If you have loans or credit cards, you’re already familiar with interest - it’s the price you pay for borrowing money. While interest is a normal part of almost every loan, it’s only natural to want to minimize how much you pay. Fortunately, you have more control over how much interest you pay than you might think.
Life has a way of throwing financial curveballs when you least expect them. A car repair or medical bill can strain your budget, but when the challenge comes from something beyond your control - like the government shutdown - it can feel even more unsettling. Fortunately, there are steps you can take right now to protect your finances during this uncertain time.
Student loan payments are now back in full swing, and while most eyes are focused on young college students, it’s Millennials and Gen Xers who are truly struggling. Finding ways to balance student loans with the rest of life’s obligations can be challenging - especially when raising a family, managing rising prices, and trying to save for retirement.
When most people think about applying for a loan, the first thing that comes to mind is their credit score. While that three-digit number certainly plays a significant role in the approval process, it’s only part of the story. Lenders dig deeper - using several ratios to measure how you manage money and how likely you are to repay the loan.
Have you ever noticed your credit card rate inching upward? Or certain loan payments increasing from a rise in interest rates? Chances are that those shifts are the result of changes to the prime rate. The “prime rate” may sound like financial jargon, but it plays a significant role for borrowers and savers alike.
Navigating the world of student loans can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time students and borrowers. With a realm of options available, it’s important to understand the nuances between the different loan types and how each option can potentially affect your financial future.
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) programs may be the latest payment craze, but the concept isn’t new. These same principles made credit cards popular. These payment options are gaining traction due to the lure of no-interest charges, convenient repayment schedules, and easy approvals. While convenient, hidden dangers are lurking in the waters that many are overlooking.
Paying off debt can feel as frustrating as stepping on the scale after the holidays - especially when progress is slow or appears out of reach. However, if you’ve ever tried to get healthier, you know real results don’t come from quick fixes. It takes planning, consistency, and willpower to stick with it.
It’s said that finding a four-leaf clover brings good fortune, but when it comes to your finances, you don’t need luck – you need a plan. Instead of chasing rainbows and hoping to find a pot of gold, you can easily take control of your financial future. With the right steps, you can turn small changes into big wins, setting yourself up for long-term success.
If you're struggling with debt and have a lower credit score, it can feel like an endless cycle - high interest rates and monthly payments that barely make a dent. But here’s the good news: you are not stuck. No matter what your credit score, there are actionable steps to take control and break free from debt.
