Sarah Sharkey
10/18/2024
If you are considering a home purchase, you are likely looking at taking out a mortgage. For many, purchasing a home is the biggest financial commitment you’ll ever make.
10/07/2024
It can be a financial challenge to become a homeowner. But once you make your homeownership dreams a reality, there are plenty of benefits to enjoy. One of those financial benefits is the ability to build home equity with each mortgage payment.
09/30/2024
A thin credit file can be problematic. Although your finances may be in good shape, a thin credit file can make it challenging to access financing for major purchases when you need it.
09/27/2024
A line of credit is a flexible funding solution that allows you to tap into funds on an as-needed basis. Depending on your situation, a line of credit can offer much-needed access to cash.
09/08/2024
When you have high-interest credit card debt holding you back, it can be a drain on your personal finances. The good news is that debt consolidation or credit card refinancing may offer a path to freedom from your credit card debt.
09/06/2024
If you are renting a place to call home, your use of the property is protected through renters’ rights (also known as tenants’ rights). Whether you are living in a rental or renting out a property to a tenant, understanding the ins and outs of renters’ rights can make your life easier.
08/23/2024
It’s no secret that college is expensive, and the costs seem to continue rising without an end in sight. The increasing cost of college has far outpaced inflation.
08/07/2024
Credit card mistakes can eat away at your budget and your credit score. Let’s explore the most common credit card errors and what you can do to avoid them.
07/28/2024
When you file for bankruptcy, it’s usually because you have no other option for your finances. Although it might be the right choice for your situation, the decision to file for bankruptcy will have a negative impact on your credit.
07/11/2024
It’s no secret that keeping a roof over your head can get expensive quickly. On average, households spend over a quarter of their household income on housing costs each year, and housing costs are on the rise.
06/21/2024
Personal loans have grown in popularity over the years. As more Americans take out personal loans, many households are adding another monthly payment to their budgets.
05/20/2024
Whether you got a bonus at work or won the lottery, a financial windfall is always welcome. After all, who doesn’t love when extra funds hit their bank account? What you do with those funds can have a big impact on your financial situation.
05/10/2024
money myths can cause significant financial damage if you follow through on the ideas. As you navigate your own financial situation, it’s helpful to understand which often-repeated money ideas are actually just myths.
04/22/2024
Credit card debt is common. Many households are facing a growing credit card balance. But this type of debt, with notoriously high interest rates, is one of the hardest to climb out of. Once you slide into credit card debt, it can be difficult to pull yourself back out.
04/08/2024
A credit-builder loan can help you improve your credit, but it is critical that you understand exactly what it is and how this type of loan could impact your credit. Let’s explore credit-builder loans so you can decide if this tool is right for you.
03/04/2024
When you think of credit cards, unsecured credit cards likely come to mind first. While some financial gurus preach about the dangers of opening an unsecured credit card, the reality is that an unsecured credit card can be a useful financial tool.
02/25/2024
It’s a good idea to use your tax refund to get ahead financially. But where should you allocate these funds? Let’s take a closer look at how you can use your tax refund to move toward your financial goals.
02/23/2024
Back in 2020, the federal government gave student loan borrowers a payment reprieve. The temporary measure was designed to help borrowers with federal student loans get through the financial uncertainty caused by the pandemic. But the federal student loan payment pause came to an end in fall 2023.
02/09/2024
When you need a vehicle to get around, you might feel pressure to spring for more than you can truly afford. Whether your financial situation has changed or you felt pressure to overspend at the dealership, being stuck with a car payment that you cannot afford is an uncomfortable situation.
01/18/2024
A secured credit card gives cardholders an opportunity to build credit. While you’ll have to make a security deposit to serve as collateral, this can serve as your entry point into building credit.
01/05/2024
You can find financial advice almost everywhere you turn. Whether you are hearing advice from TikTok stars or friends and family, you’ve likely heard more than a few financial myths thrown into the mix.
12/30/2023
If you need help building your credit, the right credit card can make all the difference. Here is a list of the best credit-building credit cards of 2024 to get you started.
12/28/2023
Making smart money choices can propel you toward the future you desire. Luckily, it’s easy to take action to improve your financial situation this year.
12/26/2023
While your credit score is just a three-digit number, it can have a big impact on your life. When building your life in the midst of economic uncertainty, a good credit score is an even more important asset.
12/22/2023
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been making headlines in recent months. As AI develops into a more sophisticated tool, it’s natural to wonder how this technology might impact financial advice. If AI can answer other questions, can it be trusted to provide worthwhile financial advice?
12/15/2023
If you want to build your credit score, responsibly managing revolving and open credit accounts can help. Let’s explore what these accounts are and how you can leverage these types of accounts into a better credit score.
12/01/2023
Saving more money is solid financial advice. In theory, we all know that saving money is important. But when it comes to managing our funds, it can be difficult to track how much of our income we actually save.
11/17/2023
Generation Z represents the youngest generation of consumers. As a member of Gen Z, the financial choices you make now can have an outsized impact on your financial future.
11/03/2023
While stress of any kind can take a toll on your health, certain kinds of stress are especially prevalent in American society. Financial stress is one type of stress that can permeate your life.
10/27/2023
While it’s relatively easy to slip into credit card debt, it’s a challenge for many to pay off this kind of debt. High interest rates make repayment an uphill battle. With that, it’s best to completely avoid credit card debt if you can.
