Personal Finance

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What is a Holiday Loan?

What is a Holiday Loan?

Do you ever feel overwhelmed during the holidays? The holiday season is a joyful time for festivities with family and friends. But it can also be a time of financial stress. If you're looking for ways to cover holiday expenses, a holiday loan can be a suitable option. But what is a holiday loan? A holiday loan is a type of personal loan designed to help borrowers cover the many expenses associated with the holiday season, such as gift shopping,...

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10 Strategies to Save on Holiday Shopping

10 Strategies to Save on Holiday Shopping

The holiday season is a joyful time of celebration with loved ones, but it can also be a time of financial stress. Between buying gifts, decorating, and preparing for festive feasts, your expenses can quickly add up. However, with a little planning and the right holiday shopping plan, you can make the most of your budget and enjoy a holiday season with less financial burden. Here are 10 strategies to save on holiday shopping: 1. Black Friday...

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How Does a Personal Loan Affect Your Credit?

How Does a Personal Loan Affect Your Credit?

Personal loans can offer the financial flexibility you seek. But, before you decide if taking out a personal loan is a good idea for you, it's important to ask, "How does taking out a personal loan affect your credit?" This article walks you through the world of personal loans and the nuances of their potential impact on your credit score as well as gives you tips on how to use your loan to help increase your credit score through key practices...

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How Does a Collection Impact Your Credit Score?

How Does a Collection Impact Your Credit Score?

When you discover a collection account on your credit report, it’s natural to feel a little anxious. It’s a term you might have heard but perhaps haven’t encountered. How did it get there? What impact will it have on your future financial choices? In this article we explain collection accounts, how they affect your credit score, and how to deal with them. What Is a Collection Account? In simple terms, a collection account is a debt you haven’t...

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What are Education Tax Credits?

What are Education Tax Credits?

If you paid for college for yourself, a dependent or a spouse this year, you may be able to claim an education tax credit on your tax return. Education tax credits can help you afford college by reducing your tax liability and letting you save on your tax bill. There are two different types of education tax credits with their own eligibility requirements. The right credit for you depends on a few different factors. Here’s what you need to know....

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Does Investing Affect Your Credit Score?

Does Investing Affect Your Credit Score?

Navigating personal finances has often left people pondering whether their investments affect their credit scores. In this blog post, we aim to provide an answer by untangling the relationship between investing and credit scores. By clearing up misconceptions, pointing out the differences, and diving into the factors that really influence your credit score, we give you a complete picture of how investing affects your credit score. Do Investment...

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What are the Benefits of Financial Coaching?

What are the Benefits of Financial Coaching?

Have you ever found yourself spending more time on Amazon than you’d like to admit? Taking a daily coffee run to Starbucks when you have coffee at home? Wondering why you aren’t able to save as much money as you’d like to? If you can relate, you might benefit from financial coaching. In this blog, we break down the benefits of financial coaching, so you can better understand if it’s the right solution for you. What is a Financial Coach?...

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Is It Better to Use a Credit Union or a Bank?

Is It Better to Use a Credit Union or a Bank?

Banks and credit unions offer many similar financial products and services. But if you’re looking for the best financial institution to open a new checking or savings account, take out a loan or open a new credit card, there are some key differences between banks and credit unions that you should know. Here’s how to help decide whether a bank or credit union is better for you. Credit Unions vs. Banks The biggest difference between banks and...

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What is an FHA Loan and How Does It Work?

What is an FHA Loan and How Does It Work?

FHA loans can help you buy a home when you have low-to-moderate income, a lower credit score or limited funds for a down payment. Compared to other loan types, FHA loans have more lenient requirements that allow first-time homebuyers and less qualified borrowers to attain homeownership more easily. In this blog, we discuss how an FHA loan works and how to know if it’s right for you. What is a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loan? FHA loans...

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Understanding Finance Charges: What You Need to Know

Understanding Finance Charges: What You Need to Know

What Is a Finance Charge? Finance charges refer to the costs associated with borrowing money or obtaining credit from a lender. It is the fee or interest that a borrower pays for the use of the lender’s funds or the extension of credit. The charges can vary depending on the type of loan or credit arrangement and the terms agreed upon between the lender and borrower. They are typically expressed as a percentage of the loan amount or credit...

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