Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach

A wooden balance scale with an apple on the left side and an orange on the right, both evenly balanced, much like a well-maintained Equifax credit score.

What is the Difference Between the Equifax Credit Score and the FICO Score?

Credit Scores / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / alternative credit reporting, Credit score, Equifax, Equifax credit score, free credit score, VantageScore

The Equifax Credit Score is an educational credit score many consumers can view to understand their credit standing. This article explains what the Equifax Credit Score measures, how it differs from lender-used scores, where to check it for free, and practical steps to raise your score. You will learn how to check, interpret, and act […]

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Documents needed to replace a lost Social Security card

Lost Social Security Card: What to Do & How to Replace It

Identity Theft / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / credit freeze, IdentityTheft, lost social security card, lost ss card, social security number

If you have a lost Social Security card, you are not alone—millions of replacements are issued every year. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) makes it simple to get a new one for free. This guide explains what to do right away, how to request a replacement online or in person, and what documents you’ll

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A red prohibition symbol overlaps the words "IDENTITY THEFT" written in bold black capital letters, emphasizing the importance of a credit freeze.

What is a Credit Freeze and How Can I Use One to Protect My Credit?

1 Comment / Credit Reports / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / credit freeze, Equifax, Experian, fraud alerts, TransUnion

A Credit Freeze is a powerful, free tool that blocks access to your credit report, making it much harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. You must place a freeze separately with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to be fully protected. In this article you’ll learn what a credit freeze does, how

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Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): What It Does & Why It Matters

Personal Finance / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / CFPB, cfpb address, cfpb check, cfpb complaints, cfpb phone number, cfpb website, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

The consumer financial protection bureau (CFPB) is a federal agency that protects people from unfair, deceptive, or abusive financial practices. Since its creation after the 2008 financial crisis, the CFPB has become a key watchdog in consumer finance. In this guide, you’ll learn what the CFPB does, why it matters, how to file a complaint,

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Master Your Finances: Take Control of Your Money

The Best Budget Templates To Track Your Monthly Spending

Leave a Comment / Budgeting / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Budgeting, debt payoff, Emergency fund, Financial Planning, investing basics, master your finances, money management

Learning how to master your finances is one of the most important skills you can develop, no matter your income or background. When you understand where every dollar goes, you gain stability and control over your future.In this guide, you’ll learn the essential steps, strategies, and habits that help you take full command of your

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How to Boost Your Credit Score Fast

Leave a Comment / Credit Scores / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / credit report, Credit score, credit utilization, debt management, financial health

A credit score is a numerical representation of an individual’s creditworthiness, typically ranging from 300 to 850. This score is derived from various factors, including payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit accounts, and recent credit inquiries. Each of these components plays a crucial role in determining how lenders perceive a

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What Happens When You Track Every Dollar for 30 Days?

Leave a Comment / Budgeting / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Budgeting, Financial goals, money management, overspending, saving money, track every dollar

In today’s fast-paced world, managing money often feels overwhelming. Many people wonder why their paycheck disappears so quickly or why saving feels impossible. One of the simplest yet most powerful solutions is to track every dollar you spend for 30 days. This habit not only highlights where your money goes but also helps you gain

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Electrical Repairs That Can Break Your Budget

Leave a Comment / Budgeting / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / electrical maintenance, electrical repairs, electrician costs, home electrical safety, wiring issues

When it comes to electrical repairs, understanding the potential costs is crucial for homeowners. Electrical issues can range from minor inconveniences to major hazards, and the expenses associated with these repairs can vary significantly. On average, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $500 for common electrical repairs, but more complex issues can

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Spring 2026 Planning: Why October is Prime Time for College Financial Strategy

Leave a Comment / Paying for College / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / college planning, fafsa tips, financial aid strategy, october college finances, student budgeting

October is the most important month for college financial planning, particularly for October college financial planning – not just for the current academic year, but for setting yourself up for success next year and beyond. Here’s what I’ve learned from guiding three children through college and from advising parents and students through my work as

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A woman wearing glasses and a light blue shirt holds books and a backpack—perhaps considering budgeting for college students living off campus—as she stands outside near modern buildings and trees.

The Mid-Semester Money Check: Why October is Your Financial Wake-Up Call

Leave a Comment / Personal Finance / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach

You know that feeling when your college sophomore calls home in early Fall, voice slightly concerned, asking if you can “help me figure out this budget thing”? I remember getting that exact call from my daughter Alexis just last month. She’d been doing well managing her money at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro,

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A woman smiles and reaches out her hand while standing next to a man under a brown umbrella near stairs, capturing a moment of connection that feels as effortless as using Self Cash.

Self Cash: A Payday Loan Alternative That Actually Helps Build Your Financial Future

Leave a Comment / Personal Finance / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach

Discover how Self Cash offers a payday loan alternative with free or low-cost cash advances, no credit checks, and credit-building tools designed to improve your financial future.

Self Cash: A Payday Loan Alternative That Actually Helps Build Your Financial Future Read More »

A person sits at a desk with folded hands, surrounded by financial charts, graphs, a calculator, a magnifying glass, and a laptop displaying a line graph—reflecting thoughtful September money moves.

September Money Moves: Why Your Q4 Financial Sprint Starts Now

Leave a Comment / Budgeting / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / Cash Flow Management, debt payoff, financial checklist, holiday budget, Personal Finance Strategy, q4 financial planning, savings goals, september money moves, tax planning, year end money tips

September has long been my favorite month for financial fresh starts. While everyone else is focused on “back to school,” I’m focused on how it’s actually “back to your financial goals” season, with the crucial september money moves that can set you up for success. With just four months left in 2025, now is your

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A man sits at a desk with his head in his hands, holding a pen, surrounded by uncertainty about the job market collapse—his open notebook, laptop, hourglass, and potted plant reflecting his stress and concern.

To Everyone Job Hunting Right Now: The Numbers Prove It’s Not You

Leave a Comment / Careers / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / economic policy, hiring freeze, job market, labor market trends, unemployment

Job seekers are struggling, but the data shows it’s not their fault. Economic chaos, not personal failure, is driving the 2025 labor market crisis.

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Maximizing Value: The Power of Exchange

Crypto / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach / building relationships through value, leveraging value exchange, modern value exchange trends, mutual benefit, personal and professional growth, value exchange, value exchange strategy

Value exchange is a fundamental principle that governs interactions in both personal and professional realms. At its core, it refers to the reciprocal process where individuals or entities provide something of worth to one another. This could be tangible, like goods and services, or intangible, such as knowledge, support, or emotional connection. You might find

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The Benefits of Working with a Local Financial Consultant

Investing / Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach

When it comes to managing your finances, personalized advice from a Local Financial Consultant can make all the difference. You may find that generic financial advice often falls short of addressing your unique circumstances and goals. A financial advisor who takes the time to understand your individual situation can provide insights that are specifically tailored

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Author name: Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach