A balance scale tilts towards "Good Credit" on the left and "Bad Credit" on the right, with a question mark as the base in the center, symbolizing uncertainty for those considering a subprime lender.

What Are Subprime Lenders and Where Can I Find Them?

Subprime lenders don’t advertise themselves as such — especially after the mortgage meltdown and credit crunch from 2007-2010. If you have “bad” credit and are trying to find a subprime lender who will offer credit or loans to someone with your credit profile, the best thing to do is to get online and shop around

What Are Subprime Lenders and Where Can I Find Them? Read More »

Nicolas Cage

Actor Nicolas Cage Arrested For Alleged Domestic Abuse, Adds to His Financial Woes

First came money problems for Academy-Award winning actor Nicolas Cage. Now it looks like relationship and legal problems are also facing the Hollywood star. According to the Associated Press, Cage was arrested Saturday April 16, 2011 in New Orleans on charges of domestic abuse battery and disturbing the peace. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s office released

Actor Nicolas Cage Arrested For Alleged Domestic Abuse, Adds to His Financial Woes Read More »

Three directional arrows on a signpost point left to “Good” in green, straight to “Better” in red, and right to “Best” in blue—much like choosing the right credit score with Equifax.

How to Compare Your Equifax, Experian and TransUnion Credit Reports

If you’ve thought about ordering your free credit report, which credit reporting bureau should you contact? Many people wonder what the difference is between the Equifax, Experian and TransUnion credit reports. Each credit reporting agency uses a different set of criteria and variables to calculate your credit score, and some lenders prefer to use one

How to Compare Your Equifax, Experian and TransUnion Credit Reports Read More »

credit card balance in full

The Best Time to Pay Your Credit Card Balance in Full

If you’ve finally saved up enough money to pay off your credit card balance in full, or only charged a certain amount that can be paid off before the next billing cycle, make sure you time your payment right or you could end up paying some interest charges. One of the first things you need

The Best Time to Pay Your Credit Card Balance in Full Read More »

filed taxes in your name

What to Do If Someone Files Taxes Using Your SSN

If you receive a notice from the IRS stating that you have filed two (or more) tax returns this year, someone may be using your Social Security number illegally. If someone is filing taxes using your Social Security number, you could be missing out on employment benefits when you retire because the Social Security Administration

What to Do If Someone Files Taxes Using Your SSN Read More »

A fruit composed of alternating slices of green apple and orange, stacked to form a single piece, offers a vibrant and refreshing combination—it's the perfect way to plus your score in healthy snacking. FICO Score vs. PLUS Score: What’s the Real Difference?

FICO vs. PLUS Score: What’s the Real Difference and Why It Matters

If you’ve applied for a loan, a credit card, or a mortgage recently, your credit score likely played a pivotal role in the lender’s decision. But did you know there’s more than one type of credit score? Two commonly referenced models—FICO and PLUS Score—serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference between the FICO vs. PLUS

FICO vs. PLUS Score: What’s the Real Difference and Why It Matters Read More »

A person is using an ATM, covering the keypad with one hand while pressing the numbers with the other hand, protecting their debit card information.

Debit Card Scams You Never Heard Of

Here are 5 common debit card scams used by con artists out to steal your debit card information and your money: Keystroke-logger. This is computer spyware that records every keystroke typed on a computer and is used to steal confidential personal information and passwords. Cellphone. A bystander distracts you while a scammer uses the camera built into his cellphone

Debit Card Scams You Never Heard Of Read More »

wages

Do This Now If Your Wages Were Not Reported

Understanding Employer Tax Reporting Obligations The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires all employers to report income and employment taxes withheld from their employees on an Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return (Form 941). This form ensures that wages are accurately recorded, and all necessary payroll taxes are paid. If your employer fails to report your wages

Do This Now If Your Wages Were Not Reported Read More »

A green gasoline pump nozzle dispensing gold coins with dollar signs, symbolizing the high cost of fuel.

Save Money on Gas: 11 Genius Tips to Cut Fuel Costs Fast

If you’re like me, you’ve definitely noticed that you’re paying higher prices at the pump to fill up your car. Since we’re all trying to save a buck, here are 10 ways you can save money on gasoline: Gas prices continue to fluctuate, often rising when we least expect it. If you’re tired of spending

Save Money on Gas: 11 Genius Tips to Cut Fuel Costs Fast Read More »

more financial aid

Tips for Negotiating a Better College Financial Aid Package

It’s that time of year, when students and their parents are hearing from colleges about which schools granted them admission – and equally important, which schools are offering the most money to pay for college. If your family is like most, you probably can’t afford to foot the entire college bill on your own. That’s

Tips for Negotiating a Better College Financial Aid Package Read More »

owe the irs

Ten Things To Know If You Owe Taxes To The IRS

If you’re one of the 25% of tax payers who owe money to the IRS when you file your federal income tax return, there are some important things you should know. First off, even if you can’t afford to pay your entire tax bill, do pay whatever you can to minimize interest charges on any

Ten Things To Know If You Owe Taxes To The IRS Read More »

Close-up of a gloved hand holding an SSN Social Security card above a laptop keyboard.

Someone is Using My SSN – What Should I Do?

If you recently had your Social Security card stolen or an identity thief had access to your Social Security number, someone could be using your Social Security number for a variety of purposes. Using someone else’s Social Security number is illegal but thousands of people become the victims of identity theft after losing their Social

Someone is Using My SSN – What Should I Do? Read More »

A person wearing a red sweater sits at a cluttered desk, holding their head with both hands in a gesture of stress or frustration, possibly overwhelmed by trying to locate their SSN paperwork amidst the chaos.

I Can’t File My Taxes Because Someone Used My SSN – What Do I Do?

Q: I am unable to file my taxes because someone used my social security number. What should I do? A: If you recently found out that someone used your Social Security number to file taxes, you will need to report the fraudulent activity to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) immediately. The IRS usually sends out

I Can’t File My Taxes Because Someone Used My SSN – What Do I Do? Read More »

Scroll to Top