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?

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

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

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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AI and Credit Scores: How Machine Learning Impacts Your FICO

AI and Credit Scores: How Machine Learning Impacts Your FICO

AI and credit scores are revolutionizing how lenders evaluate risk and determine eligibility. By leveraging artificial intelligence, credit scoring is becoming faster, more comprehensive, and potentially more inclusive. In this article, you will learn how AI impacts credit scoring, the benefits and challenges, and practical considerations for consumers and lenders alike. Key Takeaways AI can

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hidden costs of side gigs

Hidden Costs of Side Gigs: Protect Yourself When Seeking Work Online

You’ve probably seen those ads promising easy money with side gigs — “Earn $1,000+ per week driving for Uber!” or “Make money from home with simple online tasks!” Sure, extra income sounds great when bills are piling up. But what those flashy advertisements fail to mention is the hidden costs of side gigs and the

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future of personal finance

The Future of Personal Finance: What to Expect by 2030

The future of personal finance is being reshaped by artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and rapid advances in financial technology. These tools are transforming how people budget, save, invest, and borrow money. In this guide, you’ll learn the key trends, benefits, risks, and steps you can take to prepare for the next era of financial management.

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income-based repayment

Income-Based Repayment: The Ultimate Guide for Student Loan Borrowers

Income-based repayment is one of the most popular repayment options for federal student loans because it adjusts monthly payments based on income and family size. For many borrowers, IBR can drop payments to an affordable level—even as low as $0. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how income-based repayment works, who qualifies, how forgiveness works,

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How to Stretch Retirement Income: Smart Budgeting & Loan Options for Seniors

How to Stretch Retirement Income: Smart Budgeting & Loan Options for Seniors

Retirement isn’t just about how much you’ve saved. It’s about how you manage what you have and how you stretch retirement income over the long term. When your income becomes fixed in retirement but expenses keep changing, even the best-laid plans can get tight. Rising costs, surprise bills, and unexpected healthcare expenses can derail your

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student loan consolidation vs refinancing

2025 Comparison: Student Loan Consolidation vs. Refinancing, Which Saves More?

Understanding student loan consolidation vs refinancing is essential for managing multiple loans efficiently. While both options simplify repayment, they differ in eligibility, interest rates, and federal protections. In this guide, you’ll learn the differences, benefits, and potential drawbacks of each strategy so you can make an informed decision. Key Takeaways Consolidation combines federal loans into

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life insurance beneficiaries after divorce

Updating Your Life Insurance Beneficiaries Post-Divorce: A Vital Step

Knowing how to update life insurance beneficiaries after divorce is one of the most important financial steps you must take after ending a marriage. A divorce decree does not always override your beneficiary designation, which means an ex-spouse could still receive your payout if you don’t act quickly. In this guide, you’ll learn the exact

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Financial Anxiety After a Major Life Event: How to Cope & Recover

Managing Financial Anxiety and Emotional Spending After a Major Life Event

Financial Anxiety After a Major Life Event can feel overwhelming, even if you’ve always considered yourself financially responsible. Whether it’s a job loss, divorce, medical emergency, or unexpected expense, major life shifts often trigger fear, uncertainty, and intense financial stress. In this guide, you’ll learn why this anxiety happens, how to manage it, and the

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What Is a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) and Why Do I Need One?

What Is a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) and Why Do I Need One?

A qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) is a special legal order that divides retirement plan benefits between two parties, usually during a divorce. Without a QDRO, a former spouse may not receive any share of retirement assets. This guide explains what a QDRO is, how it works, why it matters, and the key steps you

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Photo Post-Divorce Liability

Can I Be Held Responsible for My Ex-Spouse’s New Debts? (Post-Divorce Liability)

Post-divorce liability is one of the most confusing parts of ending a marriage, especially when shared debts and taxes remain in both names. Even after the divorce is final, creditors and the IRS can still hold you responsible. In this guide, you’ll learn what you’re liable for, how to protect yourself, and how to avoid

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Joint Mortgage After Divorce: Can You Keep It?

How to Remove Your Name from a Joint Mortgage After Divorce

joint mortgage after divorce remains a legal obligation until the loan is formally changed or paid off. Even if a divorce decree assigns the house to one spouse, lenders still treat both original borrowers as liable. In this article you’ll learn how liability works, practical options to remove a name, a step-by-step refinance/buy-out checklist, common

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Financial Steps for Legal Separation — A Practical Guide

The Financial First Steps to Take When Considering a Legal Separation

financial steps for legal separation should begin with a clear inventory of what you own, what you owe, and how money flows into and out of your household. Start by gathering pay stubs, bank and credit-card statements, tax returns and a list of assets and debts so you can make informed choices. In this guide

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