unexpected Expenses
By Sunset Finance
March 12, 2019
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...
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How to File an Extension with the IRS for your 2020 Taxes

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
March 6, 2019
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.
Details

All About Renter’s Insurance

Unexpected Expenses
By Sunset Finance
February 19, 2019
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.
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Different Types of Scores Help Expand Access to Credit

Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
February 12, 2019
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...
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Valentine’s Day on a Budget

Budgeting, Holidays
By Sunset Finance
February 8, 2019
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.
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How to Track Your Tax Refund

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
January 25, 2019
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.
Details

Is Credit Counseling Worth It?

Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
January 18, 2019
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...
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What You Need to Know About Filing 2018 Taxes

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
January 11, 2019
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.
Details

5 More Financial New Year’s Resolutions

Budgeting, Unexpected Expenses, Holidays
By Sunset Finance
January 4, 2019
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.
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5 Financial New Year’s Resolutions

Credit & Credit Score, Personal Finances, Holidays
By Sunset Finance
January 3, 2019
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.
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What is Earned Income Tax Credit? Do I Qualify?

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
January 3, 2019
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.
Details

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Refund Dates

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
January 3, 2019
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.
Details

5 Tips to Take Advantage of After Christmas Sales

Holidays
By Sunset Finance
December 18, 2018
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.
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Save Money on Your 2018 Taxes

Budgeting, Taxes
By Sunset Finance
December 11, 2018
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.
Details

What Is a Live Check?

Personal Loans
By Sunset Finance
November 20, 2018
  If you’ve ever...
Details

Tips for Sticking to your Holiday Budget

Budgeting, Holidays
By Sunset Finance
November 14, 2018
holidayFor many people, the words “budget” and “fun” don’t go together. There are some simple ways to help you stay on track with your holiday spending without sacrificing the joy of the season, though.
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Tips to Save Money

Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
October 30, 2018
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.
Details

Tips to Supplement Your Income

Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
October 26, 2018
If you need a bit of extra money, or are between full-time jobs, a side job is one way to reach your goal.
Details

Tips to Reduce Your Power Bill

Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
October 16, 2018
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.
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Tips to Teach Kids the Value of Money

Budgeting, Dependent Expenses
By Sunset Finance
October 12, 2018
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.
Details

What is Financial Fitness and Why is it Important?

Budgeting, Personal Finances
By Sunset Finance
October 9, 2018
Your budget is a gym for your money
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How A Christmas Club Savings Account Can Help You Budget for the Holidays

Budgeting, Holidays
By Sunset Finance
October 2, 2018
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...
Details

You Can Now Get Free Credit Freezes from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion

Identity & Credit Protection, Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
September 25, 2018
As of Friday, September 21, 2018, consumers can get credit freezes through all three major credit reporting bureaus at no charge.
Details

What are some advantages to using cash for purchases?

Identity & Credit Protection, Budgeting, Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
September 18, 2018
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,...
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Overlooked Auto Expenses

Unexpected Expenses
By Sunset Finance
September 11, 2018
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.
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Prepare for Unexpected Medical and Dental Bills

Budgeting, Unexpected Expenses, Personal Loans
By Sunset Finance
September 7, 2018
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...
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Unexpected Expenses: Child Care and Elder Care Costs

Budgeting, Unexpected Expenses, Dependent Expenses, Taxes
By Sunset Finance
August 31, 2018
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...
Details

Recent IRS Tax Changes and Your Paycheck Withholdings

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
August 28, 2018
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...
Details

Credit Access Set to Expand

Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
August 3, 2018
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.
Details

Back-to-School Budgeting is a Teaching Moment for Kids

Back To School, Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
July 27, 2018
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...
Details

Don’t Overlook These Back-to-School Expenses

Back To School, Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
July 20, 2018
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:
Details

What Are the Effects of Pulling My Credit?

Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
July 11, 2018
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.
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Common Types of Personal Loans

Credit & Credit Score, Personal Loans
By Sunset Finance
June 29, 2018
When you start looking for solutions to your financial needs, all the different terms can be so confusing. For people who haven’t had much experience managing their finances it can be a lot to take in – we’ve all been there!
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Affordable Vacation Ideas in South Carolina

Budgeting, Vacation Expenses
By Sunset Finance
June 28, 2018
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.
Details

What are Ancillary Products?

Personal Loans
By Sunset Finance
June 26, 2018
If you’ve ever taken out an installment loan, you may be familiar with some of the optional products that are offered alongside them. These additional products are commonly called ancillary products, and each offer specific benefits.
Details

Identity Theft Protection

Identity & Credit Protection
By Sunset Finance
June 22, 2018
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...
Details

Affordable Vacation Ideas in Georgia

Budgeting, Vacation Expenses
By Sunset Finance
June 21, 2018
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:
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Tips to Build an Emergency Fund

Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
June 19, 2018
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.
Details

How To Jump Start Your Credit

Credit & Credit Score, Personal Loans
By Sunset Finance
June 15, 2018
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.
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How Credit Can Help You

Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
June 12, 2018
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.
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Helpful Hints for Maintaining Your Credit Score - Boost your Credit Score with a Good Mix of Credit

Credit & Credit Score, Personal Loans
By Sunset Finance
June 1, 2018
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.
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Helpful Hints for Maintaining Your Credit Score - How Length of Credit History Affects Your FICO/Credit Score

Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
May 29, 2018
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.
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Helpful Hints for Maintaining Your Credit Score - Amounts Owed

Credit & Credit Score, Debt Management
By Sunset Finance
May 25, 2018
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...
Details

Helpful Hints for Maintaining Your Credit Score - Payment History Tips

Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
May 11, 2018
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...
Details

Helpful Hints for Maintaining Your Credit Score

Credit & Credit Score, Debt Management
By Sunset Finance
May 8, 2018
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...
Details

Traditional vs Online Bank

Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
May 4, 2018
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...
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Utilizing Your Tax Refund for Retirement

Dependent Expenses, Taxes
By Sunset Finance
May 1, 2018
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...
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Entertaining the Family on a Summer Budget

Budgeting, Vacation Expenses
By Sunset Finance
April 20, 2018
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.
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Suggestions for Saving & Retirement

Budgeting, Dependent Expenses, Savings
By Sunset Finance
April 17, 2018
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....
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Decreasing Wasteful Spending

Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
April 13, 2018
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.
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Worried About Getting Your Taxes Filed by the April 17th Deadline?

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
April 11, 2018
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.
Details

Why Saving is Important

Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
April 6, 2018
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.
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Useful Budgeting Software

Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
April 3, 2018
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.
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Financial Responsibility Basics

Budgeting, Dependent Expenses, Personal Finances
By Sunset Finance
March 30, 2018
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.
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Possible New Law Would Make Credit Freeze Services Free

Identity & Credit Protection, Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
March 27, 2018
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...
Details

Understanding What’s on Your Credit Report

Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
March 16, 2018
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...
Details

Understanding Annualized Percentage Rates (APRs)

Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
March 14, 2018
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.
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Tips to Help Avoid Living Paycheck-to-Paycheck

Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
March 9, 2018
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.
Details

How to Indulge in Guilt-Free Spending

Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
March 6, 2018
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.
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The Power of Installment Loans

Credit & Credit Score, Personal Loans
By Sunset Finance
February 27, 2018
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...
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5 Credit Scores Facts & Fallacies

Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
February 23, 2018
Credit scores can be a bit mysterious. Here are a few of the most common misunderstandings about credit scores:
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Having A Good Mix on a Credit Report Can Boost Your FICO Score

Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
February 20, 2018
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...
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Equifax Extends Offer to Freeze Credit Reports

Identity & Credit Protection, Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
February 13, 2018
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.
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Life Events Can Change the Way You File Taxes

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
February 9, 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.
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Advantages of Automating Your Finances

Personal Finances
By Sunset Finance
February 2, 2018
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.
Details

How to Organize Your Finances

Budgeting, Personal Finances
By Sunset Finance
January 30, 2018
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?
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Should I Leave Lines of Credit Open?

Credit & Credit Score, Personal Loans
By Sunset Finance
January 26, 2018
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...
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Making Sense of 2017 Tax Brackets

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
January 16, 2018
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...
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New Tax Laws Should Save Families Money Starting January 1, 2018

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
January 12, 2018
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.
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5 Ways to Use Your Tax Return

Budgeting, Taxes
By Sunset Finance
January 4, 2018
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.
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Revolving Credit Lines vs. Installment Credit Lines

Credit & Credit Score, Personal Loans
By Sunset Finance
December 22, 2017
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:
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Post-Holiday Shopping Tips

Holidays
By Sunset Finance
December 12, 2017
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.
Details

Blown Holiday Budget? Here's How to Recover

Holidays
By Sunset Finance
December 8, 2017
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.
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Itemized vs. Standard Deductions

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
December 5, 2017
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.
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Taxes: Dates, Deadlines and Refunds

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
December 1, 2017
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...
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How to Choose Your Tax Filing Status

Taxes
By Sunset Finance
November 24, 2017
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.
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Best Automatic Savings Apps of 2017

Budgeting, Savings
By Sunset Finance
November 21, 2017
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.
Details

How Do I Rebuild Credit?

Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
November 17, 2017
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.  
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Was I Affected by the Equifax Data Breach?

Identity & Credit Protection
By Sunset Finance
November 14, 2017
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.  
Details

Types of Savings Accounts: 529 Plans

Back To School, Budgeting, Savings
By Sunset Finance
November 10, 2017
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.
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Managing Seasonal Expenses Painlessly

Budgeting, Vacation Expenses, Holidays
By Sunset Finance
November 8, 2017
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.
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What is a Christmas Club Savings Account?

Budgeting, Holidays
By Sunset Finance
November 3, 2017
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.
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Budgeting - Savings vs. Retirement

Budgeting, Dependent Expenses
By Sunset Finance
October 17, 2017
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. 
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Budgeting: Using Cash vs. Using A Debit Card

Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
October 13, 2017
Learning how to use the envelope method of managing money to stay on a budget is worth the little bit of extra effort. People who use this method may be less likely to overspend.
Details

How to Use the Envelope Method to Stay on a Budget

Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
October 11, 2017
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.
Details

What is Credit Insurance?

Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
October 3, 2017
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...
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How, Why, and When to get your Free Credit Report

Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
September 29, 2017
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...
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Tips to Help You Win at Budgeting

Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
September 26, 2017
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. 
Details

Making Money Decisions with A Budget in Mind

Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
September 22, 2017
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. 
Details

How to Make a Budget Work for You

Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
September 14, 2017
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.  
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Options for Unexpected Expenses

Unexpected Expenses
By Sunset Finance
August 29, 2017
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...
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Beat Debt with These Smart Mobile Apps

Budgeting, Debt Management
By Sunset Finance
August 21, 2017
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...
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Back To School Expenses

Back To School, Holidays
By Sunset Finance
July 28, 2017
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...
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Budgeting Basics

Budgeting
By Sunset Finance
July 25, 2017
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...
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How Do I Establish Credit?

Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
July 6, 2017
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...
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Why Do I Need Credit?

Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
June 22, 2017
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?"
Details

What is Credit? What is a Credit Score?

Credit & Credit Score
By Sunset Finance
June 16, 2017
When you start managing your finances, you learn pretty quickly that credit is important – but exactly what is credit?
Details

What Is an Installment Loan and When Should I Get One?

Personal Loans
By Sunset Finance
June 7, 2017
Learning about loans isn't exciting. Deciding when to get one may not be fun, either. We want to make information available to help ease the situation. Today we'll focus on installment loans. 
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Personal Installment Loans - A Smart Alternative

Personal Loans
By Sunset Finance
May 23, 2017
If you find yourself in a tough spot financially, it’s easy to panic and make a desperate decision that might not be the best for you in the long run. Take the time to evaluate all of your options.   
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