Credit & Debt

The Best Credit Cards for 2019

The Best Credit Cards for 2019

Jill Gonzalez | January 7, 2019

You can reap tremendous rewards from these top credit cards by using each to spend in its most rewarding categories.

There’s a New Credit Scoring System—It Could Help or Hurt You

There’s a New Credit Scoring System—It Could Help or Hurt You

December 10, 2018

The new UltraFICO system could boost your credit score enough for you to obtain a loan or credit card, but there are important drawbacks.

Where You Buy a House Affects Your Credit Score

Where You Buy a House Affects Your Credit Score

November 14, 2018

According to a study of 50 cities, where you buy a house has a big effect on how much your credit score suffers when you take out a mortgage.

When a Store Offers You Its Credit Card, Turn It Down or You’ll Regret It

When a Store Offers You Its Credit Card, Turn It Down or You’ll Regret It

October 31, 2018

While three out of four Americans report having had a store credit card, nearly half of those say they regret having gotten it.

This is What You Can Learn About Credit Scores from Older People

This is What You Can Learn About Credit Scores from Older People

October 24, 2018

The magic number that represents a borrower's risk to lenders tends to grow as the borrower gets older. But you can improve your score at any age.

This Should Be Your Number-One Financial Priority—and It’s a Growing Problem
Credit & Debt

This Should Be Your Number-One Financial Priority—and It’s a Growing Problem

September 17, 2018

Most people say that reducing what they owe is their top financial priority, so why are they taking on more debt instead?

Lending Out Your Credit Card Often Backfires

Lending Out Your Credit Card Often Backfires

August 27, 2018

Tens of millions of Americans have suffered negative consequences after letting family members or close friends make purchases on their credit cards.

Credit Freezes Are Now Free
Credit & Debt

Credit Freezes Are Now Free

August 17, 2018

Until now, consumers often had to pay $3 to $10 to each of the three major credit bureaus to freeze credit. Not anymore.

Don’t Get Stiffed If You Pick Up a Tab to Get Credit Card Rewards

Don’t Get Stiffed If You Pick Up a Tab to Get Credit Card Rewards

June 14, 2018

It might make sense to pay everyone’s tab on your credit card to get extra rewards, but not if they don’t pay you back.

How to Avoid the Rising Dangers of Debt in Retirement
Credit & Debt

How to Avoid the Rising Dangers of Debt in Retirement

May 24, 2018

It’s vital to pay attention to the warning signs that debt is getting out of hand at a time when carrying debt has become the new normal for older Americans.

Beware Tricky Credit Card Fees When Traveling Overseas

Beware Tricky Credit Card Fees When Traveling Overseas

May 24, 2018

About half of all credit cards charge foreign transaction fees—and they can cost card users a lot. Here’s how to avoid foreign transaction fees.

Confused by Your Credit Card Rewards Program? Join the Club

Confused by Your Credit Card Rewards Program? Join the Club

May 22, 2018

A study found that 45% of Americans are unclear about their credit card rewards. Here’s how to understand yours.

Best Credit Cards for 2018

Best Credit Cards for 2018

Jill Gonzalez | February 1, 2018

The credit card you choose will depend on whether you are a big borrower...traveler...foodie...or driver...or a small-business person or student.

5 Common Mistakes That Can Sink Your Credit Score

5 Common Mistakes That Can Sink Your Credit Score

September 13, 2017

According to the title of a book by credit expert John Ulzheimer, you're nothing but a number. Whether you are…

10 Tricky Terms: Deciphering Credit Card Language

10 Tricky Terms: Deciphering Credit Card Language

Jill Gonzalez | July 13, 2017

In the world of credit cards, almost everything that you are told can be confusing or misleading—and that includes ads,…