Using a tax refund to splurge on a mini-vacation, luxury item, or other special purchase provides a temporary thrill. But the excitement of treating yourself is typically short-lived. While there's nothing wrong with enjoying "found" money, using some of it to help improve your credit can provide longer-lasting benefits. Here's how to use your tax refund to improve your credit. Get caught up on...

Credit surprises have the potential to creep up on you if you aren’t careful. Your history of on-time bill payment and low account balances were good practices, but a few missteps could have consequences that go well into next year. Here are five ways you might be setting yourself up for a credit nightmare without realizing it. Sharing your New Line of Credit Sharing your good credit with someone...

When it comes to choosing a payment method for everyday transactions, many people still prefer cash. Whether the goal is to reign in credit card use or stick to a budget, cash payments could help reduce overspending and put you back in charge of your finances. However, carrying around paper bills and coins instead of plastic could cost you in other ways. Here are five reasons to choose a debit...

It's hard to watch friends, or even strangers, living a lifestyle that appears more relaxing or exciting than your own. Whether you label the resulting emotions FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) or a yearning to Keep Up with the Joneses, the sentiment could push you to live beyond your means and interfere with your ability to build a firm financial future. But there are ways to relieve the squeeze on...

It doesn't matter whether you recently completed your last semester of high school or plan on graduating from college in a few weeks, gaining financial independence from your parents isn't always easy. But if you expect to live like an adult, there are actions you can take today to make your transition to adulthood less stressful for everyone. Here are five ways young adults can become financially...

When money is tight, the flexible payment options available with Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) loan programs can be a financial lifesaver. These no-interest, short-term installment loans let you buy clothes, furnishings, and other needed items from well-known retailers now, and pay for them later. But there are risks to entering in to what sounds like a financial wonderland. Consider the pros and cons...

Home inspections can arouse feelings of dread in both sellers and buyers. Both want the process to go smoothly so the home can transfer ownership as soon as possible, but that's not always what happens. Unfortunately, the results of a home inspection report could delay the sale of the property or even cause a deal to fall apart. A detailed home inspection isn't designed to be a roadblock to...