Credit card debt can be a huge obstacle to your financial goals. Recent studies show that the average credit card debt is now over $15,000 per household. With the average American credit card debt rising beyond levels last seen leading up to the 2008 Great Recession, this could spell trouble for the economy and consumer finances. There is no single best way to pay off credit card debt – there are several to choose from. The path that you take is a personal choice, but the most important thing is that learn how to pay off credit card debt so you can become debt free.
How To Pay Off Debt: Average US Credit Card Debt Reaches $15K!
How to Get a Free FICO Credit Score from all 3 Credit Bureaus
Credit scores are a quick way for banks, insurance companies, and others to rank us based on our past behavior. Keeping track of your credit score is an important way to monitor your progress towards a better financial future. But how do you get a free FICO credit score? There are actually many ways how to check your credit score for free. Follow along, and I’ll show you how.
850 FICO: Do you really need the highest credit score?
While many people struggle to improve their credit scores, there are some super prime consumers who have earned a perfect credit score of 850. The higher your credit score, the better terms you’ll get on loans and perks on your credit cards. But do you really need the highest credit score possible to get the best loan interest rates and credit card benefits? And what steps can you take to improve your credit score?
Why the Free Checked Bag Benefit Doesn’t Always Mean “Free”
The airlines are making a killing by charging us for checked bags. In 2017, airlines made over $4.5 billion from this additional source of revenue. Now, checking a bag is getting more expensive for travelers because United and JetBlue are increasing the first checked bag fees from $25 to $30. And the other airlines are sure to follow.
Capital One Savor Credit Card – The Best Cash Back For Dining & Entertainment
Foodies rejoice! Capital One now offers the highest cash back on dining and entertainment of any credit card available. You can earn an unlimited 4% cash back on every dining and entertainment purchases that you make. The Capital One Savor credit card also offers one of the highest sign-up bonuses I’ve ever seen on a pure cash back credit card. Plus, the annual fee of $95 is waived the first year. This card is definitely on top of
14 Southwest International Destinations for Your Next Getaway
Southwest Airlines is my favorite domestic airline due to their awesome customer service, no-frills approach and great benefits, like the Southwest Companion Pass. But did you know that there are 14 Southwest international destinations to choose from?
Getting Approved for a Business Credit Card Is Easier Than You Think
Although business credit cards are primarily used to keep your personal and business expenses separate, there’s an even better reason to get one. Experts use business credit cards as a way to double up on many of the available
Credit Utilization: Everything You Need to Know to Increase Your Score
To increase your credit score, you want to focus on what you can change the quickest. Credit utilization is the second largest factor in your credit score. And it is the one you have the most control over on a monthly basis. Simply put, the lower your balances versus the amount of credit you have, the better your score will be. We’re going to discuss everything you need to know to increase your credit score by controlling your credit utilization rate.
10 Passive Income Ideas to Rock Your World
The only thing better than making money is making money while you sleep. That’s the whole concept behind passive income. You can spend more time with your family and friends, perfect your golf swing or learn another language. The possibilities are endless because you’ve set up passive income streams that provide you a paycheck without needing to clock in. Here are the 10 best passive income ideas that will rock your world.
New Details Leaked About the Amazon Amex Business Credit Card
Back in June, American Express announced that they were working with Amazon to issue a business card. A launch date still hasn’t been announced, but images of the card’s design recently surfaced, suggesting that it will be available soon.
While I would certainly qualify for a small business card—
Soft Credit Check vs. Hard Inquiry
I don’t know about you, but I’m very protective of my credit. When I learned that allowing credit card issuers and businesses to simply look at my credit could ding my score, I became a lot more protective of who gets access.
This whole idea of a soft credit check vs. a hard inquiry was something that I felt like I needed to know all about. Once I really understood the difference, I was more protective of my score in some ways but not as worried in others.
Why You Should Think Twice Before Buying Southwest Early Bird Check-In (Updated with New Price Points)
When you fly Southwest Airlines, you know you’re getting an Economy seat at an affordable price. Southwest consistently ranks among the
If you don’t have the new Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority credit card that gives you free boarding upgrades, you can pay an extra $15 to check in earlier than everyone else. But should you buy Southwest Early Bird check-in?
How Do Credit Cards Airline Miles Work?
You save up all year to take your family on a vacation. But it just seems to take so long and the tickets keep getting more expensive. Isn’t there a better way? We’re going to show you
New Benefits for the SPG Amex Credit Cards: Huge Sign-Up Bonuses and More
The new SPG credit card bonuses are now available. And they’re exciting, easily topping any bonus we’ve ever seen for these cards. You’ll get 75,000 points with the SPG personal card and a huge 100,000 points with the business card.
American Express Starwood Luxury Credit Card Announced
With the merger of the Marriott and SPG hotel portfolios, there is a new opportunity to earn hotel rewards. Existing American Express SPG and Marriott Rewards credit cards will remain open for current cardholders. The rewards program is changing and so are the credit card benefits, but there are also new credit cards being issued. The American Express SPG Luxury Card is rumored to launch on August 23, 2018, with some really enticing benefits. Read on to learn about the changes to your favorite cards.
How to Improve Your Credit Score Quickly
Your credit score is the key to so many important decisions in your life. Landing a job. Renting an apartment or buying a home. Getting insurance. And, for those of us who love to travel, being approved for the
Step-By-Step Guide to the Shopping Cart Trick: Get a Credit Card Without a Hard Pull
Having great credit allows you to apply for all of the best credit cards. But what happens if you have some dings on your credit report? Are you out of luck? There happens to be a way to start repairing your credit through something known as the Shopping Cart Trick.
Never heard of it? We’ll share what it is, how to use it and which stores offer you the best chance at approval.
How to Get Pre-Approved and Pre-Qualify for Bank of America Credit Cards
As a financial journalist, I have to admit something potentially embarrassing: I didn’t know anything about pre-qualifying for a credit card until a few years into my career. In my
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card: Should You Upgrade?
It seems that every airline and hotel is launching a premium version of their credit cards. Now it’s Southwest’s turn.
Chase Refer-A-Friend Bonus: Earn Points the Easy Way
There are many ways to earn travel rewards, like flying, staying at a hotel or getting a new credit card. Did you know that some credit cards will give you bonus points for referring your friends? Here’s everything you need to know about the Chase Refer-A-Friend bonus.