Is a Secured Credit Card a Good Option?

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A secured credit card is typically a good option for those who might have thin credit, or perhaps no credit. Maybe you have bad credit because you’ve had credit problems in the past. Don‘t think that the entire world of credit is closed to you, because frankly nothing could be further from the truth.

How Much Does it Cost to File for Bankruptcy Protection?

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 Approximately 1.2 million Americans filed for bankruptcy in 2012 and more than 1 million more individuals are expected to go bankrupt in 2013. Continued layoffs, foreclosures, rising healthcare costs and mounting credit-card debts are all still taking a toll on many people. If you’ve thought about filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy as […]

6 Simple Steps to a Better Budget

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 Whether you’re still struggling to stay within your personal budget each month or just want to get better at managing your money, you need to put together a realistic budget and set some goals that inspire you to stay on track. If you’re a chronic spender or a person who can’t seem to forecast monthly […]

7 Money Mistakes to Avoid at Your New Job

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Starting a new job or getting a promotion can be an exciting but also stressful time. In addition to adjusting to your new position and workplace, you may find yourself adjusting your personal budget and finances. Whether you’ve been out of work for a while and are just now getting back on your feet, or […]

7 Tips to Manage Your Budget When Your Spouse Loves to Spend

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  You may be very disciplined with your spending habits and don’t have trouble sticking to a budget. But what happens when your significant other has a completely different money personality and loves to spend? Money issues present challenges for many couples – especially those that have conflicting money personalities or different spending habits. Learning […]

Here’s How to Get Free HBO and Cinemax

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Do you have basic cable but would love to have HBO and Cinemax? If so, you may have avoided upgrading to a premium cable package because of the cost involved. After all, basic cable typically costs roughly $15 to $20 a month, while premium cable can set you back anywhere from about $60 to $120 […]

5 Credit Card Debt Traps to Avoid

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  Even though you might be very good about paying your credit cards on time, knocking out your balances in full each month, or keeping your debts to a minimum, you might still be making some common mistakes with your credit.

7 Smart Ways to Increase Your Take Home Pay Without Changing Jobs

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7 Smart Ways to Increase Your Take Home Pay Without Changing Jobs: If you’re putting in long hours and love where you work but still wish your paycheck stretched further, you’re not alone. Many professionals wonder how to increase their income without changing employers. The good news? You don’t need a new job to improve […]

Making the Mental Decision to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

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If you have cash in the bank, should you use it to pay off your credit card debt? The answer: absolutely. Here’s the mental dilemma some of you are facing: it’s not that you can’t really afford to pay off your debt. It’s just you can’t psychologically bear to part with that hard‑earned cash you’re […]

Can I Refinance My Mortgage if I Have Bad Credit?

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If you’re hoping to refinance your mortgage, but are worried about having bad credit, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is that you can get a new home loan, and bad credit alone won’t stop you from refinancing your existing house note. The bad news is that a poor credit rating will […]

4 Smart Ways to Pay For College or Grad School Without Student Loans

A person holding a jar labeled "Coins for College" stands on a street with parked cars and trees in the background, symbolizing a heartfelt effort to avoid student loans.

If you want to pursue an undergraduate degree or you’re considering going to graduate school but want avoid taking out student loans, there are alternative ways to pay for higher education costs. Here are four smart ways to pay for college or grad school without student loans.

Balance Transfer Offers Pros and Cons

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If you’re thinking about doing a credit card balance transfer, you may have a lot of questions or worries about whether or not you’re getting a good deal. It’s smart to ask questions upfront, because not every balance transfer offer is a good one. So here’s how to know whether you should transfer a balance […]

Student Loan Repayment Plan Options

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  If you have federal student loans, you actually have numerous options from which to choose in order to repay those college debts. All of the payment plans generally range from as few as 10 years to as long as 25 years. The exact term and the repayment plan options that are granted to you […]

Is This Loan Modification Offer Legitimate or a Scam?

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A reader of AskTheMoneyCoach.com is dealing with a potential foreclosure situation. Of course, they’re trying to avoid foreclosure. This individual is interested in getting a loan modification and has gotten an offer for help. The dilemma this person is facing, however, is, whether or not this company offering loan modification services is indeed reputable and […]