Avoiding Common Financial Mistakes That People Make

Avoiding Common Financial Mistakes That People Make

I will be the first person to admit that sometimes when it comes to money and personal finances, I am a bit clueless. Especially in my younger years when I was just starting out and looking at all of the enticing credit card offers. However, I was also very lucky that my mom used to be a vice president at a bank and that she has a solid background in money management. If not for her, then I’m sure I would have made more than a few common financial mistakes. I’m incredibly fortunate that I do not have a large amount of debt to work off because I could have very easily fallen into that trap. But what are these common financial mistakes that people…

Why You Need a Budget

Budgeting is not an easy topic but one that many deal with or face. Why do we fear budgeting? For some, it’s a matter of sacrifice and learning to live with less. This prospect may scare us. For others, it may be coming to terms with our financial reality. For example, when we carry a lot of debt and we’re already living paycheck to paycheck; the thought of fully facing our personal finances is a stressful situation. However, living within a budget does not have to be a scary situation. In fact, a budget can be financially freeing once you get used to it. And I would even argue that if you’re in any sort of debt, you need a budget. Let’s talk about the…

Should You Get a Payday Loan?

By now, I’m sure we’ve all seen the commercials out there for payday loans. It’s quick, easy money when you need it. But is getting a payday loan worth it? Is it really something that you should consider when you need money? This was something that my ex and I had once discussed, before we ultimately decided to ask for a credit extension on one of my credit cards. Looking back, I wish I hadn’t done it, but what’s done is done. I also, at the time, applied for a loan from the bank- which again, I wish I hadn’t. I would have liked to have been more mindful with my money, but… well, things happen. But, what works (or didn’t) for me, might work…

Easy Tips to Help with Credit Repair

Do you know what your credit score is? I’ll be honest, my credit score at one point was respectable. Then, I got in a bit of trouble with my credit cards and my credit score suffered because of it. Now I’m at the point where I’m trying to become debt free on my own and repair my credit score in the process. Not always easy but I know the journey will be well worth the effort. Learning to live within a budget has not been an easy journey. It’s always been easier for me to spend money instead of just save it. But, reality is that if I want to work on repairing my credit and get out of debt, I know that I need…

The Dangers of Defaulting on Student Loans

The Dangers of Defaulting on Student Loans

If you’re a current or former college student, the chances are very likely that you have some amount of student loan debt. It happens to many of us and it’s really nothing to be ashamed of. Though there are ways to find free money for college and definitely ways to maximize your FASFA, sometimes taking out a student loan is unavoidable. Oftentimes, student loan debt becomes the first source of debt and we may struggle with managing student loans. But, just because we’re struggling with student loans doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t pay them. In fact, that’s the last thing that you want to do. Here’s some advice about defaulting on student loans and why this should be avoided at all costs. What Does It…

Before You File for Bankruptcy

If you’re having a lot of credit and debt issues, you may have considered filing for bankruptcy. This is often a last resort when it comes to personal finances and is not a decision that should be made overnight. Before you file for bankruptcy, be sure that you’ve explored and exhausted all possible options. Take a look at some of the tips and advice in this post for other things to think about before filing for bankruptcy. Personal bankruptcy is a big step for many people, and it is a legitimate tool that helps people get out from under a mountain of debt. Many borrowers successfully build their credit after filing bankruptcy, and continue on with success in their financial lives. Find out the real…